Snakehead Fishing in Florida

A lot of people hear about this invasive snakehead fish in the lakes and canals in South Florida but don't know that much about it..   Yes it is an invasive species originated in Asia. It is called the Bullseye Snakehead. It is located in North Broward County which includes Coral Springs, Margate and Pompano Beach areas.  It is somewhat confined to this area due to the canal systems and levies that block it to the south and the cold weather to the north. It does not survive in temps colder than 50*F.     The Snakehead is an air-breathing fish and can stay alive out of water for a long time.  It is a long torpedo shaped fish with a flat head and a lot of teeth like razor blades. It is an ambush predator that feeds mostly on small fish and crayfish but is an opportunistic eater and will attack frogs, snakes, turtles , lizards and even baby ducks.  It is an excellent fish to eat with very nice white meat.  There is no size or catch limit so the more you catch and eat, the better! It is an invasive species after all and are suppose to kill it if you catch it.  So might as well fry it up and have a good dinner!!

 

Now to the good part....  Fishing for them!   This fish is said to be the most explosive freshwater fish with a very powerful punch.  With its long tail, it can swim very fast and bust out of the water and attack a top water lure.  When caught, at first it will swim down and away from the bank making a very good fight.  Then when it's by the boat, or shore, it will start doing alligator rolls.   The lure of choice for most fishermen is the frog.

  

 Cast a frog near the shore, the closer the better, and start reeling it in fast keeping it afloat but not so fast that it is skipping.  The snakehead will blow it up making alot of commotion and suck it right down.  Give it a second or 2 and set the hook really good.  It has a hard jaw and upper mouth so you need to give it a good set.  Hang on for the fight!!   I have some videos of this and will be posting soon!   Keep an eye out for them or subscribe and check out my youtube channel at www.youtube.com/miamifishn