If you love a good fight and pulling in catches that are more monster than fish, snakehead are perfect for you. With strong bites similar to bass, snakehead are a very popular sport fish anywhere they’re found and they make for good eating, too. If you’re looking to target them, we have the fishing gear and advice you need.
Where Can You Catch Snakehead
Snakehead are an invasive species that were first found in Crofton, MD but can now be found in the Potomac River, the Rappahannock River and other areas throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. You can catch them in many states including Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Arkansas and more. If you’re fishing a river, look for slow moving, shallow water with lots of cover. You won’t find many snakehead in the main river, so focus on creeks that feed the river instead. Shallow bays in lakes with grass or pad fields are great to target as well. Like bass, snakehead are ambush predators so targeting any cover is a good bet including docks or wood cover if there isn’t much vegetation.
While there have been snakehead in the Potomac River for over 20 years without negatively affecting native game fish populations, the long-term effects of moving snakehead to smaller bodies of water is unknown. Because of this, transportation or possession of live snakehead is illegal under federal law and many state laws as well so if you intend to take your catch home and eat it, make sure you kill it before you head out. We also recommend that you check local laws for any other regulations on snakehead to make sure you’re in the clear.
When Can You Catch Snakehead
Timing
Snakehead love warm water so the hotter the water, the more active they are. Many anglers have success fishing between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Seasons
The best time of year to catch snakehead is when the water starts to warm up in the spring until the water cools back down in the fall. Even though snakehead don’t hibernate, they are much less active in the winter months.
What Kind of Gear Do You Need To Catch Snakehead?
If you have bass fishing gear it should work well for targeting snakehead as well. Many anglers run a 7’ medium-heavy baitcasting rod paired with a high gear ratio baitcasting reel for top water lures, a low gear ratio reel for crankbaits and a medium gear ratio reel for live bait and plastics. If this is your first baitcasting reel, go for a medium gear ratio reel and add a high and low ratio combo to your arsenal later on.
Best Bait and Lures for Catching Snakehead
Many lures used for bass fishing are popular when targeting snakehead. Buzzbaits, crankbaits, chatterbaits and spinnerbaits are all great options
For live bait, minnow, crayfish and other small bait fish common to the area are great options as well.
How to Get Snakehead to Bite
Sight casting is a great way to target snakehead. Their dorsal fin will often be above the water in shallow areas and they also have to come to the surface to breathe air. If you see them surface, cast towards where they came up. Many anglers also try to set the hook too soon and end up missing the fish. Wait a few seconds to let the fish latch on to the lure before you set it. Since snakehead are aggressive, ambush predators like bass, many bass techniques will work here as well.
Go Get 'em
Now it's time to stop reading and start casting. With these tips and techniques, you should be well on your way to reeling in some big ones.
Need More Help?
West Marine is the perfect place to get ready for your next fishing trip. We offer free line spooling and locally assorted tackle in most of our stores to gear you up for what’s biting in your area. Plus, with plenty of anglers on our crew, we have the know-how you need to get ready. Find your store here.