Snakehead Fishing Fish of the family Channidae are commonly referred to as snakeheads and consist of two genera (Channa and Parachanna) and approximately 21 species. Eighteen species from the genera Channa are native to Asia while three species from the genera Parachanna are found in tropical Africa. Snakeheads are freshwater fish, but a few may tolerate low salinity waters. Snakeheads can resemble native bowfin, have well toothed jaws and palates, and breathe atmospheric air through[...]

As you can imagine, when a fish has a name like “northern snakehead,” there are going to be things about them that are good, bad, and ugly… but luckily, they’re also tasty. In Maryland, the love-hate relationship is so strong, there’s even a highly anticipated tournament series for them. About the Northern Snakehead First, the bad and ugly – what is a snakehead? As an invasive species in the Maryland area, the northern snakehead first[...]

Understanding Snakehead Behavior The northern snakehead (Channa argus) or now referred to as Chesapeake Channa is native to parts of Asia, but has become established in Maryland, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. They are voracious predators, capable of disrupting local fish populations due to their diverse diet and aggressive hunting methods. During the spawning season, which typically occurs from late spring to early summer, snakeheads become even more aggressive as they protect their nests[...]

Maryland is celebrated for its access to water. It’s the birthplace, nursery, and playground for many Atlantic fish, teeming with life and migrating animals from all over the world. Because the state’s unique habitats, its marine biodiversity is hard to match. The state’s range of salinity levels makes it easy to see how so many different species of fish thrive here. All these elements and factors have made Maryland a suitable host for just about[...]

Northern snakehead: a species that sparks both disdain and adoration. As controversial as they may be, there’s no denying the excitement of pitching flies into their path. These frankenfish, native to Asia, have been making quite the splash throughout parts of the Eastern Seaboard for two decades. Anglers are drawn to their explosive strike, raw power, and succulent meat. But here’s the catch: at the end of the day, they’re still an invasive species that[...]

Maryland has always been known for its world-class deep sea fishing, along with trophy rockfish opportunities. However, a fairly recent species has set claim to Maryland's tidal streams, creeks, rivers, and even some parts of the bay. Northern snakeheads are freshwater fish that resemble native bowfin. Tolerant to low salinity waters, snakeheads have well toothed jaws and palates, and can breathe atmospheric air through the use of a simple labyrinth organ. This invasive species relatively[...]

Being a Multi species angler growing up in Maryland, at a young age Steven found himself in love with fly fishing and hoped to make a living off of it. Soon he realized that Snakehead fishing doesn't compare to any other species in Maryland let alone the States. What makes Maryland unique? No matter where you are in Maryland, you're within driving distance of mountain trout streams, ponds and lakes, tidal and brackish rivers, saltwater[...]

At Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, the snakehead prowls the shallows, offering anglers the chance to test their skills against one of the region's most aquatic predators. Here, the snakehead prowls the shallows, offering anglers the chance to test their skills against one of the region's most formidable predators. With its tranquil ambiance and abundant wildlife, fishing for snakeheads at Blackwater becomes not just a pursuit of a trophy fish, but also a glimpse into the[...]