Snake head

[Mattyice572]

Hey guys, i am trying to land a snake head this season. I have never caught one before and they look awesome and i bet they put up a nice fight. I live in northern nj, around the ringwood area, can anyone confirm any snake heads in this area or near by? Was also hoping to find these beasts in a lake rather than a river if you have any info you dont mind sharing it would be much appreciated, im a catch and release all day type of guy so ill be popping those trophys right back in to catch another day no worries about me hacking the heads off. Thanks!

Edited March 18, 2021 by DaveC
Asking for specific spots is not allowed.

[richie c]

Remember, No C+R

[BG_NJ]

I was researching this a bit last year. Catching one of these is high on my list this year. Guy at Cabela's in Delaware told me they were hitting hollow body frogs last summer.

Edited March 18, 2021 by DaveC
Specific spots are not allowed here. Invasive species or not. There are other species in these waters. ;)

[PSeggs]

Really good eating too.  

[MattieG]

I think this thread pretty much violates the rule of spot burning? Although if you were planning on harvesting them, maybe mods would look the other way? 
 

I say that because you need to harvest these things. You do not catch and release snake heads. Some states may even have laws regarding it, I think some do.

If you happen to find these fish, please don’t be acting all excited like your post seems to be. When you find snake heads you should be worried. Worried about what they are doing to the ecosystem. They are an invasive species, and destroy everything. Might also be a good idea to call fish and game and let them know where you caught them.
 

 

[Beastly Backlash]

1 hour ago, MattieG said:

I think this thread pretty much violates the rule of spot burning? Although if you were planning on harvesting them, maybe mods would look the other way? 
 

I say that because you need to harvest these things. You do not catch and release snake heads. Some states may even have laws regarding it, I think some do.

If you happen to find these fish, please don’t be acting all excited like your post seems to be. When you find snake heads you should be worried. Worried about what they are doing to the ecosystem. They are an invasive species, and destroy everything. Might also be a good idea to call fish and game and let them know where you caught them.
 

 

 

Most of the ecosystems you are referring to are long since destroyed by the introduction of non native fish like lmb, smb, walleye, etc...

 

Snakeheads are not doing anymore damage that has not already been achieved by those other fish.

[Mattyice572]

Thanks for all the replys on this thread, it is much appreciated... as far as spot burning goes, i dont really believe in such a thing. Just my personal opinion. Majority of water ways are open to the public and helping a fellow fisherman have a good day on the water is a solid good deed in my book, especially if youre helping that person follow through with one of their dreams. I have taken alot of friends to spots i know have good hook up rates, and plenty of people have taken me to good spots to fish as well. Good luck to everyone in the upcoming season! 

[ckogel]

I saw a Discovery special on invasive species invading North America. They have a real problem on the Potomac River. They are real prolific producing thousands of eggs per fish. They will deplete a body of water in a marsh area ,of frogs and other fish ,reptiles, and birds. they are really aggressive. The Federal Government (Fish ,Game and Wildlife) is using a boat with electric fish stunning and is trying to reduce the population in the shallow areas of the Potomac. Yes other species have been introduced, but these fish need to be controlled. Just find a shallow swampy area that is somehow connected to the Delaware River down in South Jersey and use some kind of top water bait. 

 

[NewAtIt]

51 mins ago, Mattyice572 said:

Thanks for all the replys on this thread, it is much appreciated... as far as spot burning goes, i dont really believe in such a thing. Just my personal opinion. Majority of water ways are open to the public and helping a fellow fisherman have a good day on the water is a solid good deed in my book, especially if youre helping that person follow through with one of their dreams. I have taken alot of friends to spots i know have good hook up rates, and plenty of people have taken me to good spots to fish as well. Good luck to everyone in the upcoming season! 

 

[NewAtIt]

I fish North Jersey ponds, lakes, streams and rivers quite a bit and have never encountered a snake head.  
 

I did catch a bowfin in a pond in Northern Sussex county last year. 
 

I think if you want a real shot at a snake head you’d have to head to South Jersey..

[buddha162]

2 hours ago, Mattyice572 said:

as far as spot burning goes, i dont really believe in such a thing.

 

Doesn't matter what you believe - this forum doesn't allow it. 

[Mattyice572]

What can i say, im a rebel 

[Beastly Backlash]

1 hour ago, ckogel said:

I saw a Discovery special on invasive species invading North America. They have a real problem on the Potomac River. They are real prolific producing thousands of eggs per fish. They will deplete a body of water in a marsh area ,of frogs and other fish ,reptiles, and birds. they are really aggressive. The Federal Government (Fish ,Game and Wildlife) is using a boat with electric fish stunning and is trying to reduce the population in the shallow areas of the Potomac. Yes other species have been introduced, but these fish need to be controlled. Just find a shallow swampy area that is somehow connected to the Delaware River down in South Jersey and use some kind of top water bait. 

 

 

Controlled? Like all the other non native species snakeheads will ultimately naturalize on their own.

 

In order for these officials to not appear hypocritical in their attitude towards snakeheads they should probably start pushing for control of the lmb populations too (we know just how much they love frogs, other fish, reptiles, etc...).

[buddha162]

11 mins ago, Mattyice572 said:

What can i say, im a rebel 

 

Right - a rebel with his hand out. 

[Mike Mendez]

Maybe NJ Fish and Wildlife would help you out.  Seems like a win-win for you and them.