South Florida’s tropical waters are filled with numerous exotic/ non-native Fish species. Saltwater reefs have the Lionfish and freshwater waterways are filled with species like the Peacock Bass, Mayan Cichlid, Tilapia, Clown Knifefish and our topic today; the Bullseye Snakehead. Introduced in Broward County years ago, the Snakehead has worked it’s way North into the West Palm Beach area. Native to Asia, the Snakehead has thrived in South Florida’s warm waters.
Today, I went out targeting the Snakehead in western Palm Beach County. I first noticed the presence of Snakeheads here a couple of years ago. Fishing a canal in the Wellington Equestrian Area, it did not take long to find one. Snakeheads will strike all sorts of artificial lures, but the plastic frog is the preferred lure when chasing Snakeheads. Strikes from Snakeheads are violent. Buzzing a plastic frog along the surface, you will see the Snakehead making a wake as it moves in on a lure. Once a fish takes the frog, I wait a second to set the hook hard. I don’t find a Snakehead fight to be all that impressive (too spoiled by Peacocks, I guess!) Once you’ve landed a Snakehead, be careful! It has a mouth full of sharp teeth. Do not try to “lip it” like a Bass.
Do Snakeheads have a negative impact on native species? You will hear arguments on both sides. Me personally, I am not a Fish Biologist, but I do believe that areas that now have Snakeheads, I catch fewer Largemouth Bass. Some people love them, while others hate them. One thing for sure, they are here to stay.
Tackle: Bass Pro Shops Extreme Baitcast Combo loaded with 20 lb. Power Pro Braid. Lure: Zoom Horny Toad Plastic Frog on a Trokar 5/0 Wide Gap Hook.
Can you eat a Snakehead? You bet! They are eaten throughout Asia. I have not eaten one yet, but reportedly they are excellent eating. The areas I have been catching them have questionable water quality. I fear these areas are tainted with chemicals and fertilizer run off. Once I find cleaner water, I will report my findings on their table quality (Snakeheads: Part Two).
So, if you want to tackle a Snakehead, head out to a canal anywhere from West Palm Beach down to Fort Lauderdale. Buzz a plastic frog along the surface and wait for that distinctive Snakehead strike!
Grey Viking