Snakehead Infestation In S. Fl.! Kill? 2024
---=Martin=--- reply :
Hi gang!
So I fished in a little canal behind my house, and it's absolutely infested with snakeheads! I've caught 3 in an hour (as well as 10 small bass), and saw MANY more all on a 1/2 mile stretch of a narrow, not very deep canal. This canal dead ends at a park and also forks off a bit north of me, but basically a dead end. What I also noticed, is that there appears to be a strange patter to where the fish are located. Toward the two dead ends of the canal, there are only snakeheads (plus some small cyclids and sunfish), only traveling in the opposite direction where the canal meets up with a larger one do you start to see Bass and other fish. I wonder if the snakeheads have wiped the fish population in part of it, or are blocking other fish from entering the dead end by killing and eating anything else that dares to pass.
For the longest time I was of the believe that snakeheads are not harming the local eco system; but after fishing for a while today, I see that it's a snakehead infested wasteland. So... putting my ethical issue of killing things for "no reason", should I start a campaign of "terminate with extreme prejudice" to restore my canal to some sort of a balance? We're talking about a 1/2 mile of canal, and I can easily cover all or most of it and catch them. I know they can return from the larger canal eventually, but would a consistent catch and kill approach restore more bass into my canal?
And finally, what is the quickest and most humane way to kill a snakehead? I've seen people cut them open through the upper belly/jaw, but it's rather grotesque. Any other way other than a rock/stick to the head?
Thanks!
Martin
fstr385 reply :
Crack them on top the head with pliers or a club.
Evil demon fish!
GLADES reply :
A tire iron, cinder block, or automatic transmission to the head.
SirSnookalot reply :
Shotgun blast to the head should do the trick.
Gotfishyfingers? reply :
Cooler with ice.
Rovingmutt reply :
I think we should have a snakehead party at martins house and see how many we can get 
fstr385 reply :
On 10/26/2013 at 11:10 AM, GLADES said:A tire iron, cinder block, or automatic transmission to the head.
finally... a use for this tranny thats been sitting in the boat!
---=Martin=--- reply :
On 10/27/2013 at 4:39 AM, Rovingmutt said:I think we should have a snakehead party at martins house and see how many we can get
actually i though about throwing a BBQ party for the local guys! perhaps once the weather cools down a bit we can have a BBQ/fishing in my back yard 
AK-Jax86 reply :
I'm glad we ain't got snakeheads up here in Jax I wouldn't be able to do all that like dude in the video lol
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 10/27/2013 at 9:39 AM, ---=Martin=--- said:actually i though about throwing a BBQ party for the local guys! perhaps once the weather cools down a bit we can have a BBQ/fishing in my back yard
Hope us North FL guys are invited too! We can bring some chips and potato salad lol
---=Martin=--- reply :
On 10/27/2013 at 10:43 AM, AK-Jax86 said:Hope us North FL guys are invited too! We can bring some chips and potato salad lol
hey if you're willing to drive down here, of course you're invited! i think in about a month or so after my mom goes back to Poland we can organize a BBQ 
BassinLou reply :
On 10/27/2013 at 10:49 AM, ---=Martin=--- said:hey if you're willing to drive down here, of course you're invited! i think in about a month or so after my mom goes back to Poland we can organize a BBQ
Now that sounds like fun.
LgMouthGambler reply :
Mmmmmmm. BBQ Snakehead. Sounds yummy!
MCS reply :
On 10/27/2013 at 10:32 AM, ---=Martin=--- said:This is what I want to avoid doing (warning, NSFW or Kids): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaG2oM4viaE
You should that dude to narrate your bass club videos, the MFer would deffinately add to the drama lmao....that dude with the hammer had 2 mistakes 1) he had bad aim 2) he hit like a girl, c'mon dude this isn't a game of wack a mole at chuck E Cheese! Hit it like u mean it ! Lmao
MCS reply :
And I am telling u, pin on ground stab in head, good night Irene. Dip in water to clean it up a bit bag it to take home and bbq
Caylub reply :
I hope us south Alabama guy are invited as well. Lol. I think if u eat em or have a fishing party/bbq or gave them to someone who will eat them then its all good.
Diggy reply :
Wait for the cold...point me to that canal and Ill bring a dude that will cookemup
There are no snakes in my area in WPB and the crappy canals only have mayans, tilapia and really small bass. Same scenario as your canal.
SirSnookalot reply :
I did run into a guy telling me he has caught snakeheads in Boynton, I haven't seen any myself, but I really have not done freshwater fishing in ages.
Sam reply :
Do not cut the snakeheads with a knife. They bleed all over the place. Do as the guys say and clobber them on the head and dispose of the bodies in a trash bin.
There are past studies in Maryland and Virginia waters regarding snakeheads. Now Maryland says that these invasive species are not a threat and to release them after being caught. Virginia says to kill every one you boat.
Snakeheads do eat the same forage as bass and other fish so the snakeheads are seeking out new waters to feed. This is why you see them as you do in the canal.
I suggest speaking with one of your state's game wardens about the snakeheads and how Florida wishes you to handle the ones you catch.
salmicropterus reply :
Florida's policy with all invasives, except for peacock bass, is to catch and kill.
Also, and not saying it is the case with any of these posts, a lot of sightings of snakeheads are bowfin
Greeneye8181 reply :
That video was brutal. Yes kill them. Kill them all!
I don't understand the people in my region that don't kill them for personal reasons.
Caylub reply :
I would disagree with the kill them and throw the bodies away idea. I would say if you can't find some way to use the meat then killing them is wrong IMO. I was raised to eat anything I killed or leave it be.
---=Martin=--- reply :
On 10/28/2013 at 8:44 PM, Greeneye8181 said:That video was brutal. Yes kill them. Kill them all!
I don't understand the people in my region that don't kill them for personal reasons.
On 10/28/2013 at 9:10 PM, Caylub said:I would disagree with the kill them and throw the bodies away idea. I would say if you can't find some way to use the meat then killing them is wrong IMO. I was raised to eat anything I killed or leave it be.
the only things i don't mind killing are: mosquitos, cockroaches! disgusting creatures!!! and sometimes tiny pharaoh ants running all over my house. otherwise i'm of a believe that everything wants to live and it's not up to me to kill it. i will however kill to eat with no reservations, that's part of God's creation to me.
now having said that, if snakeheads are causing issues i could talk myself into clubbing them on the head and throwing the body back in for other's to eat...
Caylub reply :
I wouldn't hate you for it. I can tell your not the kind of guy to kill them out of spite. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
JayKumar reply :
cut the spine behind the head! I hear they're good to eat though?
Diggy reply :
You're really supposed to dispose of them properly if you kill them so throwing them into the water or leaving on the bank isn't really acceptable. They encourage eating them or maybe give them to someone who eats them.
---=Martin=--- reply :
On 10/29/2013 at 3:51 AM, Diggy said:You're really supposed to dispose of them properly if you kill them so throwing them into the water or leaving on the bank isn't really acceptable. They encourage eating them or maybe give them to someone who eats them.
i would think a dead snakehead at the bottom of a canal would be good food source to many critters
GLADES reply :
Snakeheads can be eaten, supposedly decent texture/flavor for a fresh water fish, but I personally would not eat anything from a neighborhood canal with all the fertilizers, pestiscides, street run off polluting the canals.
---=Martin=--- reply :
On 10/29/2013 at 9:26 AM, GLADES said:Snakeheads can be eaten, supposedly decent texture/flavor for a fresh water fish, but I personally would not eat anything from a neighborhood canal with all the fertilizers, pestiscides, street run off polluting the canals.
i ate two before, both from my local canal, and they were just fine, and i'm still here to talk about it i'm sure one once in a while will not harm. there are too many in my canal though, for me to eat every one i wish to eliminate...
SirSnookalot reply :
On 10/29/2013 at 9:26 AM, GLADES said:Snakeheads can be eaten, supposedly decent texture/flavor for a fresh water fish, but I personally would not eat anything from a neighborhood canal with all the fertilizers, pestiscides, street run off polluting the canals.
I wouldn't eat anything from those canals either, the ones in that area are some of the most disgusting, I don't even want to fish there.
jonnysmith reply :
when i was in boston last year i came across an asian restuarant that served(snake head fish)they claim to bring them from asia ( farm raised) ,let tell you it was pretty expensive of a plate eAt.
SnazzySenko reply :
I read an article on a study done here in SoFlo about the supposed infestation of Snakeheads. What I am saying is what I read, so don't bash me about it. It said they are actually not harming the environment around them or infesting our waters. I'll try to find the article and link it here.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 10/27/2013 at 4:55 AM, fstr385 said:finally... a use for this tranny thats been sitting in the boat!
There is a joke there... but I'm going to leave it alone.
ThomasFengler reply :
Since I'm new to the forum I just got around to exploring and seeing this but lately I haven't seen the same number of snakeheads from a year ago
swkelley reply :
On 10/26/2013 at 8:13 AM, ---=Martin=--- said:Hi gang!
So I fished in a little canal behind my house, and it's absolutely infested with snakeheads! I've caught 3 in an hour (as well as 10 small bass), and saw MANY more all on a 1/2 mile stretch of a narrow, not very deep canal. This canal dead ends at a park and also forks off a bit north of me, but basically a dead end. What I also noticed, is that there appears to be a strange patter to where the fish are located. Toward the two dead ends of the canal, there are only snakeheads (plus some small cyclids and sunfish), only traveling in the opposite direction where the canal meets up with a larger one do you start to see Bass and other fish. I wonder if the snakeheads have wiped the fish population in part of it, or are blocking other fish from entering the dead end by killing and eating anything else that dares to pass.
For the longest time I was of the believe that snakeheads are not harming the local eco system; but after fishing for a while today, I see that it's a snakehead infested wasteland. So... putting my ethical issue of killing things for "no reason", should I start a campaign of "terminate with extreme prejudice" to restore my canal to some sort of a balance? We're talking about a 1/2 mile of canal, and I can easily cover all or most of it and catch them. I know they can return from the larger canal eventually, but would a consistent catch and kill approach restore more bass into my canal?
And finally, what is the quickest and most humane way to kill a snakehead? I've seen people cut them open through the upper belly/jaw, but it's rather grotesque. Any other way other than a rock/stick to the head?
Thanks!
Martin
Where is this canal? I'd love to do some snakehead fishing!
atomicfriday reply :
I haven't seen any here on the southwest side but did just recently read an article concerning the problem, and good news is APPARENTLY they are delicious! I'm down for some snakehead tournaments/fish fry, let's do it.
soflabasser reply :
I am glad we have so many exotic fish to fish for. People come from all over the United States to fish for them and spend $$$$$ doing so.
FLStorm reply :
Awesome idea!
swkelley reply :
No need to kill them and the FWC says you can release them as long as it's in the same place where they were caught. If they were going to take over in South Florida, they would have as they've been our waterways since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. If they aren't taking over after 20+ years, they never will. Catch and release!!!
J Francho reply :
The snakehead apocolypse is way overblown. They don't inhabit the best environments for bass, and even where they may have displaced some marginal bass population...they bite lures, fight hard, and taste great. Sounds terrible.
hawgenvy reply :
gulfcaptain reply :
Your snakeheads you see in the backs of the canal are probably there due to warmer waters as well as the different cichlid speices you see. They like warmer waters then the bass. So where the bass stay more toward the mouths of the canal where there is an influx of fresh somewhat cooler water, the invasive exotics like the warmer areas and a dead end canal the backs are going to be a lot warmer and to their liking. So your snakeheads have found an area to fill in the void and more then likely feed on the ciclids and other smaller exotics in the back of the canal.
hawgenvy reply :
soflabasser reply :
Nice video,but I would never eat a fish from the canals down here.Too much methyl mercury and other pollutants.
hawgenvy reply :
On 11/9/2015 at 9:10 AM, soflabasser said:Nice video,but I would never eat a fish from the canals down here.Too much methyl mercury and other pollutants.
Me neither. At least they're fun to catch. Even out in the middle of the Everglades the fish are considered tainted and there are warnings about eating bass. Maybe snakeheads from some local waters are safe enough from chemicals to eat, but I don't know how you could be sure.
soflabasser reply :
Snakeheads are extremely fun to catch and people have caught them up to 14 pounds here.
BassinLou reply :
I have only caught 3 snakeheads in my life. They are unique that's for sure. I found that although they put up a good fight, I don't see the allure, they fight like their cousins the bowfin and I have caught plenty of those in the Glades.
soflabasser reply :
Bowfin are not related to Snakehead.They are not even in the same Family.
BassinLou reply :
On 11/10/2015 at 5:18 AM, soflabasser said:Bowfin are not related to Snakehead.They are not even in the same Family.
You are correct, I am mistaken, they closely resemble each other but are different species. That being said. They both fight similar with there tell tale death rolls.
SoFloBassFiend reply :
Snakeheads also seem to frequent more stagnant waters as compared to bass in south Florida liking areas with a bit more water flow. They do fight like hell and can some days turn a bad day bass fishing into a fun day of catching hard fighting fish.
mplspug reply :
Wish I seen this post sooner. I'd might make a trip for a snakehead party because I'd like to catch some just to be able to say I did.
I'm not sure what I would do with a snakehead. I've generally throw invasives back because I feel like killing them is a exercise in futility. However I'd catch and kill if I was participating in some sort of fishing rodeo round up.
Now if I found snakehead to be appeasing to my palate, then I'd be filling the freezer.
soflabasser reply :
Like most exotic fish not much can be done to truly control their numbers.They have adapted extremely well to our waters and reproduce at a impressive rate.With that said go to the C-14 canal and surrounding areas.Lots of Snakeheads there.
jonnysmith reply :
2weeks ago>i managed to make it on my atv> to a wide n deep>L-shaped canal,out in homestead behind the speedways towards>turkey point power plant..the canal is between sw 344street and sw 360street..every time i did a cast,i got snake head,i got 2 that were thick n heavy> the longest 1 was a full 28in long..i kepted 2 of them and cooked them at home>i must say they are very tastey,,i cut the fillets out cause honestly the look of the fish & head> grossed me out.i seasoned the fish with,garlic power,cilantro,blk.pepper,salt & parsley Y put it in the over with a side of mashed potatoes and mac n cheese..that was some gooooood eats i tell ya
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