Maryland SNAKEHEAD: Eastside vs Westside: Which Is Better?

[@BLee-uo5ip]

Lol stumbled across your videos on KZbin, just so happens ur out there hitting it with my buddy Bob. Small world, gotta get out there n hit it y’all man. Solid content bro 🤘

[@KambotroutFishing]

Hah, Bob is a good dude. Helped me out on the water and introduced me to a new lure or two. Trying to get together some more meetups setup soon, probably June or July (headed to Michigan for a couple weeks for work).

[@BLee-uo5ip]

@@KambotroutFishing definitely a good dude, known him since school days now we are both in the elevator trade working for the same company. Definitely need to hit it this summer 👍🎣🎣🎣

[@cherylstoltzfus3566]

you should go to a place called turners creek in MD it has soo many big snakehead in the lillypads

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks for heads up! Haven’t been there yet but I’ll check it out

[@castkingkyle]

Another great video! I love your end point about the snakeheads willingness to protect their young. I have also noticed they are less willing to do so when there is more fishing pressure.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Kyle 🙏

[@calank923]

Haha I fish that nice "little" spot often been going there since the path was made. Only issue is finding parking if you don't make it there super early

[@KambotroutFishing]

It’s gotten nuts over there over the last two years. It’s common knowledge now where it used to be fairly unknown. If it’s summer and you aren’t there by 5 AM at the latest, good luck. Even then it’ll likely be overflow parking for you.

[@robcochran1558]

Small world. I went to school with Bob Stout. He is a good dude. I told him that is three need to go out sometime.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Lol very cool bro. Small world indeed 👍

[@justinzimmerman1405]

Is it possible to fish these Blackwater River areas with a flat bottom Carolina Skiff if I mostly fish around the high tides? It runs pretty well in about 6" or better of water.

[@KambotroutFishing]

I think so. There would be some days where I’d say no because every once in a while, the tide blows way out on those rivers. Other than that, should be doable so long as you’re careful. Some areas have a lot of stumps and such to watch out for. I’m going to double check with a couple teammates who run boats and I’ll let you know. They regularly hold bass boat tourneys on some of these rivers.

[@justinzimmerman1405]

@@KambotroutFishing thanks for the response. I want to use the boat because it will be a lot easier to take a couple of my little nephews with me compared to using a kayak.

[@davidlagarde8470]

Thought that it was illegal in Maryland to return snakeheads to the water after catching them.

[@KambotroutFishing]

No, but that rumor is very widespread. Legal requirements on Snakehead vary by state, but in most cases, you’re allowed to release them immediately after catching them back into the waters in which you caught them. That’s the case in MD, DE, and VA (this was in MD). It’s usually only illegal to possess live snakehead or to transport live snakehead (which makes good sense in my opinion). I often harvest them, but it usually depends on whether or not I have room in the freezer or know someone who wants them. They’re the best tasting fish in freshwater and have an excellent meat to body ratio. They’re also easy to filet, so if I need meat or know someone who does, I’ll often keep them. With that said, I’ll release them if I don’t have a need to harvest. Many people take an issue with this because they’re labeled as an invasive species, and most fisheries managers do highly encourage their harvest. The peer-reviewed and published science thus far has not shown invasive impact. I’ve actually done an interview series with John Odenkirk, a VDGIF fisheries biologist, in which we review the most recent science and legal requirements on the species (link below if you’re interested). kzbin.info/www/bejne/opTIipSFn52Db68 Still, invasive impact sometimes takes several decades to manifest, so if someone does harvest intensely, I understand their position. My personal opinion is that the degree of their impact will depend on the waters involved. In uniformly shallow waters with no established large predatory species (like Blackwater), they’ll likely have more of an impact (though I do think their impact is overblown and the snakehead scapegoated for our own impact). In deeper waters though, they’ll likely have less of an impact, especially when those deeper waters have large, established predatory fish. For me, they’re an admirable species, excellent parents, and incredible sportfish. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@fabfishing7422]

Yeah Steve! Watching right now my Brother! 👊

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks much!

[@fabfishing7422]

@@KambotroutFishing Absolutely buddy 😎

[@amylaudicina2018]

hey great Video Steve. Looking forward to tonight on the live cam!

[@amylaudicina2018]

this is Mike by the way I was using my Wifes login....lol

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks very much Mike!

[@blunted5619]

Keep them coming bro! Good work!

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks much and will do 🙏👍

[@stumessick9963]

Another great one keep them coming I m lucky enough to be an Eastsider and I have noticed that after a short midsummer slowdown it’s getting more crowed at the launches Think that may have something to do with the closed Rock season for August If you launch at one of the boat ramps got to get there way before dawn and be ready to do some paddling and you’ll still meet a couple hardcore folks even then

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Stu and you’re spot on with the assessment. The boat ramps over there are crazy crowded now on weekends

[@MegaPatrickCampbell]

Any part of black water you recommend?

[@KambotroutFishing]

Depends on conditions. If winds are low, Blackwater proper (the large “lake” portion) and the lower portions of the large rivers are very good. If winds are higher, I’ll stick to the upper portions of the rivers with tree lines for cover from the wind. I’ll record your question for the live Q&A tonight. There are a lot of caveats and conditions that have to be explored to answer that question 😜

[@MegaPatrickCampbell]

Kambotrout Fishing awesome thank you! I plan on going on a few weeks! 😁 very pumped!!

[@mikelaudicina4096]

Really curious about coming to fish on the MD side living in VA... looking forward to tonights live stream :)

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Mike! I’ve been scheduled to come down to VA 5 times this year and has weather cancel it each time 😵

[@mikelaudicina4096]

@@KambotroutFishing well when you do let me know and we can hookup and fish! I fish out of Potomac creek and am heading there for some snake on labor day weekend. I have a pic of a dragon I really want you to see that my buddy caught on that creek. Let me know the best way to get it to you. You can PM me and I send it to you its impressive! You "King of Snakehead" would be like !?! LOL look forward to chatting tonight

[@KambotroutFishing]

@@mikelaudicina4096 Hey Mike, check me out on Facebook @ Kambotrout and PM me that Snakehead Pic! :P

[@lrd6195]

Well ill be damned , Bob in blue , cool

[@KambotroutFishing]

😂

[@underdogoutdoors]

I didn't notice any moving water, are you fishing peak (slack) low tide? Or high tide? Or both? Up here in New Jersey, the tributaries off the Delaware, the water really gets ripping when the tides change. I suppose it's not worth it trying to fish moving water.

[@KambotroutFishing]

On this trip, I fished a slack high and outgoing tide for the most part. The question of moving water is a nuanced one. On the one hand, snakehead do best in still water, but adults can do very well in both moving and still water and can be caught in each. The difference that makes slack water environments better than moving ones is that snakehead Fry can’t survive well in current. As a result, slack water environments seem to hold better numbers of snakehead throughout the year. With that said, I’ve seen adult snakehead stacked in moving and even fast water during their spring prespawn push upstream. During that period, high numbers of snakehead can be caught in that current. Moving water can also produce throughout the year, but outside of the prespawn upstream push, I generally find them in eddies next to moving current where such eddies are available. So like I said, it’s a nuanced game for snakehead in current.

[@underdogoutdoors]

@@KambotroutFishing Thank You, I appreciate an expert sharing information. Hopefully, some day I can return the favor. I wouldn't blame not wanting to share a location but techniques are different. Thanks again for the reply.

[@OutdoorsInMaryland]

Nice buddy. We have to get together for that western shore trip soon.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Sam and Yes. We. Do. 👊

[@FishyAngler]

Nice 29 incher. I’m catching them left and right, but monsters escape me. 😁 gotta get one or two this summer, which is almost out.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Good luck brother. It’s so killer when something goes wrong with landing the dragons 😑😜

[@hanyang2299]

Great video ! Can you share where spot in MD for snakehead fishing

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Han! I don’t give specific spots because I’ve seen how overrun, over pressured, and trashed they can become, but I will do two things for you. First, here’s a short list of all the rivers with snakehead, which is essentially every tributary to the Chesapeake now: Blackwater, the Potomac River (and its tributaries), the Susquehanna, Gunpowder River, Chester River, Bush River, Nanticoke, Marshyhope, Severn, Magothy, Elk River, and many others. Also, checkout his video here at the 13:17 mark. Here I give you the tools you’ll need to find the best fishing locations throughout Maryland: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6LVZ558ea-gfNU Hope this helps and have a good one!

[@hanyang2299]

Thank you very much for all information

[@moc1969]

quick question when frog fishing for snakehead does it matter what color of the frog or is it like bass fishing white frog on sunny days and dark frog for overcast days

[@KambotroutFishing]

Hey Mike. I have to say that I’ve had better luck on white topwater frogs and mice, but I’ve certainly caught them on all colors. I think sticking with the color pattern based on weather will work, but if you’re not having luck, definitely try downsizing and going to a white color. It’s paid off well for me 👍

[@moc1969]

@@KambotroutFishing thanks i just orded some stuff from ss custom baits

[@X-Nemesis]

Awesome video!

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Evan!

[@lukesmith1003]

I know most people don’t like sharing spots, but I would really like to know where that spot on the Westside was. I’m in East Baltimore, and I take it most spots are closer to the Potomac, but do you know of any decent spots near Baltimore?

[@brewtankoutdoors1432]

Goin live tonight.. im there.. goin out tomorrow.. need all the help I can get

[@KambotroutFishing]

Great to hear brother. Bring the questions! 👍

[@fabfishing7422]

Excellent video Steve! Non-stop action! Absolutely love and appreciate the way you explain your fisheries and what you're doing...we're soaking in the knowledge buddy!

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks so much brother 🙏 Sharing my passion and helping others find theirs is what it’s all about 👍

[@fabfishing7422]

@@KambotroutFishing Exactly! Steve if you get a moment please shoot me a text. I want to send you a picture of one Tony caught yesterday. 5408407553 I'll delete this once you have my number.

[@edwardrossiter9612]

Looking to get into fishing for snakes. I’m off of the Sassafras. Is there any well known areas to start?

[@KambotroutFishing]

Don’t do it bro. They’re too addictive 😜 Here’s a good start to find them: fishtalkmag.com/blog/destination-snakehead-fishing-snakeheads-maryland Also, checkout the 13:17 mark in this video here. I go over the tools I use to find new snakehead water: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6LVZ558ea-gfNU Hope this helps and have a good one!

[@joeljackson2208]

Why release them? They have absolutely killed the bluegill population and are tearing into bass. Also they are good eating. Keep that in mind for the bass fishermen. Thanks

[@KambotroutFishing]

Hey Joel. I generally harvest the mid range sized fish (20”-27”) and release the smalls to grow and the trophies for sport. The published science also hasn’t shown any invasive impact to native species. Bass have actually increased in many of the published studies. If you’d like to see more on this topic, I did an interview with VDGIF biologist John Odenkirk where we review the published science thus far, regulations on the species, and more. Thanks for watching and have a good one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/opTIipSFn52Db68

[@offthehookvideos1870]

Where I fish for them. There is still plenty of bluegill and bass. If anything catching a snakehead is harder than the rest. At this point killing that one isn't going to do anything. Just sayin

[@charleskonkus653]

my local lakes in NJ are infested with them. they just chill out with the bluegill and bass all day. if anything pickerel are far more agressive and dangerous than these things

[@markzang4918]

Why aren't you killing these fish rather than releasing them? I got it you are making videos, but the snakehead is an invasive species that has and will continue to thrive on our native species.

[@KambotroutFishing]

I often harvest them, but it usually depends on whether or not I have room in the freezer or know someone who wants them. They’re the best tasting fish in freshwater and have an excellent meat to body ratio. They’re also easy to filet, so if I need meat or know someone who does, I’ll often keep them. With that said, I’ll release them if I don’t have a need to harvest. Many people take an issue with this because they’re labeled as an invasive species, and most fisheries managers do highly encourage their harvest. However, the published science thus far has not shown invasive impact. I’ve actually done an interview series with John Odenkirk, a VDGIF fisheries biologist, in which we review the most recent science and legal requirements on the species (link below if you’re interested). kzbin.info/www/bejne/opTIipSFn52Db68 Still, invasive impact sometimes takes several decades to manifest, so if someone does harvest intensely, I understand their position. For me though, they’re an admirable species, excellent parents, and incredible sportfish. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!