Snakehead Fishing Tips: Lures, Techniques, and More; "Westside" Maryland

[@brewtankoutdoors1432]

Damn awesome bite on the buzz... good snake vid as always... and sorry about Lola

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks brother 🙏 I love catching strikes like that on camera. Thanks as well for your words on Lola. She is missed.

[@NoName-yi3oz]

Whats that thing in the middle of your rod? Its look like marcotting a branch. Just curious Master. Tnx

[@KambotroutFishing]

That’s a rod float. I’ve had snakehead knock my rods into the water more than once. One of these will keep it on the surface for you. That said, the straps on them wear out over time and your line will occasionally grab it those strap ends when that happens.

[@NoName-yi3oz]

@@KambotroutFishing see, thanks Master

[@pikdiesel]

Sorry to hear about your pup. My condolences. Great vid as always!

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks much brother on both counts 🙏

[@pikdiesel]

@@KambotroutFishing question...what camera boom do you have for your GoPro? Looking at Rail Blaze cam boom. Any suggestions?

[@KambotroutFishing]

The one I’m currently using was somewhat cobbled together. Uses amazon basics boom arm, but the rail blaze is a good way to go 👍

[@winsyong]

I wish I had such easy access to waters with these fish. The best giveaway on snakeheads is that they must come up to breathe. You can learn to both see them rising to breathe creating that gentle ripple and recognise the sound of that gulp even if u can’t see them. That’s the ideal time to chuck them a lure and trigger their instinct to bite. They are territorial, so if u miss them the first time, u can expect them to rise around the same spot at several minute intervals, unless u’ve spooked them.

[@maestrobigwas4468]

Very helpful and effective videos thank you sir

[@KambotroutFishing]

You’re very welcome brother and thanks for watching!

[@sterlingwilson1565]

Awesome snake head fish on I love it I had a good day today I caught some nice Size blue gill love your content love how you Catch all species of fish

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks much Sterling and glad to hear you had a good day on the water!

[@A.Blair_Fishing]

As always....great content brother!

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks bro!

[@MegaPatrickCampbell]

Awesome trip!! I wanna get back out there ASAP!!

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks much! Every morning when I wake up after a trip, I’m always ready for another 😜😂

[@MegaPatrickCampbell]

Kambotrout Fishing ain’t that the truth!!

[@davenacrelli8538]

Great video, Steve!

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Dave!

[@patricktreece9188]

Great video! I've been fishing over around the mouth of the Big Gunpowder. I've had some luck in that area but I'm looking for some better spots.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Patrick 👍 Gunpowder def gets a lot of pressure, but if you can find the less pressured creeks, they’re still there in good numbers. The Bush River, Middle River, and Magothy also have some quality water.

[@patricktreece9188]

Thanks for the tips! There are also a ton of them in the Big Gunpowder just below the small damn at Loch Raven Reservoir. I can see them but they don't want to bite.

[@milesspicer564]

no boot! Glad your leg/foot has healed. Sorry to hear about the family dog. They're family and love so unconditionally. My condolences. Glad to see you on the western shore. Try the Anacostia.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks much Miles 🙏 I need to come down to VA waters for a change 👍

[@PatrickDrinksCoffee]

RIP Lola. Do you know of good snakehead spots near Harford County?

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Patrick 🙏 Some good spots in Harford Co include: Gunpowder River, Bush River, and the lower Susquehanna. If you need launch points around there, checkout this launch map guide from MD DNR: dnr.maryland.gov/Boating/Pages/water-access/boatramps.aspx

[@ReelAllAmericanFishing]

Brooo love that we had the same idea without talking 😂😂🤙🏻👊🏻💪🏻

[@KambotroutFishing]

Great minds and such 😜

[@davidlyon8707]

Is it illegal to return snakehead to the water?

[@KambotroutFishing]

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!

[@matthewwhite3444]

Sorry to hear about Lola. I know how that feels. I'm glad you're finding some new spots. Hopefully these won't get crowded like Blackwater. Currently I'm looking for some new snakehead spots on the Shore. Unpressured spots are difficult to find in this area, but I have some confidence I can find them.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks much Matt. Finding new waters is key now. My favorite spot on earth has been burnt badly over the past couple months. Hasn’t been the same.

[@nickcapello1908]

@@KambotroutFishing That's going to be the new norm. Get the DNR to stock some more . Transport them from Blackwater. We don't have enough of them to go around for all the Snakehead fishermen.

[@sgrasmick82]

Is a mono leader necessary if running 20lb braid?

[@KambotroutFishing]

Hey Scott. I’ve never used a mono or fluoro leader for Snakehead and as far as I can tell, I’ve never had any negative effects as a result 👍 That goes for 20-50 on braid. I might consider it in very clear water, but I haven’t done it yet.

[@stumessick9963]

Sorry for your loss man I can so relate on spot burn I fish the same ES spots you do and it seems like every kayak in a 200 mile radius is in that particular county I’m exploring a couple spots farther East now Also sooo true about confidence in your lures lazar focus and persistence crucial

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks much Stu 🙏 Hopefully some of the western shore waters can start taking some pressure off of the eastern shore soon.

[@DOUBLEO_ObsessionOutdoors]

Dang sorry to hear about Lola great vid tho as always! I had an amazing snakehead day where I told you about lol they were in there thick!!!!

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks brother. She is missed. And I really need to come join you at that spot lol.

[@grappler150]

I absolutely love your videos. I keep boat on the Bohemia River in Maryland. Not sure if you’re familiar with these waters, but I would love some insight on where to start on the upper bay. I am close to the elk River, Sassafras and a little hike from the north east river. Any tips would be greatly appreciated, I am a complete novice at this. I had no interest or knowledge of Snakehead until watching your videos.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks much Nathan! I’ve actually heard that the mouth of the Elk River is a great place. It’s been on my list for a while now and has a lot of marshland-type structure in the river’s lower stretches. That’s where I’d focus 👍

[@grappler150]

@@KambotroutFishing thanks so much for taking the time to respond to my question. The elk is about a 10-minute ride for me so I'll definitely be checking it out. Thanks again!

[@BarryP]

This is going to be a bit long, but we've kinda lost contact and I want to cover a bunch of stuff: - At 11:18. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT! Even at the times when you're wrong on a given day, confidence is key and will almost always yield fish, even if you're not throwing the best option. You are 100% on point when you say that you will throw better (muscle memory) and will throw to spots that you wouldn't necessarily try otherwise. These are the times when not only do you find fish, but you find your better fish. . - I am so sorry for your loss. Lola wasn't a "pet". She was family. Valerie and I lost Trooper in October. I did a very tough-to produce vid around the time that we lost him. I couldn't do anything right on the kayak. We are not exactly talking about it here at home, but Trooper, as tough as he was, was so afraid of thunder and fireworks. Today is going to be pretty tough on Trooper's family. . - I smoked a Snakehead at the home lake in MD, recently. UL gear, Ned Rig... Z-Man Finesse TRD with a 1/32oz Mule Fishing jig head on a 4lb leader. As far as we know, Cornell from youtubefishingvids and I are the only people to have recorded a catch in that water. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpmummt_lMqhgtE . - I hope all else is well, man. We should get together for a colab this season.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks very much for all your info, condolences, and sharing your experience Barry 🙏 Your points on muscle memory and faith in a lure are spot-on, as are your points on our family members. Lola is missed everyday. We actually just got her ashes back yesterday, and explaining to the kids what they were, how they were made, and why we have them definitely put a “frog in my throat”. I know she’s not suffering any more though, that it was time, and that I’m grateful for the time we had together. I haven’t watched your video yet but the collab sounds great 👍 I’ll be watching the video shortly 😁 Catching snakehead on UL gear is also on my to-do list. Thanks again Barry and drop me a line at [e-mail] when you get a chance 👍

[@BarryP]

​@@KambotroutFishing Don't forget to watch! The Snakehead was a pretty cool catch and a short vid. It's getting late and I've pretty much spent the whole night working on the vetting and editing of four projects. I don't know what you do for a regular job, but going through 150GB of footy per day, eliminating files, renaming "go" files to "GOPR0486 SMB 335 510 945 1315 SMB Miss 635 810 Rapids 250" is pretty daunting in prep for editing... let alone syncing two cams and a mic pod for editing. It's a gnarly process. I have a leisure drift with friends on the Upper Poto today, but I'll be getting in touch this weekend. Thanks for all that you do, here.

[@TomyTekOutdoors]

Great tips bro. It's nice to know you have them close by. It's just a matter of time for the population grow. I'm switching up to salt for a bit. Would you be up for some saltwater trips?

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Tommy 👊 I’m up for some salt, but also booked for a couple weeks. What you going after?

[@trevorrandolph7483]

Looks like bear creek in lynch cove right, i bow fish there all the time.

[@KambotroutFishing]

So you’re the one making the bite tougher 😜

[@3ksfishing250]

Where did ya get that buzzbait

[@KambotroutFishing]

A friend of mine who makes them custom. Unfortunately, he doesn’t sell them. I do have a fellow Snakehead Outlawz team member who has one in the works with the same key characteristics as this one. Essentially, you want to find a buzzbait that is light enough to stay on top at very low speeds. Burning a buzzbait for Northern Snakehead is generally the wrong way to go. I’ve had my best luck slow rolling them.

[@Annamariap2010]

What rat lure are you using

[@KambotroutFishing]

This was the Savage Gear Lily Ninja Mouse, but it’s since been discontinued. There’s a very similar model that I use now called the Dragon Mouse V2 by Infamous Fishing. If you’d like to get one, contact Infamous Fishing at the link below or visit Edgemere bait and tackle: facebook.com/share/qeanoM398C6Pjzq2/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

[@Annamariap2010]

Thanks

[@nicoleh8933]

What pound test were you using for the snakeheads?

[@KambotroutFishing]

I usually use 30lb braid 👍

[@FishyAngler]

You got a good day. And multi species too. 👍

[@KambotroutFishing]

Yessir, and on my home waters no less 🥳😜

[@oldandintheway9805]

Some advice from a life long animal control officer a(and snakehead aficionado); If you are fortunate enough to get a diagnosis of the near future death of your beloved dog; Get a puppy before your dog has gone. Some people say "that's bad, your existing dog thinks he is being replaced. Dogs don't think like that. Everybody loves a puppy. Your existing dog is going to be gone soon, nothing you can do about that. Your mental health is what is important. Having a puppy on hand when the last day comes for your dog makes it a lot easier on you and your kids. There is no question that your dog is a very important part of your family. It's a shame that they only live for a small time compared to your lifespan. But that's the way it is. Make it easier on yourself and your kids.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thank you sir. I do not disagree.

[@FamilyReelTV]

Great video! There’s a typo in your description. It’s says “hear” instead of “gear.” Tight lines!

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks much! I’ll get on fixing that typo too. Have a good one 👍

[@jnogle6]

Congrats on the back yard snakes.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks bro. Now I just need a backyard Dragon 😁

[@kyl272]

Why do you release them?

[@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!

[@stevengordon5580]

Hey man great videos first of all. Secondly my name is Justin B i live in cecil county md and fish thetop of the elk river. If you google earth it youll see it lookslike snakehead heaven. I cant catch 1 any tips you could give because i see them everywhere.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Steven. What lures have you been using and why type of structure have the snakehead been relating to?

[@stevengordon5580]

@@KambotroutFishing i use everything imaginable its a mix between the big elk creek with alot of wood and a huge tidal swamp covered in pads, trees, brush and grasses

[@mikeo6525]

Sorry for your loss bud. Those snakes will help you take your mind off that!

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks much Mike 🙏 And yes they will, especially when they’re sharking a buzzbait 👍

[@endjr]

I thought you were not supposed to catch and release.

[@KambotroutFishing]

It is legal to release snakehead immediately after catching them but only back into the waters in which you caught them. However, once you are in possession of them (in a cooler, on a stringer, etc.) they must be killed and they cannot he transported alive. If you’d like to learn more about the species, the laws around them, and the most recent published science on their impact and biology, consider checking out my interview series with VDGIF Biologist John Odenkirk: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opTIipSFn52Db68

[@premium9997]

Hallo im from Indonesia. i like you video, because i like catch Snack head to. beautiful fish n delicious fish,i want request video to catch emperor Snack head.sory went im English not God 🙏🙏🙏😁😁😁

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks for watching! One day, I plan on doing a “snakehead world tour” where I’m able to catch Emperor, Giant (Toman), and many more species of snakehead. Such an awesome species!!

[@premium9997]

Wow...i cant hold to watch you video tour.i hope ,you "snakehead world tour" be the best video 🙏👍

[@dhooter]

Damn man u got to kill those preg ones. Seriously I've got places I haven't caught a largemouth in 3 years. Just snakes. The way they protect those fry balls other species simply can compete.

[@KambotroutFishing]

That hasn’t been my experience. I still catch bass, crappie, catfish, and other species in areas that are full of snakehead. You can check my videos too. Not lying to ya.

[@oldandintheway9805]

Have you ever eaten bass? Fishy tasting, not very good. Snakehead on the other hand, delicious! Replace the not so good eating with a delicacy? Yea man, lets do it!

[@stevengordon5580]

Very sorry about Lola. No B.S. I have a puppy named Lola she just turned 1. My lady got her for me because my other dog had a disorder n died suddenly at 2yrs.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks brother, and sorry to hear about your dog as well. My dog Rampage is still going strong and we have a cat now, so the family is doing well even though we miss Lola.

[@dslancas8]

aren't snakeheads invasive and its a kill on catch fish?

[@KambotroutFishing]

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!

[@theianmader2570]

They deserve gamefish status 🤦‍♂️

[@KambotroutFishing]

I’d at least advocate for some type of regulation, but it will unfortunately be an unrestricted, open season on snakehead for the foreseeable future. For fisheries managers, it’ll be at least a decade before they’re comfortable advocating for some types of protections, creel limits, etc. To be honest, I could make convincing arguments for and against such policies. What I do know is that regardless of such policies, snakehead are an admirable species and will be greatly valued by more and more fishermen over time.

[@oldandintheway9805]

@@KambotroutFishing The closed minds of government officials. It is what it is, Nothing you can do about that. Come into the future, managers, please!

[@noahshelhamer9133]

You are suppose to kill the snakeheads sorry about your dog

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Noah. She was a great dog and is still missed. On Snakeheads, 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!

[@Yittups]

Why are you catch and releasing snakeheads it's open season at all times on them.

[@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. 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!

[@dhooter]

Releasing Snakes?? Nay nay shit will get u ticketed

[@KambotroutFishing]

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!

[@dhooter]

The law in Maryland says it's illegal to move possess or release live snakehead. Now alot of game laws are up to the "interpretation" of the officer. I have witnessed a angler ticketed for releasing a live snakehead in a different state but that states law read exactly the same.

[@KambotroutFishing]

@@dhooter the wording is such that you can’t release them into new waters, but they leave it vague to discourage release after a catch. But it’s legal to release after catching into the same waters in which you caught them. I know many of the DNR officials and biologists here in MD and speak with them regularly.

[@dhooter]

​@@KambotroutFishing Secondly. I commented in another video places I fish were once teeming with largemouth. I haven't caught a bass in three years. Before that I did catch a few. They were absolutely horrible in appearance. These fish showed signs of starvation. They had huge bucket mouths with thin slender bodies. Now all I catch are snakehead and all I see are snakehead. And let me tell u the size of these fish have got shocking. Last summer I caught a 17.5lb snake. The biologist had very good points. But like I said those points just don't hold water in smaller bodies of water where snakes are well established. I enjoy catching them they are fun. But I kill every one I catch. What we are seeing in and around the Delaware river and it's tributaries is alarming. Snakeheads are apex predator of freshwater. Very few fish protect their young as aggressively as them. They are predisposed to survive in low oxygen stagnant water. Sorry so long winded lol

[@KambotroutFishing]

@@dhooter fair points and don’t mind the length either. Sometimes takes that much to get our points across on complicated topics. The impact of snakehead, IMO, will depend on the given environment and variables at play (water depth, structure, other top level predators, etc). The areas I’ve fished, larger or small, haven’t seen that kind of impact, but I’ve talked to others who have, so I don’t immediately discount it either.