The BEST LURE for Early Season Snakehead; Spring Snakehead Fishing in Maryland

The late Winter and early Spring period is usually when Snakehead activity picks up enough to leave the live bait behind and switch to lures. When it's that time, there's one lure I ALWAYS have with me: the Mepps Spinner #4.
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[@jigheadgino47]

Awesome content as always 100% one of the most underrated fishing channel on youtube

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks much brother. Grinding till I get there 👊

[@timwheat85]

BRO YOU SHOULD NOT EVER RELEASE THEM!!! I have friends down there near Blackwater that go for frogs and Crayfish and they say over the last few years they catch about 10% of what they did 10 years ago...Snakehead fisherman try to say they are not affecting the local species as bad as people originally thought but that is just not true, read anything written by local scientists and they will tell you. I love to catch them too and I am a Maryland resident but I always dispose of them... EVEN IF my friend forgot his cooler or whatever you said. I love the video and respect what you do but also respect the local wildlife, even if you can not keep it you should kill it and leave it on the bank for animals to eat...it will not go to waste. Take care and keep up the videos!

[@jerichojoe307]

In some areas it's actually unlawful to release them they are kill immediately status if caught.

[@huntermazzio713]

Why don’t ya cry about it! They’re here to stay babyyyy wooooooo

[@TheBullMooseChannel]

​@@huntermazzio713idiotic comment

[@bryceb.8709]

@@huntermazzio713😂😂

[@seankim840]

@@huntermazzio713bro you just sound stupid.

[@gabrieldiaz3368]

This is the first video I see on your channel. The way you convey what you feel when capturing these beasts is amazing. It is so much so that it feels as if one were there. That is not easy

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks for the kind words Gabriel, and happy to hear I'm hitting the mark. I run this channel to help others enjoy and appreciate the outdoors, so your comment is much appreciated.

[@Orange22Fishing]

Those mepps hardly ever fail bro! Those were some gorgeous and healthy snakes. Great stuff 🤙🏻

[@KambotroutFishing]

My #1 survival lure for sure. Thanks bro! If y’all haven’t seen Orange22’s early season snakehead action, go check it out!

[@travelandfoodau]

It’s beautiful to see sneak heads fish-end up to USA by some one from Asia or Africa. Is any one sale frozen snake head fish in USA in bulk quantities ?

[@KambotroutFishing]

I’m not sure about bulk quantities. Haven’t seen that yet. I have seen fresh filets for sale in stores like Wegman’s, but that’s it.

[@Delmarvafishing]

I can't wait until it gets really warm and the top water heats up

[@KambotroutFishing]

You and me both brother. Seen a couple taken on top, but topwater season isn’t quite here yet.

[@PaulLaurinD]

Killer tips - nice seeing you out on the open water today. Appreciate your tips and knowledge- figure it’s just a matter of time until I can get my first snakehead 😎👍

[@KambotroutFishing]

Good seeing you too, Paul, and thanks for coming out. Time on the water will be the key for your snakehead. Get to know them and their habitat and you’ll be on em 👍

[@PaulLaurinD]

@@KambotroutFishing more time on water indeed. I take my canoe to Burke lake in Virginia. Big snakeheads there as well, 10-20 lbs. they have Muskie, largemouth etc. I always bring ice in a cooler just in case.

[@mikeroggio3340]

As always thank you for the great videos and tips. But more so thank you for getting me inspired and motivated to get my fat butt moving and go snake hunting. Not only did I get my first one for this year it inhaled a hollow body frog. For me it doesn't get any more exciting than that

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks for the kind words Mike and congrats on your first this year, especially with it being on top! I still haven’t focused on topwater, but it’s time 😎

[@maestrobigwas4468]

You are my idol sir and I always follows your tips and videos about snakehead Godbless and keep it up

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks so much for the kind words brother. Much more to come 🎣

[@SharingTheOutdoors]

Might have to try some early season spinner fishing for them this year

[@KambotroutFishing]

It’s a hard tactic to beat 👍

[@jnogle6]

Those were some thick snakes

[@KambotroutFishing]

Man, if I’d had a fish bag, they woulda came home for sure. But I def enjoyed watching them swim away too 👍

[@_yaknfish]

That was a great catch. Your editing made me laugh. Thank you for these videos brother. Can't wait to catch my 1st snake

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks brother and I’ll be rooting for you. Such a fun fish to chase 👍

[@KambotroutFishing]

Subscribed so hopefully I don’t miss it 😜

[@_yaknfish]

@@KambotroutFishing Thank-you

[@lamlenguyen6034]

I can’t wait to get there from BIG RED state

[@GNRF_GripnNRipnFishn]

Phenomenal video man. Great footage and what seemed like a solid day fishing! I can't wait to get over there to MD and have one of those 30-50 fish day with you fellas!

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Trey 👊 I was so psyched to be catching snakehead on artificials again. Wish I hadn’t missed those two, but that’s what I get for not tuning up my spinner after that second fish.

[@GNRF_GripnNRipnFishn]

@@KambotroutFishing Still made for a great video!

[@Chesapeakechevys]

Bro you have hot sauce on your night stand? 😂 damn bud, I see how you roll. I knew that it was a matter of time before I’d see a Shimano DC bait caster in your hands. It’s a whole different type of fishing isn’t it? Nice fish bro.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Lol, I need my hot sauce. I’ll have my sriracha in a hip holster soon 😜 Thanks!

[@grappler150]

You have some of the best content. Any suggestions on fishing in the Upper Chesapeake Bay. I'm talkin the Bohemia, the Elk, the Northeast, the Susquehanna or the Sassafras

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Nathan 👊 I would target the upper reaches of most of those rivers and then the pad fields at the mouth of the Elkriver. The upper sassafras also has some good pad fields, but you need to hit a lot of those rivers at just the right tide. At extreme high or low tides, those areas tend to have either too much water, thus pushing them up way into the cover, or too little water, leaving the pad fields exposed. In the early part of the year, we should be able to start catching snakehead up at the Conowingo dam area very soon. In the later part of spring and summer, the Susquehanna flats and the coves that go far back with timber structure tend to produce pretty well. Finding the underwater grasses, timber, and exposed vegetation will be key.

[@Eric_492]

@8:17 I felt that bro 😂

[@KambotroutFishing]

Lol, got me again

[@quangtran-fd9vp]

I notice you don't use mono leader when using Mepps .I think you will get more hook up if using leader

[@KambotroutFishing]

Is that because you’ve seen them be line-shy? I haven’t really noticed any line-shyness yet.

[@quangtran-fd9vp]

No,not because line shy,using Mepps will make line twist,line twist on braid will mess up your reel real quick@@KambotroutFishing

[@quangtran-fd9vp]

Sorry,I notice you do use swivel@@KambotroutFishing

[@chrisclaassen9673]

Hey man just found the channel. Going for my first snake this year…. Have some ?s for you if you don’t mind. Thought they was a shore line fish like bass… didn’t think you can catch em off the shore ?

[@KambotroutFishing]

They’re usually a shallow water, near-shore/shoreline fish, mostly because of the structure they relate to (grass beds, pad fields, timber, etc.).

[@GhulamMustafa-pn2xi]

In Virginia, it's illegal to release them after catching them. Also, this fish are so delicious and no fishy taste. Clean white meat and no bone.

[@KambotroutFishing]

It’s not illegal to release them, but they must be released immediately and only back into the waters in which you caught them. I’ve done interviews with VDGIF Biologist John Odenkirk on this topic and others. Their harvest is definitely encouraged, but it’s not mandated by law. And I agree they taste excellent. The best eating fish in freshwater.

[@davethegaultney224]

Hey Kambo, thx for another great video! There's a dude on the Fish brain app that lives near me that has been slaying the snakeheads lately & he told me the same- to try inlines now (even though he's still catching on frogs somehow as early as it is). Do you know if Garlic scent works on snakeheads or could it deter them? I was thinking of dipping a keitech in some blue JJ's as a chatterbait trailer.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Dave and thanks for watching 👊 At the very least, Garlic scent does not turn snakehead off. I use a garlic scented dip and glow on some of my soft plastics and have done very well with them, so def worth a shot 👍

[@davethegaultney224]

@@KambotroutFishing thx, I suspected as much since they pretty much hit anything a bass will, I was just curious if anyone had tried it cuz the JJ's dip has a great blue color but smells VERY strong if you dip the whole lure.

[@CareAgainFishing]

Baldar the Conehead said it best: "MEPPS!"

[@KambotroutFishing]

Lol, yuuuuup.

[@user-fo2el6jm7n]

Was thinking about getting a hi-vis braid, like yellow, but was worried about spooking em. I see Kambo running hi-vis without a leader, so might not be an issue?

[@KambotroutFishing]

That was a concern of mine as well, but for snakehead so far, no issues. I’ll keep y’all posted with any change in that 👍

[@josephhangarter3496]

For someone who has been out of fishing for a while but wants to get into kayak fishing, can you give us a gear list? I would especially like to know what kind of kayak you have and electronics. Thanks!

[@KambotroutFishing]

Hey Joseph. My kayak is a 2022 Hobie Pro Angler 12 360 that I got from Delaware Paddlesports. Excellent kayak and customer service with Delaware Paddlesports. The 360 drive is a game changer. The maneuverability is like no other drive out there. What other gear would you like me to expand on? Let me know and I’ll pass on the info.

[@sameh239]

Hey steve, What braid line are you using and do you use a 30 or 50 pound test when throwing mepps?

[@KambotroutFishing]

Hey Sameh. I’ve been using primarily 40 pound braid. I don’t really use 50, but will occasionally use 30. Nothing lower tho.

[@sameh239]

​@@KambotroutFishingalright perfect! I am using 50 but it makes it harder to cast mepps further. I'll start alternating between 40 and 30 and see how that feels. Thanks 🙏

[@danielmanley4160]

How do you think fishing in the magothy Is gonna look? Gonna take the yak out on Saturday

[@KambotroutFishing]

The recent rains and cold front worry me a bit, but the Magothy may still not be a bad option. Even if the snakehead aren’t hitting, the pickerel likely will.

[@seansmoak4502]

Why did you release it's against the law to release in MD kill and throw back

[@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. 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.

[@Skap91]

Do u fish the Mepps on straight braid ?

[@KambotroutFishing]

Yessir. Snakehead generally aren’t line shy. The only place I’d use a leader is in very clear water that’s heavily pressured

[@leapong5936]

Can u ell me where is the places called please

[@jamiemckenzie101]

What’s your go to color mepps spinner I normally use a #4 gold dressed in white

[@KambotroutFishing]

I usually prefer the #4 silver dressed in white, but fire tiger #4 def worked well on this day 👍

[@kevintaylor1434]

Nice video , but isn't it illegal to release them since they are a invasive fish.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Kevin 👍 No, not illegal here in Maryland or in most states. Their harvest is encouraged but you are allowed to release them immediately after catching them. But once they’re in your possession, like in a cooler or on a stringer, then you have to kill them.

[@Marco-kv8qr]

hey my man love the vids im in fallston area where is your spot ?! i really like it

[@KambotroutFishing]

This was upper bay, west side. Controlled access area ;)

[@brianc0019]

Great Video! 👍

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks Brian 👊

[@thealgorithm9910]

Subscribed 😉

[@KambotroutFishing]

👊🙏

[@OfftheHookOutdoors99]

This is a great video bro! I like the blue Fox spinners also. I wonder how they would work?

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks 👊 I think the Blue Fox would work very well. I haven’t looked into heavier duty Blue Fox though. I have homework now

[@OfftheHookOutdoors99]

@@KambotroutFishing lol yes let me know

[@TheLegend97.]

Is it illegal to let them go in Maryland? Here in Canada it is.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Nah, not illegal here in MD. Here you can release them back into the waters in which you caught them. But they have to be released immediately. If you put them in a cooler, livewell, or on a stringer, they have to be killed.

[@gnikmi]

Why do hide were you are at? What it's super top secrete spot?

[@KambotroutFishing]

@@gnikmi some areas require the blurring of sensitive objects. Other times I do my best to protect small waters. I’ve seen what can happen to an area that becomes too well known via social media. They’re often trashed, overfished, and sometimes shutdown to the public entirely. I’ll always try my best to not be the cause of that.

[@REStorckjr]

I was considering the slx dc but was told not to use it in brackish or salt. what are your thoughts on this?

[@KambotroutFishing]

Hmm. Haven’t heard that. I’d def spray it after use, but haven’t heard those concerns yet. You can upgrade some components to Stainless steel though.

[@charlesroberts6284]

What OZ. Mepps In-line spinner

[@justinhimmler3517]

We’re was that it seem familiar

[@KambotroutFishing]

Upper Bay, west side, restricted area 😜

[@DirtyDena]

Hey man quick question, you say use Mepps 4 but I see your using number 3 I got the 3 and it’s hard to get out there far, Which one should I use

[@KambotroutFishing]

Both #3 and #4 work very well 👍. I feel like #3 works better when conditions require downsizing

[@OfftheHookOutdoors99]

I use the Nell’s bucktails for musky a lot!

[@KambotroutFishing]

I’m going to try some upsize in-lines for snakehead very soon, hopefully tomorrow

[@Mr.Fishsnake]

Where in Maryland is this?

[@KambotroutFishing]

Upper Bay, west side. Near to Bush River.

[@barrywarren4221]

I'm going to target more SnakeHeads this year, I want to fill the freezer.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Best eating fish in freshwater 👍

[@ShooterAndo]

where in md???

[@KambotroutFishing]

Upper Chesapeake Bay Trib

[@ShooterAndo]

@@KambotroutFishing hell yea, i never have luck with snakeheads in MD

[@vb9300]

First time watcher here, have a few questions for ya. How deep was the water they were holding in and have you ever been to Aquia Creek off the Potomac? Born and raised on that creek, not a bad place for snakes, I moved about 2 hours away from that area 10 years ago but trying to get there this year. Wondered if ya been there and how the bite was these days.

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks for watching V 👍 The general depth of the water in the areas that I was casting ranged from about 5 feet down to around 1 1/2 or 2 feet closer to shore. Snakehead seemed to be holding in water that was between three and 4 feet deep and they also seem to be at least fairly close to the surface when I was getting the hits. I have been to Aquia creek but not a lot of times. Here’s a video below of one of those times if you’re interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqrMhpaOiJlgb7M

[@vb9300]

@@KambotroutFishing Yall launch out of Hope Springs Marina and go to the left? Couldnt quite tell. Generally the pads are between Willows Landing and Aquia Harbor. If you went right toward the train bridge, there is a pocket to the left which is a good hydrilla flat and has a decent creek arm flowing into it.

[@neal4reel723]

I want to fish that spot 👀👀👀

[@KambotroutFishing]

Lol, I don’t blame you at all

[@DOUBLEO_ObsessionOutdoors]

I think this year im gonna target snakeheads more with lures instead of nets lol

[@KambotroutFishing]

😂😂 I just wanna swim with em more.

[@DOUBLEO_ObsessionOutdoors]

@@KambotroutFishing lol!!!! Yea that is definitely fun too maybe you can time the spillway right this year, ill let you know when i see any in there

[@markthomas8027]

Are you supposed to be releasing snakeheads?

[@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!

[@premium9997]

Nice bro 👍💯❤️

[@KambotroutFishing]

Thanks brother 👊 Felt so good to get back on the snakehead bite

[@LoanNguyen-jf6dc]

Hi , how are you ?

[@KambotroutFishing]

Hey Loan, doing well. Too busy and not enough time to fish, but other than that, doing well. How about you?

[@LoanNguyen-jf6dc]

@@KambotroutFishing Thanks ! I am OK

[@danielburgess7785]

Maryland no longer has a 'kill on sight' clause for snakehead?

[@KambotroutFishing]

No, you can release them immediately back into the waters in which you caught them. But if you have them in your possession (on a stringer, in a cooler, etc.), you must kill them.

[@danielburgess7785]

@@KambotroutFishing So MD has admitted defeat.

[@firemanrob1988]

No MD is a kill immediately if intend to harvest. Most people harvest though. Delicious Lil bastards

[@theoutdoorfin-addicts1598]

Is this a private spot?

[@KambotroutFishing]

Military base

[@fish-o-rama]

APG

[@adrianogoncalves6476]

where is this place?

[@KambotroutFishing]

Upper Chesapeake Bay, west side

[@adrianogoncalves6476]

@@KambotroutFishing thanks bro

[@gambanteinodal1246]

I thought the Snakehead was an invasive fish you should kill..?

[@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. 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!

[@gambanteinodal1246]

@@KambotroutFishing Thank you for your very interesting reply. I will watch the interview. Very good content on your channel! Greetings from Sweden!

[@Nate_Cross]

heh.. thick'n fo sho

[@KambotroutFishing]

Man those would have been some excellent eaters. Was happy to see em swim off tho

[@hurleyfishingtv]

They are invasive, why are you releasing that fish? I thought it was illegal to release invasive fish. You should at the very least kill it and throw it back if you don't want it. There wont be any bass, crappie, blue gill, or rock in 20 years if those things are around. Not sure what the law is now but at some point it was illegal to release those 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!

[@mikenicholas6921]

It is ILLEGAL to release snakeheads in Maryland.

[@KambotroutFishing]

No, it’s not. 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!