Also known as Frankenfish, Haruan, and the "Serpent-headed Fish," Snakehead is infamous as the most invasive freshwater fish in Florida. One of the most popular game fish in its native Southeast Asian waters, Snakehead made its first appearance in the C-14 canal in 2000. Since then, there was hardly any other species with a bigger price on its head. There's still a lot of controversy about releasing these invaders back into their non-native waters, but one thing's for sure – battling the Snakehead fish Florida has to offer is at the top of the list for many recreational anglers looking to try something different and exciting.
Where to Catch Snakeheads in Florida
Wondering where to catch Snakehead in Florida? This warm-water species cannot survive in water colder than 50 degrees, so their distribution is limited to South Florida. The C-14 canal in Broward County where it all started is still the Snakehead fishing epicenter, but this air-breathing species managed to expand its range. Today, anglers catch Snakehead as far south as North Miami, and as far north as Wellington.
Some of Florida’s hottest Snakehead fishing locations include Margate, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Markham Park, Hillsboro Canal, Sunrise, Tamarac, Coconut Creek, and Cypress Creek. The Deerfield Beach area is a Snakehead record holder, where a 15 lb specimen was caught in May 2015.
You can find them in numerous drainage canals connecting the communities mentioned above, in both residential and industrial areas. Some of these fisheries can be accessed on foot, but flats boats are a better choice, especially considering that the banks of many of these canals are private property and a part of residents' backyards. Snakehead also populate various streams, rivers, lakes, and impoundments. Thanks to their air-breathing ability, they can survive in worse water quality than other residential species.
Shallow and narrow canals are always a safe bet and Snakehead can be caught just a couple of feet from shore. It's also not uncommon to catch them in deeper ponds, but they do prefer shallows. Like many predators, Snakehead love structure that gives them a hideout and an opportunity to ambush their prey. They can often be found in canal cutouts, near docks, under palm fronds and timber, and near dense weed lines and culvert pipes.
How to Fish
- So how can you catch a Bullseye Snakehead and become the ultimate snake charmer? Keep in mind they don't usually school like other species, so you'll have to change spots more often. You'll also need to be pretty stealthy since they can be very sensitive to any sounds and vibrations – make sure to spot them before they spot you!
- What's the best tackle to tackle Snakehead? They're known for putting a great fight and testing both anglers' tackle and skills. A 6–7’ medium-heavy rod paired with a baitcasting or spinning reel is proven to be efficient. Many recommend 40–50 lb test braided line.
- Fly fishing for Snakehead is also a great way to test your skills, and it’s advised that you use a 30–40 lb test fluorocarbon shock leader. Sight fishing is the most common technique, especially when targeting monster Snakes, so make sure you have polarized sunglasses with you.
- These predators have a broad diet – they eat smaller fish and crayfish, lizards, snakes, toads, small turtles, minnows, snails, etc. The best Snakehead lures are topwater baits and Texas-rigged plastics. Topwater lures are the most efficient when fishing the canals, while Texas-rigged plastics are usually used when working the deeper ponds, along with spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. Various types of topwater frogs are proven to be the most efficient out of all Snakehead fishing lures – hollow body frogs, soft plastic frogs, and hybrids of frogs and ducks all work perfectly. Topwater walk-the-dog lures are an excellent choice when the area’s not too grassy.
- Regardless of the setup, focus on precise casts, stealth, and patience. The Snakes are known for being spooky and very sensitive to both sound and movement. You'll also have to be patient to improve the strike/catch ratio – give them a couple of seconds to take the bait properly before you drive the hook. As mentioned, Snakehead love praying near any kind of structure and hiding under the shadows, so try casting a couple of feet from where they're located.
- Snakehead Florida has to ofer are known for being less spooky during the night and tend to come out of their hideouts, so night fishing can be very productive and fun. They can be found in more open waters, and the only thing you'll need is a good flashlight. Make sure to turn it off as soon you spot them, cast a bit farther than where you saw them, and then reel the bait slowly past them.
When to Go
Having in mind that these invaders are a tropical species, it's no wonder that Florida Snakehead fishing is best during spring and summer days. May and early June are prime time for hunting them since this is the peak of their spawning season (with another peak in August). They can be found in the skinniest parts of canals and lakes when spawning, which makes this time of year perfect for sight fishing!
And when you do catch your monster Snake, what's next? Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission strongly discourages releasing them. Possessing them live or releasing them into another body of water is illegal. Snakehead is one of the rare species without bag limits in Florida and they're famous as one of the most delicious freshwater species, so don't miss the opportunity to make an unforgettable dinner for your friends and family.
