Environment

$200 to the Fisherman Who Can Land Maryland‘s ’Fish From Hell’

Maryland DNR Offers $200 Gift Cards in Contest to Catch Invasive Snakeheads

Northern snakehead. (Photo: Maryland Department of Natural Resources)

With razor sharp teeth and a freakishly long tongue — for a fish — the invasive northern snakehead is decimating the native fish population in Maryland’s bodies of water, not to mention other surrounding states. Since 2002, the state has been battling the fish but they’re upping the ante for a second year, hosting contest with a $200 gift card to Bass Pro Shops as an incentive to the anglers who can land the invasive lunker.

(Related: Asian snakehead fish found in Maryland river, scientists say it’s aggressive and spreading)

Fox News reports the northern snakehead – a fish also known to go by “fishzilla” and “fish from hell” — are not only prolific breeders with frightening characteristics but they also can grow up to two feet long and live — gulp — for up to four days out of the water. The snakeheads are native to Asia and Africa and presumably came to the Maryland ecosystem through Asian seafood markets. The fish was first spotted in 2002 in Crofton pond and eradication efforts — including killing all fish in the pond with a pesticide — were successful. But it was really too late. The fish had already spread to other water ways, including the Potomac River.

“We do not want snakeheads in our waters,” said DNR Inland Fisheries Director Don Cosden in a statement on the reward system.. “This initiative is a way to remind anglers that it is important to catch and remove this invasive species of fish.”

Maryland DNR Offers $200 Gift Cards in Contest to Catch Invasive Snakeheads

(Photo: AP/Leslie E. Kossoff)

This is the second year the DNR has held this competition and last year it reeled in more than 170 snakeheads. If you’re going to be out fishing for the beasts, here‘s some advice from last year’s winner:

“These fish clobber any type of moving bait you throw,” said Rodney Hose of Lexington Park, who won the Bass Pro Shops gift card in last year’s contest. “When they smash into your lure, be prepared for a fight — especially if they are around some sort of cover.”

Maryland DNR Offers $200 Gift Cards in Contest to Catch Invasive Snakeheads

(Photo: MDNR/Flickr/James Berry)

Maryland DNR Offers $200 Gift Cards in Contest to Catch Invasive Snakeheads

(Photo: MDNR/Flickr/Dan Betz)

Check out this video for more information on how to catch them:

For those who bring in one of the invaders, they need to submit a photo of themselves with their dead catch to dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/fishingreport/log.asp. A drawing for three $200 gift cards from among participants will occur at the end of November. Other incentives for prize-winners include a Maryland State Passport, which provides unlimited day-use entry for up to ten passengers in a vehicle, unlimited boat launching at State Park facilities and a 10 percent discount on State-operated concessions and boat rentals, or a Potomac River Fisheries Commission fishing license.

Although the initiative can help reduce the population to an extent, officials have reasonable expectations as to the effect and don’t expect overfishing to get rid of the pests.

Maryland DNR Offers $200 Gift Cards in Contest to Catch Invasive Snakeheads

(Photo: MDNR/Flickr/A.V. Carl)

“We don’t expect that anglers will eradicate the snakehead population,” said Joe Love, DNR Tidal Bass program manager, in a statement. “We do believe this promotion and inspiration of anglers can help control the snakehead population. The information we gain from the Angler’s Log reports are also helpful in assessing the abundance, spread and impact of these feisty fish.”

National Geographic has more on the invasion of the snakehead in this video:

Comments (95)

1 2
  • ronin_6
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:34pm

    snake head vs musky. Odds anyone?

    Report Post » ronin_6  
    • its_time_to_arrest_our_government
      Posted on April 7, 2012 at 1:26am

      its what you get when you mix Maxine Waters with Nancy Pelosi , Shelia Jackson lee and Anthoney Weiner . Mickiel Moore likes em fried in lard from Barbra Boxers butt.

      Report Post »  
    • RugerHoyt
      Posted on April 9, 2012 at 2:11pm

      @Ronin, If you had two fish that were the same size, I would put money on the snake head, but if you had a full grown musky and a full snake head, I would take the musky.

      Report Post »  
  • ContinentalArmy
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 4:51pm

    Obama and “The Fish From Hell” look alike and have the same attitude.

    Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:34pm

      That’s because they are both natives of Africa. They both tend to destroy native species.

      Report Post »  
  • Constructionist
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 4:10pm

    More illegal immigrants

    Report Post » Constructionist  
    • GSDMan
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:29pm

      In Maryland they’re called New Americans.

      Report Post »  
    • mrfred
      Posted on April 7, 2012 at 12:02am

      And they bring their dirty habits, their dirty food and their diseases.

      Report Post »  
  • Cemetery
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 4:02pm

    If Obama had a son he would look like ‘fish from hell.’

    Report Post » Cemetery  
  • DareToBeWise
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:55pm

    Are you kidding, the government is actually encouraging people to come here. Don’t you know we have had for many years a “Diversity Lottery” run by our government that pays people to come here. All you have to do is fill out an application and turn it. Then they pick so many people each year to come here and live forever!

    Report Post »  
  • pap pap
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:25pm

    You see communists aren’t the only ones spreading all over the country. Maybe the communists and the snakeheads can eat each other.

    Report Post »  
  • daveannapratt
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:15pm

    We call them mud fish in central Florida. They are hard to catch unless you use a steel leader.

    Report Post »  
    • Suzanne D
      Posted on April 7, 2012 at 2:53pm

      The mud fish (Amia calva) is a completely different species than the Northern Snake Head (Channa argus).

      Report Post » Suzanne D  
  • scuba13
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:01pm

    How come PETA isn’t throwing a tantrum over this?

    Report Post » scuba13  
  • wbaranowski
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:03pm

    They taste like Crispy Chicken.

    Report Post »  
  • The Sergeant Major
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:28pm

    It has the appearance of my ex-wife’s attorney or a girl I meet in Berkley. It’s time to call in airstrikes on these illegal immigrants.

    Report Post » The Sergeant Major  
  • rosecityken
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:28pm

    when i first saw it i mistook it for wasserman schultz….then i actually looked closer and saw the tell tale pelosi stretch marks….but seriously 200 bucks a head to sit drink beer and reel all day….what the hell are we all doing at work today?

    Report Post » rosecityken  
    • Pugs
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:34pm

      Actually, they aren’t paying $200 per snakehead fish. If you catch a snakehead in Maryland waters, you submit a picture and a story of your catch to a DNR website and at the end of the contest they pick 3 winners. I don’t know if DNR purchases the prizes or if they are dontated by Bass Pro but it is an ok way to get people to remove this highly invasive species from our waters.

      Report Post »  
    • mtcountrygrl
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:08pm

      A local hunting organization did the same thing here. $100 bucks a head for shooting invasive wolves. “Reintroduced” by our government, they are decimating local wildlife, mainly our Elk population. When we finally got them removed from the endangered species list and fought hard against the radiacal greenies and got a hunt approved.

      Report Post »  
  • heyjim55
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 12:32pm

    The state should contact Purina or other pet food companies to offer commercial harvesting of these fish, those corporations have the money to invest in harvesting these fish for pet food and hatchery food. It’s worth inquiring about since they could remove the fish more efficiently than the state outside of pesticides and put the harvest to good use.

    Report Post »  
    • Br@dley
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 12:46pm

      actually, i heard these fish actually taste good.

      Report Post » Br@dley  
  • Grawpy
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 12:09pm

    “Dangdest lookin’ snake I ever saw!” Joe Biden

    Report Post » Grawpy  
  • qpwillie
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 12:02pm

    “A single female can lay up to 150,000 eggs.”

    Wow!!! I wonder how many a married one can lay.

    Report Post » qpwillie  
    • Bombgod1
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 12:56pm

      Not as many if you keep her in the kitchen….

      Sorry, just too hard to miss that softball pitch.

      Report Post » Bombgod1  
    • garylee123
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:13pm

      Good one

      Report Post »  
    • brickmoon
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:21pm

      We have to end the pelicans’ war against snakeheads. The problem is, the fish want to stay in schools, but just can’t afford spawn control, so they end up floundering. Some flukes even have to choose whether to have roe or wade. Let’s stop the hake speech!

      Report Post » brickmoon  
    • The Sergeant Major
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:35pm

      Brick! You have to stop; you’re a puffer and very bucktoothed. And before you pull the trigger and start lion or throwing any stones, just think about emperor. BTW All puns intened!

      Report Post » The Sergeant Major  
    • blackyb
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:55pm

      Lol.

      Report Post » blackyb  
    • Right wing nut job
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:23pm

      We all know that once she gets married laying is no longer a priority.

      Report Post » Right wing nut job  
    • Sig Sauer Guy
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:01pm

      “A single female can lay up to 150,000 eggs.”

      Could it be that the snakehead that layed that many eggs was the Octomom of the fish world?

      Report Post » Sig Sauer Guy  
    • trinklefinder
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:10pm

      lol, you guys. thanks for the chuckle.

      Report Post » trinklefinder  
    • USAMEDIC3008
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:31pm

      Holy Carp…..
      If it smells like fish Eat it

      Report Post » USAMEDIC3008  
  • SpaceCoyote
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:53am

    these are babies compared to the Giant Snakehead. That type of snakehead can get up to 6 feet long and weigh as much as a child. Better yet, during spawn the male will guard and corral the fry while the female patrols far from the brood and attacks anything she comes across. Even people. They have been known to cause severe and life threatening wounds.

    Report Post »  
  • justangry
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:46am

    As much I’d love to snag a few of those on the fly rod, I do worry about the smallmouth population if they manage to find their way to Ohio.

    Report Post » justangry  
    • chazde3
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:50am

      I have the same concerns about Michigan’s sport fishing industry. Though I would love to fight to bring a couple in on the line, I hope they never make it this far.

      Report Post »  
  • Grillmark55
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:40am

    It‘s Bush’s fault!

    Report Post » Grillmark55  
  • floridacockleburr
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:39am

    I caught this fish once. Divorced now though.

    Report Post » floridacockleburr  
  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:30am

    Since most of obama’s supporters are out fishing anyway, why not require 1 snakehead for every check cut to them?

    Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
    • objectivetruth
      Posted on April 10, 2012 at 10:24am

      Are you certifiable?If not let me be the first to tell you you should be.I haven’t seen a obama supporter fish .It requires work patience and diligence.Something most of them won‘t and or can’t do.,

      Report Post »  
  • dannyo
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:51am

    that fish looks like it could barhetoric insane obeymes son..

    Report Post »  
  • jnobfan
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:47am

    All you need to do is catch one – take a photo give it to your buddy who takes a photo – put it in the freezer and repeat until you have Vegas money.

    Report Post »  
    • EqualJustice
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:53am

      You think like a Democrat.

      Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • texchris
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:14am

      There is a drawing for only 3 cards,..Not everybody gets the 200 dollar cards. Try reading the article before you post.

      Report Post »  
  • objectivetruth
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:41am

    I’d dearly love to have a go at fishing for them.Don’t have the money or time this weekend.Will definitly put it on my to do list though.What I am curious about is this?Why does the picture on the front page look more like a dog toad or even angler fish rather than the snake head?Snakeheads look a bit like grindles[bowfins].In fact the virginia dgif has a explaination page so that non natives can tell the difference.There are other ways to tell however they are not scientific.They can’t be relied on with one hundred percent certainty.However here they are.Snakeheads can live in anoxic waters they however prefer bodies of water with a current.Bowfins don’t .They have a tendency to live in stagnant water.Snakehead are aggresive.Bowfins as a rule aren‘tWhile a bowfin puts up a good fight on a line they aren’t genuinely aggressive towards people.Snakehead from what I’ve learned are or should I say can be.Also Please don’t confuse them with chainsides[southern pickeral/pike].There markings are very similar and the fight is to.They can be found in the same conditions.Around ledges and vegetation.
    Please make sure you have the right fish.

    Report Post »  
    • texchris
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:17am

      Wow,somebody read Wikipedia trying to make himself look smart.

      Report Post »  
    • THE_END_IS_NEAR
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:56pm

      I thought that pic was of Pelosi…

      Report Post » THE_END_IS_NEAR  
    • asybot12
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:39pm

      @tex at least he can read, more to be said for that than your inane post

      Report Post »  
    • Wolf
      Posted on April 7, 2012 at 6:43pm

      Sorry, Objective- that fish doesn’t even come close to having the markings of a chain pickerel, not even the lesser species. There is a resemblance in the mouth, but the body isn’t even close.
      As for the earlier question of the battle between this fish and a muskie- HA! the muskie would eat it for a snack and come back for thirds and fourths and…
      And before you decide to tell me how much it looks like a northern, I’m going to tell you that northern pike and musky are my two fave gamefish- and I catch of LOT of them every year.

      Report Post »  
    • objectivetruth
      Posted on April 10, 2012 at 10:32am

      @wolf
      The muskie would win hands down.I’m not sure about the comparsion of looks to a northern pike.However when small is does favor a pickeral[southern pike]Northern pike and southern pickeral are in the same fanily but don’t look as close as you might imagine they would.I actually had to look up the snake head compared to snakehead.It had been that long since I had caught a chain side.The looks are spookily similar when smaller.That was the only reason I mentioned it.Hoping to save someonw else time and trouble.

      Report Post »  
  • Millhouse2therescue
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:30am

    I know that this VA boy is doing this Sunday. Time to bring home the bacon!!

    Report Post » Millhouse2therescue  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:20am

      Best wishes, from what I understand these things fight harder than a tarpon; or an enraged badger having a bad hair day. Bring the limit home.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Cat
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:16pm

      Good luck Mill
      With a lot of tenderizing and the proper breading, gators don’t taste like chicken either …

      Report Post » Cat  
  • Browncoat Marc
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:30am

    The reason these fish were imported was to be eaten. SO they obviously are good to eat. No limit on this fish and you can eat them. Plus the fish police will only say good job no matter how small the one you catch is. This is the fish to go after for your fish fry. I say get out there and catch them. Watch out though because they are mean.
    Remember No limits on the number or size on this fish. The more you catch the happier everyone will be with you. Good to eat and in far too abundant numbers for anyone. Get out there and catch these bad boys. Fill up the freezer or just have a great church supper fish fry with these.

    Report Post » Browncoat Marc  
    • Diego Roswell
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:09am

      These fish were accidentally (on purpose) released by some asian that released them as part of a ceremony. The fish used to be sold live as food at asian markets before being banned as imports. These fish were also popular tropical fish (when small) for aquarists. Many aquarists released them when they outgrew their tanks. Similar stories can found with Florida’s pythons, SW USA ants, bees, and worse to come, tuberculous. What do all of these problems have in common? Illegal immigration and liberal democrat environmentalists.

      Report Post » Diego Roswell  
    • PhantomsPhorever
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 12:52pm

      Snakehead report from Florida Here. I live in Margate and the “River Monsters” episode was filmed one block from my house. I have been watching these guys for five years now intently from my wildlife observatory (upstairs bathroom window). I am an avid fisherman both fresh water and salt, just thought I‘d share a few things I’ve run into the last five years. First down here, we have the “bullseye snakehead”. Biggest I’ve caught was 3.5′ long and probably 12 lbs. As to the fight, they fight comparibly to a redfish of larger size. If they jump and tail walk on the surface, it is very impressive to see. They were put here by owners of chinese restaurants who believe they have medicinal powers. I have been told by two very respectable bass fisherman that they are indeed excellent table fare. Have not eaten one since I just don’t eat fish from fresh water south of Okeechobee, but may take the plunge.

      I have watched many snakeheads raise their babies. One parent will face the shore about 1″ off the waters edge with the snakeheads in a cloud around their head, then the other will face out into the water about two feet. I have waded within 3 feet of the one with babies and they do not flee. They are extremely good parents. Their reputation as a game fish I find very exagerated. They are actually quite hard to catch with any consistency compared to large mouth bass. A study was done recently and 1000 were harvested, their diet was mostly baby SH’s and cichlids.

      Report Post »  
    • Johnny Cocheroo
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:55pm

      Interesting

      Thanks Phantom

      Report Post »  
    • trinklefinder
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 6:17pm

      lol at phantoms wildlife observatory.

      Report Post » trinklefinder  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:10am

    Damned thing looks like Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Grasshopper42
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:19am

      Damn, your right! It does . . .

      Report Post » Grasshopper42  
    • huey6367
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:21am

      Nah, the fish looks better

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:27am

      Thank God it can’t talk.

      Report Post »  
    • bigbear_awake
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:37am

      did it get to mail in it’s ballot? get the rest of it’s family they need to vote to

      Report Post » bigbear_awake  
    • ThomasUSA
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:15am

      No… it would have to have the head stuck in the other end for it to look like Debbie!

      Report Post » ThomasUSA  
    • objectivetruth
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:23am

      For gods sake Why put the fish down?At least it has a purpose.

      Report Post »  
    • Obama Snake Oil Co
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:55am

      I am not so sure about that, thinking more like Nancy Pelosi…that one picture…that has got to be botox, it looks dead!

      Report Post » Obama Snake Oil Co  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:05am

      Sorry Gonzo, I don‘t think that fish’s tongue is forked. But, on another note they need to call in Jeremy Wade to do one of his River Monster shows there. Just keep a team of locals with him to kill the catches. He always catches and releases.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • possom
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:21am

      I can’t believe you would insult a fish like that.

      Report Post » possom  
    • Persimmon Knob
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:33pm

      My first thought was the Miculsky (sp?) witch but Watereddown- Schlitz may be closer

      Report Post » Persimmon Knob  
    • Salamander
      Posted on April 7, 2012 at 10:13am

      Yes, and it ‘eats your babies’, too!

      Report Post »  
    • Liberty41
      Posted on April 8, 2012 at 5:35am

      Or Nancy…..maybe Waters ??? hard to tell, they ALL look alike.

      Report Post »  
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