Maryland Snakehead "anglers"

[ShipOfFools37]

There is a healthy population of northern snakehead (Channa argus) in Maryland waters. They have taken hold all throughout the Potomac River, even above Great Falls, there have been at least 2 caught up near Annapolis, and there have been approximately 5 caught in Delaware waters. You can sit here and argue with me and discount this all you want. I have seen them first hand. I have seen nests of upwards of 10,000 juveniles to females upwards of 16 lbs. I've caught them, I've tagged them and I've spoken with several anglers who have caught tagged fish. There are currently several fishing guides offering snakehead specific trips on the Potomac. There is also a large bowfishing contingent that loves to fish the snakeheads. The recreational traditional anglers are catching them on different bass lures, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, plastic frogs and poppers. Anything that comes across the nest is generally attacked as they're quite territorial. There is extensive research being done through the state and federal government, however there is no solution to eradicating the snakeheads from Maryland waters. They are here to stay.

Should you not believe me. Check out this website. This is the Maryland Angler's Log. Almost everyday, more snakeheads are reported on this site. There are pictures and descriptions of where they're being caught.

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/fishingreport/log.asp#logStart

So, yes, snakeheads have established a foothold in Maryland waters. It is as bad as everyone claims and I can personally vouch for it. Best case scenario, they find their own niche and don't kill off any other established species. Worst case, snakeheads eradicate populations of native species.

 

[ShipOfFools37]

The Potomac, is Maryland. The state line between Maryland and Virginia is on the Virginia shoreline of the Potomac River, making the River itself, Maryland. While you don't want to talk DC, which is fine, DC is only a very small portion of the Potomac River. Maryland and Virginia make up the majority of the Potomac shoreline.