How to catch Northern Snakehead
Gear you will need
When it comes to equipment for catching Northern snakehead in the USA, there are a few things to consider: RWhen it comes to equipment for catching Northern snakehead in the USA, there are a few things to consider: Rod and reel: A medium-heavy to heavy rod with a fast action is recommended, as Northern snakeheads can be quite strong and put up a good fight. A baitcasting reel or a spinning reel with a high gear ratio is also recommended. Line: Braided line with a test strength of at least 50-65 pounds is recommended, as Northern snakeheads have sharp teeth that can easily cut through monofilament or fluorocarbon lines. Lures: Northern snakeheads are aggressive predators that will strike a variety of lures, including topwater lures, swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. It's a good idea to have a few different types of lures on hand to see what the fish are biting on. Terminal tackle: When using lures, it's recommended to use a wire leader to prevent the fish from biting through the line. A 30-40 pound wire leader is usually sufficient. If using live bait, a circle hook in size 3/0 to 5/0 is recommended. Other equipment: A landing net and pliers or a hook remover tool can be useful for safely landing and releasing the fish. It's also a good idea to wear polarized sunglasses to help spot fish in the water. It's important to note that regulations regarding fishing equipment and techniques can vary by state and by body of water, so be sure to check local fishing regulations before heading out.
Fishing Techniques
There are several techniques that can be effective for catching Northern snakehead in the USA. Here are some of the most popular:
Topwater lures: Northern snakeheads are aggressive predators and will often strike topwater lures such as frogs, poppers, or buzzbaits. These lures imitate the snakehead’s natural prey, and can be fished along the surface of the water to entice strikes.
Swimbaits: Soft plastic swimbaits can be an effective lure for Northern snakehead. They can be rigged on a weighted swimbait hook and fished through cover or along the bottom of the water.
Spinnerbaits: Spinnerbaits can also be effective for catching Northern snakehead. These lures have a spinning blade that creates vibration and flash, which can attract fish. They can be fished through cover or along the edge of weed beds.
Live bait: Live bait such as minnows, shad, or sunfish can be effective for catching Northern snakehead. They can be fished on a circle hook under a bobber, or rigged with a weight and fished along the bottom of the water.
Fly fishing: Fly fishing for Northern snakehead can be challenging but rewarding. Streamer flies that imitate small fish or crayfish can be effective. It’s important to use a heavy leader and tippet to handle the fish’s strong and sharp teeth.
