Our expert this month is Damien Cook, the world record holder for northern snakeheads and a guide for Lowland Outfitters. Since it’s getting hot out there we asked him about summer snakehead fishing.
Q: What’s your favorite lure for midsummer snakeheads, and why?
A: I am definitely a chatterbait man. My favorite would probably be the Cooker because it’s very versatile. You can fish it in open water and fish it in in deep cover, with all sorts of different retrieves.
Q: What's the best way to work it during the summer months?
A: That really depends on what the fish want that day. On the harder days I will work it in a yo-yo fashion back to the boat.
Q: Where do you look to find the fish when it’s super-hot out?
A: Grass lines, spatterdock, lily pads, hydrilla, and any place like that where there’s shade and it makes a good ambush point. Sometimes I'll find them in a little bit deeper water as well.
Q: Are dawn and dusk best for snakeheads during summer, as is the case for many other species?
A: Yes, the middle of the day in summer tends to be slow with these fish. If you have cloud cover you can have a bite mid-day but for the most part they slow down. That being said if you are persistent enough you can catch them any time of day. This is why I suggest my clients only do half days and three-quarter days in midsummer.
Q: What about tides? How do they change the game during the summer?
A: Tides can and will impact these fish any time of year. One main thing to keep in mind in summer is if the tide is low and they can’t get to any cover, there’s a good chance you’ll find them in deeper water. Remember. deep water is relative to the area you are fishing in.
Q: We've all heard that snakeheads can spawn all through the season, and everyone knows to look for fry balls. But, isn't it tough to spot them from your low position in a kayak? Any tips for spotting/identifying them, and what to look for as you gaze out across the water?
A: Standing definitely helps to spot them. The main tip I have is to pull your fishing glasses down from time to time. A good pair of polarized glasses will take the glare off and for me a lot of times that's a good way to spot the shimmer from the bubbles with all the little fry taking a breath.
Q: When you do spot one, what’s next? And, if you don't get a strike right away how long do you pound it before moving on? Any other tips for fishing them?
A: So how long I work a fry ball really depends on the size of the fish. The bigger it is the longer I stay but in general I’d say 10 to 20 minutes. But if I see a fish guarding the fry that’s big enough I might stay for an hour, or come back an hour later and try again. As for tips, change up what you’re throwing and how you’re retrieving. One of my favorite ways to fish a fry ball is to take a chatter bait and rip it through the ball.
Q: You fish with lots of different people and undoubtedly see the same mistakes over and over again. What are the three most common things that folks are likely doing which reduces their success rate for snakeheads?
A: Moving spots too quickly, getting too close and spooking them, and being too attached to one lure or lure type. I love my chatterbaits but if the fish don’t want it then it doesn’t matter what I want to throw.
Q: Open mic—anything else you'd like to say to all those anglers out there?
A: Keep a positive attitude, you will catch more fish when you’re not mad. And take every trip as a learning experience. Even skunks.
Thank you, Damien! To book a snakehead trip visit Lowland Outfitters or call (410) 443-1528.