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Post by Hardcorehunter on Jun 13, 2007 21:11:45 GMT -5
I found this paragraph interesting, posted on smithsonian.com.
If northern snakeheads do have some ecological impact in the Potomac, largemouth bass are likely to suffer, says U.S. Geological Survey fishery biologist Walter Courtenay, who in 2002 wrote a snakehead risk assessment for the agency. The two species have similar habitats and would probably eat each other’s young. Capt. Steve Chaconas, one of only a few full-time fishing guides on the Potomac, does not like snakeheads one bit. “Of course, I’m worried about what potential it could have to impact the fishery,” he says. “Also because I’m a businessperson and my business relies entirely on people coming here to fish.” Even now, he says, customers ask how much the snakeheads have hurt fishing. It’s hard to estimate the extent of the snakehead’s impact on largemouth bass and other Potomac species. The northern snakehead was introduced to rivers in Japan in the early 20th century, but there has been little study of its ecological effects there. (The largemouth bass, native to North America, was introduced to Japanese waters in 1925 and is reportedly terrorizing native fish and snakeheads alike.)
Bass kicking Ass!!!! ;D
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Post by davep on Jun 15, 2007 16:29:58 GMT -5
Yet largemouth aren't native to the Potomac. Same with channel cats, blue cats...........
Once the flatheads take over, they'll eat 'em like spaghetti!
I'm more curious as to how big the snakeheads will get here. I've heard from someone who has handled quite a few, that he saw one pushing 20#.
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Post by THE DEER HUNTER on Jun 18, 2007 8:17:00 GMT -5
I spoke with a guy yesterday who caught 3 of them one evening in Douge creek. All ranging from 20 to 28 inches. His estimate of weight was 5 to 7 pounds. A 20 pounder would be huge. A buddy of mine caught a 23 inch fish & I would have estimated the weight of that one to be 3 1/2 to 4 pounds.
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Post by davep on Jun 18, 2007 15:05:10 GMT -5
They get thick! I saw a 10+ lber couple weeks ago,(can't remember exact weight,but it was confirmed) that was being held in a tank. And like I said, the guy who told me about the one he estimated at 20# has handled hundreds of them,and been in the fish biz a LONG time.
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Post by THE DEER HUNTER on Jun 18, 2007 15:20:50 GMT -5
I looked at the guy's picture again & would revise my estimate of his 23 inch fish to the 6 or 7 pound range. They do get pretty thick. He said it put up a pretty good fight too - I'm sure a 20# fish would be even better.
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Post by Hardcorehunter on Jun 18, 2007 19:44:36 GMT -5
If I catch/shoot a snakehead, I would get him mounted for sure. That would be awesome.
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Post by Syoung on Jun 19, 2007 18:05:04 GMT -5
Illegal to shoot snakeheads at this time. I have been trying to change that as the MD BAA state rep. Max length for a norther snakehead is 36" a bowfin in that range would run about 12-15lbs.
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Post by Hardcorehunter on Jun 19, 2007 19:01:28 GMT -5
I thought the law stated everything you "couldn't" shoot. Everything else not listed was open game.
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