New to 'Yak fishing: Trying Mattawoman Creek Sat. 04/26/14

[PudgyPrawn]

Thank You Turtle 135,

That was the answer I was looking for.
Do you, can you gut and remove the head while on the water?

What is each of your preferences? Specifically when catching a snakehead, abd in general. I started carrying an insulated fish bag for this reason ( I only went out once and was skunked ).

Thanks,
PudgyPrawn

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[VuDism]

Please don't release snakeheads back into the water.

http://www.pierandsurf.com/fishing-f...into-the-water

Apparently it is OK to release them if you don't keep them now per DNR

[buzz]

I don't see anywhere where DNR says it's okay to release snakeheads. The link I posted is straight from the DNR site.

Just saying.


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[VuDism]

I don't see anywhere where DNR says it's okay to release snakeheads. The link I posted is straight from the DNR site.

Just saying.

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Its cool.
I don't plan on releasing them anyway.

Apparently if you contact DNR and ask them they will tell you it is ok to release. Maybe they havent updated the website.. who knows. havent actually tried contacting them myself so thats that.

[PudgyPrawn]

I myself am looking forward to trying them. I understand that they are tasty.
PP

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[CB kayak 02]

Hello all,

New to 'yak fishing here, been lurking the forums for tips/tricks and finally decided to register.
Took my Sea Eagle 365 inflatable with a friend out to Roaches Run last Saturday to try out kayaking. Everything was good except didn't catch any fish. Yes, I know there is varying opinions on inflatable kayaks, but IMO, I have to do some dumb stuff to get the inflatable to sink. The materials used are pretty darn tough. Plus, I have no choice as my one and only car is a 2013 Scion FRS. I recently ordered a Sevylor K5 Hot Fish Kayak inflatable (which I will try out this weekend) as it seems to be much smaller and manageable to fish with.

Anyway, I plan on going down to Mattawoman Creek to fish for snakeheads. Been trying to fish these delicious creatures for a few years now from shore, but had no luck.. always went at the wrong places at the wrong times. Figured my best bet is to get into kayaking to catch this fish rod & reel style. I will be going with 2 friends and my dad (he grew up fishing snakeheads in Vietnam). The plan is to launch at Mattingly Ave. Park at 7am and fish upstream. I have a collection of various frogs, chatter, buzzbaits etc. I have life jacket, whistle, and repair kit for my inflatable just in case.

Any other advice and what to expect will be greatly appreciated. . .

Thanks,
Vu

Like Dave said there will probably be close to 40+ kayaks there Saturday morning for a tournament, so it may be a little crowded in the creek. Just a heads up.

[VuDism]

you know that really sucks as we planned this trip awhile back. . .

[KG703]

There's always Pohick or Leesylvania state park if you want to go for snakehead.

[VuDism]

we will see.
I may just launch from smallwood. stay out of the tourneys way further upstream.

[chex]

There is a push by some anglers to naturalize snakeheads instead of trying to eradicate them. They're fun, taste great and as far as I know, there is not yet any evidence suggesting they are actually harming the ecosystem as previously feared.

[VuDism]

There is a push by some anglers to naturalize snakeheads instead of trying to eradicate them. They're fun, taste great and as far as I know, there is not yet any evidence suggesting they are actually harming the ecosystem as previously feared.

I am definitely one of the anglers that would not want to eradicate them. I think they make the Potomac an even BETTER river to fish on

[CB kayak 02]

I am definitely one of the anglers that would not want to eradicate them. I think they make the Potomac an even BETTER river to fish on

You could launch at the top of the creek at the small bridge on 225. The snakeheads are all the way up there and should have most of that to yourself most of the day.

[Turtle135]

Do you, can you gut and remove the head while on the water?

Yes (unlike other sport fish in season) you can remove the head and gut snakeheads while on the water.

[PudgyPrawn]

Thanks again Turtle 135.
CB kayak 02.... I put in at that 225 bridge, I paddled out toward the main water and ran against dry ground. He other direction ended in very shallow water surrounded by woods. Was I in the wrong place?

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[VuDism]

You could launch at the top of the creek at the small bridge on 225. The snakeheads are all the way up there and should have most of that to yourself most of the day.

Is this what you speak of?...