Mattawoman 9/11 - the "I'm gonna need a bigger net" report

[HJS]

dinscore - That's a great looking Gyotaku of a snakehead... and your first attempt too!!! I'd rather have that framed and on the wall than a conventional mount.

[vballbach]

I would double check on the regulations but I believe that a gaft is not permitted in MD water (atleast the bay).

[dinscore]

Thanks for the heads up on the gaff. I searched through the Maryland fishing rules PDF and the only mention of a gaff regulation was that it is illegal to use when landing striped bass. There was no mention of it being illegal to carry one. And on the subject of snakeheads they seem very liberal in snagging, hooking, spearing, etc... when it comes to their removal. It's even specified that it's permitted to remove their heads and tails after landing. If anyone hears of any specific gaff rules please call them out. In the meantime I'm planning to take my chances that a DNR official will be OK with a snakehead-only-gaff carrier.

[dinscore]

Had some friends over yesterday evening and we all quite enjoyed a dinner of roast snakehead (salt and Old Bay coated crust -- stuffed with heirloom tomatoes, rosemary, and lemon thyme). Some before and after pics...
IMG_2724.jpgIMG_2726.jpg

[whenican]

Well done, dinscore! I'm getting hungry just looking at your cooked sh pix. In regards to the gaff, just give dnr a call to get the official call. I caught 4 sh from shore that same day...they were quite active and they give great pullage when they want. Thx for your report...I enjoy reading them.

[dinscore]

Thanks! Sent DNR an email regarding the gaff and will let everyone know what they say.

[jhoss]

Dave, great write up...and in my opinion, no harm done in keeping a largemouth (especially if its going to die anyway)

[dinscore]

On the questions regarding using gaffs on snakeheads I just received this email response from the Maryland DNR...

"Hello Dave, the answer is yes; gaffs and even spears are legal for Snakeheads.

Keith Lockwood
Recreational Fisheries Outreach
Cooperative Oxford Laboratory
904 South Morris St.
Oxford, MD 21654"