A tough primitive survivor with a long undulating dorsal fin, gular armor plate under the lower jaw, and a prominent black eye-spot (ocellus) on the tail base of males. Fights with relentless power in muddy backwaters.
Season
April – October
Where
Pocomoke River, Blackwater Refuge, Potomac Tidal Swamps
Salinity band
Inland Freshwater (0 - 3 ppt)
Status
Established Inland Freshwater Species
Record
MD Record: 15 lbs 0 oz
How we fish for them
Pitch 3/8oz black jig and pig craws or live minnows into heavy timber and swamp channels on heavy braid.
Rod: Potomac Snakehead Rod 7'3" Heavy Reel: FAIRLEAD 3000 • 30lb Braid Direct
Gear for this in the catalog →Handle with care
Safe release: Wet hands or rubber net before handling to preserve protective slime layer.
Seasons & limits are the law's, not ours
Size, season and creel rules change; always verify with the official regulations before you fish. Maryland DNR regulations →
Profile last reviewed: August 2026