All species of Florida Snakehead are illegal to possess live in the state of Florida. Possession of live Snakehead is a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine and/or 60 days in jail. Florida law also makes it a crime for anyone to release any exotic fish into state waters.
Is it illegal to own a snakehead fish?
All species of snakehead (family Channidae) are on California's list of restricted animals and cannot be imported, transported, or possessed without a permit.
What to do if you catch a snakehead fish in Florida?
- Go fishing for bullseye snakehead.
- If you catch one, do not release it! Immediately place it on ice or humanely euthanize it.
- Eat it! Bullseye snakehead is good to eat and has a mild taste.
- Report your bullseye snakehead catches to the FWC: Call the Exotic Species Hotline, 888-Ivegot1 (888-483-4681)
Should you kill snakeheads in Florida?
Snakeheadsan exotic fish that has all of us running for our lives. This invasive "Lake Monster" can live up to four hours out of water and can consume small children left unattended while playing outdoors. These fish should be killed as soon as they are caught!Nov 6, 2018
What do you do if you catch a snakehead?
- Do not release the fish or throw it up on the bank (it could wriggle back into the water).
- Kill the fish by freezing it or putting it on ice for an extended length of time.
- Photograph the fish if you have access to a camera so the species of snakehead fish can be positively identified.
Can you keep snakehead fish in Florida?
While anglers can fish for snakeheads, it's unlawful to possess, transport, or otherwise bring into the state or release any freshwater fish that's not native to the state without a permit from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
How do snakeheads impact humans?
In captivity, many will actually act shy around people. However, when guarding their eggs or young, they can become aggressive if approached. One species, the giant snakehead (Channa micropeltes) native to southeastern Asia, has been reported to be aggressive toward humans who got too close to their nest.
Is a snakehead fish poisonous?
"They have a history of being traded in the live-food fish market. Apparently, 'snakehead' has the same effect and caused some to ask if the fish are venomous. Riecke said they are not. But like a snake, northern snakeheads can crawl on land, albeit clumsily.
How do you handle a snakehead?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVGAN2f2Tjs
Should you kill a snakehead?
If you capture a snakehead fish: Do not release the fish or throw it up on the bank (it could wriggle back into the water). Remember, this fish is an air breather and can live a long time out of water. Kill the fish by freezing it or putting it on ice for an extended length of time.
What do snakehead fish taste like?
If you catch a snakehead from a clean river, you are in for a treat. Snakehead meat is very flexible and is delicious prepared in many different ways. You'll find that snakehead has a firm flaky texture. As for the taste, you will usually find that Snakehead has almost no fishy flavor at all.
Why is the snakehead good for eating?
One advantage of cooking snakehead for breakfast over other types of fish is the kitchen doesn't smell fishy when breakfast is served. Snakeheads don't have a fishy smell or taste, even when it's cooked.