IN SEARCH OF SNAKEHEADS

I love my job because I get to meet the most interesting people. I can't quite remember how I met CAPTAIN STEVE CHACONAS, I think he emailed me inquiring about a forecast for a fishing trip a year ago, but I can't be sure. Anyway, Capt. Steve is a master fisherman. (Is that a correct term?) In search of bass? Head out with Capt. Steve.
But what is interesting is that lately, his business is taking a turn towards snakehead hunting. Have you heard of these things? If you haven't, you must be new to the area. Here's the skinny: There are two theories as to how these natives from northern China and northern Korea landed in north America -- either someone emptied some with the desire to fish them at a later date or an aquarium got rid of some because they might have been overwhelmed by their size. (This is according to an article I read by Rita Zeidner Special to Inside Smithsonian Research).
Why the concern about snakeheads? Simple: these fish are voracious eaters, often feeding on other fish's young. They tend to move in and take over. No fun for the native species. Have I mentioned their TEETH? CHOMP CHOMP. How would you like those things nibbling on your toes as you rest them over the side of your kayak? The truly unique feature that FREAKS me out and intrigues me at the same time is that these things can breathe oxygen. So, if a pond dries up, they can wriggle (walk) across land for up to 3 days to find another source of water. So, like the cockroach, they don't give up on life very easily.

(SIDE NOTE: I can't believe I can eat a breakfast sandwich as I write this blog and post these pictures!)

Alright...stay tuned for a future update about my snakehead hunting fishing trip with Capt. Steve, Big Ben, and my nephew Zach. I'll be sure to shoot some video (and not fall overboard!)