When You See the Powerful ‘Frankenfish’ In Missouri……

Admittedly, my experience fishing is pretty limited.  Sitting on a leaky canoe with my Dad, or sitting on the banks in Knob Noster, or even that one time I caught a fish on a Science Club trip.... none of them would compare with this.

If I found one, that is.

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The Northern Snakehead fish is becoming a problem here in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.  It's a big, predator fish that.. well, can breathe out of water and has teeth.    

That's why it's called a 'Frankenfish'.

So as you can see, its already a problem on the East Coast. And they've been found here, too!  Apparently they come from China, Russia, and South Korea. They're used a lot as food, and so they're bred there.  The problem isn't necessarily the fish, but how quickly they breed.

Basically if these things are left alone where they don't belong, a LOT of species will be in trouble quick. In a few short years.   Think frogs, crawfish, salamanders, all gone.

So, the Missouri Department of Conservation has put out a warning about them. Let's talk about what they want you to do:

What Do You Do If You Catch A Frankenfish?

• Make sure it’s a snakehead, not a native bowfin. Snakeheads have a snake-like appearance with a much longer anal fin than the bowfin.
• Do not release the fish or throw it on the bank, as it could move back to the water or to a new waterbody.
• Kill the fish by severing the head, gutting it, or placing it in a sealed plastic bag.
• Photograph the fish so the species can be positively identified.
• Note the location of the catch.
• Report any catches and sightings of the fish to MDC’s Southeast Regional Office at 573-290-5730.

Now, will they be out at every fishing hole you see this summer?  No. They've been spotted at the St. Francis River levees in Dunklin County.  So think Kennett, aka southeastern Missouri.

Having said that, these things move and breed FAST.  So do keep your eyes open and maybe have your fishing group take a second before you go to learn the differences between the Northern Snakehead and the native bowfin.

Enjoy your time out on the water this spring!

Fishingly yours,

Behka