What is the ugliest fish in Virginia?  Bullhead and Flathead Catfish immediately come to mind for freshwater anglers. Neither of these would win a beauty contest even if judged by their own mothers.  But, in the waters of and near the Chesapeake Bay, there is a creature that would make either catfish look like a Rainbow Trout in comparison. 

The Oyster Toadfish is not the kind of thing most anglers want at the end of their lines.  It has a broad head with whiskers on its cheeks and jaws.  Though its teeth are not sharp, the jaws are strong enough to crack shells.  The "toad" feeds on oysters, clams, crabs, and anything it can fit into it's big mouth.  Most specimens are about 12 inches long.

The fish is edible.  When unhooking a toad, watch your fingers.  If you aren't lucky enough to catch one, feel free to stop by the aquarium room at the York River State Park's visitor's center.  I just caught a small one (by minnow trap) in Taskinas Creek.  It is in the estuarine habitat aquarium hiding among the rocks and shells