Bowfin

The bowfin is considered a living fossil as the sole surviving representative of the Amiiformes

 

HOW TO IDENTIFY A BOWFIN

The bowfin is easily recognized by its flattened head; long, stout body; large mouth full of small sharp teeth; long dorsal fin that extends along most of the back; and rounded tail. In the males there is a spot surrounded by an orange-yellow halo on the upper area of the caudal peduncle. In the females the spot either is not ocellated or is lacking entirely.It is able to gulp air from the surface directly into the air bladder, which is connected to the throat and can be used as a lung. It can also withstand high temperatures, for which reasons it survives in waters unsuited to most other fishes.

WHERE TO CATCH BOWFIN

Inhabits the eastern U.S.A. from the Mississippi River basin eastward to the St. Lawrence River in the north, and southward from Minnesota to the Gulf Coast; from eastern Texas to and including all of Florida. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish

 

 

Cliffs and Steep shore banks                 Freshwater Lakes and ponds                 Gradual Shores

Holes                                                         Inlets and Outlets                                    Inside turns and curves

Islands and Sandbars                             Open Water                                             Overhanging trees and bushes

Pipers, Docks and Pilings                       Points and Break Lines                           Rocks

Dams and falls                                         Shoreline Shallows                                 Spring Holes

Sunken object                                        Walkways and Bridge                            Freshwater weed beds

HOW TO CATCH BOWFIN

It is considered poor as a food fish, but an excellent fighter, better than some highly rated game fish. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

Drift Fishing          Trolling            Still Fishing

 

BOWFIN LURES, TACKLE & BAIT

The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:

Jigs                  Leeches              Minnows

Plugs               Spinner Baits       Spoons