These fishes are notoriously strong fighters, earning the nickname ‘junkyard dog’ by many anglers. A bowfin can grab your bait and then take off like a jet, looking for the closest weedy cover to swallow it. Anglers should let the fish run for about 5-10 seconds after setting the hook. Anglers should prepare for a battle after hooking a bowfin; these fish will turn, twist, and jump once you hook it.
Based on the bowfin mood, you will have to agitate a little to get them to bite. If you dangle the bait loudly right in front, it will help entice a bite.
Bowfins have muscular bodies, sharp teeth, and powerful jaws. So, landing your catch might prove to be a challenge. So, ensure you carry a good pair of fish hook removers and a fish gripper. Like northern pike and muskie, bowfin has sharp razor teeth that can smoothly slice through a braided line. This means a steel leader is a must. Bowfins have tough skulls and jaws.
To penetrate their lips, you need a sharp, strong hook with a long shank. Be sure to sharpen your hooks before you target a bowfin.
Techniques
The local experts prefer a heavy steelhead rig or a lighter stout crankbait rig to handle these bowfin fishes’ strength. The crucial factor when catching these firm sport fish is the line. The power of fluorocarbon makes this the best choice, especially for spinning setups. A moderate-test braided line is an excellent option for baitcasting rigs. A 17 to 35-pound test is generally a good option for these grindle game fishes.
The top baits for bowfin fishing are nightcrawlers, minnows, salamanders, frogs, chatter baits and stinkbait. Other good options to use for catching bowfin are crayfish and other crustaceans. A shiny spinner with bait on the hook is often productive in the murky brackish waters.
Edibility
Several anglers consider them trash fish and not good enough for table fare, but they can be pretty tasty if prepared properly. Most of the time, anglers go after this fish only for sport as it is not the most popular fish to eat. Bowfin fish might not be known as the river’s tastiest fish, but it can be prepared enough to justify serving it at the dinner table.
Bowfin Record
The longest bowfin that has ever been caught measures 34.3 inches in length. The largest bowfin caught by an angler in South Carolina weighed 21 pounds.
