A good view of a small male Bowfin.......

Comment

Comment by Leo Nguyen on May 6, 2013 at 12:34pm

Wow. Scary looking missile you got there. Imagine the larger ones in the water. You know, when you land both the gator and bull shark in one of the waters, I believe you've conquered your territory. May want to join up with Jeremy Wade on his adventures.

Comment by Mark Stine on May 6, 2013 at 9:33am

boga grips make mudfish more fun!  Virginia even has a trophy "citation" if you get a bowfin greater than 10# or 30"! (I won't be trying for it)

Comment by Jeffrey D. Abney on May 6, 2013 at 9:05am

I agree Garrett but a necessary evil here in the brackish waters of Northeast N.C.....I truly believe that their presence helps to balance our predator/prey population and thus we consistently catch larger gills....Again, just a theory of mine, but I catch big Bowfin in all locations that hold big bluegill in my waters.......

Comment by Garrett Ritter on May 5, 2013 at 5:33pm

The one I caught was in a boat house and I mistook it for a big bass.  We've caught them on jugs and they aren't too pleasant on them either.  They are an interesting fish, but not too fun to deal with. 

Comment by Jeffrey D. Abney on May 5, 2013 at 5:26pm

I hear you guys.....most people that fish with me end up catching one and although they enjoy the battle they soon realize the adventure of unhooking them and that can be a tall chore.......

Comment by Garrett Ritter on May 5, 2013 at 4:52pm

One of my worst experiences fishing was because of one of these. I ruined a spinnerbait and got very muddy in the attempt to land a five pound grennel as we call them.  It was a decent fight but not worth it. 

Comment by dick tabbert on May 5, 2013 at 4:24pm

Now that guts not pretty at all. I think being down south you have an over abundance of them cause no one wants them and troughs them back. Up north they kill them but the best thing is not to catch one.