Bowfin Introduction

     Let's talk about bowfin, or dogfish as they are commonly called.  I LOVE BOWFIN!!!!  (as evidenced by the following photo):

Bowfin, unlike some other species of fish are native to the United States.  THEY EXIST FOR A REASON!!!!!!  They are a top, if not apex, predator in a number of waterways.  Bowfin are nearly as old as dinosaurs and still have a vestigial lung that can breathe air for roughly 45 minutes.  That's right, they can exist out of the water for quite a while. 

     They are often likened to "freshwater sharks" because of their row of sharp teeth and absolutely voracious bad attitude.  They are far from docile.  They look very much like snakeheads which are making a major impact as an invasive species in many waterways.  They are in fact related to snakeheads, but are very much suited to the environments they inhabit here in the U.S.  They are an important part of every ecosystem they inhabit, so please....I'm begging every person reading this......if you catch one, please for the love of everything sacred in the world, pleeeaaassse........DO NOT KILL THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!  They are not a nuisance, there is no such thing as a trash fish, and they put up one heck of a fight!!
     Here is another picture for identifying them if you catch one:

     The black spot on their tail is a mechanism to dodge things that eat them; it mimics an eye, therefore confusing the predator to bite their tail.  This may kill the bowfin, but it gives it a much better chance of at least living with an injury rather than dying from a bite to their real head.

     Bowfin are opportunistic feeders.  They will chase a live meal or eat of chunk of something dead.  The way I catch them (yes, I do go out seeking to catch just bowfin sometimes) is with cut bait.  Liver also works and it is possible (although I've never witnessed it first hand) to catch them with a variety of artificial lures that mimic swimming fish.

     Well, there is an introduction to bowfin.  I'm sure I will have more later on one of my favorite fish in the world.

                      >{{}};>   Bluegill