A bowfin is long and olive, with a dorsal fin running most of the length of its back, a mouth full of small sharp teeth and a gas bladder that works like a lung, so it copes with warm, still water where other fish struggle. It lies up in weed and lily pads and grabs whatever moves past. Hooked, it thrashes, rolls and bolts for cover, and it keeps fighting right to the side of the boat. They are not much prized as food, and most are put back.
Our bowfin boat is Swampdog Tours, which fishes the backcountry water around Weston, on the edge of the Everglades. Capt. Jonathan names bowfin among the fish his trips go for, so a bowfin morning is usually a mixed bag with bass and gar. Expect to cast spinners, plugs or poppers tight to the weed edges from a 22 foot Carolina Skiff, with the captain and a first mate on board. He supplies rods, reels and lures, and live bait is included.
Trips are private, for up to 6. Most start at 07:00 and run two or four hours, there is a six hour day from 06:30, and a two hour evening trip goes out at 19:30. You buy your own Florida fishing licence before you go. If bowfin are what you are after, say so when you book, so the time goes on the slow, weedy water where they live rather than on snook.
Questions and answers
Short answers to what people ask before they book. Anything else, ask the captain in chat.
Are bowfin a real target on Swampdog Tours or just a bonus fish?
A real target. Capt. Jonathan lists bowfin among the fish his Weston trips go for, and they share the weedy canal water with bass and gar. Tell him you want them when you book, and a two or four hour morning from 07:00 gives time to work the weed edges.
What tackle is used for bowfin out of Weston?
Mostly lures on spinning tackle: spinners, plugs and poppers worked along the weed. Capt. Jonathan also offers fly fishing if you want to try one on the fly. Rods, reels and lures are supplied.