Bowfin
Amia calva
A living fossil dating back 150 million years, the bowfin is one of North America's most underappreciated game fish. Found throughout the Eastern United States from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast, bowfin are incredibly strong fighters that inhabit weedy backwaters and swampy habitats. Increasingly recognized by sport anglers for their violent strikes and brutal power, bowfin are gaining a devoted following.
Seasonal Activity
Best Techniques
- casting topwater lures
- live bait fishing
- fly fishing with streamers
- pitching jigs into cover
Top Baits
- live nightcrawlers
- cut bait
- topwater frogs
- crawfish
- spinnerbaits
Fishing Regulations
Season dates and limits for Bowfin, by state. This list may not cover every state yet — always confirm current rules with your state's wildlife agency before you fish.
Florida 1 zone
No size or bag limit for bowfin in Florida.
Effective 2025 · Source: myfwc.com
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