Bowfin(Amia calva)

Quick Facts

  • Other Names: Mudfish, Choupique, Grennel
  • Size Range: Up to 20 pounds
  • Native Species?: Yes
  • Food Value: Poor

State Record

  • Louisiana State Record: 20.5lbs
  • State Record Date: 4/1/1976
  • State Record Holder Brian Fant

The bowfin is from an ancient line of fishes. Long and slender, heavy scaled with an elongated dorsal fin and round tail with a dark spot. They have a large bony head with teeth for gripping prey. They can gulp air and diffuse oxygen via its swim bladder which like gar, can live in waters with low oxygen levels.

They live in many shallow, freshwater bodies and love lots of vegetation where they ambush a wide variety of prey items such as fish, frogs, snakes and baby birds.

Bowfin are usually caught on live bait and lures.

Bowfin Rules and Regulations

Size Limit : 16” min total length
Bag and Possession Limit : No limit
Seasons : Finfish
General Info:
Related Habitats:
Other Fin Fish Species: Mahogany Snapper Spotted Bass Warmouth Longear Sunfish Flathead Catfish Bonnethead Shark Atlantic Sharpnose Shark Banded Rudderfish
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Related Fishing Methods

Bottom fishing is normally about fishing bottom structures in order to target benthic or bottom dwelling fish. There are a wide variety of techniques, but the common element is the targeting of species who dwell around or hide in natural and man-made structures. Fish like grouper, snapper, amberjack and catfish would be considered bottom fish. It is very popular amongst anglers and success is often determined by the fishermen's ability to crank a fish away from the structure before the fish can duck into it and cut the line. Anchoring or drifting the boat over the structure is key to having success. There are many versions, and many of the bottom fish are prized eating.

Live bait is a term given to many different types of fish, crustaceans, insects and worms that are popular food items for fish and used by fishermen for bait. There are many benefits to live bait as well as a few cons. The pros normally out weigh the negatives, and live bait is widely used. The biggest benefit for fishermen is that they are using the real thing and often puts a fish's guard down. Small fish, crabs, shrimp, clams, crickets and the good ole earthworm are all used to entice a fish to the hook. The only negatives to live bait is just that, keeping it alive. Sometimes catching it can be a challenge, as only some species can be bought as live bait. No matter how you get it, live bait is a great way to target many types of fish.

Topwater fishing refers to the working of lures that are designed to float on the surface and twitch, splash and swim like a wounded prey. The visual aspect of the bite makes this a very popular way to fish. Most predatory fish will crash a topwater plug at one time or another. Early morning, evening times are traditionally better in freshwater and inshore saltwater fisheries. Offshore for pelagics like tuna, it is more about getting in range of feeding fish and working the lure in the zone. Hang on!