Bowfin in Florida

Meet the species

Bowfin
Image credit: © duane raver, jr.

Scientific name

Amia calva

Overview

Prefers swamps, or backwaters of lowland streams. They live in warm, poorly oxygenated waters.

Typical size

Big catch minimum: 28 inches or 8 lbs

At a glance

Water
Freshwater
Bait
Mudfish, another frequenlty used nickname for these fish & strike topwater and deep-running lures but are most often caught on live bait.

Florida fishing record

Weight
19 lb
Location
Lake kissimmee, osceola county
Date
Oct 5, 1984
Angler
Jim brown
Type
Florida state record

Open record source

Record catch notes

19.0 lb; by jim brown; on 10/5/1984; at lake kissimmee, osceola county

When to fish

Good months

January–december

Season notes

Intentional year round: Florida freshwater sport fish generally available year-round; peak months only when FWC When-to-Fish states them.

More season details

Where to fish

Water

Freshwater

Habitat

Prefers swamps, or backwaters of lowland streams. They live in warm, poorly oxygenated waters.

More locations and access

How to catch

Bass anglers are often surprised to find a bowfin has taken their lure. Mudfish, another frequenlty used nickname for these fish, strike topwater and deep-running lures but are most often caught on live bait. It is a better fighter, than some highly rated game fish. The flesh is jelly-like, but can be prepared smoked, fried as patties or stewed. Image credit: © duane raver & jr.

Bait

Mudfish, another frequenlty used nickname for these fish & strike topwater and deep-running lures but are most often caught on live bait.

Lures

Bass anglers are often surprised to find a bowfin has taken their lure. Mudfish, another frequenlty used nickname for these fish & strike topwater and deep-running lures but are most often caught on live bait.

Videos

Sources

Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.