Why catch a bowfin? Bowfins are bony freshwater fishes found in North America and Canada. They have survived the Jurassic and Ice age but seem to be less popular for fishing compared to a trout and pike. Often they give you a good fight before getting caught. Put on your fishing boots to try ice fishing of Bowfin.
Bowfin is a medium-sized green fish with long, elongated shape and a strong dorsal fin. Other nicknames of the Bowfin are dogfish, cypress trout, mudfish, grindle, and some more.
They have sharp teeth and grow up to 20 pounds. The white meat of Bowfin is used for a variety of cooking preparations. Bowfin is normally found in lakes, lowland rivers, backwaters, swamps and sloughs with vegetation. They have primitive lungs that allow them to breathe in water as well as air.
Usually, the best time to go fishing for bowfin is at night when they are in shallow waters. The favourite food of Bowfin are molluscs, aquatic insects, and crawfish. Fishing the Bowfin can be a good way to spend your spring and winters.
Finding the Bowfin
Bowfin is generally found in the northeastern parts of the United States and southeastern parts of Canada. There is no specific time or weather to catch a Bowfin. They do not follow any specific feeding time. So, you can find them anytime in any season for fishing.
You can also get yourself the fishfinder with GPS to locate the fish. The sonar technology of the fish finder can help you find your catch.
Ice Fishing Preparation
Augers and spuds are essential to make holes in the ice. Power augers can be used for thick ice. Take a skimmer with you to scoop out the slush and ice chips that are around after drilling the holes.
You should measure the hole that you are going to drill. It should be big enough to get the fish out of the hole. Don’t make it too big that it can become a safety concern for other people walking on the ice.
Take a bucket which can be used to carry your gear. It doubles as a seat when turned upside down. Take a life jacket, ice picks, and something warm to drink. You can also take a lawn chair to sit on.
It is always better to go ice fishing in a group because it is fun and you will have someone to help if there is any concern.
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