Topwater Bowfin

[MN BassFisher]

I had yet to land a Bowfin ("Dogfish") from my kayak, I've hooked into a couple but they have always gotten off whether that be by snapping the line or breaking/popping the hook. They really tend to come out to feed and will chase just about anything around dusk on this lake, I was throwing a black buzzbait around some pads and watched a wake come out behind it. I slowed down my retrieve and then it didn't take long for my rod to load up...game on!

 

[ThunderLund78]

That's cool! One of my favorite fish to catch. I usually don't intentionally target them, but will always cast to them if I see them patrolling the shallows.  If nothing else, a fun bonus fish, for sure!

[Ufatz]

They are of course a prehistoric fish and very cautious. We had one under our dock for several years and it would come out just far enough to look up and watch my Lab....who in turn would look down and watch the fish. They can be hard to fool at times and are incredibly strong. Sorta fascinating to think they have been swimming in these lakes since there have been lakes here for them to swim in.

No reason to harm them.

[gunner55]

It seems every year I tangle with at least one in the 3-6  lb. range here. I never target them either but sure are fun to C & R. What a fight! Will definitely test your gear.

[MN BassFisher]

They are of course a prehistoric fish and very cautious. We had one under our dock for several years and it would come out just far enough to look up and watch my Lab....who in turn would look down and watch the fish. They can be hard to fool at times and are incredibly strong. Sorta fascinating to think they have been swimming in these lakes since there have been lakes here for them to swim in.

No reason to harm them.

Agreed. I think they are a pretty fascinating species:  they fight like crazy, when in the right mood will hit just about anything, and are flat out unique (with that dorsal fin that moves like an eel and the fact that they can breathe air). I'm sure others have different opinions on them as they will ruin a lure/bait quickly but they should not be killed upon catch which is a very common misunderstanding of these fish.

[BTS1991]

Awesome video!