bowfin on the fly

[txnative]

I have a trip to reelfoot this weekend and have a question: what type of flies will entice a mudfish (aka bowfin) to help me break in my new 8 wt ? If conventional bass flies will work, great...i have 'em; but if anyone has any special bowfin choices, please help me out. From my internet research, they seem to be pretty willing to  hit normal bass lures, including soft plastic worms, jigs, spinnerbaits, etc. so i'm assuming normal bass flies would work, but i would like to avoid "green carp" if possible. Thanks.


Chris

[gaspergou]

I haven't tried them on fly, but have gotten quite a few on gear. Pushing water and a bit of flash seems key. I got into a mess of them a couple summers ago with an e-fishing boat up in the lower part of Bayou du Chen, on the E side of Upper Blue Basin (clear water and lots of veg), but any of the sloughs off the lake should be good. As a bonus, you've got an excellent shot at jumbo gar...

[bd]

I caught an 8 pounder on Old Hickory last July on a superbugger while carp fishing.  It was actually the only bowfin I've ever seen on Old Hickory.  He snapped up the fly as soon as it landed in front of him.

I think you'd have decent luck with any standard baitfish imitation - I'd pack plenty of large clousers, wooly buggers, and maybe some oversized kreelex minnows if you can tie some.

If you are in a place where you can sight fish them, I think you'll find that any streamer placed in front of them properly will draw a strike.  They are pretty aggressive, similar to gar.  If you're blind casting, be prepared to cover some water.  I don't think their eyesight is that good, and they tend to ambush prey rather than chasing it for long distances.

If you haven't caught a bowfin before, word to the wise - don't put your fingers in their mouth.  They have teeth and they will bite the shit out of you. 

bd

[toddro]

If you haven't caught a bowfin before, word to the wise - don't put your fingers in their mouth.  They have teeth and they will bite the shit out of you. 

bd

I hope this is not a lesson learned the hard way!   

On a sidenote, I don't think there is a hotter fly in my fly box right now than the superbugger.  EVERYTHING is hitting it!!!

[txnative]

Thanks, guys. I'll probably start with some of my deer-hair divers since they push a lot of water on a quick retrieve, then experiment from there. BD, i have seen some dead bowfin, so there is no chance of me lipping one...trust me. Got a good laugh out of your description of possible consequences, though. I'll put up a report  of the trip when i get back if i get into one.   Thanks, again.


Chris

[Travis C.]

I caught an 8 pounder on Old Hickory last July on a superbugger while carp fishing.  It was actually the only bowfin I've ever seen on Old Hickory.  He snapped up the fly as soon as it landed in front of him.

What in the heck was that guy doing in there?

We have caught them down on Lake Seminole. Those dudes are pissed from the get go. I'd say our biggest was around 8 as well and he made a 1/2 oz spinnerbait trash.

I would say defintely go with all that is mentioned and maybe some white/silver back or chartruse wiggle minnows. Reelfoot is full of crappie and bluegill they would have to fall in to a bowfins forage base.

[jkilday4]

Sounds like a wire leader & plyers might be in order...good luck & hope to see some pics!

[gaspergou]

Bowfin teeth are similar to gar in that they're nearly round in cross-section; they don't have the sharp edges that you see on pikes or 'cuda, and don't directly occlude each other such that they shear. Unlikely to cut mono... but pliers will be very useful.