Where to catch them: Bowfin are common in freshwater marshes or backwaters of lowland streams throughout Florida, as well as south Florida's canal systems. They can survive well in warm, poorly oxygenated waters; the bowfin has an air-bladder that functions like a lung and can sometimes be seen gulping air.

Do bowfin live in Florida?

Bowfins typically inhabit lowlands and are common in backwaters, oxbow lakes, and clear, well-vegetated streams. ... In Florida Bowfins normally eat fish, such as small bait fish, speckled perch and catfish, but they may prey on freshwater crayfish, snakes, turtles, mice and leeches.

Where can I catch bowfin in Florida?

Their preferred habitat is abundant in vegetated sloughs, lowland lakes and rivers, swamps, and backwaters. Bowfins require heavy salad to spawn, and they also love ambushing and hunting in weeds and grass. You are hardly going to find them in open water. Deeper waters seem to be appealing to these fish.