This fish is a true dinosaur with DNA that proves it. It is one of misfit species I love to guide for.. As a super thug fish it can destroy lures and make you think you just hooked Godzilla. It it not spooky like snakehead and can be caught sight fishing really well.   It is not edible (at least for me) and can endure being caught and released several times in even the hottest of waters. It grows slow but reproduces rather well. If you target them like we do prepare to lose lures and a bunch of fish. Spinnerbaits are quickly destroyed by the alligator like rolling fight they have.

Just a word on the lowly bowfin..

 

Capt Mike

 

I find that they are either super aggressive sometimes moving 10 yards or more to take a bait.  Other times, they will check it out, but not bite.  Bass often eventually bite if you persevere, but bowfin can be frustrating.  I catch my best bowfin during bass tournaments, lol. 

I enjoy catching Bowfin and agree with you that they are underrated.They are extremely plentiful in the Everglades and give good nonstop action.

I caught 2 this past year in Florida (the only 2 I've ever caught), and I quite enjoyed catching them. I can see where they would be frustrating during a tournament, but I enjoy catching about any species of fish, especially one that bites aggressively and fights very hard.