Fishing the Mattopani River in Virginia I had a Bowfin hit my Cavitron.

After I unhooked the fish and released it, I notice that the 3/0 trailer hook was above the snap and hanging on the 15-pound Trilene fluorocarbon line.

That fish fought so hard that it took the trailer hook over the Cavitron's head, skirt and then the snap on onto the line.

That is a powerful fish.

Of course the Cavitron is destroyed.  I think will keep it as a keepsake to remind me once again of the power of a Bowfin. 

They are fighting dogs from what I've heard and read

cool

Yea I do love em. I would love to hook into a 8lber or more though. My biggest is a lil over 4 lbs. That one killed my Rage Tail Frog. I fought to get him out the lilies. My latest was a 2.5 lb on my 5' micro lite. They have a strong odor to them at least the ones I've caught.

I have lost too many spinnerbaits to count from those things. One big one will twist it beyond repair or just straight snap the wire.

Those things are lure destroyers.

I actually like Bowfin.  Thet are friggin' pit bulls with scales.  My biggest is about 7.5 lbs, caught on a Dave's 3/4 oz football head jig and Paca Craw.

I saw one once attacking a school of minnows in a pocket between the roots of a cypress tree.  The minnows were so frenzied they were jumping up the side of the tree to escape. 

And I once lost three senkos in a row to a bowfin.  The strikes were so fast and hard that it tore my senko completely in half.  Three in a row on three casts.  At that point, I got tired of feeding it senkos and moved on.

I can't imagine Snakeheads have anything on Bowfin. 

Are they common in Maryland?

They are all powerful. Tackle tearing maniacs.

For some strange reason i have never caught one under about four pounds. Most are 5-6. No idea where the smaller ones hide when they are younger.

I caught one about 10 lbs some years ago and thought I had a world record bass on.

Doublebladed black Buzzbait at dusk. Then I got it to the boat and it did an alligator death roll. Great fighters. Last year had one engulf my Rage Shad and thought I had a new P.B on. Ended up 9-10 lbs.

i hate catchin these cause i always get let down thinkin it's a huge bass. i've grown to tell the difference now though, as soon as you set the hook, those head shakes are extremely violent and they just keep shaking like a pit bull; very distinct fight to em. Can't ever seem to tire one out to take some pics. i hear they are good eatin though. grennel cakes!