http://www.bowfinanglers.com/recipes.html

You be the judge.

VJPaczek74
There's a bait shop at Glendale Lake where I have heard an employee (I believe it's actually the owner) tell people to kill any Bowfin they catch.  It's the first bait shop on the right when you turn onto the south end of Beaver Valley Road.

I actually heard the same about a bait shop in the Meadville area. Not sure of the name......but I think it may have closed up(can't think of any around there).
 It's a shame. Who knows how many other shop owners out there have the same feelings......

Here you go , good eats .

 Baked  Butter milk  Bow-fin

• Soak skinless bowfin fillets in buttermilk for 4 hours in the fridge.
• Pre-heat oven to 350F.
• Butter a large glass casserole dish.
• Place a layer of sliced onions on bottom of the dish, then layer the fillets on top.
• Pour Italian salad dressing over fin fillets.
• Place another layer of sliced onion on top.
• Cover with tin foil and bake for 30 minutes or until flaky.
• Remove from heat, uncover, and sprinkle chedder cheese on top and recover till melted.
• Salt and pepper to taste or spritz with hot sauce.

 

Funny, I seen this same fish this past weekend. And if you look at the overflow behind the main spot, you will see a couple more catfish and bowfin.

I cant wait to see someone throw a fish there. I will take pics and put them on blast on here and call the game comish. Them silly walleye fisherman.

I've seen that video too many times. Just messed up.
 
The main reason why people kill bullheads, and bowfin, at this location is because they get in the way while targeting other species. I too can't wait until I catch these "fishermen" in action so I can get them busted and post their faces all over the internet.
 
H3Fisher, I didn't happen to look in that little overflow/ditch the past couple times I was there but I can imagine. Last summer there were a bunch of dead 'fins there and I'm sure bullheads too. There was another dead bullhead on the opposite side of the waterway too on the grass

BeenThereDoneThat.
I'll try the fishing hole see if I can get a reply................
 
Looking for that picture and yes it was a wimpy one, on 4lb test using a 1/16 oz. jig and tube.  Fishing for crappy/gills. right at the campgrounds up from the Jamestown Marina.  It's still in there somewhere.  I hear they're not bad eating?  Sure do got a mouth full of teeth.  Those pictures you posted above sure are disheartening; seeing people killing because of ignorance!  Surely the posters will save a bunch in the future. 

BTDT:    "I hear they're not bad eating?"
They are a candiate species and the PFBC strongly encourages their release. You should not eat one !
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/058/chapter75/s75.3.html

BeenThereDoneThat.
http://www.bowfinanglers.com/recipes.html

You be the judge.

They are a candiate species and the PFBC strongly encourages their release. You should not eat one !
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/058/chapter75/s75.3.html

FYI, they are not "being introduced back to PA waters." I've heard a couple people say that the PFBC is responsible for the increasing numbers of bowfin at some places because they are stocking them. That is 100% false. The PFBC does not stock bowfin, and they are NOT reintroducing them.
 
All the bowfin are wild, and naturally reproducing. They have been here all along, and the populations have fluctuated on their own. The PFBC has done nothing to affect their populations, except for the fact that they're doing very little to educate the idiots that are killing them.
 
As we're aware, yeah, they're a candidate species and are "encouraged" to be released.
 
Why are they a candidate species? Well, when looking at the state as a whole.......their populations are extremely low. But fortunately there's a handful of places in NW PA that have good, fishable numbers. Elsewhere, they're very rare.
 
Even though the idiots that are killing the bowfin may not make a huge dent in the populations in NW PA(though still a slight dent), that mentality can spread to other locations where bowfin aren't common. Regardless of how common they are, sportfish shouldn't be killed ANYWHERE (unless you're going to eat them).
 
In my opinion, since bowfin aren't a popular fish to eat, the PFBC should make it required to release them. It's obviously illegal to toss the fish on the bank or in the woods to die, but unfortunately it is legal to take the fish home and put them in your garden. A WCO even told me that. They're a candidate species, yet it's still legal to take them home and the PFBC doesn't give a crap about people tossing them in their garden?? What's the point of them being listed as a candidate species then.
 
As for the PFBC's mission, yeah, it's very ironic. Here's the mission statement word for word. "The mission of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities."  I LOL every time I read it. I can go on and on.....

I agree, it is stupid that a "canidate" species is still allowed to be harvested for whatever reason. The bowfin is a great sportfish and I do target them once in a while. I practice strictly catch and release and started using circle hooks recently. I have only ever had one swallow the hook, but thought circles were a better option. The PFBC does many things right and many are questionable in my mind. However, they are one of the best in the country as to numbers of fish stocked (mostly pellet heads). They are also one of the few states that still have seperate fish & game agencies. This allows them not to have to share monies. Things are not perfect but they could be worse as well.
Just my $.02 on the matter...
Tight Lines.....
JEB