more info please: 1. for bowfins, how big is big in the swamp? 2. hit better at night or daytime? 3. i have access to pike size chubs and suckers (catch them on GULP on rod&reel) ,will bowfins hit them? 4. for using live bait do i need wire leaders ? thanks.  p.s. i,d say i,m gonna try this ,then i,ll post pics, but i dont even know how to empty my pm box, so i have no idea how the #%$@^&% to do pics. LOL.

The top pic was 28 or 29 inches and weighed about 8 1/2 pounds.
If you do a search there are a few threads on "The Swamp".

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lol thats sweet! i cant believe ive never caught one yet at french or clake ... was in the swamp one time this yr its really clear water didnt catch anything would be fun on warm day with no wind tho i bet

Big for bowfin IMO is 30 inches give or take. I do not use live bait so givin advise on that would not be my area. Throw bass spinner baits if you are using lighter tackle. I catch so many on musky gear, that i know they will eat big offerings

Agreed....a 30" bowfin is a real solid fish. My biggest to date was 34...and I don't expect to top that.

And they'll eat anything...ya'll are makin too much of this. Only advice is braid or steel leader....they're sharp....trust me

They eat bait.....and spinners....and spoons....and jerkbaits....and rubber worms....absolutely ferocious predators and one of my favorite fish to catch. Pound for pound...meanest fish around.

The swamp is my favorite place to fish in the summer.  I have caught everything you can think of there including last year my son had 2 soft shell turtles on at the same time.  We will go to fish for the bowfins and I have caught as many as 20  in a day. 

thanks to all for the advise. i,ll definately be going there this year.

Wade,

Here is what is says about catching a snakehead:

"Anglers catching snakeheads should dispose of them properly. Anglers suspecting they have caught a snakehead are encouraged to NOT release it, and report it to the Commission at 610-847-2442 or via email."

ORIGINAL: BenC

Wade,

Here is what is says about catching a snakehead:

"Anglers catching snakeheads should dispose of them properly. Anglers suspecting they have caught a snakehead are encouraged to NOT release it, and report it to the Commission at 610-847-2442 or via email."

What are you talking about? This thread is about bowfin, not snakehead. Two different fish.

benc why are u directing this torwards me lol i stated that your not aloud to toss a bowfin over the bank...which i hear alot from pple when the subject comes up...i dont think snakeheads are even in our territory if they are ive never heard about them