Bowfin in Florida
Best waters and rules for bowfin.
- 19 lbrecord
Photo: Everglades NPS from Homestead, Florida, United States, Public domain
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Bowfin fishing in Florida
Bowfin (Amia calva) is managed by FWC as a freshwater species. FWC’s Big Catch program recognizes bowfin from 28 inches or 8 lbs. The Florida record bowfin weighed 19 pounds (Lake Kissimmee, 1984).
About bowfin
Bowfin habitat
“Prefers swamps, or backwaters of lowland streams.”
“They live in warm, poorly oxygenated waters.”
Spawning and feeding, bowfin
“Males clear a nest among heavy vegetation.”
“Eggs are laid at night and males guard them.”
“Larvae use an adhesive organ to anchor themselves.”
Quoted from the FWC species profile.
Florida record bowfin
| Category | Weight (lb) | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater | 19 | Lake Kissimmee | 1984 |
FWC freshwater state records and Catch a Florida Memory saltwater records. Angler names left out.
Other Florida freshwater fish
Questions about bowfin in Florida
What is the bag limit on bowfin?
The default freshwater bag covers bowfin.
How big is the Florida record bowfin?
It went 19 pounds, set in 1984.
Where are the best places to catch bowfin in Florida?
See the bays and reef counties listed for bowfin above.
Do hatcheries raise bowfin?
FWC reports show no bowfin stocking lately.
Can I get a Big Catch certificate for bowfin?
28 inches or 8 lbs.
How are bowfin classified?
Amia calva.
What license covers bowfin?
Yes, unless exempt; buy the freshwater license.
Is there a closed season for bowfin?
FWC lists no closure for bowfin.
Where do the bowfin numbers come from?
FWC rules and records, checked October 2026.