Ben Erb, a lifelong fisherman and fisheries biologist from Minnesota, has set a new state record for catch-and-release bowfin fishing. Erb caught a 31-inch bowfin in the Mississippi River while kayaking on a whim with his afternoon free. Initially, he wasn’t prepared for the massive catch, but after consulting with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), his catch was certified as the new state record.
The Catch
Erb’s secret passion is targeting “rough fish” like gar, buffalo, and bowfin, which he believes are an untapped resource of unpressured fish. His state-record bowfin was caught using a dead shiner rigged on a weightless hook in a slow and wide stretch of the river filled with reeds, lily pads, and tall grass. Erb noticed that bowfin seem to be drawn to his kayak, possibly thinking it’s a piece of habitat.
The Battle
When Erb set the hook, the bowfin didn’t put up much of a fight, which was a bit disappointing for him. However, he notes that a 30.5-inch bowfin caught from the same spot fought much harder. After measuring the fish, Erb released it back into the Mississippi River, where it swam off strong into the weeds.
Tips from the Expert
Erb’s experience offers valuable insights for anglers targeting bowfin ¹. Key takeaways include:
- Look for slow and wide stretches of water: These areas with reeds, lily pads, and tall grass seem to attract bowfin.
- Use the right tackle: Bowfin will hit various types of tackle, so experiment to find what works best.
- Be prepared for a fight: While Erb’s state-record bowfin didn’t put up much of a fight, other bowfin can be strong and scrappy.
Get Out There and Catch Your Own Record-Breaking Fish!
Ready to try your hand at bowfin fishing? Grab your gear, find your spot, and see if you can land a state record. Share your own fishing stories and tips in the comments below!
Image/Source: OL
