Last Sunday, Jul 8, I was offered the opportunity to check off another species when another multi-species angler invited me to tag along with him and try for bowfin. The destination was Centre Island in Toronto, where I hadn't been to in almost 30 years, and a place I'd never fished. Rather than pay the ridiculous parking fees near the ferry terminal, I took the subway. Early in the morning, it wasn't busy and there were no issues with all my gear. Unfortunately, due to track work, I was only able to go a few stops before everyone had to get off and take shuttle busses to another station before continuing the trip. Eventually, I did make it to the ferry and took the 10 minute ride across Lake O. to the islands. I met my tour guide and he took me to the most likely spot to catch my lifer bowfin.
The tactic was to bait up now and do laps around the pond looking for a bowfin sitting in amongst the weeds. During the first lap, he pointed out a log saying that it was very similar to a resting bowfin so I knew what to be on the lookout for. Not far past that, since he was walking ahead of me, he stopped and told me to hurry up, there was one in the weeds. I cast past it as per his instruction then swam the worm quickly back and let it fall right in front of the fish. Within a few seconds, the fish slowly came out and ate the worm, but before I could set the hook, the bowfin spat it out. I was warned that these were very wary fish, and were somewhat pressured, so there was no chance this one would stick around to be cast to again.
We continued doing laps until we saw another bowfin. Once again, this fish slowly swam up and took the worm but this time, there were no mistakes. I'd heard that these fish are great fighters and now I was experiencing it for myself. After a couple of minutes, I had my lifer bowfin in the net. These fish are able to breathe air, so there was no real urgency to get it back in the water, but it was still a hot day and we tried to be quick. After a few pics, back she went safe and sound.
Centre Island on a warm weekend is a busy place, and I had several people talk to me and watch what I was doing throughout the day. My friend had to leave early due to other commitments, but I stayed until about 2. I saw several additional bowfins, including a huge one that had no interest in my bait, but never caught any more. I did catch a decent largemouth sight fishing about 6 feet from shore, but that was it. We also saw brook silversides dashing along the surface, but I didn't have my micro gear with me. Maybe next time. I will certainly not be waiting another 30 years before coming back.
I realize a lot of you have also caught bowfin, but it's one thing to catch one by accident and something totally different sight-fishing for them. They truly are fun once they're hooked. Mine was considered average sized at best and I would love to hook into one the size of the large one I saw. I also learned that next time I go, everything will be in a backpack. I had my tackle bag and a cooler bag both on shoulder straps, and by the end of the day, my shoulders were aching. I will also be sure to check for subway interruptions, I can live without doing the shuttle busses with all my gear again.
Another species off the bucket list
