Bow fishing involves using archery equipment, including a bow and barbed arrow, to shoot and retrieve fish. Bow fishing enthusiasts will shoot several different freshwater and saltwater fish species including carp, catfish, gar and paddlefish in freshwater and rays and sharks in saltwater. Another way to participate in bow fishing is to enter a tournament conducted by a bow fishing organization. Regardless of whether you pursue fish in freshwater, saltwater or in a tournament, there are local and state rules that you must follow.
Equipment
The equipment for bow fishing is less regulated than most firearms or archery seasons, but there are still rules that require certain equipment. Crossbows, for example, vary from state to state. Kansas allows crossbows while Minnesota requires a valid crossbow permit by a disabled person to use a crossbow. Tournament rules, such as the 2010 Great Lakes Bow Fishing Championship, don't allow firearms, crossbows or spear fishing gear. The arrows must have a barbed head and attached to a line that is spooled to a reel mounted on the bow. Any equipment is subject to inspection by game wardens, conservation officers or tournament officials.
Location
Finding a place to bow fish can be relatively easy, but there can be specific rules that prevent bow fishing in certain locations. Kansas, for example, allows bow fishing on any open water unless otherwise posted. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks recommends checking with local regulations before bow fishing in an area that may be questionable. Other rules regarding location address the proximity of populated areas. Most areas don't allow bow fishing within 50 yards of a boat dock, boat ramp, occupied swimming area, picnic or camping area. In Minnesota, it's illegal to bow fish within 300 feet of a campsite from sunset to sunrise.
Shooting Times
The evening is a popular time to bow fish as many fish species are actively feeding near the surface of the water. If you are shooting at night, some states, such as Minnesota, require that total noise levels don't exceed 65 decibels 50 feet from the boat. When bow fishing from sunset to sunrise, you must also have the assistance of a gas-powered motor.
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