Bow fishing combines archery with fishing and allows fisherman to catch their prey with a bow and arrow. While some complex bow fishing equipment exists, a beginner can start bow fishing with as little as a bow, arrow, fishing line and fishing reel. Newcomers to bow fishing should take a few safety precautions before beginning and should expect to fire several shots before hitting their first fish.
Step 1
Wind your fishing line around the reel. Your reel does not have to be a complex spinning reel, and could even be a length of line you wrap manually around a solid dowel.
Step 2
Tie the loose end of the fishing line to your arrow. Hunting and fishing stores sell arrow mounts to facilitate this process, but you can also tie the line directly to the arrow. Secure the line to the front of the arrow, as line tied on the back could get snagged on your bow, clothing or other impediment, making it possible for the arrow to suddenly change direction and fly back at you.
Step 3
Wear polarized sunglasses to minimize glare on the surface of the water. Bow fishing requires you to see the fish you intend to capture, so clear vision below the surface of the water is a necessity.
Step 4
Find a lake or slow moving river with a shallow bank. Beginners should start with a waterway that is no more than two to three feet deep at the bank.
Step 5
Stand on the bank of the waterway, or wade out into the shallow water. If you are wading into the water, do not shoot at any fish closer than five feet. This helps to prevent currents from guiding your arrow toward your leg or foot.
Step 6
Wait until you can see a fish, and aim using the 10-4 rule. According to this rule, aim four inches below the fish for every 10 feet away and one foot under the surface of the water the fish is. For instance, aim four inches below a fish that is 10 feet away and one foot under water. Aim eight inches below a fish that is 20 feet away and one foot under water, or 10 feet away and two feet under water.
Step 7
Pull the arrow back and release smoothly. If you strike a fish, reel the line in gently to avoid snapping the line and losing your arrow.
Tips and Warnings
- Bow fishing is legal in most waterways in which standard fishing is legal. A fishing permit may be necessary. If you are not sure that bow fishing is permitted, consult the authorities in charge of the particular waterway.
- Stand at least ten feet away from any bow fishing partner and aim in opposite directions. Even if you are not aiming near your partner, a snagged line or rogue water current may send the arrow in a different direction than expected.
Things You'll Need
- Fishing line
- Reel
- Arrow
- Polarized sunglasses
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