Bow fishing is a method of fishing lakes and streams with archery equipment to shoot and retrieve fish near the surface. Bow hunters will use bow fishing as a way to extend their season while anglers will participate in bow fishing for an alternative method of catching fish. The techniques used in bow fishing require specialized equipment and is commonly controlled by local and state fishing regulations.
Time Frame
Bow fishing takes place across North America with recommended seasons and times of day for each area. State conservation agencies will commonly enforce season dates and legal bow fishing times. Nebraska, for example, has a bow fishing season for game fish that opens on July 1 and closes December 31. Non-game fish species can typically be pursued 24 hours a day during the summer months from April to August. Most bow fishing enthusiasts prefer shooting fish at night or during dawn and dusk to spotlight and locate the fish near the surface.
Geography
While most states allow bow fishing on public waters, special regulations could prevent bow fishing in certain areas. Popular bow fishing locations are rivers, marshes, freshwater lakes and offshore where fish can be found near the surface. Some of the top picks for bow fishing locations are the Illinois River, Southern Louisiana marshes and Florida swamps.
Species
The most popular fish species for bow fishing include carp (Asian carp, common carp, bighead carp and grass carp), catfish, gar (longnose gar, shortnose gar and alligator gar) and stingrays. Asian carp are an invasive species found in river systems that are known as the "flying fish" where you shoot the carp as it jumps out of the water. Other species of carp such as the grass carp, however, are shot while it's under logs and brush piles.
Equipment
Specialized equipment including a bow, fishing reel and bow fishing arrow are required for bow fishing. The equipment is often regulated by the state conservation agency. Consult a current fishing regulations booklet for any details on equipment regulations. Recurve bows or lightweight compound are commonly used while some states, such as Kansas, allow crossbows. Arrows are required to have barbed heads and must be attached to fishing line that is connected to a reel on the bow. If fishing is done at night, spotlights can be used to locate fish.
Techniques
Bow fishing is commonly executed from the deck of a boat but bow fishing from the shore or dock can be successful as the fish move to shallow water during the evening. Shooting underwater requires aiming below the fish to compensate for arrow deflection as it hits the water. As the fish is deeper in the water, the aim point becomes lower.
Member Comments