South Texas is the place to bowfish for monstrous big-game fish such as carp, buffalo, and the infamous alligator gar. Bowfishermen take fish from places like Choke Canyon and the coastal rivers. You can hire a guide to show you the ropes and help you land one of these trophy fish.
Gear
For bowfishing, you will need a bow, arrow, a retriever reel and floats. In Texas, it is legal to fish with a longbow, recurved bow, crossbow or compound bow. You will also need a fishing license, sunscreen and polarized sunglasses, and snacks are recommended.
Destinations
You can bowfish in any Texas coastal waters, river or large lake, provided it is larger than 75 acres and not located within a city or public park. You also cannot bowfish in a state park. According to Bowsite.com, you should try to find a body of water with a consistent water depth, flooded grasslands and a clear reservoir because bow fishing depends heavily upon visibility.
License
To bowfish in Texas, you will need either a freshwater, saltwater or all-water license package. You will not need a fishing license if you are under the age of 17 or born before Sept. 1, 1930, and a Texas resident. To bowfish for turtles and frogs, you will need a hunting license as well. Also be aware of minimum lengths and bag limits for most of the bodies of water.
Species
Bowfishing is ideal for taking large game fish such as common carp, alligator gar or tilapia. South Texas is known as one of the premier places in North America to find alligator gar. Other popular species include land tilapia, catfish, longnose gar, buffalo and grass carp. No minimum lengths or bag limits are placed on these fish except on Lake Texoma and Lady Bird Lake. Bowfishing is a popular method to use to land even sharks and alligators.
Guide Service
You may consider hiring a guide for your bowfishing trip. Kurt Hinze of Bowfish Texas Adventures and Jack Thatcher of Extreme Bowfishing can guide you in many of the South Texas waters. As of 2010, they each have more than 20 years of outdoor experience. With their expertise, you will have the edge you will need to land a trophy alligator gar.
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