Post by * on May 13, 2014 16:43:40 GMT
First, obviously the most important thing is a bow. Most people use an older bow that wouldn't be a huge loss if you accidentally drop it in the water. Recurve, longbow or compound, it does not matter. Perhaps the most notable compound bow for bowfishing is the Oneida, which has a feel that is very similar to that of a traditional bow. Myself, I prefer a recurve for bowfishing.
Now after you get your bow ready, you need to get a bowfishing reel. A favorite of most people, including myself, is the AMS Retriever Bowfishing Reel. It is basically a bottle with the line in it. The line is piled into the bottle, instead of wound up on a spool, which causes zero speed loss. It is very easy to use and one of the safest to shoot.
Just a few examples of how reels can be mounted.
This is a great mount from 3riversarchery that allows the AMS reel to be used on a bow without tapping's.
There are many arrows out there for bowfishing, but I have found the best are fiberglass. The fiberglass arrows sink better and deliver more accuracy and power. AMS also sells some great fiberglass arrows with Muzzy Bowfishing points on the end. Sullivan Industries has also come out with a super fish arrow and point so you should look into both of these avenues. Some people shoot with fletchings on their arrows, but that can make it more inaccurate as it hits the water. So, I use plain shafts. I also recommend taking two arrows at least, just in case.
One of the biggest problems for compound folks is the Arrow Rest. You may think your deer hunting Rest will work, but believe me, most will not hold the weight of a fiberglass arrow. There are Rests, however, that are made just for the fiberglass arrows and bowfishing. AMS’ newest one, the Wave Rest is one of the best. It offers great arrow control when you need to quick swing and shoot and also uses rollers for minimal arrow wear. Another is the Carolina Archery Fish Biscuit, it is just like the Whisker Biscuit, but has sturdier bristles to hold the arrow. Of course, you definitely don't want to use fletching if you use the Fish Biscuit.
When shooting larger Carp (if possible) always have someone with another bow for a backup shot, or at least a gaff. Most large fish are lost at the boat.
Aiming low is a rule of thumb, but for longer shots you will need to compensate for the trajectory of your arrow. This is different for every bow.
When shooting grass carp, aim behind the gills because there is a rock hard plate that covers their head, you have a much better chance of full penetration if you don't.
You really can't aim low enough, expecially if shooting in Deep waters.
Make sure you use the right point for the fish you're going after.
Using an arrow point with barbs that fold down very close to the arrow shaft causes the arrow to move straighter in the water for those shots over a foot deep or so.
When shooting spawning carp, the Females are usually the larger in a small group and the males will chase her, shoot the largest in the group and don’t pull her out of the water. Let it settle down and your partners will shoot the rest of the remaining males because they wont leave her.
Don't bowfish on a very windy day. Its almost impossible to see fish.
Do not overfish one spot, it will stay a good spot if you do not overfish it.
If legal in your area, chum with corn, bread, and dog food as much as possible to keep large amounts of carp in one area.
At night, walk along irrigation ditches with a spotlight. You'll be surprised at how many fish there are.
Sometimes a fish can be just a slight discoloration in the water.
The best way to fish is at night time. You don't really have to worry about shadows and with a good spotlight you can find the fish more easily than they can find you.
I have found that toward dusk or dawn you get a bad glare on the water and to help with the glare buy a nice pair of polarized sunglasses.
When bow fishing for big grass carp or anything big for that matter, DON’T grab the line when the fish makes the first run.
A tip for muddy water. Keep a close eye for fins stickng out of the mud, as carp will often bury themselves in it when spooked, only to be revealed with a loud thrashing as you go by them in the boat.
When shooting from the bank, move very slowly and look for the top outline of the fish in the water. It helps if you have polarized sunglasses.
When fishing in deeper water for buffalo and you see the bubbles comming from the bottom where they are feeding. Try waiting for a minute or so before moving on, often he fish will feed for a few minutes and then rise and move over a few feet to a new place too feed. When they rise to move this will offer you a shot on them. Often times the bigger and faster the bubbles rise the bigger the fish will be.
Put a loaf of bread in a minnow trap and throw it within shooting distance. Tie it in place with a rope so it does not float off. Carp will come up and suck on the minnow trap allowing for an easy shot. Put a rock in the bottom of the minnow trap so it does not roll around on the bottom.
Look in shallow swamps connected to lakes about 5" to 10" of water with fallen trees and cattails.
On hot days when you are not seeing any carp look under logs and brush piles.
Often times when you shoot and miss a carp they will spook, but many times they make a circle and return to the same spot, as if curious as to what caused the commotion. If you do not disturb the shot arrow (if you have a partner)they will get a shot at the same fish. They are on high alert then, so be ready for a fast shot.
If carp are gathered in a submerged tree and you can't get a clear shot, then throw a few stones several feet away from the tree. Carp are curious and the bigger ones tend to investigate allowing an easier shot.
When bowfishing in creeks or rivers, concentrate your efforts on deadfalls and other obstructions, as carp will consistantly gather to feed on what builds up in front of the blockage.
When hunting carp in shallows, keep your shadow off the water. It will spook the fish. — Michael If you put the big fish on a stringer and let them swim along side the boat, other fish will come and swim next to them, allowing for an easy shot.
When shooting carp in rivers (from the bank) draw your bow before you get to the water allowing you to get a quick shot off before the carp spook off.
After a successful hit on a carp (if you can) push the arrow down into the sand (or mud). With one hand on top of the arrow, dip the other hand into the water and grab the bottom of the arrow so your fish won't slide off.
If you see a decent amount of carp holding in one spot, chances are they feed that area consistently. Even if they don't show themselves the minute you arrive, give it time. Hot spots and patience are the keys to successful bowfishing.
Shoot a bit lower than where you want to hit, since water will make the fish seem higher than it is.
If a fish is quartering towards you, wait for a broadside shot.
Be careful on long shots in lilly pads. Your arrow may skip on the lilly pads.
When bowfishing from shore or boat, don't shoot the first fish you see. Learn the patterns that the fish are swimming if possible before sending that first arrow. Wether you score or miss, you will now know where to look for the next rising fish. Fish are very predictable. Once you find a hotspot, always a hotspot as long as they aren't disturbed.
To have a more durable arrow, you can insert a fiberglass arrow into a 2213 aluminum shaft.
Keep a marker to throw if your arrow breaks off, it makes them much easier to find.
To get rid of the fish smell on your hands, take some toohpaste or a citrus soda like Mountain Dew and clean those smelly hands.
When fishing with a trolling motor, set it as low as possible and drift into the school of fish, don't make any sudden movements and wear polarized sunglasses.