What better way to combine a love of hunting and shooting with a love of fishing than bowfishing? It’s a fast-paced, fun night on the water with friends or a quiet stalk on the water’s edge during the day. It’s a great sport that allows you to decide what experience you want. But just like any new sport, there are a few things you need to know before you go.
First, you need to have the right equipment. Any bow can be adapted into a bowfishing bow by having the right rest, arrow, and reel. The arrow has a barb that “hooks” the fish and is attached to a string that allows you to reel it in. Once the fish is reeled in, the arrow is used again and again. It’s a good idea to practice a few times to get the feel of shooting and reeling in the water before targeting a fish.
The most common fish caught in bowfishing is carp. All species of carp in the United States are non-native and detrimental to the ecosystems which they inhabit, so removing them helps the environment. Common carp have been around for 100 years, but Bighead, Silver, Grass and Black carp were introduced into the U.S. 50 years ago to control algae, parasites and vegetation in controlled aquatic environments such as farms, canals and sewage treatment areas. It didn’t take long for them to escape and establish populations in wild areas. Carp grow quite large, are prolific breeders and outcompete other fish for space and food.
Silver carp are found in the Mississippi River and can be bowfished by boat during the day. These fish feed on plankton close to the surface and will leap out of the water when they feel threatened, and archers go for them in the air. This is instinctive shooting at its chaotic best, with multiple fish jumping at the same time, so more than one person can be successful. Silver carp can also be shot near the shore where fish aren’t jumping. Common carp come in close to the shore to breed and can be easily bowfished from the bank with quite a few to choose from. Dams are another great place to bowfish from the water’s edge. Paddlefish and other fish hang near the structure at a distance within range for a shot. Wading in marshy areas and shallow flats provide more opportunity without stepping onto a boat or torching a flashlight.
Fishing by boat during nighttime is when it gets really wild. Lights positioned around a shallow hulled boat make spotting the fish in the dark much easier. When bowfishing by boat, it’s important to be able to identify fish underwater by their shape to avoid hitting the wrong target. It may take a few tries to get the hang of it. It’s also a good idea to have some kind of container on board to hold all the fish you catch.
The five invasive species of carp are not the only fish a bowfisher can claim. Paddlefish, gar, snakehead, goldfish and rays are among other species that can be taken with an arrow. It is important to consult the state regulations to determine what the rules are when bowfishing. One thing to remember is that there’s no catch and release with bowfishing, so it’s imperative that you know what you’re shooting. Have a plan for the fish you catch because throwing them back in the water is not an option. If you aren’t eating them, they can be used as fertilizer, donated as food to a local animal shelter or for trapping bait.
The Archery Trade Association created the Explore Bowfishing curriculum to help everyone learn the ins and outs of this exciting sport. The course covers equipment, habitats, techniques, fish identification and more. It also contains lesson plans to teach individuals of all fishing skill levels how to bowfish successfully. ATA members can access the course through our new Learning Center for free. Nonmembers can purchase the course for $25. ATA retailers can use the EBF curriculum to offer workshops in their store to generate foot traffic and teach a class of interested participants at once. There are outfitters located across the country ready to take you out and let you show what you’ve learned.
The ATA partnered with Into the Outdoors to create an educational YouTube series about bowfishing. There are three episodes, and the series covers everything, including tips, invasive species information, how to fish at night, how to fry the fish you catch, and how to compete in tournaments. Visit the Into The Outdoors YouTube page and start with the video titled: Into Bowfishing: Fish that Fly Silver Carp.
Whatever your experience, bowfishing is a fun way to start archery or try something different. Now that spring is here, the season is on!
Contact Nicole Nash, ATA’s senior manager of outreach, at nicolenash@archerytrade.org or 507-233-8146 for more information on hosting your own Explore Bowfishing workshop.
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