hookedonbass
03-18-2009, 10:06 PM
I have heard of bowfishing before but do not know of anyone who has tried it.
nB192N5XphQ
The Beauty of Bowfishing
Bowfishing is an ancient form of hunting that has been used to gather food since prehistory, and still is a great way to harvest game, enjoy the outdoors, and help control invasive species of fish. It is becoming one of the fastest growing facets of archery and requires both hunting and fishing skills as well. Bowfishing is the act of fishing with a bow and arrow versus a traditional rod and reel, and for many reasons is considered by a lot of people to be even more difficult than bowhunting.
Bowfishing, which is classified as fishing and not hunting, is can be enjoyed by the whole family, and is an excellent way to introduce women and children to bow shooting. The whole family can practice and participate together. It is widely accepted in almost all states, and legal in almost any body of water where rod and reel fishing is allowed.
The Bowfishing Bow
Bowfishing encompasses the full spectrum of tackle uses, from the basic recurve bow with wind-on reel to specialty bows and tournament specific line retrieval reels. Bowfishing bows normally have lower draw weights than conventional hunting bows (less than 40 pounds). One that has previously been retired from deer hunting and replaced with newer equipment would make a good bow for fishing. Compound bows, traditional bows, and crossbows can all be used, along with specially designed bowfishing reels and line.
The Bowfishing Reel
The reel is the most important part of bowfishing. Wind-on reels are adequate and work, but they can be very frustrating and slow to use for the beginner. Wind-on reels (or, hand wrap reels) require the line to be wound on the spool by hand after every shot. When the arrow is fired from the bow, the line feeds out of a bowfishing reel, and then reeled back in - hopefully with a fish on it. These are good for the beginning bowfisherman, but you will likely soon outgrow it. Large spinning reels and mounts are more convenient and you can get one for around $60.
The Bowfishing Arrow
A bowfishing arrow is different than a bowhunting arrow. The arrow needs to be rigged specially for fish, and this means adding some holes to the arrow attached to fishing line, otherwise you’ll lose not only your catch, but your arrow as well. A fiberglass arrow would be a good choice. They are cheap ($15 or less), durable, and effective and are used by over 90% of all bowfishermen. The arrows need to be straight and centershot should be corrected for the arrow to come off the bow as straight as possible. Bowfishing arrows have barbs that go into the fish on the shot and hang on to the fish upon retrieval. Then, anglers loosen the fish point on the arrow by folding the small arms back and sliding the arrow out of the fish.
Where To Go Bowfishing
One neat thing about bowfishing is its availability. Bowfishing can be done from the bank of the smallest river to the world’s largest oceans. Saltwater bowfishing is very popular. Anywhere there are carp, buffalo fish, gar, and other similar species, bowfishing is possible, and in most places these fish and many other invasive or exotic species are legal for bowfishing. Avoid choppy water and fish along shores where the water is shallow and these fish hang out. Be careful and avoid being seen or making noice. If they spook, they leave in a hurry and will offer you only a split second to make your shot.
nB192N5XphQ
The Beauty of Bowfishing
Bowfishing is an ancient form of hunting that has been used to gather food since prehistory, and still is a great way to harvest game, enjoy the outdoors, and help control invasive species of fish. It is becoming one of the fastest growing facets of archery and requires both hunting and fishing skills as well. Bowfishing is the act of fishing with a bow and arrow versus a traditional rod and reel, and for many reasons is considered by a lot of people to be even more difficult than bowhunting.
Bowfishing, which is classified as fishing and not hunting, is can be enjoyed by the whole family, and is an excellent way to introduce women and children to bow shooting. The whole family can practice and participate together. It is widely accepted in almost all states, and legal in almost any body of water where rod and reel fishing is allowed.
The Bowfishing Bow
Bowfishing encompasses the full spectrum of tackle uses, from the basic recurve bow with wind-on reel to specialty bows and tournament specific line retrieval reels. Bowfishing bows normally have lower draw weights than conventional hunting bows (less than 40 pounds). One that has previously been retired from deer hunting and replaced with newer equipment would make a good bow for fishing. Compound bows, traditional bows, and crossbows can all be used, along with specially designed bowfishing reels and line.
The Bowfishing Reel
The reel is the most important part of bowfishing. Wind-on reels are adequate and work, but they can be very frustrating and slow to use for the beginner. Wind-on reels (or, hand wrap reels) require the line to be wound on the spool by hand after every shot. When the arrow is fired from the bow, the line feeds out of a bowfishing reel, and then reeled back in - hopefully with a fish on it. These are good for the beginning bowfisherman, but you will likely soon outgrow it. Large spinning reels and mounts are more convenient and you can get one for around $60.
The Bowfishing Arrow
A bowfishing arrow is different than a bowhunting arrow. The arrow needs to be rigged specially for fish, and this means adding some holes to the arrow attached to fishing line, otherwise you’ll lose not only your catch, but your arrow as well. A fiberglass arrow would be a good choice. They are cheap ($15 or less), durable, and effective and are used by over 90% of all bowfishermen. The arrows need to be straight and centershot should be corrected for the arrow to come off the bow as straight as possible. Bowfishing arrows have barbs that go into the fish on the shot and hang on to the fish upon retrieval. Then, anglers loosen the fish point on the arrow by folding the small arms back and sliding the arrow out of the fish.
Where To Go Bowfishing
One neat thing about bowfishing is its availability. Bowfishing can be done from the bank of the smallest river to the world’s largest oceans. Saltwater bowfishing is very popular. Anywhere there are carp, buffalo fish, gar, and other similar species, bowfishing is possible, and in most places these fish and many other invasive or exotic species are legal for bowfishing. Avoid choppy water and fish along shores where the water is shallow and these fish hang out. Be careful and avoid being seen or making noice. If they spook, they leave in a hurry and will offer you only a split second to make your shot.