Bow Fishing

Bow fishing is a popular sport in the southern region of the United States where large prey are sought and captured by literally the zip of an arrow, either from bow fishing boats, the shore or any sturdy structure providing wide space and a great view.

This sport is requires anglers and fishermen to shoot arrows into the water to catch fish and other marine life that fits a certain size and weight. Each region has its own regulations on what can and cannot be caught, but common prey consists of Gars, Gator Gars, Sharks, Carp and Buffalo Fish. Bowfishing regulations in Ontario, just like those established by the Alabama Outdoor and Wildlife Department, have restricted the number of certain types of fishes to be caught because excess has endangered some species. Bowfishing in bowfishing boats is a learned skill that cannot be mastered right off and obviously demands precise aim and steady shooting abilities.

The equipment used is similar to that of archery, yet is distinctly unique for this particular sport. Bows are either recurve or compound style. The former usually bears a retrieval reel where the latter doesn’t, although reels—which can be a regular fishing reel—can be interchangeable with the application of a mounting rest, as long as stabilizer holes are present on the bow. Lines are thicker and heavier than fishing lines (50lb for smaller fish, and 100lb for bigger fish. Bow fishing sharks and long Gars requires at least a 400lb line), and a specially made fiberglass arrow with barbed tips and a slide on which the line is connected to minimize the danger of back shooting and increases straight forward shooting. Some lines can automatically reel in the catches; others may need to be pulled in by hand. Polarized are also essential on sunny days to minimize the water glare so that fish can be seen clearly. A bow fishing boat should be big enough to store these catches without impeding space, but they would typically be medium-sized or larger craft.

Bowfishing information offers plenty of insight on various aspects of the sport: bowfishing history, bowfishing stories relating personal experiences and reviews, bowfishing tips, bowfishing gear usage and purchasing, and bowfishing videos and photos sharing the amazing catches that many anglers and fishermen have made. Such a bowfishing photo can assist those who have never engaged in the sport before, as visuals speak a thousand words.

Whether one wants to bowfish in USA waters, Canada or elsewhere, any one of multitude of sites can serve as a bowfishing guide into the world of this curious and intriguing activity.