Bowfishing???

[KenyanSandBoa]

I thought I would ask the fishermen of the forum about bowfishing. I'm not a fisherman, but I stumbled upon some sites while researching Alligator Gars and I noticed a common method to fish for them was with a bow.

Is this a common practice?

Are there certain species that a bow is used instead of a rod?

Any other thoughts can be added as well...I never knew this form of fishing existed.

 

[---XR---]

it's used around the amazon for big fish, but it's not common, if at all used in the states in general. i think it's retared personally, if the fishing doesn't include a rod, line and hook, than it's not fishing.

 

[KenyanSandBoa]

I definitely agree with you. If someone catches something and decides it's not of their liking they can thow it back. I don't see that happening when the fish is impaled on an arrow.

Considering "catch and release" is not an option with bowfishing, couldn't this style of fishing have an extrememly detrimental effect on the populations of certain species?

 

[broberts1030]

I do it every now and then for carp and gar pike when they are spawning.

 

[Fish_are_fishfood]

it's used around the amazon for big fish, but it's not common, if at all used in the states in general. i think it's retared personally, if the fishing doesn't include a rod, line and hook, than it's not fishing.

To me its like shooting fish in a barrel, and last time I checked that wasn't to much fun, but then again, I never did it before and would like to keep it that way.

 

[hillbilly]

I've heard of people around here shooting carp with a bow. While crap are considered trash fish, and non-native, I still feel it's a waste of resources.

 

[oddball_freak]

it's used around the amazon for big fish, but it's not common, if at all used in the states in general. i think it's retared personally, if the fishing doesn't include a rod, line and hook, than it's not fishing.

Bowfishing is a lot harder than it looks.

 

[YOOPER]

Is this a common practice?

Yes, (at least in my experience)

Are there certain species that a bow is used instead of a rod?

It's very common with carp/bowfin. I've never done it myself with gars. Different states have different laws on what can be taken with a bow.

Any other thoughts can be added as well...I never knew this form of fishing existed.

It's alot of fun, and does require some skill.

Considering "catch and release" is not an option with bowfishing, couldn't this style of fishing have an extrememly detrimental effect on the populations of certain species?

That's why it (like fishing and hunting) is regulated by the state. You mainly see people bowfishing carp and the like which are a trash fish that has no bag limit.

Bowfishing is a lot harder than it looks.

Agreed. It's like hunting, regular fishing, chitlins, Barry Manilow........if you don't like it don't do it.

 

[KenyanSandBoa]

Thanks YOOPER...that definitely covered all of my questions.

 

[FisHaRNekEd]

I recenly moved out of texas, which has many waterways that are "infested" with gar and carp. both fish are such voracious eaters and can withstand different environments, which causes them to take over waterways, and prevent other fish from properly spawning etc... I became an active bowfisher when i realized there were very fyew gamefish in the waterways near my area. I do feel it is wrong to kill something without reason, however the local F&G department highly supported the sport.

I actually landed several large common carp and longnose gar that had old scars from being "speared and released" these fish are tough!!
i personallytried to consume the meat and was unsucessful even with recipies from a website. So now i look for a local Asian market and give the meat away to people who will make better use. Be ware that some gar genitalia and roe can be toxic, so if you like fish members or caviar than dont go with gar.