Many people think that Bowfishing is just fun, but they don’t know it is one of the most popular games. Yes, you heard it right. Bowfishing is now becoming an international sport, and many people are arranging different tournaments and competitions.
Bowfishing doesn’t require a lot of money to buy expensive gear for hunting a fish. All you need is a bow. It is not necessary to do Bowfishing from a boat in the middle of the water. Some fishes also visit the shores, and you can try them.
However, you can get a boat for a fascinating adventure. A Bowfishing boat has lights and several other gears to assist anglers.
In this guide, you will learn everything about Bowfishing, the gear required, different styles that you can use, also some rules of Bowfishing. You are just a step away from being a professional Bowfisher with an incredible hunting experience. Let’s dive into it.
Bowfishing: Overview
Bowfishing is a unique fishing method where you catch fish with a bow and arrow. The name shows that it might be an old game, but the bows and arrows are of the latest technology. Mostly, the bows have several additional gears attached to them.
Bowfishing arrows are also different from the traditional arrows that come to mind when thinking of a bow and arrow. It is a fascinating game with several techniques that make it an adventure. Nowadays, unique boats are available in the market for bowfishing.
Remember that bowfishing doesn’t mean you can hunt any fish. In some countries, Bowfishing is not allowed. However, some countries allow hunting several species of fish. Carps, bigheads, and grass carps are the primary targets of bow fishers.
Basic Types of Bows
Shooting a moving fish with a bow and that too underwater is not easy. It requires a lot of focus and calculations as the fish location is not exact due to the refraction of light. Though bowfishing doesn’t require exceptional angler skills, you need an archer’s skills for it.
Without the right bow, you can never shoot a single fish moving under the water. Select the best bow that you can afford to make your first bowfishing experience a remarkable one. Here we have a list of the best bowfishing bows that you can use.
Recurve Bows
If you are a beginner, we would recommend a recurve bow for you. These are the traditional bows that many beginners prefer to use. The most affordable and easy-to-use fishing bow is the recurve bow. Its corners are tilted to the outside to give the arrow a powerful stroke.
Nowadays, advanced forms of recurve bows are available equipped with sights and arrow rests. To hunt fish with these bows, you need to get closer to your target first. It is because such bows are ineffective against long-range targets.
Compound Bow
Unlike the recurve bow, a compound bow is more suitable for an experienced bow fisherman. Though compound bows are also used for other purposes such as archery, these are also best for fishing. A compound bow is an advanced form of a recurve bow with extra merits.
Due to its cables and pulleys, a compound bow offers a more robust and accurate stroke to the arrow. You can easily adjust the draw weight of the bow with the help of cables. You have to maintain it so that it works longer. Though it is a bit expensive, it’s worth its cost.
Lever Bows
If you are looking for a bow with a smooth and quick draw, a lever bow is the best option. When we observe a lever bow, we can note both compound and recurve bows’ specifications in it. However, it may be a bit heavier than a compound bow.
Lever bows are equipped with a breakpoint system that holds the bow in a stretched position for the angler’s convenience. Lever bows have a limb system on their limbs to generate a powerful shoot.
Wheel Bows
Many bow fishers do not prefer using the let-off function of many bows. If you are one of them, you should try a wheel bow. It comes with the absence of the let-of function. Moreover, the draw is smooth and quick. Simply, it is the latest form of a compound bow.
Without this function, you can pull the draw to the desired length. Playing a close-range fish fight, you can draw the bow a little and then release it quickly. This feature makes the wheel bow a top choice of many bow fishers.
Types of Arrows and Bowheads (For Hunting)
As there are different types of bows that various anglers prefer, arrows also have a variety. The arrows differ based on their head or tip. Here we will discuss the most commonly used arrows for bowfishing. Let’s dive into the details to know more about the types of arrows.
Blunted
Almost everyone can suggest its shape from the name. The tip is either metal, rubber, or plastic and is mainly preferred for close-range fishing.
Bullet Point
Like the blunt arrow, it also indicates the shape of the arrow’s tip. Most anglers use it for target hunting and small game shooting.
Field Point
A field point arrow has a tip just like a ballpoint’s tip. It is best for small game hunting and target hunting.
JUDO Point
Judo point is the latest technology arrow that has hands at its tip. Also, it is more expensive than the previous ones. The arms of the arrow catch the prey deep in the grass and leaves, making it impossible for the target to escape.
Fish Point
It is also the latest arrow that can shoot not only the fish but also secure it. It has barbed wires in its tip that strike the fish body, so it may not escape.
Equipment You Need to Start Bowfishing
If you are looking for bowfishing gear somewhere, you don’t have to worry. Many companies and shops offer bowfishing gear packages. These packages include all the essentials for bowfishing, even some packages contain bows.
However, you can also separately buy the bowfishing items if you have some at your home. The essential items you need for bowfishing include a bow, arrows, line with reel, and a fishing license. The fishing license is crucial as many countries consider bowfishing illegal.
Besides these items, you can also buy a boat, polarized sunglasses, a pair of gloves, and a towel. These items are not essential, but they can assist you much and make your first bowfishing experience memorable.
Tips For Beginners On How to Start Bowfishing
Well, you have gone through everything that you needed to know about bowfishing. Now, it’s time to learn some tips. Before getting into the sport of bowfishing, you have to understand its basics and gain some experience. Here are a few tips to help you learn how to do bowfishing.
Learn the Skill of Archery
The first thing that bowfishing requires is your archery experience. Practice as much as you can if you are preparing for some competition. If you can’t find fish, try hitting underwater targets such as rocks and maybe floating logs.
Understand Light Refraction
The refraction of the light causes illusions that confuse even the most experienced anglers. To improve your underwater shooting, try studying the principles of refraction. These might help you guess the original location of the fish, and you can shoot with perfection.
Join A Fishing Training or Course
If you are entirely unaware of bowfishing, you can join fishing classes. They may tell you a lot about bowfishing and also train you for it.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Started In the Sport of Bowfishing
It depends on you; how much you can afford. Many anglers started bowfishing with just a bow and a pair of arrows. On the other hand, some anglers spend thousands of dollars buying boats and other bowfishing items, even if they are unnecessary.
Some companies offer a one-day bowfishing trip. These are very affordable, and they have excellent services. They provide you with complete bowfishing equipment with proper guidance. The average price per head of such trips is about 150 dollars.
How to Find A Place to Hunt or Fish If You Don’t Have One Nearby
The first step is to check the wildlife agency’s website of your state. There you might know the places that are illegal for bowfishing. After marking such sites:
- Consult the experienced locals of your vicinity.
- Never select only a single location.
- Keep searching for new spots.
Google may also be beneficial in finding you the right place for bowfishing. You can also go bowfishing on the bank of any river. But make sure that you don’t enter into someone’s private property.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the point of bowfishing?
If you don’t have anything to do in your summer vacations, bowfishing might be the best task to enjoy the holidays. With friends, it becomes even more fun to shoot underwater moving targets.
Can you catch and release bowfishing?
No, you can’t. When you catch a fish with a bow and arrow, it gets hurt. Now you can’t set it free because it is going to die in a few moments.
Do you throw carp back?
If the fish is bloody, it is better not to throw it back into the water. The blood of the carp may pollute the water causing severe problems to other fishes in the water.
Does bowfishing kill the fish?
Mostly, when you shoot a fish with an arrow, it dies at the moment. However, if it doesn’t die, it may die in a few hours.
Can you put a dead carp back in the water?
While you can do it, you shouldn’t do it. The reason is that the dead carp may cause several diseases that can affect other fishes in the environment.
Bottom Line
In the above article, we tried to clear all the ambiguities regarding bowfishing. We have listed some best types of bowfishing bows and arrowheads.
Though we discussed owning your bowfishing gear, that’s not compulsory. Save money and don’t buy all the equipment for only a one-time experience.
If you are also fond of bowfishing, visit an archery shop and get the essential equipment. You don’t have to buy it because some shops also offer fishing gear for rent. If you still have any questions, feel free to ask us.
