Everything You Need to Know About Bowfishing
by Cajun BowfishingBowfishing has been perceived as a sport for archery enthusiasts or off-season bowhunters for many years. In the last decade or so, this fishing technique has become an incredibly popular sport among outdoor enthusiasts. But many people also don't know what bowfishing is. The chances are that a lot of people haven't even heard of it.
Whether you are looking to learn more about bowfishing or make your first steps, this is the right place for you.
What is bowfishing?
As the name suggests, bowfishing is hunting fish with a bow and arrow. Bowfishing requires absolutely no previous fishing experience, making it fun, unique, and perfect for beginners.
Where Can You Bowfish?
From lakes and reservoirs to rivers and streams, you can bowfish in pretty much any type of freshwater. If you're fishing in saltwater, shallow flats, estuaries, and bays can be great places to go.
In bow fishing, there is no right or wrong way to do it. Boating, wading, and walking the shoreline are all options.
When Can You Bowfish?
In terms of season, bowfishing takes place in the spring and summer. However, in some states, it is a year-long sport.
During the early morning and at dusk are prime bowfishing times because the fish are most active. There will be days when the productivity is higher than others, of course. But to get the best results, you’ll want to go out when the waters are calm, and visibility is at its best. In other words, clear skies, and no wind.
Others will opt for going at night. Bowfishing after sundown is very popular among boat fishers on specialized bowfishing boats, equipped with lights.
What Equipment Do You Need for Bowfishing?
You can easily get started bowfishing with just a few essential pieces of equipment. Here’s what you need:
All this equipment can be found at your local Cajun Bowfishing dealer or on our website.
Other than that, the only thing left that you need is a fishing license. Regardless of where you bowfish, you will need a sport fishing license. Each state has its own fish and game laws, and you are responsible for ensuring that you are in compliance with them. Always check for yourself to ensure you have everything you need for licenses and permits.
Types Of Fish You Can Shoot While Bowfishing?
Legal fish vary, depending on where you are in the country. Some of the freshwater fish you can shoot are Common Carp, Bighead Carp, Silver Carp, Grass Carp, Longnose Gar, Short nose Gar, Spotted Gar, Alligator Gar, Paddlefish, Shad, Bigmouth Buffalo, Smallmouth Buffalo, Freshwater Drum, and Catfish. Many of these fish are often referred to as "rough," or "trash" fish. Fish classified as rough, or trash are those not classified as sport fish. These species are not commonly eaten and are often invasive. Because they are not typically targeted by fishermen, bowfishing is a very good means of population control and removal of these often-undesirable fish.
For saltwater fishing, legal targets vary based on the location and can range from Sharks, Flounder, Sheepshead, Drum, Mullet, and Stingrays.
You should always know which fish are legal to shoot before you go out and certainly before you nock an arrow, just as you would in any hunting or fishing situation.
