BowFisher

 

THE BASICS OF BOWFISHING

 

By now you have most likely setup your bow for Bowfishing, congratulations! As you progress, you will probably make slight alterations and try new equipment until you find the perfect balance.

 

The next step in becoming a bowfisher is to learn the basics!

 

 

Rigging:

Once you have an arrow, line and reel the next step is to correctly setup. When bowfishing always use a safety slide, never tie your line direct to the end of your arrow. If you get a tangle and your arrow stops in midflight your arrow can bounce back and hit you. Using a safety slide prevents any kickback or injury.

 

 

 

 

 

Your line should therefore be tied direct to the safety slide.

Here is how to correctly tie your line to an arrow:

 

1. Thread your line through the Safety Slide on your arrow, assuring to  follow the groove in the slide. Pull about 5 or so inches of line through the slide

2. Holding both parts of the line, make a loop  and hold it above the point.

3. Send the entire arrow, starting at the tip, through the loop you just made. A knot will form behind the arrow and hang a couple inches past it

4. Cut off any excess and sear the end with a lighter

 

You should end up with something similar to this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aiming:

For all those beginners out there, this is probably the most crucial part of information you will require. Or for those that have had prior experience, but still struggling to hit those fish. The biggest question one everybody's mind is: How low do i aim?

 

The old saying is "When in doubt aim low, then lower".

 

As mentioned in sections prior to now, light defracts under water. The fish you see from above the water is actually in a different position than your eyes perceive. To hit your target, you need to allow for this 'defraction' of light and optic illusion.

 

Another thing to take into account is the trajectory of the arrow. How far away is the target? The further away the target, the more the arrow falls etc.

 

So here is the general rule of thumb:

 

1: For every ten feet of lateral distance (distance from you to fish) aim 4 inches low.

2. Aim 6 inches low for every foot of depth (top of water  to fish)

 

 

Method:

Bowfishing is fairly basic once you have all your equipment and are  correctly set up.

1. Make sure your reel is ready to go, free from tangles etc. and that your arrow is set upon your rest.

2. Find a target, click free spooling button on reel if relevant. Have a final check that you are free from tangles

3. Aim  (taking into account defraction) and fire.

4. If you miss retrieve and fire again. If you have hit your fish, be careful not to grab the line if it's a large fish as its initial take off can cause  quite severe cuts.

5. Remove arrow from fish and store fish adequately (esky etc.)

 

Behaviour:

The way you behave and move around can greatly affect the outcome of your bowfishing. The main thing to keep in mind is how much noise you are making. Sneaking up on your prey can be the difference between scaring it away or taking it home for dinner, especially when you are down at ground level. Lift your feet up as you walk (almost like a tiptoe) instead of dragging them and making noise. Avoid rustling through bushes and making any unneccessary noise.

 

Glasses:

The difference that a decent pair of polarised glasses makes during the day is immense. I've been bowfishing alongside mates and they haven't been able to spot a fish two meters in front of them. It truly is another world down there when you are wearing them and i strongly recommend a set or multiple for every bowfisher enthusiast. For the sake of as little as $30 these truly will assist every time you go.

 

Release aids, gloves etc.

Whenever you are going to be shooting frequently and for long periods of time it's always a good idea to protect your fingers. You may simply wish to use a glove! I personally use a release aid and D loop, this helps protect not only your fingers but also allows for a smoother, less shaky shot. Another option is equipping rubber rollers to your string; this gives you a nocking point as well as providing a smooth, comfortable release.

 

Conditions:

 

Weather conditions will play a large part in the outcome of your hunt. Try to plan trips, look up the weather and find out the possibility of rain and strength of wind. Going bowfishing in hefty winds and rains proves virtually impossible and a waste of time.

 

Storage:

Always correctly store your bow and accessories when not in use. If you have been bowfishing where your set up has been exposed to salt water, always rinse with fresh water and allow parts to dry fully before storage. I always give any  parts that may rust a spray with cooking oil before i go near salt water (mainly bolts, nuts etc.)

 

I also recommend getting a good sturdy case if you will be taking your bow long distances or in boats. They will protect your bows tremendously and usually come with storage pouches for arrows and all your equipment. 

 

Safety:

Always use common sense when using a bow. Avoid overpopulated areas! Never shoot in the water where people are swimming. Don't aim at other people, or shoot where others are at risk. There are plenty of spots you can go where you can safely hunt. Always use a safety slide and always check your bow and accessories are in the correct working order before beginning.

 

Helpful Tips:

If you are planning on going bowfishing during the day, try to plan your hours around midday. A few hours before and after is the best time as visibility is at its best. Early in the morning and around sunset, proves a difficult task in areas surrounded by trees, hills etc. as they will cast shadows into the water.

 

It is always a good idea to take a friend with you on your adventures. Firstly this will give you somebody to socialise with and can prove much more enjoyable. It will also prove beneficial when shooting out of a boat. Most fish are lost at the bow, trying to lift them out of the water. Having a second person allows them to fire a second shot if necessary (generally the larger fish). Also fish travel in schools, so there will be a good chance of having a double 'hook up'.

 

Use berley to attract fish! Throw in bread, corn or dog food. If the fish are scarce this will soon bring them and they will generally hang around the area.

 

When shooting anything from a boat make sure to use a gaff, this is where a second person can come in handy.

 

If the fish is facing away from you or coming towards you, wait for a broadside shot. This will allow you a much larger target to shoot.

 

Look for trees, rocks and other obstructions to increase chance of finding fish.

 

What to take:

When going bowfishing, it is important to remember to take all the necessary equipment. A sturdy case is always a good idea as you can safely transport your bow, as well as have space for all your other spare accessories. Be sure to take spare arrows and tips! Always a good idea to have a little tool kit including shifter and allan keys, in case adjustments need to be made.