If someone were to ask me what my favorite summer pastime is, I would say bowfishing. When I started bowfishing years ago, it had yet to become popular… I didn’t know anyone who bowfished, and the only gear I had access too was from the seventies. Nevertheless, I decided to get out and give it a shot (literally) and it turned out to be the highlight of my summer.
Since then, bowfishing has exploded and become a popular past time for both hunters and anglers. The majority of bowfisherman utilize boats - whether it’s an air boat, a flat bottom with a trolling motor, or even a kayak. I have bowfished from a variety of boats and even used a paddleboard for a while and loved it. However, my favorite way to bowfish will always be the way it all began – walking the banks and shooting fish.
While most people tend to think the boat adds to the experience of bowfishing, I have always preferred the simplicity of bowfishing from shore. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on gear, and you don’t need to necessarily make plans in advance to go. All you need is your bowfishing bow and arrows, a pair of sunglasses if it’s daytime, and a bottle of water is always a smart move.
While most people prefer to bowfish at night, I have always preferred the daylight hours. Right after sunrise and right before sunset are the best times – not unlike hunting. This will of course vary depending on what kind of fish you’re looking to shoot, but generally speaking it is the best time to shoot fish. In retrospect, there is not bad time to go shoot fish.
Finding fish from shore is a bit different that finding fish while on a boat or other type of watercraft. If you’re a hunter – particularly if you are a bowhunter – you’ll see many correlations between hunting animals and bowfishing from the banks. First, you’ll need to be stealthy. Fish can feel the vibrations of your footsteps on shore, and even if you choose to wade in the water if it’s shallow enough, you’ll want to move slowly and stop often. Spotting the fish before they spot (or feel) you is key to shooting a few. If you’re hunting in the day, you’ll want to be aware of where your shadow falls as that can also spook fish. On the bright side, most fish will return if you are patient.
Being patient is also high on the list of importance when it comes to bowfishing from shore. There will likely be many shots that you can’t take; for example, fish rising up in the middle of the lake may be too far. But if you wait it out they will often show up along the shores and you’ll get your opportunity .
Bowfishing from the shore is essentially a spot and stalk journey.
Hunting for fish from the shore at night is a whole other story. You’ll need to bring some sort of flashlight, headlight, or a light that can be attached to your bow. The light will attract bugs so it’s best to turn it on and off periodically and wear some sort of lightweight face mask or gaiter over your mouth and nose to prevent yourself from inhaling the bugs. At night many fish will be right up close to the shore, so your shot opportunities will happen in a blink. It will be harder to spot them, so you’ll have to think fast and shoot quickly. Bowfishing from the shore at night is always an adventure, no matter whether you end up shooting anything or not.
Another thing that you will have to be aware of while bowfishing from the banks, is what you need to legally do to dispose of the fish you shoot. In some states you can return them to the water, some states allow you to leave them on the banks; if you do this, make sure that you leave them far enough from the shore that they aren’t an eye sore and far enough that the smell won’t bother anyone who may or may not fish the area. It’s important to be respectful to those who also utilize whatever areas you bowfish. Many people will take the fish with them to dispose of, which is always a great option; if you don’t plan on eating them you can always turn them into fertilizer or use as bait for coyotes. Cut carp also makes great catfish bait.
There are a variety of species that are great to hunt from shore; where you live will determine what you should look for. Carp are my favorite thing to target, and carp live in a wide range throughout North America. Suckers and gar are also a lot of fun, and some states allow you to bowfish for catfish. It’s always a good thing to be on top of what state laws and regulations allow for bowfishing.
Overall, bowfishing from the shore is nothing short of a good time, and anyone who enjoys bowfishing should give it a try at least once. Don’t forget to aim low!
.png)