| If you are a sportsperson, and like archery, you | | | | loop reels myself but fishing reels designed for |
| need to try bow fishing. The challenge of bow | | | | archery work well and don't give you as much of |
| fishing will make you think before you shoot or | | | | a challenge starting out. There are several other |
| you will hit the water and let the fish laugh at you | | | | types but these two are the basics. |
| as it swims away. Who needs that? | | | | - Now that you have the equipment, know where |
| When you go bow fishing you will have to take in | | | | to go, what to fish for, you should familiarize |
| consideration, how fast the target is moving, the | | | | yourself with water refractions and light. This can |
| direction of the sun, the distance to the target, | | | | be done by going to a pond or lake and placing a |
| water refraction, size of the target, and the wind. | | | | straight stick in the water. Like your shadow, the |
| Additionally, you must identify the exact species | | | | length and angle will change with light direction. You |
| for which you are fishing. Shooting a fish that is | | | | know where the stick actually is so you can judge |
| not legal will result in a fine. If you think you can | | | | the refraction. It will take a little practice but you |
| handle the challenge, these tips will get you | | | | will get the hang of it. |
| started. | | | | - Lastly, the problem of depth is the same |
| Bow Fishing Tips to Get You Started | | | | problem you have scuba diving, objects in the |
| - As with any hunting or fishing trip, you will have | | | | water appear to be 25% closer than they are, |
| to check with the local fish and game authorities | | | | and that includes depth if the sun is overhead. |
| so you can legally fish. Fines for bow fishing are | | | | Depth will remain the same 25% deeper than it |
| expensive so check on the rules first. | | | | look so take this into consideration when shooting. |
| - If you have an expensive target rig, I would | | | | Now that you have the basics, go out and have |
| suggest getting a less expensive bow, treading | | | | fun. Missing sometimes will be as much fun as |
| through river bottoms, bushes, or simply dropping | | | | hitting if you keep the correct frame of mind and |
| the bow in the water is not desirable for fine | | | | a positive attitude. As a parting thought, make |
| tuned target rigs. | | | | sure you know the rules, where exactly you are, |
| - Once you have chosen the bow to fit the | | | | and what is legal to shoot. |
| occasion. You will need fishing arrows, there are | | | | One time I traveled downstream too far and |
| many different kinds, weights and lengths, so | | | | changed counties without realizing, fortunately, I |
| check out the web, your local sporting goods | | | | didn't break any laws, but it might have been |
| store, or archery shop to fit your needs. | | | | disastrous if I ended up poaching. Good luck and |
| - Now is the time to pick a reel. There are two | | | | happy bow fishing. |
| basic types loop reels, and fishing reels. I prefer | | | | |