Fishing has always been regarded as both a relaxing and exciting sport. There is one type of fishing that ranks the highest in terms of excitement, and that is bowfishing. Bowfishing is an exciting sport that combines styles of fishing and hunting with the use of specialized archery equipment such as a crossbow to shoot and retrieve fish. Typical freshwater catches include carps, alligator gars, and paddlefish while saltwater enthusiasts typically go after various kinds of sharks and rays. Types of bowfishing that can be done with a crossbow include wading, nightfishing, and big game fishing among others. Bowfishing with a crossbow is a fast-action sport that is not for those who are looking to simply catch and release. The aim of bowfishing is to kill.
Tools
Good crossbow equipment can cost anywhere from around $400 USD to well upwards of $1,000 USD. A good bow package comes complete with tools such as a scope and strong bolts. Crossbow fishing relies on bolts, barbed and tensioned arrows, to catch fish from the water. Expert crossbow fishers recommend investing in a line-safety system to prevent any accidental line snagging that may cause the bolt to snap backwards. As such, one should also invest in good glasses to protect the eyes and also to help the eyes see fish in the water. Investing in a reel is also recommended as well as wading boots for easy trekking in the waters. One of the best things about crossbow fishing is being able to fish without bait. There is absolutely no bait necessary in order to bowfish with a crossbow.
Location
The best crossbow fishing is typically done in warm waters. Freshwater locations such as lakes, ponds, and rivers are recommended as well as saltwater locations such as beaches, bays, and estuaries. In truth, any body of water may be used to bowfish with a crossbow as long as it is clear and shallow with heights rising to only between 3-4 feet.
Techniques
In order to get a shot at the best fish, daytime fishing is recommended, especially during spring when it is spawning time for most fish. Nighttime fishing is a little more challenging, but it has the advantage of availability any time throughout the year. Big game fishing should be done during the spring and summer seasons when fish are most active. Bowfishing with a crossbow requires a lot of practice in aiming for fast fish. When hunting around shallow waters, try to stay near tall weeds and grasses as they provide some type of cover. Avoid casting any shadows on the target fish by standing quite a distance away from it, between 10-15 feet. Aim low to compensate for the refraction of light in the water, and try to aim for the front half of the fish to target the vital organs such as the brain. This ensures a straight and successful kill. Practice aiming and shooting with your crossbow of choice continuously in order to get a good grip on your equipment.
All in all, bowfishing with a crossbow is a very rewarding and enjoyable sport to get into. It takes a great level of skill and dedication to become an expert in the craft. After all, it is pretty much hunting fish that swim at incredible speeds in the water. With good practice and training, that bolt will land between the target’s eyes, and you will see why bowfishing with a crossbow is the next big thing in the world of fishing and hunting.
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