I have seen this done many times it looks like a blast. Any experts out there? I have a bow but i dont have a reel and dont know much about it. It sure would be a quick way to get some carp meat Any advice ?????
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I just started bowfishing last year and it rocks!
I started out with the cheap "spool" type reel and used it once, save yourself the trouble and get the [url "http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunting/Archery/Bowfishing|/pc/104791680/c/104693580/sc/104232780/AMS-Retriever-Pro-Reel/713266.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fbowfishing%2F_%2FN-1100052%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104232780%3FWTz_l%3DUnknown%253Bcat104791680%253Bcat104693580&WTz_l=Unknown%3Bcat104791680%3Bcat104693580%3Bcat104232780"]AMS Pro reel.[/url] Also, don't waste your time on the zebco reels, they're bad news.
A compound bow works but it'll wear your arm out and the ability to do a half draw quickly will result in lots more fish, [url "http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunting/Archery/Bowfishing|/pc/104791680/c/104693580/sc/104232780/PSE-Kingfisher-Bowfishing-Recurve-Bow/745502.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fbowfishing%2F_%2FN-1100052%2B4294716204%2FNe-4294716204%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104232780%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104791680%253Bcat104693580%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104791680%3Bcat104693580%3Bcat104232780"]this is the one[/url] I bought and I've really liked it!
I know you're a waterfowler, but I don't remember if you have a boat? You don't "need" one, some of the best bow fishing is done by wading, but they sure are handy to get some place where the fish are!
I haven't made it out as much as I wanted but MAN was it fun [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/Utah_Fishing_Forum_C55/gforum.cgi?post=825398;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;page=unread#unread"]when I did[/url], it could be my favorite thing to do in between duck seasons!
I need more people to go with as well, hit me up if you wanna go find a place to stick some carp!
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Sounds like good advice to me. Same boat - started into it last year, and it is entertaining. There are spots where being up on shore gives you a good vantage, and ability to sneak and creep. They sure do spook easy!
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[center]Carpus - Interruptus
I picked up the cheapest bow I could find at the pawn shop. It's a compound, but you can dial them down - easier draw.
I too agree - the spools are crap. Don't bother. I did go with the Zebco reel, about half the price of the AMS, but I have run into a couple line lockups.
Thing is - the arrows aren't cheap, so if you line breaks, there goes $15 bux!
It is surpisingly easy to miss, and even if you do hit, them suckers are pretty tough and firm to poke through proper. Bamaboy got a "gig" down at Smith-n-Eddies, basically a small pitchfork, so you can get 'em off your arrow, but don't have to mussy your net.
Found some big-leaded snagging hooks (Sports Authority), and with some heavy braid, that can be pretty entertaining too. Tail-hooking those toads leads to some serious reel-peel!
Of note: knowing you DO have a boat, you'll find it helpful to get to 'em, and right on top of them in the shallows. Lots of that Cutler marsh bottom is pretty mushy and gushy.
Al's is about the only place in CV I've found the bowfishing supplies. And at that - they are limited. Check KSL for used setups too.
Got a guy carving me a bow by hand. THAT will be fun to try!
I like the ti20 reel, but they can be troublesome. The AMS pro is a very good reel, and easy to use. Just be careful bowfishing is addicting.
Have fun, Be safe, and Aim Low
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I think i will give it a shot. I am for sure looking forward to waterfowl/upland season as well.
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Indeed snaging large carp is a fun ride!! When i do it i really like to make it fun.. I roll with 50lb power pro and a heavy action cat pole i tighten my drag about as tight as it will go and oh buddy i put my equipment to the ultimate stress test. Nothing like bulldog fighting a big fish that has its head!!!
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Well don't know about an expert but I have finished top five in three out of four tournaments this year. It is addicting as can be and can get expensive quick. I would start out with a little better gear so you don't waste money on upgrades. Everything is personal choice on bow and which real you like just check them out online and decide on a bottles or a spinner. I also like the ti 20. Oh ya and aim low!
Good luck and any more guestions just ask. PM sent.
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I like to have a bow in my boat during the carp spawn when the carp clusters are common in deeper water. If you can hit a 50 gal. drum at 10 yards you can get all the carp you want. I get my summer supply of carp meat for catfish bait during this time. Fun.
And... I think it is illegal to snag carp?? I tried it and it was great sport but then I decided to check the proc to see if I was within the law.
Page 10, bottom right column: "You may not take or land fish by snagging or gaffing,..." It does not differentiate between game fish and non-game fish so I believe it is illegal to snag carp with a large treble hook??
Anybody else read it this way?
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so its not legal to snag carp? but its legal to shoot then with an arrow? how does that work....
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I dunno... that's just the way I read the proclamation? I thought everything was legal for carp except dynamite but maybe not. I just checked with a lady at the Sp.ville DWR office and the best she could advise was that it is "probably not legal."
The proclamation says (p.14) you can take carp by any "angling" technique but I don't think "angling" includes snagging?? Ain't no big deal I guess cause you can get all the carp you need with a bow or fork. I just wouldn't want somebody, especially me, to get stung with a citation.
Probably best to just forget about it and get ready to chase ducks. [
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