Bowfishing

Bowfishing

By Nick Johnson

Over the years fishing has morphed from being necessary for survival to a leisurely activity enjoyed by all ages. With the shift in the fishing objectives came rules and regulations making the sport of fishing one of conservation. Catch limits and length limits are enforced to allow fishermen to keep some fish, and let others grow and populate. During the last couple of decades, we also are experiencing a shift in the way we fish. Now, archers are trying their luck at bowfishing. With bowfishing, restrictions on fish often have the fishermen pursuing invasive species such as the Asian carp. If you have boated on Iowa’s lakes, you probably have encountered these guys. They are the ones that jump out of the water as your boat passes by. Not only are these Asian carp an invasive nuisance, but at times they become dangerous. Motorists have been injured, and in other states, even killed, when boating at high speeds and a carp strikes the passengers. Thankfully, these nuisance carp are prime target fish for bowfishers.

Finding Carp
Carp can also be seen near the surface, particularly during the mornings and evenings. They like weedy areas and shallow waters. Carp generally spawn when water temperatures are between 68-73 degrees. Sometimes rising water levels can trigger the spawn as well but water temp is the key. When the temperature reaches this point the spawn can happen any time. Usually, most of the carp in a given system will spawn around the same general time and the action can last for a couple days. Carp can be spotted during the spawn and this is a fantastic time to arrow a few. If you can locate them during the spawn, you will likely have dozens of shot opportunities. You can find them during the spawn seeking shallow water.

Equipment
Bowfishing can be fairly easy to get set up. You can use an older bow (compound or traditional) or you can buy a new one, like PSE’s Kingfisher, to use. You also will need a reel or spools. Reels are the most popular choice for fishermen. Once the arrow is shot, it allows you to reel the line back in, similar to the action on a fishing pole. Spools are not contained, and you have to manually wind them up. You should also use an arrow compatible with your reel. Bowfishing arrows are thicker, longer, and heavier than bowhunting carbon arrows. They also have barbs and are attached to the string for retrieval. Die-hard bowfishermen have boats with lights and platforms set up for shooting at night. This can be a ton of fun, and a good way to see those nocturnal fish. Another option is to hunt from the shore. This requires some sharp eyes and patience to spot the carp. Whether you are hunting from a platform or from the shore, you need to account for water refraction and aim a little bit lower. You can get into a decent bowfishing rig fairly cheaply, or you can spend thousands of dollars on equipment. The choice is yours.

Iowa Sportsman Top Bowfishing Waters
There are no shortages whatsoever for bowfishing opportunities in Iowa but if I had to choose my favorite places in the state these five locations would top the list:

1). Iowa great lakes.
With clear water, especially earlier in the year around the carp spawn, the Iowa Great Lakes offer bow fisherman a chance at not only large fish but also many different species including huge drum and shortnose gar.

2). Lake Red Rock
When river levels are up, below the Red Rock dam can be a bowfisherman’s dream for many species. Asian carp and gar are plentiful not to mention loads of carp and big buffalo. The lake also offers endless expanses of bays and shoreline to cruise.

3). Saylorville
The bow fishing for carp and buffalo in the ‘Ville can be phenomenal. When the carp spawn here hit the willows and prepare for a sore arm and big fish.

4). Clear Lake
Big carp and clear early season water is what makes Clear Lake a blast to bowfish. When the spawn is on this lake truly offers a chance to shoot some monster carp.

5). Mississippi River Backwaters
Many of the pools of the mighty Miss have vegetated backwaters that hold tons of carp and other rough fish species including gar and bowfin. When the spawn hits these backwaters come alive with big carp.

Aid in Conservation
More bowfishers are needed to help control the invasive fish in Iowa. If carp populations get too dense, they can disrupt the natural fishing ecosystems. This means the quality of fish and diversity of the aquatic life may decrease. Additionally, when there are too many carp, they can stir up the bottom water and decrease the quality of water. Bowfishing offers an opportunity for you to combine both fishing and archery skills out on the water.