Excellent bowfishing can be found after the spawn, by searching along the edge of the shore and gaps in weed beds. Carp will gather at the backs of coves, around fallen trees, graveled shallows between weed beds and the shore, and shallow peninsulas and points. You may not see the volume of fish you do in the late spring, but it is just as rewarding to sneak up on these wary late-season fish.
When daytime bowfishing, the mid-day hours when the sun is high in the sky and the glare is at a minimum are best. Carp have excellent eyesight and hearing and must be carefully stalked during the day.
My Experience
In my experience, nighttime seems to quadruple the number of fish that you see, and the carp are more approachable than they would be during the day. However, you do not get to enjoy the sun’s rays and the bugs can be pretty brutal on a New York summer night.
Set Your Sights Low and You Will Succeed
Perhaps the hardest part of learning to bowfish is actually how to hit a fish lying below the surface of the water. Most bowfishing is done without sight because many of the shots you take are very sudden. A fish may appear for just a moment, so you have to be able to shoot without lining up your sights
Understanding Refraction and Aiming for Bowfishing
When bowfishing, accurately hitting your target can be challenging due to the refraction of light in water, which distorts the appearance of fish. Here are some key points to consider when aiming at fish at different depths:
Aiming Technique
Depth Matters:
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- The deeper a fish is, the lower you need to aim. This is because the light bends as it passes through water, making the fish appear higher than it actually is.
General Aiming Guidelines:
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- Aiming at the Belly: Some anglers suggest aiming at the belly of the fish, which can work well at certain depths but may not always be effective.
- Aiming Low: Others advise aiming lower based on the fish’s depth. For instance, if a fish is deeper, aim lower than its apparent position.
- Eye-Level Aiming: The notion of aiming “look ’em in the eye” only works when the fish is directly below you.
Directly Below:
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- The only time you can aim directly at a fish is when it is directly beneath your position. This allows for a more accurate shot without the need to compensate for refraction.
Techniques for Success
- Speeding Up:
- A popular technique is to increase your boat’s speed and roll right over the fish. This can create an opportunity for quick shots as you get directly above your target.
- Practice Makes Perfect:
- The best way to improve your aim is through practice. The more you bowfish, the better you’ll become at judging where to aim based on the fish’s depth and position.
By understanding the effects of light refraction and practicing your aiming techniques, you can enhance your success when bowfishing in various conditions.
Original Article By Captain Bryant Abbuhl
About the Author
Bryant – Used to work for Mike Wade and Ran the company.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
