Anyone Bowfish?

[Ben]

I seem to have more carp in my pond than is good for it. I can catch them with a pole of course, but was thinking it might be a really good and fun opportunity to try bowfishing. I know zero about it other than starting to look at rigs on the web.

I have a hunting compound bow, and actually broke it out and practiced a bit with it recently.  I guess you can adapt regular bows as bowfishing bows? The only issue is that mine is older and is a 70lb bow that will only adjust down to 60lb. The problem with this is that I appear to be getting old. While I can pull it back just fine, after a half dozen arrows,  I start to get shooting pains in my elbow. Likely age related degradation there that I don't want to make worse if I don't have to.

So  I was thinking about buying a dedicated rig, maybe in the 40lb range that would let me shoot it more at each sitting, or also comfortably let me hold it at full draw for longer. I don't want to go too expensive for basically a lark, but also need a lefty bow. The carp in the pond are fairly small, but next door in the creek, I am constantly seeing a few 24"+ monsters that could be fun to shoot.

Any recommendations?

[charby]

I did a gazzilion years ago, had a 50lb bear compound bow with a open reel and fiberglass arrow. Ended up not liking it,  graduated to a 8' gig attached to a recovery line then to using a 12 gauge with steel shot on jumping carp in the spring. Went to college and haven't done it since. Shotgunning jumping carp was a hoot.

[Jim147]

I have when I was younger. But I have to say getting one on a bass pole with braided line can be a blast.

This is similar to what I got my daughter.

https://www.amazon.com/Southland-Archery-Supply-Compound-Package/dp/B071GWQ46Z/ref=sr_1_39?dchild=1&keywords=Compound+bow&qid=1593528344&sr=8-39

Need to look more to see if they have left handed

[MechAg94]

I have only done it a couple of times.  My brother used to do it nearly every weekend.  He had an air boat at one time.  I only went with him a couple times.  A couple of the lakes here are overrun with carp and want bowfishers to come in a cut the numbers down.  You are not allowed to bowfish game fish here.

From what I gather, any bow would work, but he had heavy reels mounted and used heavier fiberglass arrows.  You can do it without the reel attached, but you are going to lose arrows.  And don't forget to release the brake on the reel before you fire.  

It was a lot of fun, just could take a lot of time. 

[MillCreek]

So if they sell dynamite over the counter in Idaho, would a quarter-stick suffice?  Note I am deliberately suggesting dynamite as possibly easier to obtain over the standard APS detcord.

[Ben]

So if they sell dynamite over the counter in Idaho, would a quarter-stick suffice?  Note I am deliberately suggesting dynamite as possibly easier to obtain over the standard APS detcord.

I've been working for the last year to improve and rehabilitate the pond, and you guys tell me to blow it up. Typical APS. 

I remember what was said of an old foreman of mine back in the oilfield days: "As long as Dupont keeps making dynamite, Lester will keep on fishing." 

[Perd Hapley]

I felt a little bowfish this morning, but it cleared up.

[Ben]

I felt a little bowfish this morning, but it cleared up.

That's what she said.

[Kingcreek]

Years ago. Used to go in the spring when big carp were spawning in the feeder creeks and ditches. It was a hoot.
I think its easier with a recurve but have used an old bear compound. check the pawn shops or ebay or wherever for cheap used recurves with a threaded stabilizer insert.
I could usually fill a couple 5gal buckets with farm ditch carp. I would bring them home and bury them in the garden.
I've still got a couple reels and a few glass arrows and barbed points around somewhere. Still have the 45" compound somewhere too. I used a faster compound bow and 150# test braided line with a steel leader when I shot gar (even more fun than carp).
redneck single guy fun I don't do anymore

[Jim147]

Yeah I still have a reel and two arrows. Girl keeps saying she wants to do it but hasn't yet.

[230RN]

"While I can pull it back just fine, after a half dozen arrows,  I start to get shooting pains in my elbow."

It's called carpal elbow syndrome.

[Kingcreek]

"While I can pull it back just fine, after a half dozen arrows,  I start to get shooting pains in my elbow."

It's called carpal elbow syndrome.

Carp bow elbow syndrome

[Perd Hapley]

While I can pull it back just fine, after a half dozen arrows,  I start to get shooting pains in my elbow.

And when you tie your shoes, do you get tying pains in your elbows?

[230RN]

Seize the carp !

I know, I know.... I'll quit carping on this.  I guess I'm just full of carp today.

[MechAg94]

Seize the carp !

I know, I know.... I'll quit carping on this.  I guess I'm just full of carp today.

That is Ben's problem also.

[Ben]

That is Ben's problem also.

If this was Europe I could sell them for a tidy profit, them being as popular as trout there.