Ask Bowhunter
Bowfishing does not require heavy
draw weights or bone-breaking pen-
etration. All you need to do is get the fsh
point through to the other side of the
fsh. So back that draw weight of your
compound, or use a lighter recurve. At
most, 40 lbs. to 50 lbs. is more than ad-
equate for almost any bowfshing situa-
tion, and many seasoned pros shoot a lot
less weight (some as low as 25 lbs.). But
typically, most setups will be around the
40-lb. range. Heavier bow weights will
just wear you out from drawing multiple
times and having to pull your stuck arrow
out of the bottom. Tat said, for certain
species and specifc situations, like big
fsh and deep water, heavier draw weights
and even heavier arrows can be benefcial.
But for your average carp or gar outing,
the above recommendations will more
than sufce.
Find your local “pro” or knowledge-
able person in your area, and glean some
info from them. Now, keep in mind that
most enthusiasts are not likely to give up
their favorite hole or secret technique, but
the bowfshing community as a whole is
populated with genuinely caring people
who love to help newbies whenever pos-
sible. Tey can defnitely cut down on
the learning curve with some of the new
equipment or techniques.Speaking of techniques, times have
changed, and so have the ways in which
people pursue fish. Sure, you can walk
the banks in the spring and shoot plenty
of spawning fsh. But many people have
taken to bowfishing as a year-round
sport, and not just something to do in
the spring and summer, or when the carp
spawn. Tere are defnitely more oppor-
tunities available, and certain techniques
and equipment are required for this, so
look into what the people who bowfsh
a lot in your area are doing, get involved
with them, and learn from what is made
available to you. Try not to lock yourself
into a “way we used to always do it” men-
tality. Listen and learn from those who
have tried and perfected it.
Good luck with getting back into the
fast-paced, growing sport of bowfish-
ing, and remember to always have fun
no matter what you are doing. How suc-
cessful the trip was, or how many fsh
were taken, is never as important as just
getting outside and enjoying the great
outdoors. ❮❮❮
Mark Land, Technical Support Manager/
Bowfishing Promotions, Muzzy OutdoorsE-mail your ASK BOWHUNTER questions to
[email protected]The Muzzy Addict
Bowfshing Kit is a
good example of the
effcient simplicity
that works well for
bowfshing.60 >BOWHUNTER APRIL/MAY 2015
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