Bowfishing....is it hunting or fishing?

[Dave Sikorski]

Either way I finally took out my old bear compound with an AMS reel system out today for it's first trip after two years of collecting dust.

It was FAC and we couldn't seem to find any fish and the current was slack, so out came the bow.

The wings breaking the surface were easy to spot and we'd ease up to them with the sun off to my right to make it easy to see for the shot.

There were TONS of schools of dinner plate sized cow nosed rays and the occasional 2' in diameter sized ones swimming in pairs around the schools.

My first shot hit home on a bigger one and I had it to the boat without much of a fight. Didn't know what to expect, it's sure different then when you hook them on a light spinning rod. I guess the arrow sticking through them really ruins their morale.

My bow is tuned down to about 50 lbs and it would almost pass through the bigger rays. It would blow right through the small ones and button hole just right.

Anyway, we gave up on the rays after quite a bit of shooting and went to catching 18-22" stripers when they started breaking 100yds away.

Another great night on the water.

-D

[Dave Sikorski]

-D

[joeksr]

I think it's hunting. First nice shark I ever caught was a 6 1/2' tiger. fishing with my wife her sister and brother in law. Nobody would take the rod or help when the fish got to the boat. In frustration after fighting this shark to the boat 4 times I told my sister in law to go into the cabin to get my pistol.
she thought I was kidding but finally went and got it. I shot that shark 6 times and my brother in law ( A human resourecs kind of guy) insists that we were hunting, not fishing. Yes, I ate it. No I wouldnt keep a tiger again.But it was my first big shark. Apparently, If you shoot it it's hunting. Bow, gun, dont matter.

[Talbot29]

Boy that brings back some memories. We used to put a milk jug on the end of the line and go after them Jaws style.

I'd say it was hunting fish... but the DNR looks at it as fishing. You need a fishing license not a hunting license to do it.

[Capt-D]

Shoot all those little bastards you can, they are destroying the crab population and there is nothing keeping their density in check!

besides I heard if you punch the wings with a cookie cutter its like easting scallops!

-D

[Ace1st]

Like the DUCK Boat....is that a Bankes?

[Dave Sikorski]

Like the DUCK Boat....is that a Bankes?

Sure is, Hull #3 Bankes Goliath. Best damn duck boat made and it aint bad at fishing either.

-D

[HOLWACHAGOT]

Cool stuff Dave. Bring that bow down here quick! Let's go shoot some spades.
Holwachagot