Bowfishing is the best of both worlds, hunting, and fishing. If you already have a bow the investment is very minimal for bow hunting, umm, I mean fishing. A spinning reel, arrow shaft and barbed point is all that is required.
A simple spinning reel installed on the bow works very well and keeps the line from getting tangled. A special adapter is used to attach the reel to the bow. A heavy fishing line is used, making a large reel desirable. 60-100 test pound line of dacron or nylon is advisable for use.
The two shaft types available are fiberglass and aluminum. Most people prefer the fiberglass shaft for its weight and toughness. Barbed points are needed to grab hold of the fish, keeping it from pulling out once it hits the fish. The feathers used on the arrow are smaller than conventional arrows. The other difference is the hole drilled behind the fletching that allows the bowline to be attached to the arrow.
There are many places in Mississippi to enjoy the excitement of bowfishing. Whether on a slough, river, Oxbow or lake, there are many opportunities to take home a bounty of fish. The Mississippi, Big Black, Pearl, Pascagoula, and Yazoo rivers are great fishing spots.
Shallow water near river banks and fields are excellent fishing locations. Bowfishing is somewhat different than hunting on land, in that you bowfish at close range and visibly seeing the fish is a must. A key factor is to find clear or shallow water that allows you to see the fish and the patience to wait until the fish is near enough to get a good shot.
NOTE: Sunglasses are a big help in being able to minimize the glare and allow a clear view of the waters. Grassy fields with 1 – 1 1/2 foot of water are excellent bowfishing spots. Practically every lake and reservoir offers plenty of fishing fun. A few of the best lake are Lake Washington and Lake lee, south of Greenville; Lake Ferguson in Greenville; Lake Whittington, Boliver County; Six-Mile Lake in Money; Moon Lake at Coahoma and Eagle Lake, between Rolling Fork and Vicksburg. Grenada, Enid, Sardis, and Arkabutla also offer excellent bowfishing fun.
Bowfishing can be done from a boat or wading. It’s always a good idea to take another person along. If you plan on fishing from a boat, one person will need to run the trolling motor, while the other spots fish.
Once the fish are spotted, try to maneuver carefully within 15-20 feet distance from the fish. In water deeper than one foot, be sure to compensate for a light infraction and aim below the fish. After a few practices miss, you’ll get the hang of compensating for a light infraction.
Wading will require that you be careful not to make noise or waves. Night fishing is big fun. Using a light and looking for fish feeding along the banks can return big rewards. The biggest obstacle is finding water clear enough to see the fish.
Be sure and check with your local and state agencies to determine if there are limitations or exclusions to which species of fish are eligible for bowfishing.
