carp shooting

[beer batter]

Not much of an archer myself. Just an occasional carp. My father in-law is an avid archer come deer season and he was out with me last week shooting carp.

Aim Low is the slogan. How low? I'm guessing it depends on how deep the fish is and how far of a distance the shot is being attempted? Do you use sights of any sort when shooting in the water?

We got quite a few carp but there were many shots we should have made in both of our minds. It was frustrating seeing the fish just a few feet out in front of us only to pull our arrows back empty. Thanks for any suggestions.

[Tippman]

You're right on with how deep the fish is and the angle, it's the refraction index of the water that throws off your shot. You'll get an idea of this by looking at a longer straight object sticking out of the water and noticing how it seems to bend, especially when at a sharp angle. What I've found is it just takes practice. Many more arrows seem to fly over the backs of carp than under them. Those shots when the carp are swimming parellel with you are nice because you get an idea of where you were aiming to the spot they are hit (if you get them even). To answer your last question I use just one sight pin for all my carp shots and vary accordingly, but many people don't use sights at all.

[ghotierman]

Instinctive shooting will garner the best results. Aim low should be the mantra. the length of the shot, depth of the water and how deep they're swimming will all factor into how low you should aim. no solid rule of thumb, just practice. try tying a tennis ball or other bouyant object to a brick and use it as a target at different depths, distances to give you an idea of how to creat your 'shot window"

[beer batter]

We were thinking about placing a water proof target in the lake and taking practice on it at different depths/distances. Adjust as needed according to how far we were off the target mark. We also discovered a flaw with the bow we were using so hopefully correcting that, along with some practice, will help us for the next carp shoot.

[woody1975]

I agree with everyone, so far.

A good rule of thumb to get started is 10 yard pin on there bellies, then adjust from there.

Most of the carp we have shot (water isn't very clear in So.Minn) have been 1 - 2 feet deep and we usually shoot in ditches.

My .02

DL

[KOTTKE]

nothing quite like standing in waders in a backwater area and having one bump into you and almost take you out at the knees

[jweitgen]

Shoot and shoot more. Find a place to go that has lots of shooting opportunities that way you don't feel so bad about all the misses. It's all for fun.

[Neiko]

If you guys like shooting carp you have to go to Break (Contact Us Please) you know what and type in "The Fish Hunters". Great video of guys bowhunting the flying carp down in IL.