Curiosity has got the best of me....

[Alan]

I have a question sparked from my own curiosity. I have always heard the talk on here about bow fishing, and spearing. This is purely because I don't have a clue about either of these. What is the draw on fishing with a bow or spear? What brings you to fish this way rather than with a rod and reel? Are there benefits? What is done with the fish after it has been speared?

I have read allot about bow fishing for carp on the carp/real game fish forum. I know that if you catch a carp, it can be released. But are they bow fished or speared because they are kept and eaten?

Again, this is purely because I don't have a clue, and am curious. I am not in any way saying any way of fishing is right or wrong, just curious on these other types of fishing.

No disrespect meant to anyone..

[bassNspear]

these are all great questions, and again its hard to understand that sport of spearing without ever doing it. But when you as about the sport of it, its not about spearing the fish for me, but its about seeing the fish come through the hole. Its a cool thing to not only see a pike in the hole, but other fish as well.

When you ask about what is done with fish after you spear them, i myself place them in a gunny sake and place them in my house on the floor. The reason that i do this is so the fish done freeze, and you can clean them alto better. There is no way that a guy can spear a fish and release it and have the feeling that its going to live, just not going to happen. There is going to be times where a spear fisherman spears a fish with only one tine, and the fish will get off being there isnt enough tines to hold the fish from getting away. They will live of this, becuase there isnt alot of harm done.

All in all, people that spear fish are out there for the rush of the fish and seeing awesome stuff. Its a feeling that is somethign that you really dont undestand until you do it. But i understand where your coming from, never doing to sport before.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I have speared only once, but I have been bowfishing for two summers.

I enjoy it because, like B-n-S said, it is a rush. Granted, I love catching fish on a rod, too, but there is something different about shooting one. Also, it's a challenge. Hitting a moving fish with an arrow or spear in the water is no easy feat, especially when your heart is thumping like crazy.

Speared pike are generally eaten. Carp can be eaten, fed to hogs, used as fertilzer, etc. There are some bad eggs out there that throw them on the bank, but that is not only wrong, it's illegal.

There's differing views on carp. Although I like to catch them on a rod, too, I believe that they're a nuisance fish that do tremendous harm to a waterway. Some carp purists have a problem with bowfisherman removing their trophy fish from a body of water, but I think the harm they do is a hard fact to dispute. I realize that I won't make a dent in the population with my bow, but I really don't see a reason to protect them.

Anyhow, form your own opinions. Don't discount a sport till you've experienced it, either. You may just find a new hobby.

[Alan]

Cool, thanks for the replies. I get it now, it's the rush...I can relate...like the one I get when that huge Pike hits..

I agree with the Carp being a nuisance fish, but from what I read, they are a ton of fun to catch..and this spring, I am aiming to hook into a few to find out just how fun they are to catch..

And who knows, someday I may just give bow fishing a try...

Thanks again, my curiosity is now satisfied...

[mrklean]

Myself, i am new to both sports and the biggest reason i joined is its different, and its exciting, spearing you get to see how the fish will react to your decoy, plus other fish will come by. Bowfishing i see it as a way to refine your shooting skills.

[sparcebag]

And I not only have the rush of archery hittin a 20-30 lb. carp off my dock,I take some 3-6 lbers. for smoking.

[GottaGo]

For me, I have to say I have a blast bowfishing because it combines both hunting and fishing. I do all my bowfishing from shore, so you have to spot a fish, then sneak into an area where you can get a shot (carp can be suprisingly spooky when they are close to shore), then make a good shot. Carp still put up a pretty decent fight after being stuck with an arrow, so reeling them up is similar to it would be fishing (except I do it hand over hand instead of with a rod). My carp are generally used as fertilizer, but they sometimes go as hog food if I'm near a farm. I also love to catch carp on a rod and real, but using a bow adds a completely different aspect to the game.

[merkman]

 Originally Posted By: Alan

Cool, thanks for the replies. I get it now, it's the rush...I can relate...like the one I get when that huge Pike hits..

I agree with the Carp being a nuisance fish, but from what I read, they are a ton of fun to catch..and this spring, I am aiming to hook into a few to find out just how fun they are to catch..

And who knows, someday I may just give bow fishing a try...

Thanks again, my curiosity is now satisfied...

If you want to see what spearing is all about; I have an extra house.

Look me up next winter and if you cut your own hole I can get you set you up for the day, with or without a spear. If you don't want to spear one but want to experience it; just throw the decoy down there and enjoy the widescreen!!! That is one of the great things about spearing…. Throwing the spear is optional.

The best way to understand it... is to do it.

[bassNspear]

LOOK US UP ON THE GET TO GATORS NEXT YEAR, THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM IN MY HOUSE AS WELL

[bassNspear]

LOOK US UP ON THE GET TO GATORS NEXT YEAR, THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM IN MY HOUSE AS WELL

[Gordie]

it is also a tradition that my grandfather did and dad did and now its my turn to pass it on to my kids. as for what is done with the fish. I eat what I spear either fried , pickled or smoked and carp are pretty good smoked also. and yes it is the rush of seeing pike blast in or move in slow. I also will make room or possibly have an extra house if you'd like to see what its about.

[jwhjr]

I've never done either, but based on the pictures of the fish checking out the decoys that have been posted, I can see the fun just in watching them. You have a great view into the behavior and can see how they react to different presentations.

[bassNspear]

im telling you guys, if you ever want to go out and see what its all about, i can take 2 people with me, which will still give enough room in the house.

Remember guys, anyone is welcome. I have a list of people for next year, so if interested, just send me a email, cuase we call cant make it work on the same day.