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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: pdk25 on June 07, 2009, 02:38:00 PM
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Just got back from a trip to OK to see my wife. While I was there, I went on my first bowfishing trip with Vanilla Gorilla. Now I am wondering about giving it a try in NJ. Anyone info, freshwater or saltwater, would be appreciated.
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i know we cant shoot any form of predator fish so only saltwater fish would be skate/rays.
i always wanted to shoot some blues in a feeding frenzy.
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Originally posted by Deadbolt:
i always wanted to shoot some blues in a feeding frenzy.
Well, wouldn't that be self defense? :biglaugh:
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lol not if i was in my boat hah! but hey who needs to know lol
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ttt
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Pat, from what I can tell, there is no legal bowfishing in saltwater in NJ waters. Here's what the marine version of the regulations has to say:
Methods of Recreational Fishing
No person shall take, catch, kill, or attempt to take, catch or kill any fish within the marine waters of the state by any means except in the manner commonly known as angling with hand line or rod and line unless specifically provided for by statute or regulation.
And under the heading of "spear fishing" it says
Spear Fishing
Spear fishing may be conducted by means of a spear, harpoon or other missile while completely submerged in the marine waters of the state for any species, except lobster...
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I do know that bowfishing in freshwater for "rough fish" is legal. "Rough fish" includes carp, suckers, and shad, and I'm sure some other species. But carp and shad are the most common targets for bowfisherman.
I used to really enjoy bowfishing for shad during the spring run. I used to have a "stand" in the Delaware right at the head of the island near Old King Cole's a little bit north of Belvidere. The floods several years ago washed it away, and I never bothered building another one.
I had a 12 volt battery with a spotlight rigged up to it that I would float out there in an inner tube to spotlight for the shad after dark. I would wade out to my stand with a friend about 2 hours before dark. Once it got dark we would take turns working the light. We would usually take our limits (6) without much trouble. Of course the run only lasted a couple of weeks.
It was a ton of fun, but it could be dangerous crossing back in the dark, as the channel we had to cross was deep with a strong current. A guy much shorter than me (as you know I'm about 6' tall) would be over the top of his chest waders.
You could also try bowfishing for carp. There's plenty of how-to info out there on the web. One of the best lakes I know of is Spruce Run Reservoir. There are some shallow, muddy flats across the lake from the boat launch where I've seen plenty of carp. I just never bothered bowfishing for them.
Here's what the regulations say about freshwater bowfishing:
Bow and Arrow Fishing
Any species of fish, except brook, brown, lake
or rainbow trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon,
largemouth or smallmouth bass, striped bass
or any of its hybrids, pickerel, northern pike,
walleye, muskellunge or any of its hybrids, may
be taken at any time by use of a bow and arrow
with line attached by the holder of a valid fishing
license. See regulations for the Delaware
River and Greenwood Lake, page 24–25.
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Thanks for the input. I may try to get out on sunday and check one of those places out. If any of you bowfishing gents want to go, let me know.
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Pat, if you want a good day of shooting carp, put on some waders and hit the Passaic river. I know several good areas. Some of it is some nasty water, but there are thousands of carp. I might even be able to meet on Saturday for a bit. You can PM me for more detailed info.
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Sent you a PM Jerry.
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You can also try the Wallkill River. It's slow and has a shallow, muddy bottom that is perfect for it. Lots of carp and you can pretty much pick your spot as most folks don't go very far from the parking lots to fish.
I suppose any slow moving river would be good as long as it's shallow enough.
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I was born and raised in South Jersey, Blackwood, and grew up bowfishing blackwood lake and the head and tail waters. I would bet you have some waters close to you that will keep you busy. In fact, Im heading back in a couple weeks, and plan to reconnect with my brother bowfishing.
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Mitch: I'll look into the Wallkill.
sd_archer: I'll check into Blackwood lake. Have fun with your brother when you get here.
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Patrick, you might want to try the Delaware too.But I would give it a few days. With all this rain we have been having it might be a little dangerous. :scared: :eek: :scared: :biglaugh:
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pat as soon as that bow comes in I'll be set to go! Thanks again for catchin it for me!! Got my shipment in can't wait dude!
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Pat,
I go back and forth all summer between the paulinskill and the Deleware. The Deleware is at its best at night. If you think your good try shooting eels. The paulinskill has a lot of carp but most are small and the water is very muddy. PM me if you want to go some time.
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Let's goooooooooo!!!! All rigged up and ready to shoot some!