The carp spawn was in full swing on our local lake this morning. One back bay was being torn up with big females being harassed by swarms of males.
This was my first time trying to bowfish from the kayak. It worked pretty well - I was able to stand and shoot. But once standing I really couldn't move around much safely, so was pretty much limited to shots to the left or straight ahead. Missed far more than I hit, and lost a couple of big ones that pulled off. But it was a great morning on the water!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Kayak004.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Kayak004.jpg.html)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Kayak010.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Kayak010.jpg.html)
Great harvest of carp Whip! Thanks and from a Kayak do less! :thumbsup: :clapper:
Looks like a great time.
Good looking kayak and your pup sure is getting big.
Wow them are some hogs, nice job :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Awesome. Congrats.
Nice Whip !
Nice haul! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I've thought of getting a simple sit-on kayak for bow-fishing.....I think it would be great where the mud is worse than the water! :rolleyes:
Wow, that's on the to do list for sure!!
Good job on the hunt. The pup is beautiful!!!
Tell us a little about the kayak, it looks to be a kayak /canoe hybrid almost
Which model native craft is that?? You could try polling around for positioning, hook the long poll on your belt so you don't have to keep picking it up all the time...just a thought....looks like lots of fun!
Looks like you're getting your sea legs! Did Arlo tag along too?
Man, those are some hawgs!! You need to get creative and make some PVC outriggers!!
Is that a Boykin pup?
Good shooting,
Are they any good to eat ?
Great job!
QuoteOriginally posted by njloco:
Good shooting,
Are they any good to eat ?
We will either gut them and chop of the heads then smoke them for 12-14 hrs or filet off, remove mud line and remove "Y" bones and deep fat fry. They are a pain to filet so I prefer smoking them!
Good deal Whip. A Friend told me if I tried to shoot fish from my 119 I should take a board and lay it across the boat where the seat is to raise me enough for shooting.While easing along the raised height would not be so unstable and when time to paddle just set the short board in the boat and get back in the seat. May work for your rig as well.RC
Nice shootin!
:archer2:
Nice work! I have always wondered what was to come of all of the fish taken with bow and arrow. Having been a warm water fly fisher for some 8 or 9 years, I value the lives of fish as much as any other game. I do not care to eat carp and this has kept me from bowfishing for them. Good to know there are guys like you out there that put to use every kill.
They are an invasive/non native species that need to be removed. Many uses such as fertilizer or animal feed. Hogs love em.
KOOK68, yes, that is a Boykin. He's 15 months old and turning into a great dog. And Jeff, no, he stayed home on this trip. He comes with me in the yak fishing, but I didn't want him today when I was trying to stand up.
Standing in the kayak did take some getting used to, but I got pretty comfortable with it as I went. With the way the bottom of my boat is shaped I have to keep my feet in the same position and can't be turning around to shoot the other side. This is a Native Ultimate 14.5. It is a tandem kayak, but it converts easily to solo as shown in the picture. Native has another model called the Slayer that has a flat bottom. If you don't need the tandem option that would be a great bowfishing boat.
These carp are destined to be eaten and enjoyed in the form of vegetables - they do make great fertilizer ;) Learning to smoke fish and meats is another one of those things that I want to learn though!
Great Haul Joe!!! I wish they were spawning 2 weeks ago. Never even saw one after many hours in the rain and wind. did see pike and a snapping turtle though.
Is it impossible to shoot sitting down? I know it would be tough to see but how would it be for shooting?
Great job. Those things got some shoulders to em.
You need to jury rig some outriggers on that outfit - I did that on my canoe back in my heavy duty carpin' days. Used old plastic barrels.
Arlo would LOVE to roll around in those fish in a couple days!
R
Good shooting Joe. That carp shooting is just fun. I saw some up this morning in a lake we shoot in. I think I may have to skip work on Friday morning if its nice.
Outriggers would really make this thing stable. From what I've been told, the carp spawn on this lake is very short lived, so this likely will be my only chance at it this year. But they would be nice for fly fishing as well - going to have to look into making a set.
Charlie, I could shoot sitting down if I wanted, but not at anything very close. And like you said, it would be really tough to see into the water from that angle. Standing really wasn't a problem at all, the only issue is not being able to turn very far to my right for a shot. There were quite a few times when I had fish well within shooting range, but on the wrong side of the boat.
Good Job.. That is awesome
It is pretty cool to have a 30 lb cow splashing behind the boat and theres nothing to9 do but watch.
I was asking about sitting because I have a solo canoe that is old and too weak to stand in. I think RC's Idea of having a board to sit on, may be something to experiment with.
That had to be a great time Joe. Tell Arlo Hi!
Great job, Joe!!! When I saw the pics, I thought "why not kneel in the kayak".
homebru
Nice shooting Whip. I've got the same reel and reel seat on My bow. It's nice to be able to reel in a fish instead of laying the bow down and pulling them in. :thumbsup:
bretto
COOL! I just got my rig setup today
On a Tuesday no less...you retired guys kill me. ;)
Bluegills on Monday, carp on Tuesday, probably cut the grass and pack the truck up on Wednesday for some weekend bowhunting function. I sure hope I live long enough to retire!
Grass is already cut, but other than that you've got me pretty well pegged. :D
You mean to say you have time to cut the grass! Redfish in Charleston with Duckbutt today and hogs tomorrow. Now where did I put my canoe for Friday :goldtooth:
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve O:
On a Tuesday no less...you retired guys kill me. ;)
Yeah, last time me and Tippit were at the fly shop, I told them it was like having a college buddy or a son home from college. Always ready to go fishing/hunting and I've always got to work.
:biglaugh:
By the way, love the photos Joe!
I took my boykin fishing once. Every time I had one on, she would jump in and swim out and retrieve the fish. Never took her back. Now she just gets to go on boat rides.
Great pictures Joe! Used to have a similar bow setup. Ever forget to push the button? :scared:
Fun - My friend and I use our kayaks with spears by taking a fiberglass arrow and cutting it in 1/2 and mounting it to a broom handle. With a short piece of cord tying the arrow to the center of the handle it allows the arrow to pull out when you hit a monster and then you can let go of the rig when you feel like your going to tip over and go retrieve the floating handle to re-establish the battle. Adds some challenge because you have to get right on top of them.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Great job, nice pictures. I would have been swimming for sure if I'd tried to stand in a kayak, let alone shoot.
WOW! I'd say it was a great morning! Got a couple beasts there....great shooting!
Somebodies having too much fun!!!
Good stuff buddy!!
Very cool buddy! I've had guys tell me they wouldn't know what to do it they retired... I don't know how I ever got anything done when I had a job.
Kinda sends chills up my spine thinking about it.
;)
You've got that right Charlie. I'm still waiting for the first day of boredom. Haven't had one yet!
What the heck you feeding those things...cheese curd?? I'd say Holy Mackerel but they're not big enough!
Go ahead Joe, keep having fun, taking pictures an posting them up. I need something to help me till the day I can retire too... :banghead:
Looks like fun!
thanks for sharing...
><>>
Glenn
Whip: KAYAK??? My wife has a kayak but it has one of those little circular holes in the top that I'm supposed to sit inside of. Just going for a short ride rubs my stomach raw all the way around. Is it supposed to feel like your belt is too tight when you go kayaking? Please advise. Maybe I should try standing up. UB
As long as your belly seals the hole you'll be able to flip the kayak without water leaking in. With a little practice you'll be able to shoot carp completely under water, when you need air simply flip your self back up. I'll be waiting patiently for your new bowfishing video!
Me Toooooo!!
I've had smoked carp before and it was great... :)
Which end do you light?
Good job Whip!
Nice! What bow is that If you don't mind me asking? Looks to be a vintage???
Jon
Looks like a great time... I would love to get a kayak.
Cool boat and fish Joe. I'm with Charlie, the thought of having a job sends chills up my spine too. So many things to fling arrows at, so little time.