My wife and I traveled south a couple of weeks ago to attend the PBS convention.  Had an absolutely great time in Nashville, and there have already been plenty of reports of what a wonderful gathering that was.  

We had the time, so as long as we were there we decided to spend an extra week wandering the south.  First up were the Smoky Mountains where we ended up renting a cool little log cabin right on a beautiful river.  Spent one afternoon with Alex Roche (Bear) at his hunting spot checking for turkey and hog activity and doing a little stump shooting.

From there we ended up in northeastern Alabama.  While in Nashville Don Wilson was kind enough to invite me down for a day of bowfishing near his home.  I sure am glad I made the trip!

We were joined by Don's son Skyler, and Rob Peel (Robtatto)  First up was a visit to a local wildlife area which contained a flooded cornfield adjacent to Lake Guntersville. Don had scouted the area a few days earlier and the carp had been working it heavily.  The water level had dropped, but there was still plenty left in spots, and it was loaded with fish.

Skyler drawing down


Rob on the prowl


The fish weren't quite in full spawning mode yet, and were a little spooky.  And the water was just deep and murky enough to keep them hidden.  What seemed to work best was a stealthy approach and let the fish work to us.

Nice!!

I am not a big bowfisherman by any means, and I think this was only about the third time I had even tried this sport.  But once I got into it I kind of forgot all about the camera.  Fortunately Don did a much better job, and should be along shortly to help tell the story.

I can sure see how this bowfishing stuff can be so addicting!  The fish were everywhere, and some big ones too!  

We waded and fished until it started getting dark.  Then it was time to head out for a rendezvous at a boat landing to team up with some others for a night on the water on a bowfishing boat.  This was a completely new experience for me, and was I ever in for a treat!

   

Wish we had stuff like that in S.Jersey. It looks like ton's of fun

We had a wonderful time and Joe really caught on Quick! AND Joe and Dad stopped in at McDondalds to get in the mood...They both ate Filet-of-Fish Sandwiches and we know what they are made from    We had a lot of Fun before it got dark.....Here are a few Pics.....

     I love shooting carp. Awsome pics!!

Shooting in a flooded cornfield, is that considered baiting? Can't wait for our season to start here. Time to clean up the boat and fix up new arrows. Good shooting guys.

Much more to come. After Dark the action really heated up  

Neat photos.  Thank you for sharing.

Sounds and looks like a great time!

Great time!

Thanks for the pics, good fun!

My lake is froze over yet, and is snowing again. I can't wait until June!

As Sklyer said, the flooded cornfield was really just a prelude to the main event.  As darkness settled in over the water we arrived at a boat landing to meet one of Don's co-workers who owns a boat set up for bowfishing.  I've got to tell you - these boys take their bowfishing seriously!  Large platforms up front with railings and halogen lamps to illuminate everything around us turned night back into day.

The first landing we went to already had three boats ahead of us putting in, so plan B was in order.  As we waited while Don figured out the alternate arrangements we could see the other boats getting into fish immediately.  

We eventually met at a different landing and the boats were quickly in the water.  As we cruised slowly along the shoreline fish were scattering everywhere.  Bass, shad, bluegills all scattered in front of the lights.  I was becoming a little concerned that I might mess up and shoot the wrong fish.  But then we started to see the objects of our search.  Carp and gar!!

The action was as fast and furious as anything I have ever experienced!  Now the problem was figuring out which one to shoot at, and then when I missed (as I did frequently) reeling in the line and getting set to shoot again.  I was going as fast as I could go trying to reload between shots.  I have never in my life seen anything like this before!!

Looks like alot of fun!!
thanks for sharing!

Anyone else notice Rob's High-Rent Bowfishing Rig???? That's an ILF Morrison    
Don't let Joe fool you,,,He was shooting very good. It was fast and furious shooting. About good as it gets.
We've got a ton of Pics and it's hard decide which to post....Don't know how many fish we boated but it was a bunch....a Big Bunch!              

Nice job guys
ChuckC