Bow-Fishing in Indiana

Shakes.602 · May 24, 2009, 05:42:00 PM

I Think I Would Enjoy Trying "Bow-Fishing". Do You HAVE to use a Boat? :confused: I figure a Simple Beginners Kit for One of My Short 'Curves, and some Advice from the Trad-Gang, just might be the Best Place to Start! i havent checked on Licensing yet, just a Plain Old Fishing License or something More Pricey, "Just Because They Can"?

Thank Y'all in advance!!

Shakes.602 · May 24, 2009, 05:59:00 PM

Is THIS Subject in the Wrong Catagory or What? Shooters Forum maybe? I dunno...

Stone Knife · May 24, 2009, 07:33:00 PM

Not sure about Indiana but in NY all you need is a fishing license. You can start out with a tape on reel that's all I started with, then we went to the AMS retriever. Solid fiberglass arrows are all you need, put a decent point on them like a Muzzy carp or gar point with a replaceable tip when you hit a rock with the others they dull fast, also use the safety slide. You don't need the rubber fletch that comes with them just cut that off. Glue the points and nock on with powerbond or gorilla glue, ruff the arrow up with sandpaper before you glue the point and nock on.A boat is nice but you can get a lot of shooting in from shore or wading, wear polarized sunglasses this will help you see the fish better. It doesn't cost too much to get a start.

Mike Bolin · May 24, 2009, 08:55:00 PM

Unless the law has changed, I THINK Indiana is rough fish only(carp, buffalo). Might be wrong, but if you pull up the INDNR site I am sure you can find it. Have fun! Mike

adeeden · May 24, 2009, 09:35:00 PM

Mikes correct rough fish only for Indiana. A fishing license is all one needs, and good old sugar creek right next to you holds good populations of gar and suckers (both rough fish) which are great for bow fishing!

Fletcher · May 24, 2009, 09:41:00 PM

You don't need a boat. Just wade or walk the shore. Stalk up close and shoot 'em. Careful tho, it's easy to get "hooked".

Shakes.602 · May 24, 2009, 11:57:00 PM

"Good Old Sugar Creek" with the PCB's in it! Its even Posted "Do NOT Eat Fish Caught Here!" Yes, There are Many, Many Rough/Trash Fish in its Waters.
Its STILL a Very Scenic Canoe Ride, if ya dont Mind Getting Out to Drag Your Canoe through the Low Water Spots!!
So Waders :confused: Might be Just the Trick? I was Looking at a Starter "Kit" from a Vendor that has ALWAYS done Me Right, like $28 for Arrow,Point, Velcro or Whatever Tape on Reel and Line to Real the Monsters In With!! I will Check the DNRs Latest & Greatest Rulings as well!! THANK YOU ALL!
"ONLY ON TRADGANG"!!!

oops, forgot a Basic Question: The Best Way Of Removal, Arrow from Fish, or???

longstiks · May 25, 2009, 04:52:00 AM

Unscrew the tip and pull it back through the fish, just make sure you get it good and tight before you shoot again.
Denny

dino · May 25, 2009, 09:41:00 AM

Shakes,
In Indiana you just need your fishing license. They can be shot from shore, no boat necessary. Just requires some scouting. These fish were taken in a drainage ditch going into a lake. The carp run up the ditch a short time once a year to spawn. You just have to be there at the right time.

Izzy · May 25, 2009, 10:21:00 AM

Im all about shore fishing.Sometimes we do use a boat or kayak to get to islands but one your there you can either stalk the shore or wait for a carp to pass.Lots of fun and shooting opportunities.

John Scifres · May 25, 2009, 07:35:00 PM

I have waded the backwaters of some of the coves of Raccoon Lake. We have a family lakehouse there and carp are incredibly numerous. In shallow water, you don't even need a retrieval system. Shoot 'em in the vitals with a broadhead and they die quick. You might have to swim after some of them. Use cheap arrows and shoot the ones less than 10 pounds.

John Scifres · May 25, 2009, 07:37:00 PM

Oh yeah, just got back from there tonight. It's 13 feet over summer pool. As the water drops, it'll leave a bunch stranded. It is literally like shooting fish in a barrel, or at least a small pool.

adeeden · May 25, 2009, 08:06:00 PM

John, I use that same method along the Wabash where the fish get stranded in the fields after the rivers been up. Lots of fun when those big pools get down to an acre or so they are just stacked with carp!

scrub-buster · May 25, 2009, 09:29:00 PM

Be carefull if you use a boat. My buddy decided to stand up in our little john boat to see the fish better. Next thing I know, the boat is flipping over. We were in a river backwater in about 2' of water. My natural reaction was to stand up, but ended up being stuck up to my waist in mud. I did manage to keep the bow mostly dry. About 5 minutes of wiggling around and I was able get unstuck and back in the boat. That was the last time I went bowfishing with him.

Shakes.602 · May 25, 2009, 09:44:00 PM

THAT is a Genuine Fear if I get Access to a Boat, and I dont Swim too well either!! I Just Splash Around a Lot!!

Sure Bring a Fine Day to a Screeching halt, thats for sure!!
Thanks Dino! I do believe a Trip to my Local B.S. for my License!! B.S.= Bait Shop.

Thank You ALL Again!!

adeeden · May 25, 2009, 09:49:00 PM

They make great tomatoe fertilizer!

Shakes.602 · May 25, 2009, 09:53:00 PM

I was gonna' Lean that way adeeden!! I aint too Keen on Eating "Strong Tasting Fish" anywho!!

LC · May 25, 2009, 10:24:00 PM

If the water your shooting in has a limit on eating fish from because of mercury, heavy metals etc I personally don't want to put them in my garden. Just a thought.

Shakes.602 · May 25, 2009, 10:52:00 PM

I figured They would go to the Bank....so to speak.