The nature of Bowfishing is quick, instinctive, and adrenaline driven. Instead of waiting for something to happen, you’re making it happen. Hunters are extremely close to prey; making split second evaluations, identifications and trajectory calculations before an arrow is ever released.

 Stealth, good aim and a noble cause are the qualifiers that make Robin Hood a hero. On a “deeper” level ?these too, are the qualities of a bowfisher.  Stealth permits a hunter to carefully slip into a target’s quarters unnoticed.  This is easily accomplished by approaching from upwind without rocking the boat or casting a shadow. Stealth without impeccable aim is fruitless. A bowfisher’s goal is to be the balancing force of ecosystem by removing the undesirables.

Be prepared.  Robin Hood didn’t fly by the seat of his pants, and neither should you. Choosing the right gear is essential. The first thing you will want to pack in your satchel is a bow. Bowfishing is rough on gear, so an old hunting or target bow will work fine if it can be drawn repeatedly without strain. The ideal bow is anywhere between 30-50 pounds. Typically, a lot of shots are taken in a short amount of time, so a lighter bow may be required to keep from tiring too quickly. Fish tend to have weak flesh, so a lighter bow is not a problem.

 You’ll also need a reel:

 Hand

Pros

• Simple to use
• Unbreakable
• Most affordable
• Popular
• Pairs well with recurve bows

Cons

• Requires heavier lines
• More manual work
• Hard on hands
• Retrieving lines is a lot slower

 Bottle

• Popular
• Reliable
• Requires heavier lines
• Easy pull line
• Accurate longshots are challenging 

 Spincast

• Best
• Faster line retrieval
• Greater accuracy on long shots
• Pricey
• Hard to clean and maintain
• Good for competitions, but not for beginners

 You won’t get very far without arrows. An arrow consists of a shaft, a point, and a nock.

 Shaft

• Carbon Fiber: Provides strength and lightweight properties for better performance.
• Aluminum: Offers durability and stability.
• Fiberglass: Adds flexibility and resilience, commonly used in lower-end models.
• Composite Materials: Combines various materials for enhanced performance and durability.
• Fletching: Usually made from plastic or feathers to stabilize flight.

 All these materials are heavy, sturdy and powerful enough to penetrate fish underwater. Fiberglass fishing arrows are a little pricey, however less bowfishing arrows are needed compared to hunting arrows. If hunting larger fish, carbon shafts are the better option. The only downside is that they come at a much higher price.

Points are typically made from plastic or metal for precision and reliability. When it comes to points, it’s all about the targeted species. All arrows come with barbed tips that allow the arrow to stay in place while pulling the fish to shore. However, some points don’t come out of the fish; the arrow stops inside the fish, so it can be pulled out. Hard-scale fish will require a sharper tip to penetrate the skin.

Nocks are also made from plastic or metal. This is a small notch at the back end of the arrow that connects the arrow to the bowstring to keep it from sliding sideways. It also keeps the arrow attached to the string and centered, upon release all the energy from the bow is released into the arrow.

Fletchings (feathers) of an arrow are extremely important. They stabilize your arrow flight from your release to the target. Well-maintained hunting arrows can last over a year or more, but if you shoot a lot, they will need to be replaced more often. The appropriate fletching size, material and shape depend on shooting styles and arrow flight preferences.

Rests and Retrievers are not strictly necessary; they are highly recommended for beginners and serious bowfishers. Rests provide stability for accurate shots, improving aim and reducing hand fatigue. Retrievers save time and minimize damage to arrows. Both tools can enhance overall efficiency and enjoyment of the sport.

Gear alone isn’t enough. You must know your prey to catch your prey

Time to Strike:

• Bowfishing is best during the spring spawns, and summer.
• Hunt early in the morning, or evening, because fish feed during dawn and dusk
• For the best results, go out when the water is calm, and visibility is clear.
• Bowfishing after sundown is popular among boat fishers. They use specialized boats equipped with downfacing lights to illuminate the shallow water for an exceptionally clear view.
• From lakes and reservoirs to rivers and streams, if they’re shallow and reasonably transparent, bowfishing can take place in a variety of freshwater spots.

Aim

Water is less dense than air, so when light waves hit the water, they refract. This means that any underwater object is lower than it appears from above the water. 

• The 10–4 rule applies: aim four inches low for every ten feet of distance, to hit a fish that’s a foot underwater. If the distance doubles or the fish is twice as deep in the water, aim twice as low. 
• Aim in front of the fish's path to account for the fish's direction (if applicable, speed of boat).
• Keep your bow drawn until the arrow hits its target.
• Position your body to maintain stability
• Paddle Round the Pier is the place to find popular bowfishing hotspots in the U.S.

 Robin Hood adhered to a personal code of honor, prioritizing justice and fairness. His actions were guided by a sense of morality rather than legal constraints. He challenged the corrupt systems of his time. Today, rules and regulations have been established to prioritize justice and fairness. They align with the moral responsibility we all have to protect the environment.

 Follow the Rules:

• Know which species of saltwater and freshwater fish are legal to shoot.
• No matter what location, you will need a bowfishing license.
• Familiarize yourself with state and local bowfishing laws and regulations
• Emphasize targeting invasive species to support ecosystem balance

Betrayal, pressure from the law, loss of support, and internal conflict lead to Robin Hood’s demise. Don’t let bowhunting be the reason for yours.

 Protect Yourself

• Plan Ahead
• Create a Float Plan
• Check weather
• Pack a first aid kit
• Wear Life Jackets
• Be aware of your surroundings

Even Robin Hood had help. Math and science are your hunting experts, so learn, understand and practice what is taught. If you have questions, the Bowfishing Association of America can provide you with guidance. It is also a great place to connect with other “merry men.” who share similar values and principles.

Sources:

bowhunting.net

fishingbooker.com

Loxleybowfishing.com

Battlebox.com