All The Gear You Need For Bowfishing Carp

Blog
14 May, 2024
Posted By: Adele P

Bowfishing, a combination of archery and fishing, has grown in popularity among people looking to target invasive species like carp. Carp are notorious for disrupting aquatic ecosystems, making them prime targets for bowfishing. To ensure a successful and enjoyable bowfishing trip, it's essential to equip yourself with the right gear. This guide will walk you through the must-have equipment for bowfishing carp.

1. Bowfishing Bow

A specialized bowfishing bow is the cornerstone of your gear. These bows are designed to withstand the unique demands of bowfishing, offering durability and ease of use. There are two main types:

Compound Bows: These bows use a system of pulleys and cables to reduce the draw weight, making them easier to hold at full draw. They provide more power and accuracy, ideal for serious bowfishers.
Recurve Bows: Simpler and often more affordable, recurve bows are lighter and easier to maintain. They are perfect for beginners or those who prefer a traditional archery feel.

2. Bowfishing Arrows

Bowfishing arrows differ significantly from regular archery arrows. They are heavier and more robust to penetrate water and tough fish scales. Key features include:

Material: Fiberglass is the most common material, offering durability and weight. Some advanced arrows might be made from carbon fiber or aluminum.
Point: The arrow points are barbed to ensure the fish doesn’t escape after being hit. Common types include fixed barbs and mechanical barbs, which deploy upon impact.

3. Reels

A bowfishing reel is essential for retrieving your catch. There are three main types of reels used in bowfishing:

Drum Reels: Simple and reliable, drum reels (or hand-wrap reels) require you to manually wrap the line back onto the reel. They are easy to use but slower to retrieve.
Spincast Reels: These operate similarly to fishing reels, offering quick line retrieval and ease of use. They are ideal for those who want a balance between speed and simplicity.
Retriever Reels: These are the fastest option, using a bottle to store the line and a crank to retrieve it. They are highly efficient and reduce the chance of line tangles.

4. Line

The line used in bowfishing must be strong enough to handle the weight and struggle of large carp. Typically, bowfishing line is made from braided nylon or Dacron, with a test strength ranging from 80 to 400 pounds.

5. Rest and Safety Slides

A bowfishing rest helps support and guide the arrow, improving accuracy and consistency. Safety slides are critical components that prevent snapback, a dangerous situation where the line snaps and flies back towards the shooter.

6. Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses reduce glare on the water’s surface, making it easier to spot carp swimming below. They are a crucial accessory for any bowfisher, especially during bright sunny days.

7. Spotlights and Lighting

Bowfishing often takes place at night when carp are more active and easier to spot. Powerful LED spotlights or headlamps will illuminate the water, helping you locate and target fish effectively.

8. Boat

While not always necessary, a boat provides greater mobility and access to prime fishing spots. A flat-bottomed boat with a shallow draft is ideal for navigating the shallow waters where carp are typically found.

9. Protective Gear

Staying safe and comfortable is important. Consider the following:

Gloves: Protect your hands from cuts and abrasions while handling arrows and fish.
Armguards: Prevent the bowstring from hitting your forearm during shots.
Life Jacket: Essential for safety, especially if you are bowfishing from a boat.

10. Bugspray

Nighttime bowfishing can attract biting insects--keep them at bay!

Foundry Outdoors is your trusted home for buying archery, camping, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor gear online.

We offer cheap ammo and bulk ammo deals on the most popular ammo calibers. We have a variety of deals on Rifle Ammo, Handgun Ammo, Shotgun Ammo & Rimfire Ammo, as well as ammo for target practice, plinking, hunting, or shooting competitions. Our website lists special deals on 9mm Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 45-70 Ammo, 6.5 Creedmoor ammo, 300 Blackout Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 5.56 Ammo, Underwood Ammo, Buffalo Bore Ammo and more special deals on bulk ammo.