All Bowfishing trips
Bowfishing combines archery with fishing, allowing anglers to shoot fish in shallow water using specialized bows and arrows.
How to do it
  • Locate shallow waters with visible fish using polarized sunglasses or lights at night.
  • Stand or position yourself on stable ground or boat with clear shooting angles.
  • Use a specialized bow equipped with a bowfishing reel and arrow with barbed tip.
  • Aim carefully at the target fish, accounting for refraction of light in water.
  • Draw the bowstring and release the arrow to pierce the fish.
  • Use the reel to retrieve the arrow, bringing the fish to shore or boat.
  • Handle and secure the caught fish safely.
Why it's used
Anglers use bowfishing for its excitement and challenge, offering a different fishing experience emphasizing archery skills and quick reflexes. It also helps control populations of invasive species in some regions.
Learning time
Several days to a few weeks to become competent in aiming, accounting for water refraction, and handling equipment safely.
Difficulty level
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
Common Mistakes
  • Not compensating for water refraction causing missed shots.
  • Using inappropriate bows or arrows not designed for bowfishing.
  • Aiming at murky or deep water where fish are not visible.
  • Fishing in poor light conditions without proper illumination.
  • Failing to secure the line or arrow properly leading to lost equipment.
When it's used
Bowfishing is commonly practiced during warm months when fish are active and visible near the water surface or in clear, shallow waters. It is often done during daylight or at night with lights to attract fish.
Water Type
  • shallow rivers
  • lakes
  • ponds
  • marshes
Where it's used
This technique is popular in North America, especially in southern US states, and in regions with abundant shallow water habitats like lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers.
Depth
Ideal fishing depths for bowfishing are shallow waters typically less than 6 feet deep where fish are visible and accessible to arrow shots.
Ideal weather
Calm weather with good visibility is preferred. Clear sunny days or nights with minimal wind allow better aiming and fish spotting.
Seasons
  • spring
  • summer
  • early autumn
Focus level
Intermediate
Common target species
  • carp
  • gar
  • eel
  • bowfin
  • tilapia
  • catfish
Bait / Lures
No bait or lures are used; the technique relies on sight and skill in shooting fish directly visible in water.
Rod & Reel
Not applicable as bowfishing utilizes bows instead of rods and reels.
Fishing line
Specialized bowfishing reels use strong, braided bowfishing line that can withstand sudden fish strikes and abrasion.
Hooks
Barbed bowfishing arrows are used instead of hooks to penetrate and securely hold fish upon impact.
Rating
Rating
Price € per night
Price € per night - slider
2004200
People
People - slider
412
Type of Trip
Type of Trip
Fish species
Fish species
Pets allowed
Pets allowed
Sanitary facilities available
Sanitary facilities available

Bowfishing is a unique fishing technique that involves using a specialized bow and arrow to shoot fish in shallow waters. Anglers stand near or on water bodies where fish are visible and aim their arrows to catch fish directly.

This method does not use traditional fishing gear like rods and reels, relying instead on precise aiming and shooting skills, often enhanced by bright lights during night sessions.