How to Bowfish for Carp: Gear, Aiming and Best Time
How to bowfish for carp? Stalk shallow water quietly from the bank or a boat, spot a carp near the surface, aim low to account for refraction and shoot with a barbed fish arrow tied to a bowfishing reel. Late spring and early summer on calm, clear days are the best times to go.
Below are the gear list, the aiming rule, timing and answers to common questions. Heading out? Browse our carp fishing shirts, including bowfishing designs.
How to bowfish for carp: the basics
Pelican's beginner guide describes it as learning to spot fish in shallow water and "sneaking up on them before they spook and scurry away" (Pelican: Carp Bowfishing for Beginners). Carp hang in shallow depths, so you can shoot at them from the shore or from a boat. Many bowfishers target invasive Asian carp such as silver, bighead, grass and black carp.
Before you go, check your state's fishing license and bowfishing rules. Legal species, seasons, hours and where you can shoot vary by state.
What gear do you need to bowfish for carp?
Most of the gear comes from the hunting aisle, not the fishing aisle. Pelican's list:
| Gear | Why |
|---|---|
| Compound, recurve or longbow | An old or used bow is fine; it will get muddy |
| Barbed fish arrows | Regular arrows will not hold a fish |
| Bowfishing reel | Bottle-style reels are easy for beginners and let you pull fish in by hand without tangling |
| Polarized sunglasses | Cut glare so you see deeper into the water |
| Sun protection and bug spray | Days on the water are long |
| Fish club, fillet knife, stringer, cooler | To handle and process your catch |
Where do you aim when bowfishing?
Low. Because of refraction, a fish sits deeper than it looks. Pelican cites the 10-4 rule some anglers use: "if the fish is 10 feet away and 1 foot below the surface, then aim 4 inches low." Practice with targets in the off-season to build accuracy.
Stay stealthy
Carp react to noise and motion. Move slowly, keep your shadow off the water and dress like a hunter. Pelican's tip: "camo is your friend," plus water- and mud-proof boots.
When is the best time to bowfish for carp?
Late spring and early summer, when carp move near the surface of lakes and rivers to feed and spawn. Pick days with little wind for accuracy, and clear, dry days, since clouds and rain make fish harder to spot.
Is bowfishing for carp hard?
Spotting carp in shallow water is the easy part; hitting one is not. Moving fish, refraction and wary carp make the first trips humbling. Aim low, take close shots and keep practicing. Curious how fish react to what they see? Read can fish see color.
What to wear for bowfishing
Muted camo or earth tones help you blend in, and long sleeves help on sunny days. Our carp and bowfishing shirts come in long sleeve UPF, hooded long sleeve UPF and T-shirt UPF styles with a custom name; check each product page for options. More sun tips: do UV fishing shirts work.
FAQ
What do you need to bowfish for carp?
A bow, barbed fish arrows, a bowfishing reel, polarized sunglasses, a fishing license and basic tools to handle your catch.
How do you aim when bowfishing?
Aim low. With the 10-4 rule, a fish 10 feet away and 1 foot deep needs an aim point about 4 inches low.
When is the best time to bowfish for carp?
Late spring and early summer, on calm and clear days when carp are near the surface.
Do you need a license to bowfish?
In general you need a fishing license. Rules on species, seasons and locations vary by state, so check your state agency.
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