What Is Bowfishing?
Bowfishing is one of the most exciting ways to combine archery and fishing into a single adrenaline-packed sport. Instead of a hook and line, you use a specially rigged bow to shoot fish directly in the water. It's fast, it's fun, and it's a fantastic way to get outdoors — whether you're on a lake, river, or swamp.
At Gregory Archery, we're passionate about getting beginners into bowfishing. This guide covers everything you need to know to get started.
How Bowfishing Works
The basic concept is simple: you spot a fish near the surface of the water, aim slightly below where it appears (to account for light refraction), and shoot. A barbed arrow attached to a line and reel system lets you retrieve both the arrow and the fish.
Bowfishing is typically done for rough fish species like carp, gar, and tilapia — species that are often invasive or overpopulated, making bowfishing a great conservation activity too.
Essential Bowfishing Gear
1. The Bow
You can bowfish with a recurve, compound, or even a crossbow. Many beginners start with a simple recurve bow because it's lightweight and easy to maneuver on a boat or shoreline. Draw weights between 30–50 lbs are ideal for most bowfishing situations.
2. Bowfishing Arrows
Bowfishing arrows are heavier and more durable than standard archery arrows. They're typically made of fiberglass or carbon and feature a barbed tip designed to hold fish securely after the shot. Fin Finder makes some of the best bowfishing arrows and tips on the market — check out our selection in store.
3. Reel and Line
A bowfishing reel attaches to your bow and holds the line connected to your arrow. There are three main types:
- Hand-wrap reels – Simple and affordable, great for beginners
- Spin-cast reels – Similar to fishing reels, easy to use
- Bottle reels – Fast retrieval, popular with experienced bowfishers
Fin Finder offers excellent reel systems that are beginner-friendly and built to last.
4. Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized lenses cut through water glare, making it much easier to spot fish below the surface. This is a must-have piece of gear for daytime bowfishing.
5. Lighting (for Night Bowfishing)
Many bowfishers prefer going out at night when fish are more active near the surface. Submersible LED lights or above-water flood lights mounted on a boat make nighttime bowfishing incredibly effective.
Aiming Tips for Beginners
The biggest challenge for new bowfishers is light refraction. Water bends light, which means fish appear shallower than they actually are. A good rule of thumb: aim 3–6 inches below where the fish appears for every foot of water depth. The deeper the fish, the lower you aim.
Where to Bowfish in Florida
Florida is a bowfishing paradise. With warm weather year-round and abundant waterways, you'll find great opportunities at:
- Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho)
- St. Johns River
- Lake Okeechobee
- Local retention ponds and canals (with landowner permission)
Common target species in Florida include carp, tilapia, gar, and catfish. Always check Florida Fish and Wildlife regulations before heading out.
Do You Need a License?
In Florida, you'll need a valid freshwater or saltwater fishing license depending on where you're bowfishing. Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website for the latest licensing requirements.
Get Started at Gregory Archery
Ready to try bowfishing? We carry a full selection of Fin Finder bowfishing products, including arrows, reels, tips, and complete kits. Whether you're brand new to archery or a seasoned shooter looking for a new challenge, bowfishing is an adventure you won't forget.