How to BOW FISH | Tips, Gear and Getting Started

Bowfishing is one of my favorite water activities. It combines the skills of bow hunting, with fly fishing and really helps keep the skills sharp. In this video, I'll show you how to do just that. In Washington State, there is no license needed, or daily limit for carp so I can fish year round as much as I want.
Please check your local Department of Fish and Wildlife for the rules and regulations regarding bow fishing. Be polite and courteous to other fishers, boaters, and swimmers. Let's not lose the right to fish.
Oh and FYI, I have hunting arrows in my quiver for coyotes that visit the creek. They are not necessary for bow fishing.
Find the Tahoma Field Knife at tinyurl.com/muzz8cu
Really good starter kit: (tinyurl.com/lkjxv2l
Gear used:
-Arrows
-Cajun Archery Yellowjacket (tinyurl.com/ldyl53z)
-Piranha Point (tinyurl.com/pgd3mv4)
-Tournament Point (tinyurl.com/knsw74w)
- Garpoon Point (tinyurl.com/l73rzcq)
-Reels
-Cajun Archery Drum (tinyurl.com/qydaq7v)
-Zebco 808 (tinyurl.com/m78blsh)
- Mount (for Zebco 808) (tinyurl.com/krvhabu)
-Sight: Trophy Ridge Hitman 5 (tinyurl.com/mrlwpro)
InnerBark Outdoor T-Shirts: innerbarkoutdoors.spreadshirt....
Official website, blog, and online store.
www.inner-bark.com
Join me on social media to be up to date on the latest projects, news, and giveaways.
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Instagram- www. innerbark

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Bowfishing 101. Mighty good stuff, Andy. Seriously, this is a great introduction to bowfishing, I learned a lot. I didn't know Zebco made a reel especially for bowfishing. Thanks - Bryan

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Thanks for stopping by, Bryan! Zebco makes some neat reels. This one is my obvious favorite.

[@dazinthesticks]

Excellent video on an interesting subject. Great set up you have there too, thanks for the tips and thanks for sharing. Atb

[@preparedsurvivalist2245]

Give a man a fire, he is warm for the rest of the night. But set a man on fire, and he is warm for the rest of his life.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

You also get about 5 minutes of entertainment

[@lackofdubs5975]

This all went south pretty quick.

[@kieranburke2361]

That is funny...... but true

[@fobbitoperator3620]

Church!

[@Mainsail1975au]

I have been watching a few bowfishing vids and this is possibly the best. I'm surprised it wasn't at the top of the search list. I have been looking to get the Zebco but hard to find at a reasonable cost in Australia. I will probably go for a drum, but again I would preder the Cajun to plastic drums.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

+Mainsail1975au If I had a bikini on, I'm sure it'd be at the top. You can always make yourself a drum using a tin can and a threaded rod. I know a lot of old timers that used to do that. It's a start at least :)

[@greatsportb5376]

The coment ia after watching 1minute 45 seconds of the video. First thing what you have done to the carp with the knife. You have almost chopped the head off and still further stab the fish. That was very humane kill and you didnt let the fish suffer. Good job. The rest of the video is very knowledgefull and decent . Very well done

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

great sport B First chop is to get through their armor-like scales, and the stab is to sever their spine for an instant kill. Some people keep the fish semi-alive to keep them fresh, but I prefer to just put them on ice right away.

[@TheStingrayV]

Its Surprisingly rare to find a well planned and produced instructional video. Top quality my friend. And as a fellow also trying to curb my local invasive species I want to thank you. Just goes to show hunting/fishing can be conservation!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@shando1147]

Love that you always have your australian cattle dog with you. I never go into the woods without my dog either, nature is so much more enjoyable with them i find! Keep up with the great vids!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@dustindailey1540]

im a big bow fisher, i prefer the "AMS" bottle set up personally, but you make excellent points. you're very well spoken thanks for help giving the sport a good name.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

dustin dailey I like the AMS bottle setups but the friction wheel doo-dad (real name?) that needs replacement every so often kind of bugs me. Thanks for stopping by!

[@dustindailey1540]

InnerBark Outdoors no problem, I've had the entire same set up for roughly three years luckily or id agree! have a good one

[@Eric-ky3fo]

Best Bow fishing vid ever! Super informative for someone who knows nothing of the sport! Keep it up!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@dylankrone8845]

You sir, know how to make a good video with legitimately useful information! Thanks for posting, I learned a lot; and please keep up the awesome videos!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Dylan Krone Thanks, Dylan!

[@rnlim23]

Great video! I just started to get into bowfishing and this video helps! I even lost my first Cajun yellow-jacket arrow; I didn't forget to release the spool but the line was tangled inside the reel and snapped when I fired. I consider it a sacrifice to the BowFishing gods! :) Anyways, keep up the good work!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

I have had to get in the drink more than I care to admit to retrieve arrows. Luckily none of them swam off in a fish!

[@karlarrington5362]

This is the best Introductory video I've viewed for the past six months.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@jackwalsh1468]

Andy, Enjoyable and informative as always. Certainly peaked my interest in archery. You're articulate and present the content in a way that's easily followed and understood. I look forward to the next video. Jack in the SF Bay area.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@johnmoring4596]

Enjoyed the video. I’m just getting into bow fishing so I haven’t stuck any fish yet but, it’s a fun learning experience.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@RammerJammer76]

I really enjoy the videos! Some of the best on KZbin for outdoors/survival info

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@sarahwilliams5587]

I like it when you like saying what to do and showing me how to do it that's what really help me out

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@MrLeonidas0001]

You make it look easy, but I bet its a lot of work! You did a great job Andy, covering all the basics and THEN some! Impressive work, I am sure this took many hours. I will have to get in to this at some point :) Cheers!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

You're in a good location to get em!

[@MrLeonidas0001]

InnerBark Outdoors You actually have a super good spot - the depth is really good. Most of the creeks in my area are much more shallow. Plenty of bass in those :)

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Unless there is no catch and release policy, bowfishing is not advised :)

[@christianseely9934]

I love this video. This is like the 4th time watching it. Nice LH9c in the incog. I just bought an incog and a S&W M&p shield 9mm to go in it. Very excited... Love the vids. My all time favorite is your hiking to remember vid.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

+christian seely Thanks Christian! Glad you enjoyed the Hiking to remember video. It doesn't seem to get many views, but that's fine by me :)

[@nathantag1]

Started bow fishing in early 2015, I'm addicted! Its a freaking blast!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up* *thumbs up*

[@weta-linetv5354]

That was one of the best videos I've seen yet on both fishing. A lot of great advice thank you.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@mario5513]

Great video man! Very well done. Going for the first time this year tomorrow, can't wait. Its been too long.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@tracyrreed]

One of the coolest videos I have seen from you!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Thanks, Tracy!

[@LOADEDF1ST]

Great video Andy. Loved the Law & Order bit in the beginning.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@TheWoodedBeardsman]

Good demo.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@theroaminrascals]

I have my first bow coming my way on Wednesday. This video was super helpful. Thanks!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Stick em!

[@theroaminrascals]

@@innerbarkoutdoors With the pointy end!

[@jtsbearfootoutdooradventur1285]

Great video! I'm just getting started with bowfishing, still practicing with old shoes, but still having a blast. Thanks for the quick run down!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@MoreAmerican]

I live in Hawaii and have always seen people do this. I fish the time, but the normal way. We also spear fish, which you would love! I really want to try this. I may try and see who will lend me their bow

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Great reason to be on the water. Spear fishing has been one of those things I'd love to try too :)

[@zzzombiez]

Excellent video. Not too long, nor too short. Perfectly informative, Brother. - Mike

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@mbenjamin292]

I have never seen this kind of fishing great idea I love your dog Zippy.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@jasonmills9144]

Great video! Got straight to the point on information. Thanks!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@maskoforroz]

Excellent video. Would like to see a follow up on the how-to's of aiming. What happens when you aim high, low, sun at face, sun at back, etc. looking forward to this adventure.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Good idea - I'll keep that in mind!

[@ffsml74]

Another great video brother. Keep em coming.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@democracyforall]

First I thought you were native American but then you introduced yourself and did a great job and also excellent explanation of all details give you fife stars for it

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@mattporter8698]

Awesome video! Definitely liked/subscribed! Learned a lot, I am a total virgin to this type of fishing... cannot wait to try out these tips!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Glad to have you

[@willbest1547]

Great video as always, and info on using a bow. And Zip in action!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@humblemumbles]

Great video! Very informative, and really well shot.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@bronsonkelly3178]

exellent and informitve as always ! deff makes me want to try it ! thanks andy

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@PowerMadHeadBanger]

I was looking for a video like this. Seems like a fun way to fish.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@packbadge]

Thats a beautiful water way and scenery!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@MatteoTSU77]

Amazing video, man! Thanks for sharing it

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@shotokido678]

Fantastic video dude! But then, you always produce great stuff, so no surprise there. Nevertheless, thanks for the tutorial, because I've NEVER bowfished, but I'm really fascinated with it. I also appreciate the "what not to do's" and your openness to acknowledging that even experienced bowfishermen (is that the term?) make mistakes too.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Hope you get a chance to try it some day. It's one of the best things I have ever done on water. I try to teach people to not make the same mistakes....even if I mess up from time to time.

[@shotokido678]

InnerBark Outdoors Oh I definitely plan to make it happen and your tutorial just pushes me to make that sooner, rather than later. Side note...the Law & Order intro...hilarious!

[@MichaelMixson]

InnerBark Outdoors you are fishing if you don't mess up at least once per trip you are doing it wrong

[@benjaminhampton1533]

I use the whisker biscuit on my bowfishing setup too but If you're only using it for that purpose you can glue the bottom whiskers together to keep the arrow from falling down

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@brettjones9326]

I used to but yes sir put a little cheap super glue on a worn out whisker biskit all the way around boom you got a.solid rest

[@iutarogirotto5110]

best part of the video is that friggin dog, you can just tell hes cursing the dog god for not giving him oposable tumbs so he can bowfish with you, the tip about natural rock funels is really usefull thanks, im just starting out and since game is really scarce in my country i just started bowfishing to try my bowskill at a moving target(that the target is edible is just a bonus) haha

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

+iutaro girotto Zip can't draw a bow, but he can bite the fins off the fish I bring on shore :)

[@iutarogirotto5110]

yea he seems to be having a good time as well, thanks for making this video, hope you catch a lot of fishes, take good care of zip

[@montanabush]

I like your video it was very informative and i work for martin and it was nice to hear the name the video was great

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

bill shrader If you know the folks in the marketing department, let them know about the channel! :)

[@huntup1]

Great video one of the best instructional videos I've seen. Good job!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@consonantsandvowels1]

BEST. BUSHCRAFT. INTRO. EVER.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

THANK YOU :D

[@newenglandfish1652]

Nice video and great tips. Zebco still makes some really nice quality reals. Thanks for sharing

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@brandonpero8742]

You answered a lot of my questions thanks

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Glad I helped

[@hbrhodes1s]

awesome video man! not sure how i found you on here, but awesome video! will check out your other videos

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@Nanorisk]

Hey Tran, I have to say it's a good video. I don't know if you revisit all the comments in older videos, but it would be nice to put some carp recipe links in the annotation since you know what tastes right. I'm a Chinese, I know some carp dishes but American people in general needs to know more. Thanks!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@MrPatagonicus]

Yet another hobby/skill I'd love to get in on, but alas, funding remains limited. Thank you for the informative video as always Andy.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Keep it on your to do list! Well above fly fishing and golf...seriously.

[@MrPatagonicus]

Thanks. I'll try to get into it someday. Glad to see that Washington is A-OK with eliminating carp, and doesn't put restrictions on fishing them.

[@bobsullivan5714]

Check out Sling Bows. Very effective and really cheap to make yourself. Lots of youtube vids on the subject....

[@KellyRiverwalkerThomas]

Great video. Enjoyed it!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@Exist_Outdoors_]

Awesome video Andy,carp fishing in any form is VERY addictive and strangely overlooked by most. I've tried to eat them a few times but can't seem to get it right.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Might do some videos this summer on the eating aspect

[@Exist_Outdoors_]

Right on, I'll be tuned in as always.

[@RealityCheckGA]

Great Video. Really enjoyed it. Two Thumbs Up

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@Dan-bf7rs]

Cool, great video, well done and informative.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@SiberianStalker]

Awesome video, thanks for the info !

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@shawnbroughton8284]

What a great video. Super practical and accessible. I'll be getting my first bow shortly. This is a use I didn't really know anything about. Any tips for practicing? Underwater targets? Rules of thumb for correcting refraction?

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Late reply - for me the best practice was just... keep shooting at carp :) Hope you ended up loving it and is a hobby of yours now.

[@Wingman115]

I've got to start bow fishing... Dang more hobbies to get into...Well it's only money.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

You'll love the spot this summer. The fish highway really is dense with them.

[@Kris_Stiletto]

Very informative...

[@L2FlyMN]

It can be very addictive when you find a good place to go.

[@Polamish]

Awesome video. Great inspiration

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@knifeNguns]

Haha, was gonna ask if you ever forgot to press the release on the reel. Looks like a good time, though I'm not much on fish for eating. Thanks for sharing!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

I made it a habit to press the release every now and then just to make sure. So far it has been smooth sailing :)

[@iadorecarmenj]

Nice video man, I've been trying with broadheads and a regular spool of string. Think I'll buy me a zebco

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

A good arrow and the standard bow fishing reel does awesome. Careful tho it's addicting.

[@southernwaters8]

i REALLY want to try that now!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

It's seriously addicting. Every time I see koi in a pond I want to stick those too!

[@jacobjohnson8131]

I epoxied the bottom brissels of my whisker bisket. It worked out great..like half of it I glued the bottom half..

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

shit, that's a good idea.

[@lukem8692]

That looks so fun!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@Scottydye]

Man, this is a great video man! I'm hoping i get a Cajun Sucker Punch bow really soon and I can't wait to hit the river behind my house ;D

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Daryl Dye Sick :)

[@dcrickerson9775]

Really nice informative video. I thank you for it.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@xrayhead]

Cool video, real fun and interesting to watch :-) Wish I lived in the US, unfortunately I am in the UK so we are kind of limited with what we can do due to space.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up* Glad you enjoyed the video

[@MadsHasserisOlesen]

very nice video. many great tips.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@customhaines2510]

Good video, well presented and clear. Good dog. Is that a Kimber on your hip? We don't have water as clear as that where I am and the lake is deep, not many opportunities to bow fish unfortunately. Keep it up!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up* Thanks!

[@GoreTorn16]

Good stuff man!!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@sasquatchhadarock968]

Super cool! Looks fun

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@creative_expressionproductions]

excellent video mate!!! I've heard that you need to aim ahead of the fish if the sun is ahead of you and behind the fish if the sun is behind you due to the way light refracts? Is this true?

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

That is true. Weird to get used to.

[@thatsmrjoemommatoyou]

Great job. Nice video

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Thank you

[@Noname-gu8qi]

really good video. right on bro!!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@EarlyMist]

We have a Carp problem in Australia. I cannot believe it is outright illegal to bow hunt in my state of Victoria. On a recent trip there were all these Carp we initially thought were trout as Carp were not generally seen so far upstream. I tried reeling them in without success. They kept cruising to and from a fallen log near the side of the bank...spooked easily whenever I re'cast. I could see them clearly all the time. IF I was allowed to bowhunt I could have bagged at least a few out of the 5. Such a frustrating law!! We would have fried them up too.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

I don't know how Australian law works, but you could contact your officials and ask them about it. As far as I know bowfishing in WA state is limited to Carp, so there might be an exception for you

[@Jarhead6]

awesome information!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@Dafarnakis]

Great video!!!!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@jetpowered1]

Very nice job!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@mykalbee]

Looks fun, always been interested in bow fishin. So not that I want to bogart your spot or nothing but where were you fishin? I live in Wash. State too!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

It's private land so no access to anyone outside of my immediate circle, but Moses Lake is a big fishing spot

[@forresttindall]

love the intro!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@scottstonex7224]

What a wicked video well done 👍

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Happy stickin'

[@NATEaBERGERturtle1]

Great video bro! Zippy is such a fun character on your channel, blue isn't the best color on him though. I just got some foliage color 550 cord as a gift and a little orange left over if you think he'd like that?

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

I do! The original one went feet up when the buckle broke. The women say blue is his color but I say he always needs orange because it makes him look handsome and its functional.

[@ponycentaur1456]

good job on your skill, and your intent to actually eat the fish. Most vids just show the fishing but not inform if they actually care to eat the fish. I do not like waist when it comes to fishing, hunting, etc.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@reavesca1]

Like! Nice video. Very clear and informative. Thank you! What hat are you wearing in the last sequence? Wide brim, dark underside...

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

It's a Tilley Endurables air flow hat, courtesy of my good friend at kzbin.info

[@carlwalker5938]

Nice vid Andy. If you are ever in Texas we need to go bow fishing for some alligator gar.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

If there are fish they need to be taken care of, I'll be there

[@tylerplumley9245]

fantastic. very informative

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Glad you liked it!

[@mematron]

Zippy reminds me of the doggie from, "The Road Warrior" Good videos dudebro!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@tcbink]

I've always heard the best way to cook carp is to bake it on an oak board at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Then take it out and let it rest for 10 minutes, throw away the fish and eat the board.

[@mrmikesgunrack]

Good tutorial, I've been wanting to try bow fishing for a long time I already bow hunt, so it seems like a natural progression.any good places in western Washington?

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Lake WA has some, but Eastern Washington is where it's at. Point at any semi large lake in the desert and there are likely a good population there. Moses lake, Potholes, etc.

[@mrmikesgunrack]

That's the word on the street, guess I need a real

[@mrmikesgunrack]

Bullfrogs ? Sounds like toadstkr territory to me, maybe you should bow fish them

[@thewellvideoproductions8244]

Hey man great video I've been trying to get into this. how far below the fish do you typically shoot at about 15 or 20 yd

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Depends how deep they are. I've been having good luck using my 25 yard pin on my sights.

[@Sun-el3zn]

I've bin subscribed too you because your an awsome youtuber

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@DraugrVirduligr]

Hey Andy, was hoping to hear about some of those recipes you use for carp. Any links or names?

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up* Good idea for a video! I always just look on ... pinterest lol

[@JeffAkkerman]

Love you dog! Good video!

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@CorvairScott]

Awesome video A++++ looks like fun.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up*

[@anthonymartinez5164]

I want to go bowfishing now. I had no idea this sport existed.

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Anthony Martinez It exists, and its amazingly fun and relaxing. Like target practice, hunting, and fishing all at the same time.

[@johnharrington8887]

2022 Moses Lake Carp Classic is May 21st at Connely Park 6AM Registration

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

If only I had a boat

[@bobsullivan5714]

Invasive Species Unit.......Now that has potential! Hey Andy, check out Outdoor Research on 2nd Avenue just south of downtown Seattle (about a 5 minute walk east from Terminal 46). Specifically, I would like to direct your attention to their Seattle Sombrero. These are some excellent and very light hats. And they look good! I wear mine everyday no matter what the weather conditions. From pouring rain to 110 degree temperatures these keep your head dry and move the perspiration away from the scalp. And you can wash the thing in the sink and then wad it up and put it in your pocket. I wonder if Outdoor Research would give one up for a review?

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Doesn't hurt to ask! Seattle has a lot of great companies :)

[@XJonAye]

That beginning just got you a sub

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Thanks for joining :)

[@codygervais995]

Great vid.! been thinking of trying this for some time. Also that is a beautiful 1911 would you mind sharing a rundown on that? and one last request do you think you could share a few carp recipes as I'm sure I'm not the only one watching who was raised to believe it is a "trash fish good for nothing"

[@codygervais995]

Well it at least looks like a 1911 guess I shouldn't just assume it is

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Great video ideas - little late to saying that, but thanks! lol

[@Fisherman_Outdoors]

that intro made my day 😂😂😂

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

*thumbs up* *thumbs up* :D

[@DeasNuts-ow7tv]

You said you had recipes for carp. Any of them actually make you forget your eating carp ?

[@innerbarkoutdoors]

Yup. Carp Cakes (like crab cakes) are probably the best I've had.