Ohio Game Fishing banner

New to bowfishing

9K views 58 replies 12 participants last post by  Carpn 
#1 ·
I just got a kit and was wondering what lake are better. I would be in a boat during the day. Any techniques are appreciated.
 
#4 ·
I don't know much about they portage lakes region, but if you're bowfishing during the day (my personal preference too), invest in some QUALITY polarized sunglasses. Also, use your paddle or electric motor and go slow. They get real spooky during they day.
 
#8 ·
Carp that I was on last week were up on shallow mud flats right next to the bank. Look for clear water. As soon as it starts to muddy get your bow ready. The fish that I found on weeds were small and very spread out. Portage lakes are a good area.
 
#18 · (Edited)
As for Portage area, I haven't hit those lakes, but have a friend that has for years & does extremely well. Some of those lakes are loaded with gar & some huge ones.
Beaver correctly stated it makes great trapping or turtle bait & we have a guy that takes a few to chunk up for cats. Compost piles, gardens, food plots, etc are all good options. Contact any hog farmers you have in the area, too ; they like free food for their animals.
 
#23 ·
New-be question for the bowfishers: what do you do with the fish? The videos I've seen of bowfishing are often targeting carp and gar - not exactly known as table fare - so it left me curious what happens to the fish after it is shot.
I can't speak for everyone, but most of mine goes into bait for ****, mink, and turtle. Some gets composted for the garden.
 
#21 ·
Eman, Bowfishing is a much hated on topic on this forum lol. Not familiar with your area, but I assume portage area would have the portage river running through it? I do most of my Bowfishing on rivers and they're normally loaded with carp. Been to busy working and flathead fishing so far this summer though and haven't gotten to go out. U should see my garden!!!
 
#39 ·
Just so y'all know ...in most states cats are fair game and people don't bat a eye . These are from Louisiana where it's not uncommon to see 50-70 lb blues ... although I never have .
They eat blue crabs and shrimp in the brackish water and even the big ones are good eating
 
#43 ·
I think it's stupid ya can't bowfish for walleye on lake Erie . Heck , I think it's ridiculous ya can't bowfish for catfish either .
It'd blow people's minds how many gamefish there actually are in alot of our lakes . Ya really do see alot while bowfiishing at night
 
#44 ·
I think it's stupid ya can't bowfish for walleye on lake Erie . Heck , I think it's ridiculous ya can't bowfish for catfish either .
It'd blow people's minds how many gamefish there actually are in alot of our lakes . Ya really do see alot while bowfiishing at night
It would be awesome to bowfish walleyes on Erie. Another one would be pike since Ohio has no length or bag limits for them. Some states let you spear fish for them.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top