Fishing with the stick and string

All things with the compound bow excite me. My bow hunting habit is 2 years old now and I'm completely entrenched in the possibilities that the bow has to offer. If I can use an analogy I would say that "The bow is to hunting what the fly rod is to fishing."  You can achieve the same results as conventional gear but the journey to that point is 10 times harder.

When I heard about bow fishing I knew I would be all in. I have my hunting license and my fishing license so whichever one is required I am prepared.  I got the call at 8:30 that the trip was on. A creek through a newly acquired ranch was open to us thanks to our guide "Big Eggs."  The day was already a success when Ryan dropped two coyotes in one shot. (Saves ammo that way). As we peered over the 40 ft cliff into the creek we were rewarded with dozens of carp lazily swimming through the pool. My heart sank when I realized the shot was going to be pretty damn ridiculous looking over a 40 ft cliff. My first few shots gave me hope when the arrow actually hit close to where I was aiming. "J-Bone," as he wishes to be called, spotted the monster of the group and I took aim. The arrow was on target and hit true. Now I have never shot a fish before so the part where we decided to haul him up the cliff was not the greatest idea. In the excitement of actually hitting him and trying to drag him up the cliff we knew it was too late when the rope when slack and the big monster swam back down into the depths of the pool.

After about an hour and many other failed attempts from the cliff the big carp appeared again struggling for his life. The end was near. He finally made his way closer to the bank where the finishing shot could be made. My arm was sore after I dragged the 20lb carp up the cliff to show the boys my trophy.

 

Estimated at 20 lbs and measured at 31" long

The cliff on the right is where I took the shot.

Victorious!