A Summer Flood is Perfect for Bowfishing for Gar and Carp

When the heavy rainstorms and thunderstorms come through in the summer, it's a wonderful time to go bowfishing. As long as you know how to use this time to your advantage, you are almost guaranteed to catch a gar or carp that is swarming newly awashed banks for food with its back partially exposed. Here are a couple of tips to make this time of season successful for you as a bowhunter:

Wait Until the Sun Comes Out

While you may be tempted to go ahead and head out in the middle of the storm or near the end of the storm, it's really not a good idea. Sure, there may be a few aggressive and brave fish that will move through the raging waters, but you aren’t going to be able to see them through the dirty water. Plus, it's flat out dangerous. You need to wait for the sun to come out and keep an eye on the river tables. Following a big rainstorm, rivers will rise slowly for several days due to the runoff, and the fish will be around until the water starts to recede.

Locate and Cover Shallow Ground

Shallow water is going to be your best friend. Don't forget your polarized sunglasses. If you're in a boat, make sure the trolling motor is on low. Keep your eyes peeled every second that you're out there. A relatively fat gar is going to look pretty similar to a floating log and a grass carp may be near branches of flood tree, especially a willow tree. Keep an eye out for a gill plate, scales, and a tail. If you think you see something, take the shot. You may just get lucky.  

Bowfishing can be a lot of fun.  If you need any gear, give us a call or click here.  Enjoy!