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August 26, 2009
Archery Quiz: Win a Free Backpack From Yamaha
The Lightning Mountain Pack from Yamaha is the really cool swag this week for the first correct answer. No shot angle or target placement this year. We have discussed that way too much. Let’s go bowfishing and see what you know.
Scenario: Bowfishing for carp from shore in accordance with all fish and game regulations. Very clear water. Little to no structure in the stream or on the bank. Shots are in the 15- to 25-foot range with the fish cruising about two feet deep. Very little pressure put on the fish. Bluebird skies, but the stream has a stronger current than normal. Water is a little choppy due to a constant breeze. Most of the fish are in the ballpark of five pounds, with a few bruisers for a stream this size.
Question: In reference to making the shot, what is the single most important tidbit of information did you get in the scenario, and why?
—John Davis
Comments (19)
The depth of the fish. The water bends the light relecting off the fish, therefor making the fish appear to be "higher" than they are. To compensate, aim below the fish. The deeper the fish is, the more exaggerated the effect.
I'm going to say that the "current is stronger than normal" is the most important factor to consider since you are shooting from a stationary position on shore, your compensation for the stream flow will have to be adjusted for.
"bluebird sky" If you want to be able to see any of those fish with that chop on the water, you better back some good polarized sunglasses.
Wind gusts will "hide" the fish, under a curtain of surface distortion. You will need to be ready to shoot at a moments notice, when the wind slacks off, and you get a window of visibility. Of course you will need to allow for light refaction when you place your shot and a good pair of polarized shades are always a good idea.
"Big Fish" They are easier to hit, especially at 15 to 25 feet.
O.k. - I'm going to try. I say the "depth" of the fish is the most important part of the scenario.
The key to this whole thing- "very little pressure on fish".
That tells me I can probably sneak in alot closer for a better shot than I would on more "gamey" fish. Depth, current, etc would all be secondary to getting as close as you feel safe without spooking fish. Had I not known the fish had little pressure, I might have played it safe and stayed farther out, resulting in tougher shots. BTW Carps is smarter than smallies.
Before approaching the shore,with "very clear" water,first observe the pattern,the fish are swimming.Never shoot the first fish,as they are either feeding or spawning.
Fish in this pattern are very predictable.
When I approach the "very clear" water,I would have my bow already at full draw,I would keep a low profile and not let my shadow fall across the "very clear" water,as this may spook them.
If there are a "few bruisers",in the "very clear" water,these would probably be the females,with males chasing her.
If they are spawning,shoot the female and don't pull her in just yet. If your fishing with your friends,have them shoot the males, as they won't leave her side.
The distance and the depth are both vital to this scenario. The angle of refraction of the water changesas theangle caused by the distance does. When looking straight down at a fish there is little or no refraction, but as the distance increases the refracted angle caused by the water changes.
"accordance with all fish and game regulations" is the most important and first thing to do because anytime you go fishing or hunting you must be in compliance of the LAW!!!!!
Haha, JessMtz. I like that one.
Refraction makes the depth of the fish the most important tidbit. Depth estimation is the key to success in bow-fishing where the carp don't jump.
"fish cruising"..... may have to lead them a little.
I don't know if the winner has been picked for this one yet but I am going to go with something that hasn't been touch upon in the other posts. You mentioned "Little to no structure in the stream or on the bank". I would have to say the this means be very careful on the bank. Lack of structure could be slippery, of rocky, or just dangerous especially if you are not paying attention cuz you are "approaching the very clear water at full draw" so you can get off the first shot at the female bruiser and then telling your friends to come in at full draw to take out the males. All these bows at full draw on an unsafe bank could lead to a lot of bad things!
goldbukl-
I'm guessing a portion of your comment was directed at my post.
Some comments are implied,but by logical necessity,I will express and explain in a rather direct way.
The question was: In reference to making the shot, what is the single most important tidbit of information did you get in the scenario, and why?
If the fish in the "very clear water,and Bluebird skies,"see you approaching ...making the shot, or even having one,will be a vey low probability.
So ... in my opinion, all other factors become null and void if the fish disappear.
In your opinion,what makes the bank unsafe?
"Lack of structure,could be slippery"?
With "Bluebird skies" and "very clear water",it obviously hasn't rained in a while. Any moisture on the ground will be from,over spray from stream,condensation,depending upon time at the arrival at the stream. Moisture will be at a minimum,with Bluebird skies,if any at all.
If shots are in the 15-20-foot range,one doesn't have to come completely to the waters edge,just near.
1.)Before approaching, observe the pattern (paying attention) the fish are swimming.(Certain patterns are predictable,as well as particular fish.)
2.)Approach the "very clear water",keeping a *low profile (paying attention) as to not cast your shadow into the "very clear water" as to not spook the fish.
* Low Profile,is probably crawling or walking on your knees,or scootin' on your butt,with your bow in your lap.
Little to no structure on the bank,implies that one doesn't have to manuever an obstacle course,on his knees, while crawling,or scootin'with bow in lap.Without the debris or structure on the bank,one can devote quality time in observing the carp,without having to worry of tripping over something. Also,there won't be anything to hide behind as there is "little to no structure" in the stream or on the bank."
"Little to no structure in the water" implies,that there isn't going to be shade,and the fish will see movement, and someone with a high profile approaching the edge of the water. If this happens,they will disperse from the area,not allowing for a shot.Structure for fish, allows them to be in the shade,allowing them to "rest" their eyes,and be in the attack mode,especially when looking for food,spawning,and perhaps danger.
The choppy water will cut down on the visibility of the fish eye sight somewhat,as well as the bow hunters eye sight,but they will still be able to see form,if a low profile approach isn't initiated.
My contention is,if there has been "very little pressure" on the fish and there are "Bluebird skies",and "very clear water",it's evident,even to the casual observer, that it hasn't rained in a while,even up stream.
With "very little pressure",the fish will not be leary of danger coming from the waters edge,as long as the approach isn't noisy or being broadcasted by your presence. In very clear water they can see anyone/anything approching,with no available structure,on both the bank and in the water. Hence;the low profile.
How else does one go about shooting carp with their bow if it isn't at full draw?
"All of these bows at full draw on an unsafe bank?"
Where I'm from, we hunt/fish with friends and familiy who practice SAFETY FIRST!
"Telling my friends to come in at full draw ..."
I wouldn't tell my friends to come in at full draw.
As stated above we practice SAFETY FIRST!
That would be counter productive,and draw attention to ourselves one by one,spaced out over a longer period of time,in implementing our plan.
We would move en masse,in a slow and low, quiet,methodical approach,at full observation.When we arrived at the predetermined spot,our plan then, would be executed in a swift manner.
I hope I have cleared up any misconceptions of SAFETY FIRST,that you may have had,goldbukl.
Be blessed in all of your pursuits!
The current is the most important because you are shooting to a depth of 2 feet. You have to compensate for the current changing your arrow angle on every shot. Every experienced bow fisherman knows how to adjust the shoot under water for light refracture or the limitid amout of wind issue.
2Poppa, shoot me an e-mail at hookjawed@sbcglobal.net. Just need some info to get you a prize.
John-
E-mail sent 09/18
Thanks!
Darryl Orr
it depends on how the wind is because that could turn the bow to the wrong direction
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The depth of the fish. The water bends the light relecting off the fish, therefor making the fish appear to be "higher" than they are. To compensate, aim below the fish. The deeper the fish is, the more exaggerated the effect.
"bluebird sky" If you want to be able to see any of those fish with that chop on the water, you better back some good polarized sunglasses.
"Big Fish" They are easier to hit, especially at 15 to 25 feet.
"accordance with all fish and game regulations" is the most important and first thing to do because anytime you go fishing or hunting you must be in compliance of the LAW!!!!!
I'm going to say that the "current is stronger than normal" is the most important factor to consider since you are shooting from a stationary position on shore, your compensation for the stream flow will have to be adjusted for.
The key to this whole thing- "very little pressure on fish".
That tells me I can probably sneak in alot closer for a better shot than I would on more "gamey" fish. Depth, current, etc would all be secondary to getting as close as you feel safe without spooking fish. Had I not known the fish had little pressure, I might have played it safe and stayed farther out, resulting in tougher shots. BTW Carps is smarter than smallies.
Before approaching the shore,with "very clear" water,first observe the pattern,the fish are swimming.Never shoot the first fish,as they are either feeding or spawning.
Fish in this pattern are very predictable.
When I approach the "very clear" water,I would have my bow already at full draw,I would keep a low profile and not let my shadow fall across the "very clear" water,as this may spook them.
If there are a "few bruisers",in the "very clear" water,these would probably be the females,with males chasing her.
If they are spawning,shoot the female and don't pull her in just yet. If your fishing with your friends,have them shoot the males, as they won't leave her side.
The distance and the depth are both vital to this scenario. The angle of refraction of the water changesas theangle caused by the distance does. When looking straight down at a fish there is little or no refraction, but as the distance increases the refracted angle caused by the water changes.
Haha, JessMtz. I like that one.
Refraction makes the depth of the fish the most important tidbit. Depth estimation is the key to success in bow-fishing where the carp don't jump.
"fish cruising"..... may have to lead them a little.
I don't know if the winner has been picked for this one yet but I am going to go with something that hasn't been touch upon in the other posts. You mentioned "Little to no structure in the stream or on the bank". I would have to say the this means be very careful on the bank. Lack of structure could be slippery, of rocky, or just dangerous especially if you are not paying attention cuz you are "approaching the very clear water at full draw" so you can get off the first shot at the female bruiser and then telling your friends to come in at full draw to take out the males. All these bows at full draw on an unsafe bank could lead to a lot of bad things!
goldbukl-
I'm guessing a portion of your comment was directed at my post.
Some comments are implied,but by logical necessity,I will express and explain in a rather direct way.
The question was: In reference to making the shot, what is the single most important tidbit of information did you get in the scenario, and why?
If the fish in the "very clear water,and Bluebird skies,"see you approaching ...making the shot, or even having one,will be a vey low probability.
So ... in my opinion, all other factors become null and void if the fish disappear.
In your opinion,what makes the bank unsafe?
"Lack of structure,could be slippery"?
With "Bluebird skies" and "very clear water",it obviously hasn't rained in a while. Any moisture on the ground will be from,over spray from stream,condensation,depending upon time at the arrival at the stream. Moisture will be at a minimum,with Bluebird skies,if any at all.
If shots are in the 15-20-foot range,one doesn't have to come completely to the waters edge,just near.
1.)Before approaching, observe the pattern (paying attention) the fish are swimming.(Certain patterns are predictable,as well as particular fish.)
2.)Approach the "very clear water",keeping a *low profile (paying attention) as to not cast your shadow into the "very clear water" as to not spook the fish.
* Low Profile,is probably crawling or walking on your knees,or scootin' on your butt,with your bow in your lap.
Little to no structure on the bank,implies that one doesn't have to manuever an obstacle course,on his knees, while crawling,or scootin'with bow in lap.Without the debris or structure on the bank,one can devote quality time in observing the carp,without having to worry of tripping over something. Also,there won't be anything to hide behind as there is "little to no structure" in the stream or on the bank."
"Little to no structure in the water" implies,that there isn't going to be shade,and the fish will see movement, and someone with a high profile approaching the edge of the water. If this happens,they will disperse from the area,not allowing for a shot.Structure for fish, allows them to be in the shade,allowing them to "rest" their eyes,and be in the attack mode,especially when looking for food,spawning,and perhaps danger.
The choppy water will cut down on the visibility of the fish eye sight somewhat,as well as the bow hunters eye sight,but they will still be able to see form,if a low profile approach isn't initiated.
My contention is,if there has been "very little pressure" on the fish and there are "Bluebird skies",and "very clear water",it's evident,even to the casual observer, that it hasn't rained in a while,even up stream.
With "very little pressure",the fish will not be leary of danger coming from the waters edge,as long as the approach isn't noisy or being broadcasted by your presence. In very clear water they can see anyone/anything approching,with no available structure,on both the bank and in the water. Hence;the low profile.
How else does one go about shooting carp with their bow if it isn't at full draw?
"All of these bows at full draw on an unsafe bank?"
Where I'm from, we hunt/fish with friends and familiy who practice SAFETY FIRST!
"Telling my friends to come in at full draw ..."
I wouldn't tell my friends to come in at full draw.
As stated above we practice SAFETY FIRST!
That would be counter productive,and draw attention to ourselves one by one,spaced out over a longer period of time,in implementing our plan.
We would move en masse,in a slow and low, quiet,methodical approach,at full observation.When we arrived at the predetermined spot,our plan then, would be executed in a swift manner.
I hope I have cleared up any misconceptions of SAFETY FIRST,that you may have had,goldbukl.
Be blessed in all of your pursuits!
The current is the most important because you are shooting to a depth of 2 feet. You have to compensate for the current changing your arrow angle on every shot. Every experienced bow fisherman knows how to adjust the shoot under water for light refracture or the limitid amout of wind issue.
2Poppa, shoot me an e-mail at hookjawed@sbcglobal.net. Just need some info to get you a prize.
John-
E-mail sent 09/18
Thanks!
Darryl Orr
it depends on how the wind is because that could turn the bow to the wrong direction
Wind gusts will "hide" the fish, under a curtain of surface distortion. You will need to be ready to shoot at a moments notice, when the wind slacks off, and you get a window of visibility. Of course you will need to allow for light refaction when you place your shot and a good pair of polarized shades are always a good idea.
O.k. - I'm going to try. I say the "depth" of the fish is the most important part of the scenario.
Post a Comment