How to Bowfishing Carp at Night

Introduction-Bowfishing Carp at Night

This is probably one of the most challenging sports, especially when you’re doing it at night. This article will explain about Bowfishing Carp at Night that can be used as the reference when you want to Bowfishing Carp at Night.

Having no source of natural light can be a tricky situation that might not always lead to catching actual carps, even with the best equipment.

But experts started somewhere, so you might as well start as soon as possible, too. So, we’ve prepared tips on how to bowfish carp at night. Following these tips might just give you extra luck.

Find the Right Bow when Bowfishing Carp at Night

Unlike bowhunting, you can bowfish using any bows for as long as you’re comfortable using it. This sport doesn’t necessarily force enthusiasts to purchase a single kind of bow for it specifically.

But if veterans had to recommend bows, they’d most likely recommend recurved and compound bows because they’re smaller and give enough force to shoot through the water.

These bows are also relatively smaller. But if you’re used to using a different kind of bow, that will do as well. the important thing is, you’re comfortable with what you’re using.

Get the Best Reel when Bowfishing Carp at Night

There are several reels in the market that are good for bowfishing. All of them have their own pros and cons that will just help the user choose which one is best for him or her. Commonly, retriever and spin cast reels are the go-to reels of bowfishers because their advantages have proven to be useful.

Spin cast reels are ideal for easily out the carp and reeling it smoothly. On the other hand, retriever reels are ideal for avoiding tangling during the release of the arrow.

But, spin cast reels have a tendency to tangle and retriever reels can be quite hard to spool again. Just weigh out the advantages that suit you to choose the best one for you and your skills.

Power Appropriate Lights when Bowfishing Carp at Night

People just quickly assume that they can get away with just normal spotlights that show the way. But the thing with lights is that they’re not just to help you see under the carps, they’re also used to lure in the fish to the surface.

So, you better look for light that serves those purposes. For clearer views, look for LED lights that have narrow and/or wide light beams, better one that can switch from one to the other.

With so much added visibility, bowfishing at night will be less difficult. A great option would be to also find ones that don’t suck up too much power. You don’t want your fishing to end too early, right?

Have an Extra Generator when Bowfishing Carp at Night

Even though you got power-saving lights, it’s still better to bring an extra generator with you. These lights still consume a lot of energy which can lead to a short-lived fishing trip.

Sometimes, you can get so caught up in the moment that you don’t notice power’s already running low. Times like that, you’re going to be grateful you came extra prepared.

These generators are a good investment because they’re rechargeable and they are hard-wearing. Finding a good one will last as long as you intend to pursue bowfishing as a sport.

Bring Extra Warmth and Cover when Bowfishing Carp at Night

Nights can get pretty cold out in the waters. If you don’t check the weather forecast, which you should, you’ll never expect when rain is about to come. And fishing in the cold with wet clothes on can be pretty uncomfortable.

So, when you’re out bowfishing, it’s best that you bring extra clothes, like jackets or hoodies, that’ll keep you warm on cold nights.

You won’t have any sunlight to dry out clothes, as well, so bring ones to change into when you get splashed with water. Towels might also be a good option. But if you want to test out your thick skin, you can just sit this one out.

Fish During the Right Time

Nighttime bowfishing doesn’t really have any season since carps at night tend to be plentiful. But veterans know that nighttime bowfishing during the spawning time in spring and in the clear waters of fall can be so much easier because carp is just abundant.

Carps are also pretty much active during the summer, regardless if it’s day or night. So choose your favorite season and have fun bowfishing until you drop.

Find a Hotspot

While bowfishing is definitely a challenge by night, carp hotspots should be your go-to places. In the dark, it’s very to navigate, especially if you’re not familiar with the waters you’re in.

By knowing where the hotspots are, you immediately increase your chances of finding carp and hitting them.

Some areas may have lots of them, but some only minimal. Hotspots not only increase your chances, but they also mean that you decrease the number of invasive carp in that area which helps the environment.

Look for the Bubbles

While there are so many fishes you can find at night, carps tend to be quite big and visible. Another factor that helps bowfishers locate them is the trail that they leave in the water. They leave a trail of bubbles that’s very easy to spot, especially if your eyes are keen on finding it.

But for beginners, experience teaches you when to associate bubbles to carps. The more bubble trails you see, the more carps there are. Just like following the yellow trail, you should also follow the bubble trail to find what you’re looking for.

Aim According to Preference

There are two key areas on carps that bowfishers usually aim for; these are the head and the tail. But hitting each of these areas have a different reaction from the fish. Of course, if you hit them in the head, they’ll just die straight away and flip over, easy.

If you hit them on the tail, they’re going to put up a fight for a while before they get exhausted. If you want easy and quick, always aim for the head. If you want a challenge, aim for the tail and put up a good fight.

Conclusion

Bowfishing carp at night has been made easier with all these tips, if you follow them. The crucial thing about this sport is that you need to have the right equipment to really know you get a good head start. Skills and talent will only prove useful if you have the right bow and enough light to hit your target carp. Otherwise, it’s going to be a long, carpless night.