Anyone gearing up for spring bow fishing?

John4st

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 14, 2025
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62
City & State/Province
West of Cedar Rapids
Might be a early spring? I know regular carp and Buffalo wait till about mushroom season to spawn but last few years I have been looking for Grass carp to shoot. They seem to be better eating and don't get that big red meat stripe down the side.

I smoke them first and then pressure can. This year I want to try and add either some peppers or other flavors to the mix. Anyone work up their fish this way? Looking for ideas.

Last summer I got one over 50 pounds, just bragging a little.
 
What I wanted to say on first post is early spring, is a good time to get sterile stocked grass carp as well as wild Quill Backs witch are also very good to eat but super tricky to get. They flush like quail and I have never had a shot at one that wasn't moving, usually mach2. Early spring the water is cold and clear. You can see grass carp in water deeper than your arrow can penetrate but the fish don't spook as bad. And early is about the only time I ever see quill back.
 
I have struggled the few times I have bow fished- I have only been able to shoot one fat carp. It seems very difficult to see in the water where I have gone. I have only done it from the shore so maybe that is why I haven't had much luck. Any tips would be welcome.
 

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