Mississippi Catfishermen! - what do you think about bowfishing?

[TonyJr]

I was recently made aware of attempts to legalize bowfishing for catfish in mississippi.
I was wanting to get MS residents ideas and opinions on this?

I'm not fond of the idea but I try to be open minded and was wanting to see what my fella catfishermen thought!!

[Deltalover]

Lmao, I thought I was gonna see picture of a catfishing woman in daisy dukes, holding an ugly stick or something:embarassed:

[TonyJr]

Sorry, Deltalover!! LOL I'll work on that one for my next tread!

[GoFish_Tony]

Dang Delta, that was exactly what I was expecting too!

:haha::dribble::doubt:

Maybe A.C.A.T.S or the BOC should look into this.
_

[SubnetZero]

Great minds think alike I guess, cause I thought this was some pagent LOL..
Though, would they have the most stinky section instead of the talent portion?

" I wish for all Cats to be huge, oh ya, and world peace" LMAO

[gofish]

I personally don't think that bowfishing for catfish is that big of an issue. How often do you see catfish at or near the surface? If/when you do see them at the surface, do they stay there long enough to take a shot? I believe that nets and trotlines take more fish than any amount of bowfishing ever will. That's not to say that I'm opposed to those other methods of fishing either. I will say that I think that nets and lines have hurt the catfish population in my area but I can go with the flow as long as it's legal. I'd rather see creel and length limits on cats and see them enforced than ban a particular type of fishing.


I don't think bowfishing for cats would have much impact.

[solomon]

I'm with Joe. I think the $/lb on a catfish bowfishing trip would be so high that it wouldn't even be worth it.

[coach]

i don't know enough about bowfishing to say one way or the other ........however, anything done at nite with a light can be productive, so i would have to say no to bowfishing for catfish,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,seems to me there are plenty of things to shoot besides catfish... what would be next , bass and bream or crappie..........

[dcaruthers]

I'm with Steve on this one. The bow hunters I know do not fish for food, rather for sport. You can't release a cat shot by arrow so I want to give a big "NO" to allowing it. In Mississippi or any other state. I like the idea of creel limits, but not size limits. Some people fish for food and it would suck to go out and catch only one and have to release it because it was over 20 lbs. Just my humble opinion.

[IL Hunter]

I'm not from MS, but I am against it. Most guys i know either eat what they shoot or give it to somebody who will, but I'm not really for bowfishing for cats. If somebody sees a big cat and shoots it. It is going to die. Look at some of those big gator gars people shoot. If an arrow goes through a fish it isn't going to get the swim another day.

[missed mallards]

I bowfished a solid year and never once had a chance to shoot a catfish. bream, bass, and crappie could be shot but cats never showed there selves. I neither for or against it.

I don't really see the need in shooting them though. there are plenty bowfin, carp, buffalo, and gar to go around.

[jholman]

I believe there are enough true rough fish to shoot. I would vote against it.

[FishMan]

there is no such thing as bowfishing. you can kill a fish with a weapon but you can't fish with a weapon.

whats next gunfishing.

[85Dave]

I guy I used to work with would bowfish for gar. I asked him what he did with them after he shot them.
He said, "I practice catch and release". :lol:

My opinion on bowfishing for cats? It won't put a dent in the population. I would rather see a ban on nets.

[Gringoloco]

No way, I would vote against it. Catfish is a sport fish and should be caught with a R&R. It doesnt bother me seeing people bowfish for the Asian carp or other fish that are harmful to all the species in the water, but to bowfish a catfish, Im totally against that!

[FishMan]

if it's legal I don't care if you do but if you do then say it like it is.

Say

I am Danny a fish killer, or you could just say hello I kill fish. Just don't call yourself a fisherman, like I said before a bow is a weapon, if your going after a fish with a weapon then you are going fish killing, your not fishing. When you catch a fish you can look at it and decide if you want to eat it or let it grow for the next generation to catch.

Bowfishing...LOL...LOL...LOL

[Desperado]

I'm all for it. It seems lots of you haven't been bowfishing. There is no difference than someone catching a stringer full and a bowfisherman shooting them to eat. It was made legal in Tx and Ky. and many other states and it will be there too. Ky. has bowfishing catfish with 5 a day. It doesn't make an impact at all. It's something that people never tried so why not jump on the band wagon. Look at the carp and gar population, bowfisherman can take as many as we want here in ohio and the population doesn't have a dent in it. I'm with Dave they should ban nets and have them banned.
BTW Fishman, I'm a fish killer of carp and gar and I do shoot catfish in the ohio river and Ky. (with a Ky. lic. of course). Some are whining it's a game fish, you can bowfish pike in Alaska. Is that not a gamefish too. The DNR sees that there is a need for bowfishing and that is why it is legal.

[FishMan]

I'm not geting down on anyone but when you say it makes no difference you might not be correct,I guess it"s how you look at it. Maybe it makes no difference to some but whenever I see someone or think of someone shooting the fish that I take special care to return alive then it makes a difference to me in that it makes me feel sad. I do understand that my feelings must be kept to myself because I don't believe in control mesures to acomadate how people feel but knowing this does not make my feelings go away. It does matter and make a difference it is just that it doesn't matter that it makes a difference.

[TonyJr]

Fella's thanks for all your imput! I can see both sides. I agree with FishMan. I'll fight it in MS!! I do agree 100% that nets are hurting the pop as much as anything also. That's a comercial type fishing that I wouldn't know how to start to fight! Again, thanks for all point and opinions!

[chesapeakecarper]

Bowfishing is a visual stalking technique...one on one with the fish...if you see surface or shallow cats that much in the first place...which usually you don't. As long as bowers (and anglers for that matter) fish and utilize their catches responsibly, and the cat population is such to sustain it I'm all for it. Bowing is just one more recreational opportunity for sportsmen, and in the case of cats, a LOT less damaging to populations compared to jugging and commercial netting. For those so concerned, fighting bowfishing but support (or not also fighting) jugging/commercial netting is a no brainer to me...support bowfishing and you support and strengthen your fellow sportsmen.

[Garthumper]

I understand your points as well guys. But us as bowfisherman would like to be able to eat a fish that we shoot. Yea there are a lot of trash fish out there, and it's fun to shoot them, but we are trying to pass the law for cats, just so we can eat some to. We are not trying to go out there and fill the boat full until it sinks, all we are asking is to at least give us a season or a limit or both.

[Bad Moon]

Garthumper is right. We are not out to seek just catfish. In a night of bowfishing, you see tons of gar and other rough fish, and a few cats. All we are saying is that we would like to thow a reasonable amount of catfish in the cooler so we can have something to eat on from time to time. I have fished all of my life, and I enjoy everymethod of fishing. I have seen more injured and dead catfish from trotlines and handgrabbing than I could ever harm If I shot every catfish I saw then throw it back. I want to conserve our natural resources and wildlife just as well as you do, and If I knew there was a real problem from bowfishing for catfish, I would not push the subject.

[TonyJr]

Dear BOC members!
This topic has made it's way to bowhunting/fishing forums and now they're spilling over here to pollute their agenda!!
Garthumper has about 5 buddies that's trying to get this started in MS. I've already called local Reps and Senator about their ideas and have already started taking an active stance on this!! Thanks to all the fishermen than contributed their non agenda opinions. Thanks

[Garthumper]

Dear BOC members!
This topic has made it's way to bowhunting/fishing forums and now they're spilling over here to pollute their agenda!!
Garthumper has about 5 buddies that's trying to get this started in MS. I've already called local Reps and Senator about their ideas and have already started taking an active stance on this!! Thanks to all the fishermen than contributed their non agenda opinions. Thanks

That's fine Tony, because you don't even know who I am. You go ahead and call until your blue in the face. I bet you my house, boat, wife, etc.. that I have more pull than you will ever imagine.

P.S. - I am already 15 steps in front of you. You will always be behind.:tounge_out:

[metalfisher]

It basically always seems to come down to this doesn't it. If I disagree, I am an idiot, a monster, or have an agenda! This seems to be the pattern that repeats over and over here at the "BOC".

God forbid someone should see or value fish differently than someone else. I wouldn't be surprised if some on this site kneel down and pray to the mighty catfish.

I have been shooting "at" fish with a bow for almost 42 years. I have yet to shoot a catfish. In all that time I have only shot at 1 catfish.

OH MY!!! Those bowfishermen are going to destroy all the fishing resource. Give me a break!! I have no problem with facts, I have a problem with people who have thier head so far up the butt they can't see. So present the facts. What fish has regulated bowfishing endangered?

Agenda? Hmmm..seems to me the guy that started this thread is against bowfishing for cats and is looking for those who support him. I wonder if he has an agenda..hmmmm.

If anyone wants to have a discussion, I am all for it. But if you want to sit in judgement of how your way of fishing is better that someone elses way. I have something you can kiss.

I apologize for the rudeness of this post but I am just getting fed up. If I don't hunt or fish the way you do I am wrong and sub-human. Well, just let it be that way then.

Robert

[FishMan]

What is so hard to understand...most of us here at the BOC want to keep fishing alive forever, we return most of the fish we catch.

On the otherhand

you kill fish. it's just that simple YOU KILL FISH.

why do you want us to pat you on the back for killing fish.

[SubnetZero]

GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLIES, what a thread heh..

I think you guys are missing their poiint.. They are not out to destroy the population of catfish.. They want to further THEIR sport and be able to put some catfish on the table, like anyone else... I would think 35 jugs or a 65 hook line would do waaay more harm than few cats they ***May** shoot... I've been fishing most my life and I can't recall catfish muddleing around in the shallows say like a carp... I say if a guy can fill his boat with catfish using a bow, sign em up for a TV show cause he is a hell of a hunter....

[Garthumper]

What is so hard to understand...most of us here at the BOC want to keep fishing alive forever, we return most of the fish we catch.

On the otherhand

you kill fish. it's just that simple YOU KILL FISH.

why do you want us to pat you on the back for killing fish.

Listen to what you just said. "We return MOST of the fish we catch". What do you do with the others??? I'll tell ya, YOU EAT THEM.

Yes, I KILL FISH. I am a FISH KILLER, of rough fish. Now if I could shoot cats, I'm still a FISH KILLER and those 4 or 5 fish that I killed would taste good in my belly, just like what you just stated above. So there is NO differance.

Get it???????????

[Dwednuts]

I understand your points as well guys. But us as bowfisherman would like to be able to eat a fish that we shoot. Yea there are a lot of trash fish out there, and it's fun to shoot them, but we are trying to pass the law for cats, just so we can eat some to. We are not trying to go out there and fill the boat full until it sinks, all we are asking is to at least give us a season or a limit or both.
Sounds to me like you can't catch them with a rod and reel, so you want to resort to getting them with a Bow. I have talked to many bowfishermen around here and, all of them say the same thing"You seldom see a catfish when bowfishing. Go out and get you some good gear and, tackle the catfish in a fair fight, just you, him, and your gear!!! I don't see the sport in sneaking up on a creature that is oblivious to you intentions and sticking an arrow in it, this is not a sport IMO!!!
I also think if want to particapate in this sort of activity, you should have a hunting license as well as a fishing license on your person when doing so!!!

[Pastor E]

I say if you eat what you can hit with a arrow OK as long as its for food there is no such a thing as a trash fish killing them just for sport is wrong and if you do you shoudn`t call yourself a sportsman if you do Gill nets and hand grabbing hurts our sport worse than anything gillnets catch everything and when you take a catfish of his nest hundards are killed even if they are released bream attack the nest and eat the eggs we should try to change things for the better not name call

[metalfisher]

No one asked you to pat anything. What I asked you was what fish has regulated bowfishing endangered.

Fishman, answer that question.

Fishman, the very instant you kill a fish, you are a fish killer. You can bet your soul I am a fish killer. I am not now, never have been and have no plays to become a catch and release fisherman.

If you say to me that in your opinion the fish population is decreasing and you are taking the following steps to prevent that:

1. only use one hook to decrease the catch
2. release all, 100%, of fish you catch
3. never fish during spawning cycles
4. use only trolling motor so as not to put oil in the water.

Then I can respect you efforts and see that you are sincere.

BUT, what I am getting from you, is that you disagree with a fishing technique because you are making a moral judgement about it. No one based on facts. Because of that, I give your words no respect. You are no different than the PETAs that say catch and release must be stopped.

What I have read all over this site is that if I kill a fish I am wrong. No wait, if I kill a fish over 10# I am wrong. No wait if I kill more than 2 fish over 10# I am wrong. No wait if ...I hope you get the point.

Name calling, emotions, personal judgements divide us all. In all honesty, after being on this site for a few months, I am ready to sign PETA's no catch and release fishing sheet.

From what I have gathered on this site, catch and release guys are selfish and anyone that takes a fish that they might someday catch, is wrong.

I fish for food. I eat fish, my wife eats fish, my kids eat fish..etc.
When I go, the only fish I put back are those too small to eat. However, I always follow the fishing regulation limits. No matter how many hooks I use, I can only take 10 cats a day.

So if you want any respect from me, present YOUR personal opinion as just that. Or give me facts to change mine. But if you want to start name calling and making judgements..se previous post.

What fish has regulated bowfishing endangered?

Robert

[Garthumper]

Sounds to me like you can't catch them with a rod and reel, so you want to resort to getting them with a Bow. I have talked to many bowfishermen around here and, all of them say the same thing"You seldom see a catfish when bowfishing. Go out and get you some good gear and, tackle the catfish in a fair fight, just you, him, and your gear!!! I don't see the sport in sneaking up on a creature that is oblivious to you intentions and sticking an arrow in it, this is not a sport IMO!!!
I also think if want to particapate in this sort of activity, you should have a hunting license as well as a fishing license on your person when doing so!!!

It is just me the fish and my gear.
And they have a sporting chance, they are swimming and the boat is moving as well, so it's very hard to hit one. It's a sport. And we have tournies just like the bass fishing world and it pays well to. That sounds like a sport to me.

I want ya'll to give me one good reason as to why you see a problem with shooting 4 or 5 catfish taking them home and eating them. Let's here it.

P.S. - Fishing with a R&R is to easy that's why I went to bowfishing.

[Bad Moon]

It is just me the fish and my gear.
And they have a sporting chance, they are swimming and the boat is moving as well, so it's very hard to hit one. It's a sport. And we have tournies just like the bass fishing world and it pays well to. That sounds like a sport to me.

I want ya'll to give me one good reason as to why you see a problem with shooting 4 or 5 catfish taking them home and eating them. Let's here it.

P.S. - Fishing with a R&R is to easy that's why I went to bowfishing.

You know the reason. Anything out of their normal is wrong and should be illegal. But you are right, rod and reel fishing is easy. Sit on the bank or the boat and wait for the fish to bite, problem is that if the rod and reel fisherman is not paying attention, a catfish could swallow the hook, then what good will it do to release it?? Huna, answer that guys, what happens to the fish that you would throw back, but they swallowed the hook! I will tell you, THEY DIE!!! SO, rod and reel guys are just as guilty of Killing fish as we are, differance is that we keep ours and eat them.

[TonyJr]

I bet you my house, boat, wife, etc.. that I have more pull than you will ever imagine.

Is there a joke forum we can post this in?? That's funny there, I don't care who you are!!!

[FishMan]

OK guys maybe I don't understand enough about this to be talking about it. I only know that when I catch a fish it is alive and I make the decision to kill it to eat or to let it go. I know that I let most fish I catch go back to make more fish. Now if I catch my fish with a deadly weapon I can't let it go to make more fish because it is dead. Maybe this is where I am wrong because it seems you are saying that you know before you shoot if it is a catfish and if it is one that you want to eat. If this is the case then I don't see a problem. If you have a limit or enough to eat and you can see well enough to allow uneeded fish to live I don't see a problem.

I do however have a question. Matt,You have you own website about bowfishing so what do you hope to achieve here on the BOC site. Do you have something in mind that the people who practice both kinds of fishing can do to help the catfishing sport.

[TDawgNOk]

HOLY SMOKES!!!!!!

Someone told me that a 37 blue was seen today on the mississippi being caught by a cagey old hoot owl.

Man, now THAT is a fish

[TonyJr]

I only know that when I catch a fish it is alive and I make the decision to kill it to eat or to let it go. I know that I let most fish I catch go back to make more fish. Now if I catch my fish with a deadly weapon I can't let it go to make more fish because it is dead.

Something else they don't understand is we (catfishermen) typically reliese the ones full of eggs that we can see.
WHY? To keep the FISHING good in our areas!!
You can't tell what the condition of the fish is when one shoots it until it's dead!!!!
Bowhunters, if you really want to kill cats with a bow, go to private waters and do it!!!

[TonyJr]

HOLY SMOKES!!!!!!

Someone told me that a 37 blue was seen today on the mississippi being caught


Naw, the river is too low!! Actually most people that I know that fish it are staying out because of the low level it's at now!! People that live on the river say it's at one of the lowest level they've seen in a while!

[FishMan]

No one asked you to pat anything. What I asked you was what fish has regulated bowfishing endangered.

Fishman, answer that question.

Fishman, the very instant you kill a fish, you are a fish killer. You can bet your soul I am a fish killer. I am not now, never have been and have no plays to become a catch and release fisherman.

If you say to me that in your opinion the fish population is decreasing and you are taking the following steps to prevent that:

1. only use one hook to decrease the catch
2. release all, 100%, of fish you catch
3. never fish during spawning cycles
4. use only trolling motor so as not to put oil in the water.

Then I can respect you efforts and see that you are sincere.

BUT, what I am getting from you, is that you disagree with a fishing technique because you are making a moral judgement about it. No one based on facts. Because of that, I give your words no respect. You are no different than the PETAs that say catch and release must be stopped.

What I have read all over this site is that if I kill a fish I am wrong. No wait, if I kill a fish over 10# I am wrong. No wait if I kill more than 2 fish over 10# I am wrong. No wait if ...I hope you get the point.

Name calling, emotions, personal judgements divide us all. In all honesty, after being on this site for a few months, I am ready to sign PETA's no catch and release fishing sheet.

From what I have gathered on this site, catch and release guys are selfish and anyone that takes a fish that they might someday catch, is wrong.

I fish for food. I eat fish, my wife eats fish, my kids eat fish..etc.
When I go, the only fish I put back are those too small to eat. However, I always follow the fishing regulation limits. No matter how many hooks I use, I can only take 10 cats a day.

So if you want any respect from me, present YOUR personal opinion as just that. Or give me facts to change mine. But if you want to start name calling and making judgements..se previous post.

What fish has regulated bowfishing endangered?

Robert
I'm not saying anything, their your words.
I catch fish and sometimes kill them to eat.
You kill fish to eat.

if your not killing them just for sport then what is you problem

[FishMan]

it's about time for this thread to disapear it is of no value, they ask people what they think and when you say what you think they attack you.

silly, silly, silly

I fish, I hunt and I know the difference.

[Garthumper]

Your right. No need to debate it. Look what happened to Texas. It passed.

Yes I have my own website and for the record, all this talk about letting the fish live so our youth can enjoy it. Well we say the samething about bowfishing.

I am the MS state rep for "Passing on the traditions support group" giving our kids a better future. Keeping them off the streets and out of trouble and awarding them trophies and prises. Seeing the kids smile when they hit there first fish is just like when you take a kid fishing they catch there first fish. There's nothing like it.

The only differance is ya'll are eating your catch and we can't, so let it pass so the kids can eat there first fish to.

[gofish]

Something else they don't understand is we (catfishermen) typically reliese the ones full of eggs that we can see.
WHY? To keep the FISHING good in our areas!!
You can't tell what the condition of the fish is when one shoots it until it's dead!!!!
Bowhunters, if you really want to kill cats with a bow, go to private waters and do it!!!


If regulated properly, this should not be an issue. Don't allow the season to run through the spawn. Just like the spoonbill season.

The methodology is the only thing in question here. We are all sportsmen. We hunt and fish and camp and do all kinds of things outdoors. All of that is at a price. We burn oil, gas, pollute the air and water, kill little fish to catch big fish, kill the biggest deer we can find but let the little ones walk. Some of us use rifles, some use traps, some use hooks and others use bow and arrow. The point is, we are harvesting game and exploiting the outdoors within a managed regimen. Any method taken to an extreme will be harmful. All methods carefully regulated and respected by the participants can be enjoyed.

The suggestion was made that you should have a hunting license as well as a fishing license to shoot fish. That may be a good idea. It could possibly help to fund research and enforcement efforts to keep our game populations healthy. I don't, however, feel that shooting fish--catfish, which are NOT a gamefish here--is any less of a challenge than catching one on a rod and reel. If, in the end, they wind up on the supper table, what difference does it REALLY make?

What do y'all reckon those poor bunnies or chickens or pigs think when you sneak up on 'em and pop 'em between the eyes? I don't know either but I sure do enjoy rabbit stew, drunk chickens, and bacon! What do y'all reckon those poor worms or skipjack think or feel just before you thread a hook through 'em?

All in all, I really don't think it matters how the game is harvested as long as it is done ethically and legally. To be honest, I really don't have enough fear that shooting catfish with a bow is going to damage the population that I would attempt to fight it or go out of my way to make it happen. Emotions will run high either way. Just like any other discussion that is in any way controversial.

[Garthumper]

If regulated properly, this should not be an issue. Don't allow the season to run through the spawn. Just like the spoonbill season.

The methodology is the only thing in question here. We are all sportsmen. We hunt and fish and camp and do all kinds of things outdoors. All of that is at a price. We burn oil, gas, pollute the air and water, kill little fish to catch big fish, kill the biggest deer we can find but let the little ones walk. Some of us use rifles, some use traps, some use hooks and others use bow and arrow. The point is, we are harvesting game and exploiting the outdoors within a managed regimen. Any method taken to an extreme will be harmful. All methods carefully regulated and respected by the participants can be enjoyed.

The suggestion was made that you should have a hunting license as well as a fishing license to shoot fish. That may be a good idea. It could possibly help to fund research and enforcement efforts to keep our game populations healthy. I don't, however, feel that shooting fish--catfish, which are NOT a gamefish here--is any less of a challenge than catching one on a rod and reel. If, in the end, they wind up on the supper table, what difference does it REALLY make?

What do y'all reckon those poor bunnies or chickens or pigs think when you sneak up on 'em and pop 'em between the eyes? I don't know either but I sure do enjoy rabbit stew, drunk chickens, and bacon! What do y'all reckon those poor worms or skipjack think or feel just before you thread a hook through 'em?

All in all, I really don't think it matters how the game is harvested as long as it is done ethically and legally. To be honest, I really don't have enough fear that shooting catfish with a bow is going to damage the population that I would attempt to fight it or go out of my way to make it happen. Emotions will run high either way. Just like any other discussion that is in any way controversial.

Thank you, and Amen

[FishMan]

Your right. No need to debate it. Look what happened to Texas. It passed.

Yes I have my own website and for the record, all this talk about letting the fish live so our youth can enjoy it. Well we say the samething about bowfishing.

I am the MS state rep for "Passing on the traditions support group" giving our kids a better future. Keeping them off the streets and out of trouble and awarding them trophies and prises. Seeing the kids smile when they hit there first fish is just like when you take a kid fishing they catch there first fish. There's nothing like it.

The only differance is ya'll are eating your catch and we can't, so let it pass so the kids can eat there first fish to.

I believe this post should have been the first one on the thread and when you ask people about something they don't understand make it you business to inform them of what you want to achieve and why. I can't speak for everyone but I think you could find some understanding here.

This is just a guess but it sounds to me like you have been beat up about this subject and you may be a little to agressive out of the gate because of it. You may have a long road here but with friends it could be shorter. Think about what people know about bowfishing, all most people know is what they see on TV, fish being killed by the boatload. You need to get folks to understand that you are after something different when it comes to catfish.

I don't know this is so but I would think that your sport has helped some waters, when you harvest rough fish that are sometimes out of controll it has to help.

I won't be the only one to jump to a conclusion after all, you ask me to. Somehow explain what is going on. you can't make people understand by jumping down their shirt.

You have to be praised for what you do for kids, let folks know what your doing.

[Bad Moon]

GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLIES, what a thread heh..

I think you guys are missing their poiint.. They are not out to destroy the population of catfish.. They want to further THEIR sport and be able to put some catfish on the table, like anyone else... I would think 35 jugs or a 65 hook line would do waaay more harm than few cats they ***May** shoot... I've been fishing most my life and I can't recall catfish muddleing around in the shallows say like a carp... I say if a guy can fill his boat with catfish using a bow, sign em up for a TV show cause he is a hell of a hunter....

Thank you for understanding. You do get our point. If you are ever around the Vicksburg area, you would be more than welcome to take a ride in my fanboat, and let me show you what bowfishing for catfish could be like if we could get a limited season for them.

[metalfisher]

Maybe I got a little too intense, for that I apologize.

I have been having the same arguement for over 25 years. Which is, "Emotion has no place in managing wildlife resources".

When compound bows came out they were going to destroy bowhunting; didn't happen. When crossbows started being used in Arkansas there was a 2 day season, then a 30 day season, then the full archery season because there was no impact or animal massacre.

When doe seasons opened, you were a monster out to destroy the herd if you dared shoot a doe. Arkansas once has 30 day season where it was illegal to shoot a buck. I saw 113 doe killed in 6 hours. Their average weight was 40#. I was berated by guys who could not believe I could kill doe. Wasn't I ashamed! No, there were too many doe.

Now the argument surfaces in fishing. It hit a sore spot. If I dare kill a fish, I am trash. If I dare kill a big fish, I am trash. If I dare use a trotline, I am trash. If I dare shot a fish with a bow, I am trash. If I dare catch more than some thinks I should, I am trash.

EVERYONE has an opinion. That is your right as an american. I can respect your right to have an opinion and have no problem with anyone having an opinion.

My problem is when someone starts giving "emotional" based judgements and starts degrading someone else when they do things differently or hold a differing opinion. When a person is called names and disrespected for hunting or fishing in a legal manner because someone else disapproves, that gets under my skin fast.

Managing wildlife MUST be based on facts and sound techniques, not on someones personal opinion of how they feel about a technique or process. Deal in facts. Present arguments based on facts or state your opinion as your opinion.

But do not degrade someone for daring to have a different opinion. This, however, is just MY personal opinion. Anyone else is free to have theirs.

I will listen to anyone's thoughts as long as they respect my right to disagree. But when my right to disagree is not respected, the walls go up and you are wasting your breath.

Robert

[Charlesp54]

That was one heck of a blow out ya ll just had. Its nice to see that everyone was able to kiss and make up.:sweet_kiss:

Now let me ask the guys that bowfish a question; How often do you see catfish at are near the surface long enough to take a shot? I can't imagine that this could be very regular.

[Charlesp54]

Naw, the river is too low!! Actually most people that I know that fish it are staying out because of the low level it's at now!! People that live on the river say it's at one of the lowest level they've seen in a while!


Tony you might want to check the MS river thread because there was a 37# blue caught today. Also think about this the lower the water the more concentrated the fish population. This make them a little easier to find.

[SubnetZero]

Thank you for understanding. You do get our point. If you are ever around the Vicksburg area, you would be more than welcome to take a ride in my fanboat, and let me show you what bowfishing for catfish could be like if we could get a limited season for them.


Man, that is a tempting offer.. I've never been on a Fan boat OR Bowfishing.... I may have to hit you up on that someday......

[Bad Moon]

Anytime man, you are more than welcome. As to the question about how many we see, and how long do we see them, it really depends on the time of year. You never see a whole lot of em, but you do see mabe 10 to 20 a night, now how many could you get a shot on?, ha, very few. Catfish can swim really fast, and their color really makes them hard to see. So for those of you who think it is like shooting fish out of a barrel are wrong! They are probaby the most challangeing fish of them all. They stay on the bottom, and since they are shaped different than a buffalo or common carp, you really really have to be a great shot to even get one. Of course yall know that there are only a handfull of us bowfisherman (espically in Mississippi) so I really dont see where the catfish population would suffer from a limited season of catfish guys!

[Charlesp54]

Well I am the son of a commercial fisherman so I know first hand what a net can do. With that in mind I fell that the few catfish that a bow fisherman could take wont matter one way or the other. A properly weighted 300 yrd. long treble net placed in the right location will catch every catfish over ten pounds that comes through that area and they will not be released you can beat on that. One net can catch more fish in a week than most of us will catch in a ten year span.

[Garthumper]

Well, I will start off with a differant tone, and explain myself better and see how this goes. The videos and shows that some of you have seen about bowfishing is kill, kill, kill. Yes we do that on trash fish. We are prased by everone when we do that. Bass fisherman and all types of fisherman. I'm sure some of you agree with that. Trash fish are trash fish and good for nothing. Carp are harmful to all fish and destroy the waters. When we have tourniments we shoot all we can on the trash fish.

Like I mentioned before, we were curious to see if we could get cats lagalized, so we could pick out a few cats to shoot for supper. In my opinion all I would like to happen is for the game and fish to allow us a season, (maybe 1 month a year) or a limit of 5 a night, for a month. I'm not greedy, I would like enough to last me until the next season. Every cat that was shot would be eaten. Catfish is my favorate fish in the waters today. My mouth waters for them. I am NOT the guy that want's to fill my boat full of cats and them throw them on the compost pile.

I dido what Impaledscales said. Anyone of you guys are more than welcome to come bowfishing with me anytime. You will see for yourself that bowfishing is a challange and that cats are not seen to often. Then maybe you could get a better understanding of what we were looking for.

Garthumper