Bow fishing currently is a very hot topic on the OutdoorPAGES forum and other forums across the world. While some people are promoting it others are calling for a total ban of the sport.

OutdoorPAGES is simply calling for proper regulation of the sport in South Africa.

What is bow fishing?

Bow fishing allows a hunter, on foot or preferably from the comfort of a boat, to shoot fish by means of a bow and arrow. The bow has been modified whereby a closed-face, centre-pin reel or similar device to retrieve the line, is attached to it. Similar to spear fishing, the hunter will shoot / kill the fish and then reel it in.

While some call it FUN, others call it senseless.

So, what is the fuss?

Bow fishing must be banned from public waters until proper regulation of this sport is put into place. Myself and a good number of OutdoorPAGES members are of the opinion that Bow Fishing must be banned until proper regulation of the sport is in place.

We are trying to show mutual respect

It is a fact that OutdoorPAGES over the years have been calling for the different disciplines of angling to show respect towards each other.

Carp anglers want to kill bass because bass eat juvenile carp and other fish species. Bass anglers want to kill carp because carp destroys bass nests, eat the eggs, etc. Other anglers are again calling for the total eradication of carp, bass, trout and other so-called alien species etc., etc., etc. And so the fight continues.

OutdoorPAGES says, let's work together. By showing respect for each other we can meet each other halfway and that way all of us can benefit from the sport of fishing.

My call for the ban is based on a total lack of respect from Bow Fishermen.

Picture this:

You are a golf player and you are on the fairway, ready to play your next shot. Next thing a cricket team sets up a pitch right in front of you, on the fairway, and they start playing a game of cricket.

They didn't bother to ask anyone about what impact their game would have on yours. They didn't even consider what damage they will do to the greens, fairways, etc.

I think you get the picture.

Why are we calling for regulation:

There are a number of reasons for us asking for the regulation of bow fishing. Of these the senseless killing of fish and animals is at the top of my list. Let us start with animals.

Within a period of three months I received reports of two wounded crocodiles in the Roodekopjes Dam. One crocodile was shot in the tail and the other in the neck. Both were swimming around with arrows lodged in their bodies. These reports came from different people, which include a resort owner and a number of anglers. Proof enough to me that the reports might be true. Unfortunately no photo proof could be sourced to validate these reports.

One report from Arabie Dam was submitted with proof which is evidence of the indiscriminate and irresponsible actions of bow fishermen. The photos clearly show an adult crocodile with two arrows lodged in its body.
 

Showing two arrows in the croc

It was left to die after being shot

The animal was senselessly shot and left to die for no reason whatsoever. It is totally illegal to kill a crocodile without the necessary permits.

I received a number of calls from the Bow Hunting fraternity. Whether this is the work of rogue hunters or not, doesn't it clearly prove that we need regulation?

Yes I truly believe there are ethical bow hunters. My problem is magazines advertising the sport without communicating the responsibility that goes with it. Anyone can buy a bow hunting/fishing outfit. It doesn't mean the person who bought it knows how to use it responsibly or that he/she shares the same values as other bow hunters.

Let's hope magazine publishers will in the near future spend more time communicating bow fishing ethics / values before promoting the sport.

First tell someone about the consequences, before giving him/her a loaded gun

Our valued specimen fish stocks are at risk

Our specimen fish are at risk: Like spear fishing, bow fishing allows the hunter to selectively kill the really big or specimen fish. As anglers we only catch the one fish that bites. We cannot choose which fish will take our bait. This allows the bigger, more wiery fish to grow undisturbed. If bow fishermen only hunt the trophy fish, the sport of fishing, espescially specimen fishing, whether carp, catfish or any of the other species WILL be negatively affected.

Keep in mind that thousands of international anglers are visiting South Africa on an annual basis due to the fact that we offer specimen carp / catfish fishing of world-class standards.

The world record currently sits at close to 40 kg for carp. South Africa offer fish of the same size if not bigger. Unfortunately this style of fishing is fairly new in South Africa we have not yet discovered it's full potential. So why risk it?

Specimen fish are extremely rare. Carp of 40 kg are few and far between. The risk is fairly easy to explain.

Let's look at it from a hunter's point of view. To find a trophy kudu is fairly easy. The reason being that a trophy kudu only takes a couple of years to reach that size. So, to replace your entire stock of trophy kudu will only take a few years.

A carp of 30+ kg is well over 30 years old, some even close to 50 years. Irresponsible bow fisherman, by shooting the wrong fish, or number of fish can wipe out all the attraction one dam has to offer. To replace that stock will not happen in my lifetime.

If we allow bow fishing to continue without proper regulation we can wipe out a lifetime worth of specimen stock in a matter of only a few years.

Now, a lot of people say that it won't be that easy. And this brings us to the following point.

The biggest and most sensitive subject is the fact that Bow Fishermen are allowed to kill fish during the spawn. Spawning fish are densely congregated in shallow water and pretty much oblivious to everything except spawning. It does not take any skill to approach the fish – they are not wary in the least – and it doesn't take any skill to hit them.

If these people can kill two, three or even four fish with one shot, skill is clearly not a factor. This situation may well be that which defines the phrase "shooting fish in a barrel." This cannot be considered "sporting" by any definition of the word.
During the spawn the rule on most fishing permits in South Africa whereby you are not allowed to interfere with spawning fish must apply. Dams must at least be closed for bow fishing during the spawn.

As anglers we do not really have an impact on spawning fish as we know that the fish then generally are difficult to catch.

Fish mostly spawn after the first rains, mostly September through to the end of November. Imposing a ban during these times certainly is not too much to ask.

A true hunter will understand if we call for a closed season then, because a closed season exists in hunting, for obvious reasons.

Bow Fishing is dangerous

Bow fishing is a dangerous sport. Technological advances in bows and arrows make them deadly weapons. Most of the venues where bow fishing is allowed are open to the general public with large numbers of anglers, boats and skiers. Without proper supervision and management chances are that we will have a fatal accident or even more in the near future.

Due to the safety aspect we call for certain dams to be closed for bow fishing in their entirety.

At dams where it is allowed, we call for bow fishermen to only be allowed in certain zones and a certain distance (±250 metres) from the shore in other zones, specifically near fishing venues and resorts where other forms of water sports are being practiced, etc.

Safety is an important issue.

No impact study was performed nor the impact on general safety considered. We are calling on all parties to rethink the situation and ban bow fishing until reasonable measures with regards to safety are put into place.

What about catch and release?

As anglers it took us twenty years to implement catch and release or at least get it promoted to such an extent that a vast majority of anglers in the country will release some if not all of their catch.

As anglers we have the choice to release our catch. With Bow fishing catch and release cannot be practised.

Tons and tons of fish are being killed for "FUN" and being wasted overseas. Some of the fish end up on garbage dumps or being buried, etc. As an average person, angler or not, I find it TOTALLY senseless, especially in a country where thousands of people at night are going to sleep hungry.

Bio-diversity act?

Bowfishermen claim it is an effort to eradicate the carp and make the waters better for "more popular game fish."

As a means of population control, shooting carp is a JOKE. They target the large fish (easier to hit) and for every 30-pound fish they kill, six 5 pound fish will be around next year to take its place.

Carp eradication programs of this nature have never been effective and will never be. In fact, it will have the opposite effect.

Look at Bloemhof Dam for example. Bloemhof dam is netted commercially all year round. Since netting started more than 10 years ago, Bloemhof Dam has become known as one of the most productive carp fishing destinations in the country.

Furthermore, there is no evidence that removing carp will make room for other species. Carp are quite capable of co-existing in harmony with other species, even the invasive species like trout and bass.

Carp is the most popular sport fish in the world and it would make much more economic and ecologic sense to promote catch- and-release-carp angling than bow fishing!

Millions of rands are being spent each year on carp tackle, accommodation, camping, food, etc just for fishing at Bloemhof dam.

In 2008 the World Carp championships will be held at Bloemhof dam, with more than 15 European countries competing in this event. Just think what impact this event will have on the South African economy.

IS IT WORTH ALLOWING A FEW HUNDRED BOW FISHERMEN TO DESTROY THIS ASSET?

Is it fair for a few hundred Bow Fishermen to spoil everything for millions of carp anglers?

I THINK NOT.

What about our kids?

Our resources is bound to be wasted if we allow the senseless killing of our fish stocks to continue. It would be wise to teach the next generation of outdoorsmen that indiscriminate killing of wildlife is NOT the proper behavior for a sportsman.

In closing:

There is enough room for both bow fishermen and conventional fishermen out there so that both sides can enjoy their sport.

If bow fishermen are not willing to come to the table to discuss our concerns and to negotiate a working strategy, then I will personally expose this sport for what it really is to the general public. This can be done through websites, DVD's and I have already submitted proposals to Carte Blanche and 50/50. I believe the public outcry will stop this so-called sport in it's tracks.

I sincerely hope this would not be necessary.

Although bow fishing originated in the USA I am aware of a number of states and towns where bow fishing were outlawed due to the safety and cruelty aspects of the sport, so IT CAN BE DONE!

It is time to get serious.

While trying to communicate my side of the story on a local bowfishing forum, I was told that I/we as fishermen are jealous for not being able to catch the size of fish they are killing. I withdrew from the forum simply because I believe in the old saying; Do not get into an argument with an idiot because he will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

Please report all sightings of bow fishing to outdoorpages.co.za.

A FINAL WORD

South African anglers are coming to realize that carp are a great sport fish and the number of hardcore, serious carp anglers is growing rapidly.

Trophy-size fish of most species (Catfish, yellows, etc.) are exceedingly rare and most anglers, even the most dedicated, have little chance of catching one. Trophy carp, on the other hand, are well within reach.

Most anglers in South Africa probably live within an hour's drive of 20- or 30-pound fish.

Anglers in Gauteng are particularly blessed; many lakes in close proximity of PTA and JHB are prime waters containing good numbers of very large carp.

This is a resource that should be treasured and preserved.

FOLLOWING ARE TYPICAL PHOTOS DOWNLOADED FROM OVERSEAS WEBSITES	THERE ARE THOUSANDS MORE WHERE THESE CAME FROM - IT'S SICKENING
In South Africa photos like these are old fashioned. We just don't do this anymore.	What will our members say when I publish a photo like this.

What can I say...

A monster carp. Easy prey during the spawn.