Legality for Bowfishing

[Wile E.]

I have been getting into bow fishing lately, specifically from a kayak. The main thing I found was that a recurve bow doesn't make paddling easier. With that in mind, I thought back to when I had read about people using slingbows, a slingshot that shoots arrows, to bowfish with. This afternoon I was able to whip something up, but I then checked tpwd regs and it doesn't fit "legal archery equipment". I know people do fish with these, but I was wondering if there was someone on here, possibly a gw, who could give a solid answer. Are slingbows a grey area, or are they illegal and people have just gotten away with it?

[EASTEXASARCHER]

Man in all my years of bowfishing I don't recall ever seeing anyone using a slingbow or anything like it. I cant find any literature that specifically says yes or no to the use of one either. I personally would stick to the recurve or buy a shorter bowfishing specific compound, like an ams fish hawk. Good luck

[EASTEXASARCHER]

Where are you located?

[Hoggslayer]

It would be considered a spear gun. Still legal for non-game fish.

[Wile E.]

Yeah, I think it's more of a newer thing. I may get a shorter bowfishing bow just to be sure I am within the rules. Located near Beaumont. Thanks for the reply.

[Wile E.]

[ATTACH]796099[/ATTACH]
It would be considered a spear gun. Still legal for non-game fish.

Alright, I think I'll try it then. Thanks

[Picorancher71]

I use a Falcon Slingbow exclusively or Bowfishing, from the shoreline, boat, or my kayak.....when set up properly, it is accurate as all get out!! U do have to get used to it but they work!! I've made shots out to 15 yds.....

[Wile E.]

Thanks for the reply, Pico. Pm sent

[Zen Archery]

I feel your pain.
Look for a deal on a child size bow with a 25-28" A2A 30/40#
I am using an old 26" Bladerunner @ 40# out of my kayak.
I know its not recurve or sling bow but it works.

[Wile E.]

ZA, thanks for the reply. I think in the end I'm gonna go the slingbow route, because unfortunately I have a sit-in yak that makes almost anything hard to paddle with. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

[Greyman]

why cant you stand up? you can cant the bow completely sideways and still be accurate.

[LeverBow]

I Bowfish from my kayak but do it from my knees. I use a extra padded seat for my knees or else it sucks. You can paddle from your knees easily, I use one of the shorter no limits paddles when i out Bowfishing tho. Headlamps only

[Wile E.]

why cant you stand up? you can cant the bow completely sideways and still be accurate.

The yak I have is not stable enough to stand in, and the slingbow is mostly better for size. Paddling with a recurve limits my paddling strokes to about half of normal, and the bow is cumbersome to handle in the yak.

[Wile E.]

I Bowfish from my kayak but do it from my knees. I use a extra padded seat for my knees or else it sucks. You can paddle from your knees easily, I use one of the shorter no limits paddles when i out Bowfishing tho. Headlamps only

Thanks for the suggestion, the problem is that as I mentioned above my kayak is a little tippy, and also a sit-in. I don't know if I could be stable and paddle on my knees, but I definitely couldn't get to my knees from a sitting position. I will probably also go to a shorter paddle, or possibly even a canoe paddle just for tight spots that I sometimes get into.

[LeverBow]

Thanks for the suggestion, the problem is that as I mentioned above my kayak is a little tippy, and also a sit-in. I don't know if I could be stable and paddle on my knees, but I definitely couldn't get to my knees from a sitting position. I will probably also go to a shorter paddle, or possibly even a canoe paddle just for tight spots that I sometimes get into.

They make collapsible boat paddles that would probably work for once you've got your bow out.