i know this could potentially stir up quite a riot in the rough fish section, or even here, but anyways. i went bowfishing the other day, well rather, i took my bow along with me on a bass trip, hoping to see a few gar or even a carp or something, and take a shot. I have been wanting to do this for awhile, but anyways, i took 3 shots all day and got nothing, so only one question emerges after this. all fish were at different depths, all less than about 1.5 feet, and i know the reason i was missing was refraction, and i was wondering what measures some of you seasoned bowfishers take to correct this natural phenomena?????????????? thanks for the answers

Aim low...then go a little lower than that.

sounds good, if they are deep do you need to aim really low???

I heard somewhere something like 4" low for every foot. Not sure if that is right or not. I haven't done it in years or taken really deep shots.

Harder than it looks huh? Just takes practice on judging depth and how far low to aim, keep it up you'll get better! It is a ton of fun though, good luck and don't give up.

Aim low. What kind of bow are you shooting? I bowfish with a recurve and shoot instictively so its hard for me to give a formula, just aim low. Not only is it hard to hit them because of refraction, but it can be hard to shoot down on something, like shooting at a deer from a tree, lots of people miss by shooting too high.

If they are in 1.5 foot of water I think you should be fine just by aiming at the bottom edge of the fish on carp tilapia and buffalo, on gar probably a little under them. And like others have said if they are deeper than that then aim low, and wen you think you have it low enough aim a little lower. It is a blast have fun with it, dont get upset, and if you can take someone along who has done it before and they can help coach you.

matt

Exactly right.

Weight down a styrafoam plank vertically with a wieght on one end other end sticking up and shoot it a few time to get the idea of were your shooting. spray paint foot apart marks.