Fishvox – Life in the Wild

Also known as Bow fishing, this is a sport wherein a fisherman uses archery equipment to fish.

A regular hunting bow can be used for fishing by simply attaching a reel to the front of the bow grip.

Archery fishing is especially favored by regular hunters when regular game like deer are off season. This way they can continuously hone their skills for whatever season it may be. Before engaging in archery fishing, one must first take into consideration the following:
1. A fisherman must be duly licensed. Some states require that an individual have a state license to fish.
2. Equipment. Most states have a predetermined set of approved equipment for archery fishing.
3. Archery Safety Course. Still, some states require that an individual go through an approved safety course for archery fishing to ensure that the individual is well versed with the proper safety precautions and information regarding applicable laws in fishing.
4. Seasons. Bow fishing in some states can only be done in certain seasons. This is to allow the fish to spawn.
5. Species of fish. Some states have rules forbidding archery fishing for some species of fish.

The following skills are necessary for an individual to obtain and practice:

Knot tying.
Though it may seem like a simple task, tying knots that will not slip (line for the arrow) are crucial in bow fishing.

Tuning.
Tuning is making sure that the bow is at its best working condition. To ensure this, one has to continuously adjust the rest and calibrate the nock.

For a faster tuning process, one may shoot a regular bow-fishing arrow (without the tip) onto a target made of cardboard.

Marksmanship or targeting. Bow fishing and bow hunting, though similar on some aspects, really do differ on many things. Arrows for bow fishing are heavier, have larger arrow tips and, the most obvious one, has a string attached to the arrow.

And since fish are shot in the water, resistance differs as when compared to shooting in the air (for bow hunting of games)

There are various methods or ways of archery fishing. This includes the following:
1. Still hunting. A fisherman selects a place by the lake in which he would wait for passing fish to shoot its bow at.
2. Stalking. This can be done on foot or while on a boat. One is in constant motion in an attempt to locate fish.
3. Ambush. Fish that are best ambushed are the ones that are spawning since they tend to crowd thus increasing chances of target.

Fishing trips are one of the most popular and relaxing pastimes, and thousands of Americans squeeze in the time whenever they can. It is not without its dangers, though, and like any sport there are safety considerations to which you must pay particular attention.

One of the most common injuries when fishing is caused from the sharp equipment used. Additionally, many accidents can occur if the weather suddenly changes and those already engaged in fishing activities are unprepared.

Here is a list of common problems you could encounter while fishing and what you should do in each case.

1. The weather quickly changes. It is prudent to take a look at a local weather report for the day of or for the days you intend to fish as well as the days immediately following them. This will provide you an indication of what you might possibly be up against.

If the weather reports are not good, you would be wise to consider postponing the trip if it can be rescheduled. While out on the water, if you see signs that the weather is beginning to change for the worse, start heading for safety immediately and resist the temptation to wait to see if it blows over.

Additionally, if the weather will be very hot, you should ensure you have enough healthy fluids (especially water) and sufficient sun protection.

2. Fishing equipment that is very sharp. Usage can result in cuts and scrapes, so you need to have a first aid kit on hand. Some cuts are minor and will only require cleaning with a disinfectant and applying a band aid.

Others, however, are more serious and can penetrate deeply beneath the skin surface. Those will need pressure on them, so make sure you have bandages and gauze as well. If the cut is severe, seek medical assistance as soon as you can.

3. Tangles. Your line is be prone to becoming tangled on trees or other objects in your fishing location. If your line does become caught, try to untangle it gently.

If, for example, your line is tangled on a branch, you can attempt to snap off the branch prior to a last ditch need to cut the line.

4. Bait. It would make for a very frustrating fishing expedition to run out of bait well beyond your planned end of time on the trip. If you are already on the water and your supply is getting low, split your remaining bait.

A worm that is cut in half will still move and be attractive to a fish. Or simply slow down a bit to extend your day on the water.

If you are prepared in advance to face the most common fishing situations, you should have an enjoyable fishing experience. Just remember to stay safe, and if you are unsure of anything you are considering, first seek the advice of someone with more fishing experience.

For many years, lake fish have been classified under three general heads: game fish, food fish, and forage or bait fish.

The bass, trout, pike, pickerel, muskellunge, pike perch, etc., have been generally known as game fish because of their sporting value.

On the other hand, carp, suckers, some of the catfish, yellow perch, etc., have been considered as food fish. While this latter group has not been considered as furnishing the sport that the so-called game fish do, nevertheless, it has a real economic and recreational value. Generally speaking, in lake fishing, words are really inadequate when it comes to describing the correct procedure in casting. The best way to learn how to cast is to go down to the beach, watch an expert at work, and try to do likewise.

Nevertheless, lake fishing can really be fun and the novice will quickly master the correct form in lake fishing. Therefore, to further harness their craft, here are some tips that could help the anglers on their lake fishing activity.
1. In lake fishing, as with other forms of fishing, a smooth, snappy stroke is required but not as snappy as when snapping a whip. This type of stroke will cause the loss of many flies.
2. Anglers should remember that it is the line that is cast, not the fly. The fly is but a passenger, which is attached to the leader.
3. Proper timing is an important factor on both the backcast and forward cast.
4. Know the fish habitat and the kinds of fish that inhabit the lakes. Some of them are the sunfish, and the small mouth black bass.
These kinds of fish can usually be found hiding near some submerged log or stump, or among the plants.
5. When catching big fish in the lake, it is best to use big, sturdy rods. Big fish like the bass usually attain a weight of 12 pounds, which usually inhabits the lake or pond. The reason why they grow really big is that in lakes or ponds, the food is both abundant and very rich.

Hence, to handles these sizes, the ideal length and weight of the rod is 8 feet in length and from 4 to four and three quarters of an ounce in weight.

Indeed, the fundamental principles in lake fishing are not difficult to master and with little patience and practice, the novice can become a successful angler in the lake.