Bay Bow Fishing in Maryland
Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources lists rivers, lakes, ponds and marine waterways, for bow fishing on its website. It also lists various species for bow fishing. Maryland anglers and nonresident fishermen wishing to bow fish must adhere to Maryland rules and regulations. Knowing where to fish, when to fish and what species are allowed for targeting is important information for bow hunters. Proper bow equipment for fresh water and saltwater conditions can make bow fishing a rewarding endeavor.
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Rules & Regulations
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According to Maryland’s DNR, bow fishermen may not take fish with bow and arrow unless the arrow has a metal barbed tip attached to line. Through the process of shooting an arrow, anglers must be able to retrieve fish. Additionally, anglers cannot release back into the waters any fish impaled with an arrow, whether dead or alive. Anglers cannot violate local rules and regulations that prohibit the discharge of a bow and arrow within county jurisdiction. Anglers must check for local laws on the use of a bow and arrow within all counties. According to Maryland’s DNR, the taking of fish with a bow and arrow on inland, outlying and boundary waterways can occur at any time of day during open season. Maryland allows carp and some species of freshwater catfish during bow season. In saltwater, the state's regulations allow for the fishing of stingrays and flounder.
Licenses
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Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources has several conditions to bow fish species in the state. A bow angler must have a fishing and hunting license. Most local hardware and bait tackle stores sell licenses for bow hunting. The cost of a fishing license as of June 2010 is around $15 and $30 for a hunting license.
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Season
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According to Maryland's DNR website, the season for bow fishing occurs in spring, fall and summer. Summer is the best time to bow fish for carp. Summer is when carp lurk around close to the shore for food. Many species of fish move onto spawning beds and remain stationary during the summer, and anglers can sneak up on fish and target them.
Locations
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Bow fishing is not sanctioned in many public locations within Maryland because of safety concerns. Anglers need to check the laws to ensure the areas they wish to bow fish allow this type of fishing. Bow fishermen should not shoot arrows in populated areas, where arrows could stray and injury a person. In the saltwater coastline of the Chesapeake Bay, stingrays swim in the shallow waters and become nice targets for bow fishermen. While, according to Bow fisher.com, the Paxeutent River is the top location for fishing for crap in freshwater.
Equipment
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A bow fisherman uses a bow, arrows and fishing line. A specially designed fishing reel is connected to the bow. The fishing reel can lock onto the bow and retrieve a fish. The line for the reel unwinds as the arrow hits a target. A bow angler can reel in the fish just as if she would using a rod and reel. Most tackle and bait retail stores do not sell attached bow reels, but online stores specializing in hunting and fishing supplies have various reels in stock.
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