Here are a few pics I took today while paddling the James River. Nothing spectacular but I thought I'd share. I grew up just a couple miles from here. Only caught two smallies but I shot my biggest carp to date. I'd say he would have went 20+ lbs but he got off when I got him to the boat. I also saw 3 deer, 4 turtles, flock of geese, 5 blue herons, 1 squirrel, and either a big pike or musky. The fishing could have been better especially since I paddled 8 miles. Cool tree pic
Got two little small mouths. I released them. I found a carp hot spot in some deeper water. They were all huge but I still couldn't hit them. They were about 4' down (I'm used to lake carp-surface or just below). After I figured out how low to aim (looked like I was going to shoot my feet off) I managed to hit a few but my arrow didn't penetrate. I don't think my Kingfisher has enough force to get the job done. I ended up shooting about a 20 pounder in shallow water but he got off once I pulled him in. These river carp are strange.:huh: They would follow my boat as I paddled and also kept reappearing just after I had shot at them. It was crazy fun!
Try getting a Muzzy predator arrow. They weigh 2500 grains. It's what I use for really deep water fishies.
Wow...so maybe its not my bow then. I think the kingfisher is 45 lbs. I'll definitely check out the Predator arrow. Thanks for the tip! Like my bow holder? :d
An oneida is hard hitting so I can get away with the wimpy poundage. Still, you have enough poundage with the recurve to get those fish. A heavier arrow should help. A trocar tip helps too. (they sell them as 'gar tips') Make sure they are very sharp. I also get better penetration if the fish is swimming away (quartering away) compared to fish that are swimming toward me. I think it's because the scales can deflect an arrow if the fish is pointed toward you, even when they're deep. The other thing is to make sure your arrow is flying straight. An arrow that is hitting the water even a little cockeyed will lose a lot of energy very quickly.
Thanks guys! The river was down just a bit so sometimes I had to get out and walk the boat over the rapids. As you can see in the one pic...its pretty rocky. Hooker...what kind of yak do you have? I have the Native Watercraft Ultimate 12. I guess its more like a hybrid kayak/canoe. Very stable and open design. I can stand up in it with ease.
I have the Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 13 Angler. I love it, but I don't think I would be able to stand up in it. But it's stable, light, and tracks wells.
I think you need to retract your statement about not having spectacular pics... beautiful scenery! It's in the plans in a few years to get two kayaks so my wife and I can each put one of our boys in them when we're exploring the countryside and finding new waterways.
