tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71374671898131884162024-03-13T06:16:56.135-04:00The Bowfishing SlamBill Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07332481397303536599noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137467189813188416.post-49656464866760552262012-08-30T21:58:00.001-04:002012-08-30T21:58:23.393-04:00The Bowfisher Magazine - Snakehead on the PotomacHere is a picture of the August/September 2012 issue of The Bowfisher magazine featuring the story of the snakehead on the Potomac River.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKZop6o5DxY/UEAZnY2tZTI/AAAAAAAABZs/s6N2o-2dXec/s1600/Anniversary+Coverthumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKZop6o5DxY/UEAZnY2tZTI/AAAAAAAABZs/s6N2o-2dXec/s400/Anniversary+Coverthumb.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The story is a two page spread on page numbers 28 and 29:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTtvKWbnqpI/UEAZ30QdGuI/AAAAAAAABZ0/vFB3TPqvXzw/s1600/snakehead+bowfisher+magazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="379" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTtvKWbnqpI/UEAZ30QdGuI/AAAAAAAABZ0/vFB3TPqvXzw/s640/snakehead+bowfisher+magazine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
Be sure to click on The Bowfisher magazine link on the side or go to TheBowfisher.com to subscribe!Bill Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07332481397303536599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137467189813188416.post-49823487677311441942012-06-20T19:46:00.000-04:002012-06-20T19:46:18.964-04:00Frankenfish!Imagine, a fish that can live out of water for 72 hours. Creates more slime than the Ghostbusters ever had to endure. Has the skin and flexibility of a snake. Eyes so far forward on its head that it looks more reptilian then fishlike. Razor sharp teeth that blend in to the white 'cottonmouth' ready to grab and hold.<br />
<br />
Not only that, but they are great parents! They protect their young at all costs enabling their species to grow at overpowering rates.<br />
<br />
And lastly, they have invaded our nation's capital just minutes downriver from where the great George Washington used to live and harvest the spawning shad each year.<br />
<br />
That is the snakehead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ4Rn1JMjyU/T-JgksGMp4I/AAAAAAAABTI/_RKaHbWnLKw/s1600/IMG_20120617_195213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ4Rn1JMjyU/T-JgksGMp4I/AAAAAAAABTI/_RKaHbWnLKw/s640/IMG_20120617_195213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Bill Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07332481397303536599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137467189813188416.post-20123631854736153942012-06-12T19:33:00.001-04:002012-06-12T19:33:31.554-04:00Stingrays...and more!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">June 9th marked the date of the stingray and skate portion of the quest for the slam. Below is a short video (5 minutes) explaining the equipment used and some action shots of the hunt. This is just a little low budget vid of what the actual dvd segments will cover. Enjoy!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rAJuTGQWaFA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Bill Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07332481397303536599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137467189813188416.post-17654492735596462602012-06-12T19:22:00.000-04:002012-06-12T19:22:53.758-04:00Couple of Packages<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Had a couple of packages come in over the past few days.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First, Cajun Archery sent in a small arsenal of arrows consisting of Yellow Jackets tipped with the Garpoon tip and the Piranha tip. Also had 3 of the Hornet Lite bowfishing arrows tipped with the Piranha included. A hat, shirt, and hoodie to wear while on the quest. 4 rolls of bowfishing line (2 x 200# and 2 x 400#). Some bowfishing arrow nocks and a Zebco 808 big game bowfishing reel. Nice!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6bzYmE3Uxg/T9fNOxSAVXI/AAAAAAAABSE/lc2ddiQJzm0/s1600/Cajun+Archery+Package.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U6bzYmE3Uxg/T9fNOxSAVXI/AAAAAAAABSE/lc2ddiQJzm0/s400/Cajun+Archery+Package.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then, not to be outdone, PSE Archery ponied up with the PSE Wave bowfishing bow. And I had never noticed before, but the blue 'camo' is actually fish skeletons. Now to get it set up in time for Snakeheads on the Potomac!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTIeSqNhhc4/T9fOAb9plOI/AAAAAAAABSM/441YqJ7Cfxw/s1600/PSE+Wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTIeSqNhhc4/T9fOAb9plOI/AAAAAAAABSM/441YqJ7Cfxw/s400/PSE+Wave.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjhhmmAiFq4/T9fO4D_d_2I/AAAAAAAABSU/wHePBU9Jx4I/s1600/fish+skeleton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjhhmmAiFq4/T9fO4D_d_2I/AAAAAAAABSU/wHePBU9Jx4I/s320/fish+skeleton.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div>Bill Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07332481397303536599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137467189813188416.post-51138619412543430042012-05-25T14:00:00.004-04:002012-05-25T14:00:50.551-04:00Sponsors and Endorsements<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am pleased to announce the following companies and organizations for sponsoring and endorsing the book:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Bowfishing the Slam</em></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XvVpA6kz-ZE/T7WJkrt6tMI/AAAAAAAABLA/MHbxp6lBAns/s1600/Bow+Adventures+Masthead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XvVpA6kz-ZE/T7WJkrt6tMI/AAAAAAAABLA/MHbxp6lBAns/s400/Bow+Adventures+Masthead.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Bow Adventures e-Magazine: The e-Magazine for Archery Enthusiasts.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTJ8TEZPH3o/T7VSZB7RpNI/AAAAAAAABKw/e3R8GOnWRbY/s1600/Cajun-Archery-t-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTJ8TEZPH3o/T7VSZB7RpNI/AAAAAAAABKw/e3R8GOnWRbY/s320/Cajun-Archery-t-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Cajun Archery: Those who know bowfishing, know Cajun!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YHlzDdEdfVI/T7bycfJuu3I/AAAAAAAABMs/sqC4VdySje0/s1600/pse-archery_com%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YHlzDdEdfVI/T7bycfJuu3I/AAAAAAAABMs/sqC4VdySje0/s320/pse-archery_com%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>PSE Archery: Experience. Performance.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ-mRS1Z8qY/T7hTB_oOw7I/AAAAAAAABNM/nJp5WO1-v8o/s1600/BowfishingAssociation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQ-mRS1Z8qY/T7hTB_oOw7I/AAAAAAAABNM/nJp5WO1-v8o/s200/BowfishingAssociation.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Bowfishing Association of America (B.A.A.): The only true national Bowfishing organization in the country.</strong></div>
<br />Bill Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07332481397303536599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137467189813188416.post-61435217099758895562012-05-17T12:18:00.001-04:002012-05-17T19:42:24.322-04:00Why the Bowfishing Slam?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I first started bowfishing a couple of years after I picked up a bow for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to extend my time with the bow, and the eight months without a hunting season was just too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted, I did pursue small game such as groundhogs, beaver, and nutria during the summer, but they did not offer the opportunity or rewards of whitetail season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bowfishing filled that need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It offered me the chance to get in the water, reminisce about my younger days, and keep a bow in my hand.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IH-2mK2diOs/T7WK_d7KgyI/AAAAAAAABLI/e5rtUgQut8M/s1600/first+gar+2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IH-2mK2diOs/T7WK_d7KgyI/AAAAAAAABLI/e5rtUgQut8M/s320/first+gar+2009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first fish taken by archery equipment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I did not possess a boat suitable for bowfishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My trips consisted of either wading in the shallows or stalking from the shoreline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took several trips before I hit my first fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took several more before I was able to land my first fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The longnose gar is plentiful in my area of the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does however make for a difficult shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long and slender, and scaly armor that can deflect an arrow easily, the gar helped perfect my instincts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still have a picture of my first gar on my office wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was small, only about one pound. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In truth, I deserved an award for hitting such a small target when you look at the fact it was about as big around as the handle of a baseball bat.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Since that time I have taken many fish with the bow, as well as many small and big game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To tackle a Bowfishing Slam, as we will call it here in this book, came about for a different reason other than just a love of bowfishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So let’s run off in a tangent for a moment to lay the basis for the writing of this story of adventures.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2IGmOc3Wto/T7WLYY_2h8I/AAAAAAAABLQ/4oBt9bvTnVE/s1600/papa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2IGmOc3Wto/T7WLYY_2h8I/AAAAAAAABLQ/4oBt9bvTnVE/s320/papa.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandfather with his rhino.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My grandfather was a big game hunter back in the 70’s and 80’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His tales of the trips to Alaska, Canada, and the Midwest in pursuit of the North American Super Slam as well as his expeditions to Africa for its Dangerous 6 could draw interest from anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The different species on the walls of his trophy room were a catalog of beasts that zoos would be envious of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Papa filmed one of his trips to Alaska on 8mm film, it became a movie event in the Howard household.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing the glaciers, mountains and crystal clear streams brought about a passion to want more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to experience all that the world had to offer.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fast forward to the year 2005.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My oldest son was nine years old and became interested in hunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I taught him the appreciation of wing shooting with a 20 gauge Ithaca side by side shotgun that I used when I was his age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been on several dove hunts where the action was steady and exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also drew tags for tundra swan and we were both successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As deer season approached, I figured I had better learn what I could about the whitetail.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When I was young, whitetail deer were nearly non-existent in the area where I lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just did not get to go deer hunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once while in high school, a deer was struck by a vehicle about seven miles outside of the city limits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deer were so uncommon, the incident made the front page headline in the local paper. Now I was in a situation where deer were everywhere, and my son would surely want to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not going to be the one to hold him back from his interest in the outdoors and nature!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">n the process of becoming educated on deer, I came across an article titled “North Carolina Master Bowhunter” by Randy Mabe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He discussed how he traversed the state in a quest to take North Carolina’s big four: Eastern wild turkey, black bear, wild boar, and whitetail deer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only did it light the familiar fire I felt when Papa would tell his stories, it enticed me to try the bow for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also started me on my own journey to learn about and hunt different game throughout the state and the country.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have since hunted game such as bison by spot and stalk, mountain lion by horseback, black bear from a tree stand, and alligator by boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All were with nothing but my bow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote down a bucket list of game I would like to pursue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then set an order to all the creatures in a logical order I felt I could follow both financially and physically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I listed such animals as elk, caribou and moose, I also had alligator gar and Asian carp.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That brings us to this book's purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Searching the internet and the library, I could not find a true series of fish to bowfish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were plenty of articles on chasing one species or the other, but not a pursuit of a greater goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I started researching different areas of the country and the types of fish available for bowfishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to make a list which would allow me to use different bowfishing techniques, offer a hint of danger at times, and above all, make the adventure exciting.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First, I needed the pinnacle of bowfishing in my opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When one thinks of THE big game for bowfishing, alligator gar will usually come to mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They grow to an enormous size and are basically a relic of the dinosaur era.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has to be number one on the list.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">While researching videos on bowfishing, one fish always pops up on the most viewed list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My requirement of exciting was built around it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The invasive Asian carp allows shot after shot, but not in the typical bowfishing style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fish hurl themselves several feet out of the water and you have to target them while they are flying!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may even have to dodge one or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Professional bowfishers such as Chris Brackett have made them famous, drawing in hunting personalities to share the experiences on national television.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Likely the most common target of bowfishers, the common carp also must be included on the list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not because they are unique, but because they are not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would have to be considered the whitetail deer of the bowfishing universe.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If labeling the carp as the whitetail, then the next one on the list would have to be considered more exotic like a muskox or bison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The paddlefish is easily one of the more unique fish species in North America fresh water systems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is one of the largest fresh water fish in North America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has a large paddle like snout that is uses to detect small electrical impulses from zooplankton as well as steer and stabilize the fish while swimming.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One fish that really creates intrigue and wonder is the snakehead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only does its common name create a vision, so does its adopted nickname; frankenfish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Few fish can accomplish what the snakehead can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have such an impact on the habitat, state wildlife agencies will shut down and drain water systems to eradicate them before they spread to other systems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can breathe in air nearly as well as in water, so a toss onto the shore after the catch does not guarantee the kill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most states even have laws against ‘catch and release’ practices with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you catch, you must kill it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The quest does not just include fresh water fish however.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the greatest sports fish to tackle would have to be the shortfin mako shark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They go airborne regularly when caught, leaping as high as 30 feet out of the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Checking videos posted online of a mako hooked and throwing its 300 to 500 pound body is quite the sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now imagine this with a bow and arrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of its tendency to leap, this also makes it one of the most dangerous fish to attempt to shoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Numerous deaths and injuries have been accounted for by the shark actually landing in the boat with the fishermen.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Closely connected with the mako, the hammerhead is one of my favorites in the shark family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever since my grandfather caught a huge 12 foot long hammerhead off the coast of North Carolina while shore fishing, I have been intrigued by its look and prowess.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amongst the most popular bowfishing targets for salt water, the stingray provides an easy target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hard part is not shooting the ray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hard part is bringing it back to the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The large wings resist the pull through the water and are quite muscular as well.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Kin to the stingray, the skate is another popular target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The skate can be seen in large schools during the spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was told once they resembled stepping stones across the canal there were so many swimming.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That brings us to the only non-fish species on the list of slam contenders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The American alligator is a true conservation success story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also is dangerous, strong, and large.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially with bowfishing tackle. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Techniques vary on how to take the alligator, but for my slam, bow and arrow only are the requirements I went by.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Each of the species will bring their own challenges and exploits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each will also provide their own rewards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And each will surely make the bowfishing slam that much more memorable.</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span>Bill Howardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07332481397303536599noreply@blogger.com2