I think you're doing just fine.

Elevationcan bevery important for seeing fish that are out a ways from the boat. The higher, the better, and it helps with making shots too since you don't have to account for as much refraction. With that said, a canoe or any small boat will do fine for calm waters with no wind,especially if you are quiet.

The carp will be almost oblivious to your presense in the spring during the spawn, and you'll get some good shooting then. In July and August, they can be hit and miss, and you'll see them when feeding or cruising, but the spring they get really stupid and bunch up near the bank for easy shots, and sit there staring up at you from 5 feet away.

Are the fish spooking because of noise you make?
Try to coast (rather than keep paddling)up towards the fish once yousee one. Move along slowly so that you don't get too close before you spot them. It's much easier to be prepared for a shot if you see it coming, especially if you shoot a compound with cams.

Are they seeing your shadow?
I had an airplane shadow run off a nice big carp over the weekend. I hadn't made my move yet, but the second that shadow crossed him, he splashed and became a swirl of mud.

If you ever wade, you have to be particularly careful of crunching gravel underfoot. That can make them run from 15 feet away.

Congrats on your first bowfishing season!

-Bulz