David,
Just a quick word on lake Springfield. On page 23 of the Illinois Fishing regulations you will see that you cannot bowfish there. Welcome to our bowfishing world. The best thing you can get is a current fishing regulations. You will find that there are a whole lot of lakes that are off limits to us. It is pure ignorance as to our safety record.
Where do you live? I'm sure we can find some one to get you hooked up with. Most of us or out most weekends.