I need some info on bow fishing. What all do I need to get and where is the best place to buy it at?? Also where is the best places to go, on sand bars, docks from steep banks??????

Howdy!
I've been bowfishing for longer than I've been bowhunting.
Not a whole lot of opportunities up here in IL, but I can get out in the spring and summer to perforate a few carp.

I prefer steep banks because you don't have to compensate as much angle if you're shooting closer to straight down at 'em. The best places I've ever bowfished have been in the calm, sunny backwaters downstream from dams.
One day, back when I was in High school, my Dad and I shot over 30 fish in 4 hours, and we were sharing a bow.
I think I've still got the thank you card we got from the turtles and racoons for all of the fish we left on the shore for them.

Some people even shoot them as they try to jump over small dams.

I've also had luck wading in the shallows of slow moving creeks. It is trickier to sneek up on them when you're in the water, but it can be done without too much trouble.

Hints:
Shoot deeper (lower) than you think you have to. The water refraction plays tricks on you.
The best way to practice is to shoot at submerged objects like plastic bottles. Develop the 'feel' of compensating before you go out for fish.
You will definitely want polarized glasses (I'm sure you've got some already), or you won't stand a chance.
If you're shooting with the sun at your back, be careful of your shadow -it'll spook the fish.

Be careful how you attach the arrow to the string. If the arrow you choose has the hole for the string near the nock, you'll definitely want to invest in a very simple safety gadget made by AMS. It is a slide that allows the string's attachment point to slide from the front of the arrow (before and during the draw) to the rear of the arrow (during flight). This system prevents 'snap-back' where the line can get caught up on your rest or in the bowstring and slam the arrow back in your face. It happened to me once, and I ended up with a hole in my leather hat and a bruise on my scalp. A few inches lower and I might only have one eye right now.
I've retrofitted all of my fishing arrows with it, and it works great. It also allows me to keeps less of the string hanging loose so there is less chance for it to tangle in brush as I hike up and down the shore.


AMS Safety Slide

Good Luck!
Let me know if you are near N/E IL. I'm always looking for a bowfishing partner.
Not too many folks seem to be in to it up here.

Here is a pic of me with a 15 pounder I got last May.

Can any one else help me????

There is a member named carpn who had a great carp huntng video on here a couple weeks ago. Maybe try PMing him.