ok here is my situation i am 17 and i just started bowfishing. i have been doing it in some small creeks around my house but i want to go bigger. i just read about those to asian carp that were shot near channahon and it inspired me. i have a 12 foot jon boat i put a small deck on and have all my equipment. but the only problem is i don't like going by myself and i am running out of places to go. i am looking to you guys for some guidance and help. so if you guys could give me some pointers on where to go i would really appreciate it. i am going to join the illinoisbowfishersclub tomorrow to get me started with some ideas but please help me out. you don't have to tell me about your honey hole just somewhere i can go to maybe watch others and get my tactics down pat. now i have killed a few carp and i am hooked so if you could please help i would appreciate it.



Thanks

Welcome Bill, Yeah those bigheads will ruin you.

If you're near Channahon, those guys can put you on fish in areas where your 12' boat will be safe.

Mark S. and I meet up once a week, usually on tuesdays. We go to the DesPlaines River at Channahon. I-55 and the DesPlaines, if you're looking at a map. It'll be that big open area on the north side of the river just west of the I-55 bridge. The same area Chris shot those bigheads. Lots of fish in there. We see buffalo and commons everywhere, and a couple choice areas for longnose gar. We'd be happy to show you the area.


Where do you live? What water do you fish?

thanks we'll have to do that. i live in gardner and i have been shooting the mazon creek in a couple areas but i wanted to find some others places to go. so thanks for the help. it just hard to find people to help ya out when you need to find places to go. so i really appreciate this. good luck and be safe.

Those are 2 of the big reasons whywe created the club.
Bowfishing, like many other things, is better and more fun when you can share tips, tricks, places to go, and share the experience with others who enjoy it.

The DesPlaines river has tons of bowfishing targets swimming around...more than all of us together could make much of a dent in.
Come on out. I'll probably be joining Steve and Mark next Tuesday evening. See you there?

thanks for the offer. i have to see about my schedule but what time do you guys usually got out and how long do you stay out. and where exactly would i have to meet you guys. so if you could PM me with the specifics i would love to go.



Thanks

We meet as soon as we can! One day Mark and I were on the water by 3:30, and we stayed out till 11:00. He's got lights on his boat tho, but we've shot fish without lights till after 8:00. so if we get on the water by 5:00 or even 6:00, there's 2-3 hours of good shooting.

Oh, and we won't be going out tuesday; Mark has plans. So it'll be monday or wednesday.

From Gartner, jump on I-55 north, get off on Bluff west, go over 55 and make a left on the frontage road. You'll be going south towards Big Basin Saloon. The road curves west at the saloon, and about 1/2-3/4 of a mile down, there will be a launch on the left.

If you want, I can PM you my cell #.

ok i know where you are talking about so just give me a heads up and i will be there if i can. thanks you don't know much you guys have helped.

just let me know the next time someone is going out and if you want some company let me know.