Carp, gar, and rough fish by bow — state guides, core gear, and the regulations that actually matter.

Bow, arrow, and a reel — bowfishing puts you after the rough fish and trophy gar that rod-and-reel anglers pass up, day or night, fresh water or salt.

Carp, buffalo, gar, and other non-game species are legal targets almost everywhere and often invasive, so bowfishing doubles as habitat management. Interest in the sport has climbed sharply over the past year — and the data points to the mid-South as the real hotbed. Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Kentucky all rank higher in search interest than Texas, even though most gear sites still write as if Texas gar hunting is the whole story.

Know the Regulations Before You Nock an Arrow

Bowfishing regulations vary sharply by state and even by water body. Most states require a standard fishing license and restrict bowfishing to non-game, invasive, or rough fish — game fish like bass, trout, and most popular sportfish are off-limits to the bow. Some states add night-shooting restrictions, protected-species carve-outs (redfish, tarpon, and other prized saltwater gamefish are commonly protected even from bowfishing), and closed seasons on marquee species like alligator gar. Rules change year to year — always confirm current regulations with your state wildlife agency before you go out.

Core Gear Categories

• Bow & reel: a compound or recurve bow paired with a bowfishing-specific reel — spincast reels shoot faster for follow-up shots, while retriever/bottle-style reels are simpler and safer for beginners.
• Arrows & points: fiberglass arrows with barbed or break-away points built to punch through water and hold fish, unlike hunting broadheads.
• Lights: most bowfishing happens after dark — a quality LED light bar or underwater lighting setup is often the difference between a full boat and an empty one.

Pick Your State

Gear & Buying Guides

Related from Get Out Mor

• Fishing Hub — freshwater, saltwater, and spearfishing on the Gulf Coast.
• Hunting Hub — archery and gear for deer, turkey, hog, and alligator.
• Spearfishing — the Gulf Coast’s other bow-and-blade fishing method.

Written by Cole Hartwell — time on Alabama’s rivers and reservoirs, plus Texas and Louisiana water, informs this guide.