Top locations include:

• Table Rock Lake
• Bull Shoals Lake

Best setup includes:

• Bow: Oneida Eagle Bows
• Reel: Retriever-style system
• Boat: Tracker Boats

What Is Bowfishing?

Bowfishing is a fast-paced outdoor sport that combines:

• Archery precision
• Fishing strategy
• Real-time visual targeting

Unlike traditional fishing, there is:

• No waiting
• No casting
• No guesswork

You see the fish, you shoot, you retrieve.

It is one of the most accessible and action-driven ways to experience the outdoors today.

How Bowfishing Works

1. Spot fish near the surface
2. Draw quickly
3. Aim below the fish (refraction)
4. Release
5. Retrieve using reel and line

Bowfishing emphasizes instinct, speed, and repetition over technical complexity.

Why Bowfishing Is Exploding in Popularity

• Extends hunting season into summer
• High engagement with multiple shots per trip
• Social and team-based experience
• Accessible for beginners

It transforms practice shooting into a real-world, high-adrenaline experience.

Gear Setup: What You Need to Start

Bow (Foundation)

• 25 to 50 lb draw weight
• Durable and simple

Recommendation:

• Oneida Eagle Bows

Reel (Critical Connection)

• Mounted to bow
• Retrieves arrow and fish

Recommendation:

AMS Bowfishing Retriever Pro Bowfishing Reel

Arrows & Tips

• Fiberglass arrows
• Barbed tips for retention

Recommendation:

• Muzzy Classic Fish Arrow with Carp Point
• AMS Bowfishing Ripz Tip Replacement Tips

Boat

Top options:

• 2025 TRACKER GRIZZLY 2072 CC Sportsman w/ 115 EXLPT Mercury FourStroke
• 2025 TRACKER GRIZZLY 2072 CC Sportsman Kicker w/ 150 XL Mercury FourStroke

From Tracker Boats, designed for:

• Elevated shooting decks
• Night visibility systems
• Full gear support

Bowfishing Apparel: What to Wear for Performance, Visibility & Protection

Why Apparel Matters in Bowfishing

Bowfishing environments are demanding:

• Heat and humidity
• Water exposure and spray
• Night visibility challenges
• Constant movement and repetition

The right apparel improves:

• Comfort over long sessions
• Visibility in low-light conditions
• Protection from sun, bugs, and water

Key Apparel Features to Look For

1. Moisture-Wicking & Breathability

Keeps you cool during high activity in warm conditions.

2. Quick-Dry Materials

Essential when dealing with water spray or rain.

3. UV Protection (UPF Rated)

Protects against prolonged sun exposure during daytime scouting or fishing.

4. Lightweight & Flexible Fit

Allows unrestricted movement for quick draws and shots.

5. Low-Light Visibility (Night Bowfishing)

Subtle reflective or contrast elements help with team awareness on the boat.

Recommended Apparel Brands

Performance Apparel

• Under Armour
  Known for moisture-wicking, breathable, high-performance gear ideal for long nights on the water

Outdoor Camouflage & Technical Wear

• TrueTimber
  Designed for outdoor environments with patterns and materials suited for hunting and fishing conditions

Suggested Bowfishing Outfit

Top Layer

• Lightweight performance shirt (moisture-wicking, breathable)

Bottoms

• Quick-dry shorts or lightweight pants

Footwear

• Non-slip, water-friendly shoes or deck boots

Accessories

• Hat or cap for sun protection
• Polarized sunglasses (daytime)
• Light jacket or layer for night conditions

Bass Pro Shops Pro Tip

Experienced bowfishermen prioritize comfort and endurance over style.

During a typical outing, you may:

• Take dozens of shots
• Move constantly across the deck
• Fish for hours in heat or humidity

The wrong apparel leads to:

• Fatigue
• Reduced mobility
• Lower performance

The right apparel keeps you focused, mobile, and effective.

Essential Accessories

• Heavy-duty line (up to 200 lb test)
• Polarized sunglasses
• Arrow rest

Target Species

• Carp
• Gar
• Freshwater drum
• Buffalo
• Shad

These species are abundant and ideal for bowfishing.

Best Places to Bowfish

Primary Lakes

Table Rock Lake

Table Rock Lake Bowfishing Guide

Bull Shoals Lake

Bull Shoals Lake Bowfishing Guide

These lakes:

• Offer clear water visibility
• Support conservation efforts
• Host major tournaments

Produced hundreds of pounds of fish in competition.

Best Time to Bowfish

• Night (best overall)
• Dawn and dusk
• Spring and summer peak

U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship

The U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship is one of the premier events in the sport.

Features:

• 24-hour competition
• National teams
• $100,000+ purse

Hosted near Bass Pro Shops, the event includes:

• Vendor showcases
• Gear demos
• Live entertainment

Tournament Guide + Registration

Stay + Experience

Turn your trip into a full outdoor experience.

Stay near the action at:

• Big Cedar Lodge
• Bass Pro Anglers Lodge

Experience:

• Luxury wilderness lodging
• Lake access
• Guided fishing and outdoor activities

Big Cedar Lodge Bowfishing Championship Experience

White River Marine Group

Bowfishing performance starts with the right platform.

Through White River Marine Group, Tracker Boats delivers:

• Stability
• Visibility
• Tournament-ready builds

Best Bowfishing Jon Boats

CLUB + Community

Join a community of passionate outdoorsmen through:

• Bass Pro CLUB
• Events and tournaments
• Exclusive gear and experiences

CLUB Benefits for Anglers

Expert Insights

Bowfishing success comes down to:

• Positioning over precision
• Speed over perfection
• Repetition over single-shot accuracy

Experienced anglers focus on:

• Reading fish movement
• Managing lighting conditions
• Shooting angles from elevation

Continue Your Bowfishing Journey: Guides, Gear & Where to Fish

Whether you're preparing for your first trip or competing at the highest level, explore our expert guides to sharpen your skills, gear up, and find the best waters to bowfish.

• U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship 2026: Dates, Rules, Registration & What to Expect
  Everything you need to know about competing in one of the most exciting bowfishing tournaments in the country.
• Bowfishing on Table Rock Lake: Best Areas, Species & Seasonal Tips
  Discover prime locations, target species, and when to go for the most productive nights on the water.
• Bowfishing on Bull Shoals Lake: Hotspots, Water Conditions & Pro Tips
  Learn where the fish are, how conditions impact your success, and tips from experienced anglers.
• Beginner’s Guide to Bowfishing: How to Get Started, Gear & Techniques
  New to the sport? Start here with everything you need to confidently begin your bowfishing journey.
• Best Bowfishing Gear Guide: Bows, Reels, Arrows & Must-Have Accessories
  Get fully equipped with the right setup for performance, durability, and success on the water.

Stay Nearby for Easy Access

Stay close to the action at Big Cedar Lodge, offering quick access to Table Rock Lake along with premium lodging, marina services, and outdoor experiences.

Book Your Getaway

Turn your tournament into a full Ozarks adventure.

Register Your Team Now

Find a Store Near You & Gear Up

Whether you're just getting started or gearing up for your next tournament, there is no better place to experience bowfishing than in person.

Visit your local Bass Pro Shops location to:

• Talk with knowledgeable outfitters
• Get hands-on with the latest gear
• Dial in your setup before hitting the water

While you're in the Springfield area, be sure to set aside time to experience Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, a world-class destination celebrating conservation and the outdoors.

Start here to find a store near you:
Store Locator

Featured Locations Near the Action

• Branson, MO (Outdoor World) - Closest to Table Rock Lake
• Springfield, MO (Grandaddy Store) - The original Bass Pro Shops flagship