PLAYIN' HOOKY GUIDE SERVICE
Frequently Asked Questions
01
What is Bowfishing?
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
A mix between bow hunting and traditional rod and reel fishing, bowfishing provides a unique experience to outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers. Spot your fish, take aim with your specially fitted bowfishing equipment, and reel your catch in with the line attached to the arrow.
02
Do I need any experience before I book my trip?
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
Not at all. From beginner to expert, we are happy to get anyone out on the water bowfishing. We pride ourselves on being a guide service that caters to all skill levels!
03
Do I need a special license or permit to go bowfishing?
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
Depending on what body of water your trip is on, you will need a current angling license from either the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website There are several variations on both sites, so be sure to pick the one that fits you best.
04
What do I need to bring on my bowfishing trip?
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
When you book your guided trip you can leave it up to us to provide all the gear that goes into bowfishing. You will need to have a current Minnesota or Wisconsin angling license and the appropriate clothes to match the forecast and time of year. (After dark, we recommend long sleeves, pants, and close-toed shoes to help keep the bugs at off). Polarized sunglasses are a must for daytime outings. Our guides will have coolers with water, but you are welcome to bring your favorite snack or beverage to put in the cooler. And especially for night outings, something caffeinated can be very helpful!
05
Are we able to bring alcohol on our trip?
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
Since you will be handling a weapon, alcohol and illegal drugs are prohibited during our trips. If you are found or suspected to be in possession or under the influence of drugs or alcohol at any time before or during the outing, your trip will be immediately cancelled without refund to ensure everyone has a safe and fun outing.
06
What kind of fish can we shoot while bowfishing?
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
You will be shooting what the state of MN and/ or WI refer to as "rough fish", which is mainly common carp, buffalo, gar, and suckers. On border waters and bodies of water in WI, clients with WI fishing licenses are allowed to shoot catfish, as well. Outside of that exception, shooting game fish is 100% prohibited. Your guide will go over what kinds of fish you are able to shoot and which fish you should avoid on your trip.
07
Are musky fishing trips bowfishing trips?
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
Absolutely not. Muskies are game fish and cannot be harvested with a bow and arrow. All musky fishing trips are traditional rod-and-reel fishing trips and will be catch-and-release only.
08
Does bowfishing have a negative impact on Minnesota's or Wisconsin's fisheries?
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
Bowfishing can actually have the opposite kind of impact on our fisheries. Several of the species of rough fish that can be found in these states are actually invasive. Common carp, silver carp, bighead carp, and grass carp are a few of the invasive species that can devastate an entire ecosystem by releasing large amounts of nitrogen, uprooting native vegetation, eating copious amounts of native game fish eggs, and rapidly reproducing. It is actually a good thing that we remove these toxic fish from our waterways!
09
Where do we meet our guide?
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
The week of your trip, Capt. Cody will reach out with the address for the landing or designated meeting place to meet your guide.
10
Can we eat any of the fish we shoot while bowfishing?
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
Absolutely! Several of the native species of rough fish that the states allow us to harvest (and catfish for WI trips) make wonderful table fare, specifically gar, buffalo, and suckers.
11
What do you do with the fish we shoot while bowfishing that aren't eaten?
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
We have a lot of avenues we use to dispose of fish in a way that they can be used for something positive. Between farms, tree nurseries, garden centers, raptor centers, turtle farms, etc., all the fish are used for something!