There are many kinds of fishing available in our region, but there is one style that is overlooked by most. Fishing with a bow and arrow is a unique and fun way to enjoy some time outdoors. It is a combination of fishing and hunting all rolled up into one activity. What more could you ask for?

According to regulations, bow and arrow (including compound bows and crossbows) may be used for taking only carp and suckers on all Commonwealth waters, day or night, except in approved trout waters during the closed season and in special regulation waters.

Technically, the common carp is a heavy-bodied minnow with barbels on either side of the upper jaw. Individuals 12-25 inches in length and weighing up to 8-10 pounds are common, although they can grow much larger.

While at a recent conference, I finally got the opportunity to try an atlatl, one of Pennsylvania's newest legal hunting implements.

An atlatl or spear-thrower is a tool that uses leverage to achieve greater velocity in throwing a long dart. It includes a bearing surface which allows the user to transfer energy derived from muscular energy during the throw. It consists of a shaft with a handle on one end and a spur or cup on the other, against which the butt of the dart rests. An atlatl can easily cast a well made dart to ranges greater than 50 yards.

Atlatl designs may include improvements such as thong loops to fit the fingers, the use of flexible shafts, stone balance weights and thinner, flexible darts for added power and range.

Darts resemble large arrows or thin spears and are typically from 4 to 9 feet in length and 3/8" to 5/8" in diameter. The darts we were using were of two different lengths, fletched with feathers and carrying a target point on the business end.

Throwing the dart is not hard to learn. With one foot forward, the thrower sets the dart on the handle, resting the spur into a notch on the dart. The index finger of your strong arm holds the dart in place while the arm is cocked back. A forward rotation of the arm brings the atlatl up, over and the release is made.

Getting it to land where you want however, is not as easy as throwing it. I was tossing darts with well-known wildlife artist Gerry Putt, and we compared notes on how to aim. I would equate it to instinct aiming such as a traditional archer would do. The shaft of the dart and point become focus points as you try and get the dart to fly where you want.

I met with Bob Berg at the event, owner of Thunderbird Atlatl, one of the largest manufacturers of the atlatl and accessories. Thunderbird is located just a couple of hours from the Lake Region in Candor, N.Y. (phone: 1-800-836-4530 or (607) 659-3854).

Bob has taken many big game animals and even fish with the atlatl. It seems that fishing with an atlatl is becoming more popular with competitions popping up in many locations. It was fun trying this primitive hunting tool, though it would take many hours of practice for me to feel comfortable enough with the accuracy to try it on a game animal.

Source: