BOWFISHING CARP [up to 15lbs] in BIG BEAR LAKE 

Okay, so, here we go. The simple answer per regulations and a CA game warden (I have this in writing too) is yes. There are only 5 species of saltwater fish you are not allowed to shoot; great white shark, black seabass, 2 others I cannot recall at this time, and you cannot possess a bow and arrow on a boat where billfish are being fished for. So, we can target halibut, corbina, perch, yellowtail, tuna, mako shark, etc. The gray area though is where and when you're NOT allowed to discharge a bow and arrow as it pertains to distance from other non-bowfishing humans. At certain freshwater bodies of water, there are rules that state you have to be minimum distances away from other non-bowfishing anglers or a public walkway - usually it is 100ft. I'll get a definitive answer in writing from the CA warden here shortly. Also, something to keep in mind before you think about going - the general public that get worried or don't like what you're doing WILL call the police. Generally speaking, the police do NOT know fish and game regulations. You will most likely get drawn on by police. Been there before. Not good at all. So, until I get it all figured out, I would not recommend doing it...hence why you haven't seen a video from me on it...yet! Soon though!

@@StartFishingToday I live near Camp Pendlton and have access…perhaps because of those parameters it can be done there 🍻 good luck and thank you for that awesome answer 🍻

@@addicted2fishing119 No problem. It goes without saying, but unless it's a no-doubter for any species that has a minimum length limit or species you're not planning on eating, you can't shoot..... Those viewing this are going to ask about the carp and what I do with them. They are an invasive species that have no rules or regulations. Agencies simply want as many removed as possible. Depending on where I am, I either give them to locals that eat them or use them for fertilizer.

@@StartFishingToday I know Nick from 618 fishing uses them for cut bait…mainly catfish but monsters

Okay, so following up here on bowfishing saltwater. I have spoken to a couple wardens and they have all said the same thing. While there are no regulations from the DFW, there are laws you must adhere to for each city or managing area. So before you go, you need to speak with the local agency or law enforcement to determine what is legal/illegal (I suggest via email so it's in writing). Many/most cities do NOT allow the discharge of bow and are (a weapon) within city limits unless at a designated location that caries insurance with the city. However, spearfishing is allowed in many areas as it is attached to a line/rope/leash. Same is for bowfishing, so again, check with local governing agency before going.

Getting permission can be difficult. Unfortunately, most of the houses on the water with docks are Airbnb. The owners are rarely available to speak to. When u go, u just have to talk to people. Can't be shy. Of all the docks there, I personally only have access to about 15 docks, and that has come from multiple decades of going up there and meeting people. The docks are owned by the homeowner and are treated as personal property. So just by stepping on them without permission is trespassing. It's tempting to briefly walk on them to go look/fish/shoot cuz I know they aren't home, but it's just a fish.

Either give them to someone that wants them or give them to the city of Big Bear to do as they want with them.

This is the southwest part of Big Bear. I am not doing the Carp Roundup. Too many people.

Yeah, I went again today. Not near as good, but still got a couple. Spawn will be here soon. I'll probably go back up in a couple weeks. Thanks for watching and the comment!

They are not trash fish u just thinking they are grass crap are invasive but they still aren’t that bad either

Okay, so, I thought long and hard about a response to this comment after I saw it come through. Ultimately, I came to this conclusion - you're allowed to have your own opinion. That is all....

@@wambatbunt There are outdoorsman in the midwest and fly over states that have come up with some great recipes for smoking these in a wood smoker. I've not tried it but it did look good and if done right they said tasted like any other white fish.