Saltwater Bowfishing

September 10, 2009

Question: I want to try some ocean bowfishing but cannot find the regulations applicable to the sport. What do I need to know? Thanks. (B. Carter, San Clemente)

Answer: Spears, harpoons and bow and arrow fishing tackle may be used for taking all varieties of skates, rays and sharks, except white sharks. Such gear may not be possessed or used within 100 yards of the mouth of any stream in any ocean waters north of Ventura County, nor aboard any vessel on any day or on any trip when broadbill swordfish or marlin have been taken. Bow and arrow fishing tackle may be used to take finfish other than giant (black) sea bass, garibaldi, gulf grouper, broomtail grouper, trout, salmon, striped bass, broadbill swordfish and white shark (Fish and Game Code Section 28.95).

Although many different fish species can be legally taken with this method, you’ll need to first contact the local police or sheriff’s department before heading out with your bowfishing gear. While the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) authorizes bowfishing, the local law enforcement agencies may object, especially if you are inside city limits. Many areas consider bow and arrow fishing gear to be “dangerous and lethal weapons” that  they don’t want to see used in public and/or populated areas where someone could accidentally get hurt.

For many years, bowfishing off of the public pier was a well-known and long-standing tradition in Imperial Beach (San Diego County). It was banned there a few years ago – not by DFG regulations,  but by a local ordinance stemming from the aforementioned public safety concerns.