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Tarpon Springs Bowfishing Adventure By: John Tolmie My father and I cast off from the local boat ramp at the Anclote River Park which feeds into the quaint and historical town of Tarpon Springs on the Gulf side of Florida. We are off to try our hand at bowfishing. We motor across the bay on Captain Todd Davis’ custom built micro-draft boat. His rig is able to navigate in extremely shallow water. The captain makes the universal tiny gesture with his pointer finger and thumbs and says, “I can get into water this skinny.” We arrive at the mouth of winding mangrove backwaters and the muddy bottom comes up to within inches of the hull. Todd raises the stern motor out of the water and engages his trolling motor to slowly navigate us into a wide expanse deep in the middle of the mangroves. Captain Todd’s secret spot holds schools of mullet who cruise the crystal water feeding on nutrient rich seagrass. As we gather our gear
and set the hook the fish get spooked and scatter. Captain Todd advises us to move slowly and to not point at the fish. “And don’t aim,” he says in an easy Floridian draw. “Just take the shot. Thinking will get you in trouble. Just draw. Lower the bow and release.” As he speaks, the fish start to settle down from our intrusion. I draw my bow and do everything he said not too. I aim and lead the fish while trying to remember how to use all the gadgets on the unfamiliar bow. I miss on my first try. I miss again, and again, and again. Finally I hear the Captain chuckle, “I told you thinking would get you in trouble!” I take
a deep breath, steady myself and close my eyes. I finally open my eyes and concentrate at one spot where the fish are congregating. I’m waiting for a fish to come in front of me rather than leading one. I see a nice sized mullet coming in from my right. I quickly draw, lift my bow and release! My arrow finds it’s mark and Todd lets out a hoot. “That’s how it’s done man! Don’t think… Just shoot!” I pull the fish over to the boat and get a closer look at it. It’s not a very pretty fish with its pouted carp-like lips and huge scales lining its elongated body. But we are stoked as these fish are excellent for the smoker. My dad takes a shot while I put the first
