Bowfishing for Summertime Stingrays

Last summer I had the unique experience of crossbowfishing for stingrays off the eastern shores of Maryland. I would be heading out with the rest of the staff of Crossbow Magazine to test my skills against the evasive tactics of those “fish with wings”. I was looking forward to the experience more than I thought possible considering I’d never been bowfishing and didn’t know the first thing about bowfishing stingrays

The source of my enthusiasm was two-fold: having a fun day on the water whilst participating in the conservation of precious resources. Both Southern and Cownosed Stingrays are common on the eastern shores and are hunted to preserve both the oyster and crabbing industries of Virginia and Maryland. Oysters are the natural filters of the waters and when the Cownosed rays descend on the oyster beds they can be virtually decimated. Additionally, the rays are taking a heavy toll on the Blue Crab populations, making it hard for local crabbers to keep up with even local demand for the traditional seafood favorite.

 

When harvesting the rays, you will have several opportunities to care for your winged predator of the bay. First, if you bring an ice-filled cooler and some Ziplocks, you can actually harvest the meat found in those wings. I am told the meat is much like scallops, although a bit tasteless, and that it will take on the flavor of whatever sauce or spices you choose to prepare it with. Your other choice is to return the ray, minus its barb to the watery depths of the bay and it will become a feast for the very prey it sought to annihilate—the crabs! Thus, the meat can also be harvested and used to bait crab pots and many folks use the meat precisely this way.

We would be guided on our adventure by Captain Marc Spagnola of Dusk to Dawn Bowfishing. As our group arrived at the dock, we were greeted by the sight of Maryland’s coastal waters at their finest. The day was, quite simply, perfect! Within minutes, the Dusk to Dawn boat docked with a boatload of smiling clients who had obviously had thoroughly enjoyed their time on the water that morning. This did nothing but further fuel my excitement for the day ahead! As we would be using crossbows for the day, Captain Marc took a few minutes to field test our equipment. It would be the first time crossbows were used to fish from his boat and he wanted to be certain that they would allow us to recover our rays, rather than have them pinned to the bay floor. However, the Parker Stingray crossbow, rigged with an AMS Bowfishing Retrieval Reel and arrows tipped with grapple-like broadheads are designed specifically for bowfishing and proved perfectly suited for the day’s activities.

As I’d never been bowfishing before, I had no idea as to how the day would unfold. I really had no knowledge whatsoever as to how one “fished with a bow”. I would quickly find out that it was a fast-paced, ever-changing challenge—not only with regard to spotting our prey, but in positioning ourselves within striking distance.With bow in hand, the shooters became the spotters. We would call out direction, based on a clock’s face, to Captain Marc; whose job it was to expertly position us within shooting range of the rays. Basically it was an adrenalin-laced, high speed chase on water. Once a ray was spotted, the race was on to reach the ray, level the crossbow and take your shot before it darted off with amazing speed never to be seen again.

Honestly, we missed way more than we hit. I pictured them gracefully gliding through the water at a leisurely pace, but nothing could be further from the truth! They are, in fact, little speed demons and the mere sound of the boat engine will send them darting off without a moment’s hesitation. While the Southern Stingrays can be quite large—we took two averaging 40 pounds and one behemoth that weighed in at a whopping 96 pounds—the Cownose Stingrays are considerably smaller and a more difficult target to connect with. I was used to having a little more time to be certain of my target’s vital area; however, on this adventure I’d have to learn to be quick on the draw, and not to hesitate, as there really wasn’t a vital area to hit.

Once a stingray was on the line, Captain Marc would carefully work the line, edging the ray to the side of the boat. This takes experience and finesse so that your injured ray does not slip away. Once drawn in to the side of the vessel, the ray is quickly dispatched for everyone’s safety before being brought on board.

I had several shot opportunities; however, came away with only one stingray that day—a 43 pound Southern I was very proud to call my own! Captain Marc does a quick and efficient job of removing the barb—which you will get to take home as a unique trophy of your hunt—and harvesting any meat the bowhunter would like to take home. The entire process, from arrow contact to the ray’s disposal into the onboard catch barrel, can take as little as fifteen minutes depending on how long the picture taking lasts!

Scouring the waters of the eastern shore in search of a ray is an enthralling experience all in and of itself. The clear, salty, shallow waters are teeming with life and as a group we saw crab, small sharks and a few jelly fish in addition to many other small fish. It was also thrilling to see the many birds which would settle onto the shoreline or watch them swooping in to fish the waters themselves. I truly had the experience of a lifetime out on the water that day and would very much like to head out again this summer with Captain Marc. I would highly recommend his charter services if you are bowfishing for the first time or new to hunting for stingrays. His knowledge of the local waters and expertise in handling these dangerously barbed predators is invaluable. Hiring a charter makes for a highly enjoyable outing and while it cannot necessarily guarantee your success, it will definitely increase your opportunities for success.

There are a few things you’ll want to take along if you are heading out to hunt stingrays with your bow. An absolute MUST are polarized sunglasses. For a mere $15, these glare-reducing glasses will exponentially increase your ability to see what’s going on under the water. Sunblock, a visored hat, UV clothing and water shoes will keep you protected and comfortable while out on the water for hours at a stretch. A pair of fishing gloves tucked in your back pocket is a huge help if you ever have a hand on the line of an arrowed ray. Snacks are never a bad idea and bottled water for staying hydrated is a necessity. Lastly, don’t forget to bring along your camera. This is an AMAZING adventure you will surely want to savor for years to come—or at least until you can get back out there to go bowfishing for summertime stingrays once again!

J. Ellen Spieles