Extreme Bowfishing

Monster Gar Madness 3     Monster Gar Madness 2    ALLIGATOR VIDEO !

   Monster Gar Madness     PSE Todays Bowhunter Part 2      PSE Todays Bowhunter Part 1    

Be on the lookout for my Monster Gar series of videos!  Intense Bowfishing Action!

Two Hundred Pound Gar Videos (2004 season).

March 14, 2004 March 31, 2004 video1 March 31, 2004 video 2

A large lateral glow began to take shape at the edge of my lights. As the boat approached quietly, I broke the silence, “Get ready boys!” My body tensed as I began to point out the fish to my clients. “It can’t be? That’s a tree, It’s gotta be a tree! You’re just tired Jack! There’s no way! It’s too big to be a fish!” All three clients dismissed the apparition now only fifty feet away! But as I slowly closed the distance, mouths began to drop! Hunters now whispered! Hearts began to beat in slow motion inside their throats! Three hunters came to full draw almost simultaneously at the sight of an eight foot alligator gar! “Wait”, I barked, “Not yet.” I began to turn the boat slightly for a better position and closer shot. “If she starts to go before I call for the shot, take her!!” All nodded in unison. Twenty feet, fifteen, now less than ten feet! “One……two……three!!!!!

What happened next took an e t e r n i t y to transpire. All three shots entered the water simultaneously with a splash! With one sudden thrust, the fish bolted straight under the boat. “Who’s got her?” I pleaded, as I turned the boat 180 degrees to chase the fish. No answer. Not a word. Everyone looked at each other in disbelief! “Did you all miss that fish?” Again, no answer.

Silence overtook the boat once again. One of the hunters sat down quietly on the security rail that borders my deck. He slowly pulled a cigarette from his jacket, lit it, and sat quietly without saying much for the next fifteen minutes. His brother-in-law knelt on the deck and peered endlessly at the water as if in prayer. The other hunter took up stargazing while all of them contemplated what they had just witnessed! Soon the silence broke with the question, “How did we miss a fish with the girth of a 32 gallon trash can?” “Easy!” I said, “Gar Fever my friends, Gar Fever!!!!”

I wish I could tell you that this was an isolated incident, but I would be lying! The truth is that a lot of the people miss the first time they see a monster fish! Most customers have never seen fish as big as the one I have described, especially not in fresh water! Very often, the fish are mistaken for trees in the water, only to be realized as trophy gar when they are all too close! The result, quick forced shots! Some times they hit and sometimes they don’t.

So what happens when we hit a big fish? What do we do? What can we expect? I get these questions a lot! Imagine if you will, trying to stop a locomotive with a thirty yard lasso! That should give you a fair idea of what its like to fight a big alligator gar. Although their runs are fairly short, you can count on them to be very powerful. These fish have huge tails and a body that is streamlined, built for propulsion. They can fight for long periods of time, especially in open or warm water. Last year, I had a fish pull my twenty foot boat around for 30 minutes before finally being subdued and landed.

Although bouts with these huge fish can vary, the technique employed by Extreme Bowfishing does not. Once a fish is arrowed, a split second decision must be made on how to proceed that is based on shot placement, arrow penetration, and water conditions. Here are some simple guidelines to improve your odds of landing a monster gar.

Poor shot placement or lack of arrow penetration make for long, drawn out battles. You will need to match the fish in direction and speed. Take your time so that the arrow doesn’t pull out. I have seen many fish that were rushed in only to be lost at the boat.

If your shot placement is good (about twelve inches behind the head on seven foot fish), match his speed and let him pull the boat around until he tires. This may take some time so don’t get in too big of a hurry. A tired fish is easier to land!

Get ready with a second and possibly third arrow. I have seen fish about to be boated shake their head and snap off two or three arrows like twigs. Don’t take a chance on losing a trophy of a lifetime because you don’t want to mess up arrows.

Make sure to match your equipment with your quarry. Alligator gar are extremely tough fish and require specialized equipment equal to the task. Talk to a qualified guide or contact AMS Bowfishing or Muzzy to get properly outfitted. I recommend line weights of 350lbs or better. We use only AMS Retriever Reels mounted on recurves and compounds no heavier than 50 lbs. Last, but most important, we only use the Muzzy Garpoint #925G on our arrows.

Only use a float in open water situations or if you’re concerned about being pulled overboard. Use of floats in timber or near weed beds will lead to lost gear and more importantly lost fish!

I prefer to gaff large fish. This allows me to control the business end of the fish at all times. Nooses are great on smaller fish, but fail to control the movement of large fish entirely.

Be sure to fully subdue a big fish before trying to boat it. I have seen fish that were thought to be “done” come back to life and levy fines on people in the boat!

Use gloved hands to control tension and line rate. Try to maintain enough line in the reel for extended fish runs. Above all, always be aware of how much line you have left. I have seen grown men pulled out of a boat when the end of the line was hit.

If using a guide, be sure to follow his commands. A good guide will always tilt the odds in your favor. Stay close to the guide where he can see both you and the fish! This makes it easier for him to follow the fish and direct the action!

I always enjoy the look on a customer’s face the first time they see a monster gar in fresh water. I have had clients freeze, never draw the bow back, and look at me in disbelief. It’s difficult to keep your wits about you when the moment of truth comes. Last year, I guided three separate groups of hunters to a fish that was eight feet long with a girth equal in size to a 32 gallon trash can! That fish never got a scratch! Not one! I have two of the hunts on video to add to the insult!

That is what makes bowfishing monster gar special! That kind of rush can only come from hunting something bigger and meaner than you are! Gar Fever!

Stay in the boat!

Jack Thatcher
www.extremebowfishing.com

About the Author

Jack Thatcher is the owner/operator of Extreme Bowfishing. He has been guiding for the last five years for trophy alligator gar in south Texas. He has numerous Texas Bowfishing Association tournament victories, eight in the last three years. Previously, he owned a successful business, South Texas Archery in Victoria, Texas . He has over ten years of experience in the archery industry. He has held staff shooting positions for Browning, PSE, and Hoyt USA. He is currently sponsored by AMS Bowfishing, Muzzy Products, and Browning Archery.

Jack Thatcher has hunted exclusively with a bow for over eighteen years. In that time, he has bowhunted all over North America in pursuit of big game. Trophies to his credit include Rocky Mountain Elk, Labrador Caribou, Nilgai, various Texas Exotics, numerous Hogs and Javelina, and several record book Whitetails. He has on occassion shot a fish or two as well.

“I have been bowfishing with Mr. Thatcher that last three years in a row and I have yet to be dissappointed. He lives and breathes bowhunting and it shows in his work as a guide!”—-John Liska/PSE Archery

For pure bowhunting adrenalin nothing can match a hunt on the waters of South Texas with Jack Thatcher and his Extreme Bowfishing operation “Captain Jack” is as knowledgeable a guide as I have had the pleasure to hunt with, regardless of the species pursued, and his boat, equipment, and expertise are top-of-the-line. Whether you are chasing giant Alligator Gar, Buffalo, or any number of other aquatic targets at night or on a daytime adventure, Extreme Bowfishing will get you into trophy fish. I can’t wait for my next hunt with ‘˜Captain Jack!’

Joe Blake, Bowhunter Magazine Staff Writer
Bow & Arrow Hunting Stickbows Editor
Prairie Longbows owner/bowyer

Jack Thatcher’s ‘˜Extreme Bowfishing’ is appropriately named - after two hunts, I can honestly say that I can’t wait to go back. What an incredible experience! Extreme did a great job of accomodating for my 3 daughters and I on one hunt, and they still talk about the adventure. Jack provided plenty of opportunities on big fish, and the numbers were almost staggering. If you are looking for a memorable bowfishing adventure on one of the most advanced bowfishing boats in the world, look no further - Extreme Bowfishing is second to none. ‘˜

Nick Stafford
Cabela’s Infrastructure Systems Project Manager

Mr. Thatcher,
Cody and I and the rest of the gang had a blast, even though we missed that seven footer, we know he is out there, that’s why there is a next time. We have the day fishing in the river complete, we are working on the night segment now. We will get you a copy and let you know when it will air nation wide and local. Thanks again
Until next time’¦’¦..On the water’¦’¦..In the Woods’¦’¦

Cody Easom

My hands are cut, blistered and sore; my eyes are blood shot from lack of sleep, and I’m tired-to-the-bone ‘” but I can’t wipe the smile off my face. On behalf of Hank, Si, Zach and myself, thanks so much for making possible such a great memory! We all had a blast, and are already planning our next trip. It’s not a matter of if, but when!

 

 

I can highly recommend your service to the father of any teenager as an option to staying up all night playing video games or other ‘œactivities.’

 

 

We can’t wait for the video. We’ll be in touch. ‘” George Bokorney

I thank God every day that I am fortunate enough to make my living hunting and fishing! My passion for the outdoors is what drives me to share these experiences with all of you! I hope you have enjoyed this website and I invite you to book a trip and experience Extreme Bowfishing for yourself! Take care and GOD BLESS!

Jack Thatcher
Extreme Bowfishing Guide Service

Special thanks to all of my customers for helping me live a dream!