Steps for Constructing a Fishing Bow

Steps for Constructing Fishing Arrows

1. The bow is simply made from a straight green sapling of springy wood such as cedar or willow. The ideal bow stave is approximately five feet long by two inches in diameter. It does not need to be elaborately whittled or shaved.
   
2. Cut notches across each end of the stave about two inches from the end.
   
3. Gather six feet of cordage. A nylon cord, a boot string, or a jacket lace would be ideal because these man-made materials resist rotting. However, if none of the former are available plant fibers can be twisted together to produce effective cordage.
   
4. Tie a looped slipknot in one end of the cord. Fit the string into one of the notches and pull it tight.
   
5. Turn the stave over so that the attached end is resting against the ground and flex the bow until there is a gap of about ten inches between the string and the center of the bow.
   
6. With the bow flexed, fit the loose end of the string into the other notch, wrap it around twice, and tie it off snugly.

1. The ideal material for a fishing arrow is a young green dogwood or willow sapling about ½ inch in diameter at the base and four feet in length. The wood needs to be as straight as possible.
   
2. Notch the butt end slightly to accommodate the bow string. Sharpen the other end to a point and notch two or three small barbs to help keep the arrow from pulling free after penetration.
   
3. The end of the arrow can be hardened by charring it slightly over a hot bed of coals.
   
4. A long length of cord tied the butt end of an arrow shaft and attached to a nearby sapling can prevent a hit fish from escaping into deeper water.