Last month, I attended the Governor’s Fishing Opener where, for the first time ever, native rough fish were being recognized. There was a competition for both walleye and for drum (sheepshead), and I caught the second biggest drum. The story was published in the Minnesota Reformer: Trash fish? More like some of the oldest — and most important — species in Minnesota.

The story also focused on the impact bowfishing is having on native fish populations. I talked to bowfishermen who’ve seen native fish decimated, and others who say there are still plenty of fish out there. Obviously the question needs to be settled by research, which may determine the fate of our native fish populations.

For the story, I also attended the weigh-in at the Big 10 Battle bowfishing tournament in Sauk Centre to see that side of the native fish issue. The volume of fish killed at tournaments can be staggering. For example, at the 2026 AMS Bowfishing Big 20 Challenge, in Wisconsin, 61 teams registered over 27,000 pounds of fish. The winning team’s top 20 take was 668 pounds — over 30 pounds per fish, for which they won $7,500.

While many of those fish are carp (tournaments don’t record numbers, so we don’t know), AMS also awarded prizes for the biggest quillback (10.2 pounds, $1000); drum (12 pounds, prize unknown); gar (12.8 pounds, $500); bowfin (8.4 pounds, prize — a new bow); and buffalo (47.2 pounds, $1,700).” 

More here:  Trash fish? More like some of the oldest — and most important — species in Minnesota.