Bowfishing

[Dom]

I'm thinking of giving this a try this summer.I am not sure what kind of set up is used for this like what poundage/pull is required the type of line reels arrow weight tips and the list is a lot longer.Anyone bow fished before and has some information please share.

[jjb4900]

I don't think it requires much, a low poundage bow maybe 45-50 lbs and a cheap bowfishing arrow and spool type reel to get started........you can probably find cheap starter setups as far as the arrow and reel/line setup go.

[Steuben Jerry]

I used to do it years ago with a Bear Whitetail II and a Bear bowfishing setup (Hand over hand retrieval). We had a blast doing it as long as there were people around to take the carp after we shot them. I kind of drifted away from it, but still have the setup.

Equipment has gotten a lot better over the years since the old hand over hand style. If I were to start up again, I'd go with this;

http://www.eaglearchery.com/AMS-610-Retriever-Pro/?gclid=CKX4sJ7Li8wCFYpZhgodbG0NYA

 

 

[dbHunterNY]

most of the time you're shooting fish like carp or something in shallow water or on the surface around here.  a bow with max poundage between 40-50lbs is good then turn it right down to 30-40 depending on the limbs.  50 lbs will often get you buried in the muddy bottom or into cover and pulling your arrow out isn't easy.  even ocean sand bar bowfishing doesn't need that much poundage.  if you're after gators some where else then there's other options.  for accessories you're probably best to buy a starter kit.  finger savers on the string are nice.  keep things waxed and put it in places to prevent ingress of water.  aim low not where you see the fish.

the wife and I have really wanted to get into bowfishing.  hard making time and therefore justify getting the gear.  others you go with will usually switch off holding the light versus a bow.  most I know of find older cheap light hunting bows.  I probably will eventually get a special purpose bowfishing compound bow with a cam to allow for drawing to any length on the fly just like a light draw trad bow.

 

[LET EM GROW]

I did it for a few years when i had the time. I just went out and bought a cheap old bow and backed the limbs down a bunch to the 50 lb or less mark. i bought a cheap bowfishing kit from bass pro and it worked fine. in fact my brother still uses it and its going on 10 years probably...

 

If i were to do this again, id buy the kit with a reel, its kind of a pain in the ass doing it buy hand... but as long as your using the fiberglass arrow, aim real low if the fish is not  the surface and have fun... 

[turkeyfeathers]

All I know about bow fishing is aim lower than you think.

[chrisw]

You'll definitely appreciate the AMS retriever kit. You can get them a lot of places for around $130, comes with the reel, rest and arrow you'll need, although always bring at least 2 arrows, extra safety slides, extra nocks and super glue. I shoot 60lbs because I bowfish Oneida lake a lot and sometimes the fish are just deeper. Rule of thumb is aim 6" lower than the fish for every foot the fish is down because of refraction. Don't use sights, its easier instinctive and its easier than you think to get good at with plenty of practice. I was very big into bow fishing for 6 years or so and sadly I don't get out as much as I used to but it doesn't take a whole lot of money to do either.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

[jjb4900]

I've seen recurve packages for around $150.00......

[philoshop]

It's been 35+ years or so, but I used something like this: (Just a random internet photo BTW)

 

 

The 'reel' I used was bigger and mounted so that I shot through it. I made it from an old tricycle wheel that was salvaged from the local junkyard, and used fly-rod backer line. It certainly doesn't have to be high-tech to be fun.

Then again, we also considered an old can with string wrapped around it to be a legitimate 'fishing pole'.