Bow fishing

[Allen]

Does anyone bow fish?

I am thinking about trying to bow fish this summer and have some questions.

What arrows work the best? I have heard of snap-backs and I sure dont want that to happen.

As far as the boat goes, I will be using a bass boat. I know it is better to be high up above the water, but there is no safe way to do that in a bass boat.

What kind of reel works best? I will be using a recurve bow. I have 3 bows, 45#,50# and 64#. Would light or heavy be better?

Thanks
Allen

[gspsonny03]

I use to. Haven't for quite some time, but I'd use the 45lb recurve. That's what I used. Can't help with the reel, because what we used back then, you just wrapped it back up by hand. We used fiberglass arrows with screw off heads and they worked very well. As far as snap backs, I've had that happen to. That usually happens when you try to overshoot the amount of line you have on, or if your line is snagged up on something. It's kind of like any other type of hunting, you just have to pay attention to what you're doing all the time. Give it a try, it was a blast. I wish that I had my old recurve back. I might give it another try.

[Mil Dot]

Allen,
Kind of depends on what you're shooting at. I shoot carp in the the spring. I just use a second hand compound with a bottle and reel type set up on it. 45 or 50 # should be plenty. The reel setup cost me $35 or 40 and has been well worth it over the wind the string method I used as a youngster. I shoot a fiberglass arrow with a head that allows you to turm the staff until the barbs reverse them selves so you don't have to get slimed and covered with blood with each fish. I've shot them off my boat as well as wading with hip boots. Polarized sunglasses are a must. I'd carry an extra arrow or two in the car or boat. I haven't had any trouble with snap backs but lost arrows because the line got wrapped around the reel handle and was cut loose. Really stinks to be on the far side of the lake lose an arrow and have to hang it up! I've been there and done it! Of course, once you start carrying the back up you'll never need it( done that too!). It's great fun and good practice.

[Allen]

Thanks for the info.

Allen

[ibwhnt]

i use my 53# recurve with muzzy tipped fiberglass arrows with saftey slides and a retriver reel, mounts to the side of the bow instead of the stablelizer hole. if the bow doesn't have the sight holes you can get a mount the raps to the riser.( have one of those for an old bear recurve also) and then mount the retriver reel to that...

on my wifes coumpound i got her one of them small rods that screw into the stableizer hole with the big zebco reel mounted to that. i tried it and hate that set up i can get my line in way faster with the retriver for a second shot then with the zebco set up.

check out "sullys bowfishing stuff" he has just about everthing you could want for bowfishing

by the way your bass boat should work fine i just use an 18' jon boat.

good luck and remember to aim low...

[Allen]

Great site. Lots of information.

Thanks
Allen

[mtmiller]

Good info given.

All of your needs can be found at Sully's.
Sully's (http://www.sullysbowfishing.com/)

I like Warhead tips. Inexpensive, durable and easy to release fishes.
Warheads (http://www.sullysbowfishing.com/main.asp?Dept=Shop&Category=Points)

I also like the bottle retriever.
Reel (http://www.sullysbowfishing.com/main.asp?Dept=Shop&Category=Reels)

I would also suggest a rest unless you are shooting a recurve off the shelf.
Rests (http://www.sullysbowfishing.com/main.asp?Dept=Shop&Category=Reels)
I like the roller rest, but have not tried any of the others. They all look good except for the bisquit. I shoot a bisquit on my big game bow, but I think it would get a little nasty with the mud, blood and various other fish parts.:D

This is the equipment I use and have been happy with it. You may also want to talk to Jonesy on this board (Picture Moderator). We chased many a carp together and he is very knowledgable.

BTW, I have no affiliation with Sully's, but it is a good place to find the best bow fishing gear in one spot.