Regulations vary with state and often with body of water. Check your local regs. There are many threads here and on Bowfish USA that will answer most or all of your questions. http://www.bowfishusa.com/community/index.php

A recurve is fine and instictive is the way to go. It won't take long to get the hang of it. nogluvs are also a great idea so you don't have to mess around with a glove.