RE: Newbie lookin for help
Sounds like you're off to a good start. My first bowfishing rig was a glass Ben Pearson recurve and a simple hand-wound spool for a reel. You are already light-years above my first rig.
San Angelo? Amistad is out that way, isn't it? Supposed to be Tilapia in that reservoir...
As for a recurve over a compound, I've used both alot, I like the waterpenetration and solid 'sticks' you get from a compound, and have really only had problems with my arrows getting trashed when shooting shallow water with a rocky bottom.
The recurve is nice for the weight, and for snap-shooting in close. Right now I'm favoring a compound for Calaveras Tilapia... it's nice to be able to come to full draw and hold it while the fish are moving into view.
I've personally never used slides, just a quick-release loop tie to the back of the arrow. It's easy to untie/retie when you get shoot-throughs.
You might also want a good clip-stringer with a long cord on the end, makes it easy to get your fish on and tow them behind the boat.
Welcome to the forum and keep us posted! Lotta' great guys out here and a fellow can learn alot from them.
BP