Newb to Bowfishing
07-14-2009, 10:28 PM
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Central, Alaska
Posts: 1,774
Newb to Bowfishing
Ok..all you bowfishing nuts, I want to give bowfishing a try, but I was think about picking up another in-expensive bow to do so...a PSE Firestorm...and setting that up for bow fishing...shoot me some thoughts... is that bow OK...its a 60#.
Quite interested...looks like a blast!
Quite interested...looks like a blast!
07-15-2009, 07:36 AM
#2
Typical Buck
Join Date: May 2009
Location: North Alabama
Posts: 639
60 lbs is to much i would go with 50 .Because it will wear you out . I still shoot a 60 lb recurve when I am shooting alligator gar . But when I shoot carp I don't go to full draw . But the pse firstorm don't let down to 50 I would get a 50 lb. recurve or a 50 lb compound .
07-15-2009, 07:52 AM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,671
Welcome to the addiction!
First off, a separate bow is a great idea, but 60# draw weight is way more poundage than needed. You're shooting 3-20lb fish at very close range and many shots will be very quick.
If you haven't done so yet read "Bowfishing Basics" (a sticky thread at the top of the page here) Writer Jason Wesbrock gives a good overview of the choices in equipment.
My advice to anyone starting out, choose a bow that you are comfortable with. Low poundage is best. I'd say for a compound, 25-40#, for a recurve, 35-50#.
For a rest, Keep it simple. There are a lot of options here. Most are good. Just remember that fiberglass fishing arrows are too heavy for most drop away "hunting" rests. I shoot a recurve and like to shoot off the shelf. I usually just glue a piece of leather on the shelf instead of a hair rest. Whisker Biscuit(w/bowfishing biscuit), Muzzy fishhook, AMS wave rest, Tri Loop are all good options.
Reels...Here's where I get specific. I recommend to anyone starting out, use an AMS retreiver reel and AMS safety slides on your arrow. No, I don't work for AMS. In fact this is not even the set-up I use. But from what I've seen over many years, this is the easiest, safest way to start.
For arrows, again lots of choices. But it's hard to beat a white fiberglass arrow with a Muzzy or Cajun pirana point. There are better arrows out there, like the yellow jacket or the glo max. But IMO for all around fishing I like white 'glass with a muzzy tip.
I don't recomend sights. But if you find you can't get used to shooting w/o one, use one pin set at 5-10 yards.
God luck and remember to Aim Loooow!
Don't forget to take a camera along. We want to see a picture of that first fish.
Oh yeah, about fish...be sure you know the laws governing Bowfishing where you are. And even more important, (I can not stress this enough!!!) Have a plan on what to do with your fish before you go fishing. Please, please do not just throw them on the bank.
First off, a separate bow is a great idea, but 60# draw weight is way more poundage than needed. You're shooting 3-20lb fish at very close range and many shots will be very quick.
If you haven't done so yet read "Bowfishing Basics" (a sticky thread at the top of the page here) Writer Jason Wesbrock gives a good overview of the choices in equipment.
My advice to anyone starting out, choose a bow that you are comfortable with. Low poundage is best. I'd say for a compound, 25-40#, for a recurve, 35-50#.
For a rest, Keep it simple. There are a lot of options here. Most are good. Just remember that fiberglass fishing arrows are too heavy for most drop away "hunting" rests. I shoot a recurve and like to shoot off the shelf. I usually just glue a piece of leather on the shelf instead of a hair rest. Whisker Biscuit(w/bowfishing biscuit), Muzzy fishhook, AMS wave rest, Tri Loop are all good options.
Reels...Here's where I get specific. I recommend to anyone starting out, use an AMS retreiver reel and AMS safety slides on your arrow. No, I don't work for AMS. In fact this is not even the set-up I use. But from what I've seen over many years, this is the easiest, safest way to start.
For arrows, again lots of choices. But it's hard to beat a white fiberglass arrow with a Muzzy or Cajun pirana point. There are better arrows out there, like the yellow jacket or the glo max. But IMO for all around fishing I like white 'glass with a muzzy tip.
I don't recomend sights. But if you find you can't get used to shooting w/o one, use one pin set at 5-10 yards.
God luck and remember to Aim Loooow!
Don't forget to take a camera along. We want to see a picture of that first fish.
Oh yeah, about fish...be sure you know the laws governing Bowfishing where you are. And even more important, (I can not stress this enough!!!) Have a plan on what to do with your fish before you go fishing. Please, please do not just throw them on the bank.
