bowfishing with a cross bow? [Archive] - Fishing Network Message Boards

fishermanx14

12-18-2012, 06:24 PM

Hey guys i wanted to ask all you bowfisherman out there if it is possible to make or inexpencivly buy a reel? I want to get my brother into fishing and is not very fond of the ol' rod and reel. I think he would get a kick out of this and would enjoy it and we could possibly go fishing together. Could you attach a fly reel to the side of the stock? Or make one out of a water bottle the old fasioned way?

Thanks
Christian

Skyler

12-19-2012, 09:33 AM

A fly reel will backlash big time, causing the arrow to snap back at you. Very dangerous to use the wrong type of reel while bowfishing. Baitcasters will do the same, spinning reel's bails will slam closed from the recoil. About the only typical reel type that can be safely used is a large spincast like a Zebco 808. And you better remember to push the button, lol. Myself, I use the AMS Retriever Pro. Safest by far. You will also need specialized bowfishing line rated at 200 pounds. Mono/fluoro/braid won't cut it. I prefer Brownell FastFlight for spincasts, and Muzzy 200 lb for my retriever. As for how to mount it, there are specialized AMS reel seats for a crossbow:

http://www.cabelas.com/bowfishing-muzzy-crossbow-reel-mounting-bracket-1.shtml

or you can screw these into the front threaded hole and mount a spincast:

http://www.bowfishingextreme.com/ReelSeats/bowfishing-reel-seats.htm

You will also need specialized arrows. Also, bear in mind that a crossbow bolt is moving pretty fast. You are going to blow right through a lot of fish and get hung up on the bottom more. I prefer a compound bow set to about 50 pounds myself. Never tried fishing with my crossbow. But it has been done. I do know Carpholeo uses one. You may try dropping him a PM.