Bowfishing Question

[deadI]

I am looking at getting into this sport. In Utah, the only species that I realy have to go after is the common carp, (20lbs would be a good size fish around here). I am 6'-4" and have a 30" dl.

What is you guys preferance on the type of bow - compound or recurve.
And why is your choice the way it is. I have a compound but I don't want to be packing it around in the mud and it is set up for big game.

Thanks.


Jared
aka: DeadI

 

[mtmiller]

I have always shot one of my older compounds and would not want to use my good hunting bow. That being said, I would rather have a recurve, but never broke down and bought one.

Nothing like burning your hands on a 25-30#er.

Good luck and have some fun.

 

[4x4elk]

i agree with miller use an old bow a recurve would be good for this but if you have an old compound use that i found my fish, bow at a pawn shop for 50.00 and have really enjoyed bow fishing!! good luck and have fun

 

[DBLung]

LAST EDITED ON Apr-05-06 AT 06:53PM (MST)[p]I have been an avid bowfisherman for a few years now. I have used both a recurve, and a compound before. here is the pros and cons.
Compounds:
Pros, depending on the age and draw weight they are usually faster with more energy I have stuck a couple of doubles with compounds, had a triple two years ago. Also you can find quite a few cheep used ones at pawn shops etc.
Cons, they are twice the work. In order to shoot a compound correctly you have to come to full draw which takes time and energy, close shots can break arrows easy. They are usually heavier than recurves.
Recurves:
Pros. Faster reflex time you can get your shot off a lot faster, you don't normally need to come to full draw every time. Which dosen't hurt your arrows when shooting close. Not as much can go wrong when using a rec. strings are only a few bucks to replace no cams to worry about etc.
Cons: Most recurves don't have the mounting capabilities for your reel. You can jerry rig it if your creative enough. also I wouldn't recomend getting the older wood ones wet, they will delaminate and bust. And like any other recurve don't store it strung up or leaned up against the wall.
Over all the best set up for me has been a good fibreglass recurve. PSE Coyote #50 with an AMS bowfishing reel. or a game tracker stabilizer rod and a big fat Zebco internal reel, with 50 lb. powerpro line. Get a bowfishing arrow without fletchings (worthless! the string acts as the drag you need) and a slide set up, (cable and swivels are old school). You will see what I mean when you buy your stuff. There is a lot more info about Bowfishing, This was just the surface. Good luck!
PS. I'm also a 30" draw

 

[cbryant11]

my buddy is bigtime into the bowfishing and he uses the oneida bows,,,cbryant

 

[DBLung]

Went for a drive out to lincoln beach (Utah Lake) today, and the water is starting to boil!!

 

[littlecaseof200itus]

Nice DB Lung, shoot to kill!

 

[fish4evr]

I use a 30# fiberglass recurve Bear. With your simple spool (no reel). My buddies and I usually hit Utah lake around this time. We have got plenty of doubles with this set up. And I agree loose the fletchings. My advice is KEEP IT SIMPLE.

Good luck

 

[bonefreak]

i agree keep it simple
over here in W wa we have shot several hundred pounds of carp
in the last couple weeks and that includes alot new kids shooting.
i look at garage sails and pick up any and all old compounds
and put an eye bolt for a rest and a 12 dollar metal spool
with some luck you can get set up with a couple arrows for under 60 bucks.
if moneys not an issue then go with the ams fish hawk
it has the same features as the matthews genesis a compound solo cam with no let off and no draw length. the fish hawk has 30 or 40lb limbs which is perfect for carp.

good luck hope you get into it.
aim low

 

[muleloper]

I do quit a bit of bowfishing. I use a high country hunter compound bow with a zebco brute reel It seems to work great for me. It really doesnt matter what setup that you have as long as you are having fun and getting a chance to shoot some fish.

Is anybody here going to the moses lake bowfishing tournament this weekend?

 

[muledeernut]

I have been bowfishing for about 16 years now and I believe that compounds are the best for fishing. A lot of our shots are at fish that are deep runners, but we also shoot a lot of fish with there backs out of the water. I have shot tons of tournaments all over the U.S. New York (St. Lawrence Seaway) being the furthest and I know from experience that to get to those fish that are deep, especially the big ones, you need tons of power to go through their scales. I also shoot the retriever reel with an old Jennings Carbon Extreme bow. I started shooting with recurves and the old loop style reels (you wrap the string around the spool manually) then I went to the Zebco reels and didn't like them, because if you went to draw at a fish and let down without shooting and then reel up the slack in the line and not push the button you would lose the arrow off the string during the next shot attempt. Also, I have shot the arrow and had it come back at me and hit me in the chest leaving me bleeding really bad, because the lock on the reel engaged from the shock of shooting the bow.
The Retriever reel is a great choice in my books and I never had an arrow come back at me after being shot. Plus if you are shooting tournaments like I was, the Retriever is at least twice as fast to reel in the arrow and get another shot than any other reel. Bowfishing is a gas. I really liked shooting sharks out in Monterey Bay. Shooting something that can eat you if you fell off is an adreniline rush, especially when they are brought on the boat. Have fun and let us know if you have any other questions. I wish DMChunter was still hear, he is a great carp shooter with lots of experience and a wealth of knowledge. Later!! Muledeernut