Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone does any bowfishing with trad bows, and what type reel or equipment do you use on a longbow without any mounting holes.
I got my new Thunderstick III in, and have really enjoyed shooting it this last couple of weeks, but thought bowfishing for carp and rough fish would be a fun way to spend the hot summer days, I just don't know what equipment to get for the bow. Thx, James Jamison.
I use a Great Northern gadget adapter that straps onto my longbow and the old style spool reels. Sorry for the goofy pic, we were having fun! :goldtooth:
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g128/ad2877/Harvests/Picture345.jpg)
Looks like that's what I need, thx.
All I use is trad bows for fishing. They work great and their light weight is awesome when doing an all nighter.
I use an ams side mount strap on adaptor on my bows that I don't want to drill and put inserts in. Works pretty good. I use the ams retriever reels when I'm bowfishing.
(http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x352/steelruger22/bowfishingjuly10011-1.jpg)
I use trad bows with the AMS retriever reel system and they work great. I am currently building a takedow just for fishing, it will be 60"@28 and I think I'm going to send it out to be camo dipped to help protect it in wet conditions. I also plan on using those rubber finger no-gloves so I dont have to have a tab or glove.
T
I use a 3pc takedown for bowfishing. I also use the AMS retriever reel (IMO it is the best bowfishing reel there is). I made a mounting bracket that fits under my limb bolt to mount the reel to.
Bisch
3x for the AMS reel.
I see more Kodiak Hunters and Grizzlys locally bowfishing than deer hunting by a long shot.
We used to wait for the spring thaw to finish and find carp trapped in isolated pools along the river. We'd use regular arrows with no line or reel to shoot them. Wood arrows float fletch up.
Does the moisture harm the bow? If so I need to look for a cheap used bow.
Even a casual dip shouldn't. They're well sealed and epoxy impregnated. If you're worried give it a good rubbing of paste wax before heading out.
You hunt in the rain, don't you?
This might work for you.
http://www.3riversarchery.com/Traditional+Gadget+Adapter_i5045_baseitem.html
Yup gadget adapter or electrical tape. Never a bad idea to buy a 100 dollar bow 40-50# range for bowfishing either. I use any of my bows, but have an old 56" Grizzly(50#er) that I am using this year and just taping the reel on with electrical tape. The moisture is not an issue as long as ya wipe it dry when it gets wet. Shawn
I dunked my kodiak mag(along with everything else) when my canoe flopped on me. Haven't had any problems from it since. They seal them up pretty good, and if you think it might be a problem you could always put an extra top coat of spray urethane or poly over the factory finish.
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o244/2crazyboys_photos/DSCN1431.jpg)Heres something one of my cousins made. If I can get him out from under his new womans thumb, maybe he'll make a couple of spares.Its just some small diameter pvc with a long bolt through it. Used on the GN gadget adapter.
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o244/2crazyboys_photos/DSCN0435.jpg)
Pretty slick alternative over buying a reel seat. Looks good!
I would get the adapter that CavScoutArcher recommends. It can be used for either the AMS Retriever reel or a spool reel that needs to go in the 5/16" hole in the front. In other words, it has more mounting options than the gadget adapter. That being said I have a dedicated bow for bowfishing and not opposed to putting screws right into the riser. :scared: (http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r224/REALVTer/Schaferdriving-Slangbowfishing008-1.jpg)
i use the same set-up as Arwin.good fishing,steve
(http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/ae69/arrow30_photos/bowfishing.jpg)
i just use a basic setup, works just fine..
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/BeckaCarp.jpg)
AMS bow reel and an adapter from 3 rivers has worked for me and my wife.
When you get arrows its best to get a slide system for safety. I've had many close calls before they came out with the slide system and before I bought an AMS reel. A lot of them could have been avoided by paying more attention but when action is hot and heavy sometimes you forget.
I appreciate all the advice and ideas fellas, looking forward to giving it a try soon as the carp come up.
Looks like some of you guys are bowfishing pros.
I went super low tech and cheap. I bought a tape on reel (came with fishing line) and arrow from our local archery shop and taped it on with electrical tape. I think I spent around $40-$50 and it works great.
(http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae287/earlbargen/SecondCarp.jpg)
Ams with the rubber attachment. My carp bows are designated for shootin fish so they are just cheap recurvs with the reels mounted to the raisers with bolts. I couldn't put my long bow through the abuse of shootin carp (http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x370/woody283/carp-1.jpg) (http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x370/woody283/carp.jpg) Its almost time for the slaughter fest to begin. :thumbsup: Come on warm weather.
TTT
What else do I need? and consider I need to go extra cheap and also I have never bowfished before nor I know someone who has done it, I just found a place with carps and I'm considering giving it a try.
Do you think this kit would work on a longbow? http://www.bohning.com/store/bowfishing-kit.html
If you are going to do much bow fishing and really like your bow, I would get a different bow for bowfishing.
I have shot fish over 25 years and nothing is harder on a bow. It will get banged around in the boat, dropped in the water, covered with fish slime and eggs. Stuck in the mud while you are removing fish, if you are wading. If you are really into bowfishing your bow will look like crap after several years.
talk about fun...BUT sore the next day:)
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg258/bailebr3/079.jpg)
i bowfish ALOT! whether its wading, bank shooting( like the above pic), or on the boat. i just take a lil extra care with mine. so far the bow still looks new after a wash down. although the riser is metal and the limbs are black glass. no need for using a real nice bow but i know guys that like using their hunting bow but they just fish occassionally...
this is my bow after 2.5 yrs of fishing:)
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg258/bailebr3/snake.jpg)
do I need a rest or can I shoot from the shelf?
the arrow needs flecthing?
shoot off the shelf and no fletching on the arrows, they just get in the way. only reason i use a rest is because mine had a flat shelf and a plunger hole.
Thanks!
I loved my PSE Kingfisher! made for bowfishing and easy to shoot all night long.
CarbonKiller - I shoot off the shelf, just put down some felt for smoother shooting and you'll be all set!
So what do you think, can I make this kit work on my longbows? http://www.bohning.com/store/bowfishing-kit.html
a local shop has it so it would be much quicker than ordering on line
My brother took me out bowfishing in Michigan last summer. He had an extra PSE take down recurve set up that I used. We were on a boat set up with lights and a trolling motor. It was a blast! I can't wait to do it agan!
ottawa-yeah i know i could but i had the muzzy fish hook rest laying around...works well during tournaments for fat loading.
pon- that kit will work if you are just gonna fish every once in a while. but if you really become addicted, i would strongly suggest the ams reel! no hassle and when you get into alot of fish you wont be so tired from hand winding the line on a reel. also the bohning arrows arent the best.....your best bet is to buy muzzy arrows
Ah, bowfishing. The most fun you can have with trad gear IMO. A kit like that bohning one will work, but you may want to just go ahead and get an AMS reel. Definitely worth the dough. You can get some good deals on the older/used ones on fleabay.
Here's my best fish from last year...
30-31 inch common.
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac46/Imnotted/DSC00894-1.jpg)
Bowfishing is the MOST fun you WILL have with a trad bow.
Carbonkiller, what kind of snake is that?
it was a king snake