Want to buy a recurve or longbow eventually to bowfish.  I used to use my wheels but now want a trad bowfishing set up.  I want to buy an old bow to use, I know where I can get a 41# recurve bow for a low price.  Is it enough for bowfishing?  If not I won't bother.

That is plenty.  Just keep the shots to shallower than three feet deep and closer than 15 yards.  I take a lot of customers bowfishing and do a lot with my family every summer.  My daughter shoot less than 40 lbs and harvest lots of carp.

Absolutely, depending on what and where you're fishing. Unless you're going after massive fish (gator gar, sharks, etc.) or shooting in very deep water, you should have no problems at all.

Its actually preferable for most bowfishing so you shoot thru less fish which mean less PIA threading the arrow back thru the fish.

How do you get a EFOC fish arrow ?
ChuckC

When i used to shoot through fish I would have a heavy duty barrel/snap swivel on the arrow that can be detached "closed" and then pulled back through.  No more threading!!!

I will be using the bow for carp.  With the water clarity I'm sure I will not be taking deep shots.

I will need to put inserts into this bow in order to be able to use my AMS retriever bow reel.  Is this tough?

QuoteOriginally posted by ChuckC:
How do you get a EFOC fish arrow ?
ChuckC

Egg sinkers.   :D

Consider getting a gadget adapter for your ams retriever.  I have one and it works great.  THey are available from 3 Rivers.  It is easy to take on and off the bow and keeps you from having to tap the riser.

40 is plenty

Like the rest have said, 40 lb will be plenty for most all the bowfishing you will do.  Installing the inserts is pretty simple.  Keep them in line with the riser and centered, using a drill press and a drill stop or tape on the drill bit to keep from going too deep.  The inserts should come with a template with the correct distance between the holes.  Play around with the reel to make sure you get it in the right spot where you can reach the trigger easily.  Be prepared to have a ton of fun!

we bowfished the Trinity River in Texas using 35# recurves. Took alligator gar, buffalo fish etc...no problems at all. Gar weighed in over 20 lbs...

Glad you posted this ?...have a #45 and was wondering myself, those fishing arrows seem pretty heavy.

i took a 40# frogging - once......

40# will be plenty, as said - keep shots under 15 yards and not deeper then 3 feet - you will find its a tad over powered.

Three cats, biggest fish being 27#, 30# Gen III - one heck of a fun day.....



Dave

Charlie, I like my 45# Bear but 40#s will get it done, you can put some inserts in the bow or use this adapter from 3Rivers   bow adapter   I use the adapter on mine and Joe's bow has the inserts. Here are a couple pics of some carp Joe shot he is using a 43# @ 28" and is pulling no were near the 28" I would say he was at about 35#

   

   

   

If your just setting the bow up for bowfishing, I wouldn't bother with the adapters, just use a couple of screws right into the riser. That's what I did for my son's set-up w/ a 45# bear grizzly. Just leave the reel on all the time!

Well 40lbs is plenty for shooting deer and hogs.I hunt with that weight often.My fishing bows are all 50lbs however.  :D  

40 will work but a heavier bow will work better in deeper water and cut down on the bounce offs when you get that glancing shot to the heads.It also makes doubles or triples more likely when shooting into a spawning mess of carp or gar.  

My nephew gave me a AMS retriever reel. I bought the strap on holder made by Great Northern and used it on my Bob Lee. I then purchased a Cajun bow fishing outfit with a drum that screws in the riser for my sons youth compund. Last year I used the cajun out fit on my 45# Kodiak Mag. I prefer the simple drum outfit over the AMS retriever, if the bow has a insert it is easier to set up.

Thank you for all the great feed back.

I think I will look into the adaptor so I can switch bows if I ever go for bigger gamefish.  I think it will be good to have the versatility without adding components to an old bow thats in relatively good condition.

Never thought I would have so much input, this is awesome
 

The heavier the bow the farther is will shoot into the mud or stump below. When you have to jump in to retrieve your arrow you'll know. 40# is plenty. I shot 40# for years bowfishing. Now I shoot 50#.

I have used the strap-on mount, then put inserts on it. Like the inserts better, the straps let your reel move some. Inserts are easy to put in.