Which bowfishing real?

imskippy · June 29, 2010, 06:51:00 PM

There are obviously several types but what do you prefer and why.

Old school spool type
AMS
Zebco 808 spincast
Muzzy spincast

I'm looking to buy a setup and want to know if I should avaoid any particular setup.

Also would a 45# k-mag be sufficient power? I found one cheap enough at a local shop. Or should I look into the Martin Jaguar. Thanks Skippy

Guru · June 29, 2010, 06:58:00 PM

Jason, Got the bug now buddy!

45# is about perfect bud. Any more than that an it just makes it harder to pull arrows out of the mud, or smash tips more on missed shots.

K-Mag is a great choice as well, nice and short.

As far as reels, after using the old school type for years. I switched to an AMS 4 years ago and have never looked back!

Spincast types are the fastest to reel in I'd bet, and would also be a great choice.

Mark Land of Muzzy put a alot of knowledge into the newest Muzzy spincast reel. I'd buy one in a heartbeat!

stickbowmaniac · June 29, 2010, 07:05:00 PM

AMS gets my vote.You can get off a bunch of shots.And is one of the safest.All the bowfishing guides down here is La. that's all they use.

robtattoo · June 29, 2010, 07:18:00 PM

I use both an AMS & a Synergy Ti20 spincast, depending on how I'm fishing.
If I'm shooting large numbers of smaller fish, spincast all the way. If it's big fish, the AMS beats all.

I've killed & seen killed an awful lot of Muzzy reels & Zebco reels (my personal record is 4 Zebco 808s & 1 888 in a 5 hour session :( )
The Synergy Ti20 is a much stronger reel for a lot less cash. $20 on Amazon will buy you a new Synergy & it'll outlast any other spinner you can buy. The main difference is the Titanium pickup pins over the 'ceramic' pins in the others. That 'ceramic' looks & feels a LOT like 'plastic' to me.

If you only want to go with one reel & you decide on the AMS, spend the extra & go with the AMS Pro (and then upgrade to the bigger bottle & 400# line)

Cyclic-Rivers · June 29, 2010, 07:20:00 PM

Jason,

I have never lost an arrow by shooting it off with an AMS. I have lost arrows on every other type of reel I have shot, including one of Terry's. I was lucky the line broke. I either forgot to press the button or i bumped the handle, either way, when things get fast and furious, I would go AMS all day long! I know they are costly but so are arrows. I have my AMS for 12 years give or take and had to only replace the string. Albeit There were about 4 years I didn't shoot it, there were also 8 years of hard core usage. I lived on the water and my boat was ready to go so I would be out every single day weather permitting back then.

Ragnarok Forge · June 29, 2010, 07:57:00 PM

AMS or Muzzy. The Zebco 808 has failed me way to many times. AMS is essentially failsafe. I prefer the Muzzy. Just remember to push the button or goodbye arrow!

woodchucker · June 29, 2010, 08:23:00 PM

I use an old Bear tape on spool reel,taped to my 1969 Bear Grizzly for my bow fishing these days.

However..... My all-time FAVORITE(and LOOOOOOOOOONG Gone) was the old tape on "shoot through" bow reels that used to be made by Saunders Archery Co. I understand these type of reels are still being made,however I have been unable to find them.

I once saw a "how to" thread posted here on making one out of the rim of a 5 gallon bucket.

But, I never got around to trying to make one.

Stone Knife · June 29, 2010, 08:25:00 PM

I love my AMS, no drag when you shoot.

Dean Lintz · June 29, 2010, 08:32:00 PM

AMS works very well for me.

June 29, 2010, 08:42:00 PM

traditional or non-traditional ? >>>----->>

June 29, 2010, 08:44:00 PM

robtattoo · June 29, 2010, 09:21:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by woodchucker:
I use an old Bear tape on spool reel,taped to my 1969 Bear Grizzly for my bow fishing these days.

However..... My all-time FAVORITE(and LOOOOOOOOOONG Gone) was the old tape on "shoot through" bow reels that used to be made by Saunders Archery Co. I understand these type of reels are still being made,however I have been unable to find them.

I once saw a "how to" thread posted here on making one out of the rim of a 5 gallon bucket.

But, I never got around to trying to make one.

Here y'go.....

Sully\\'s Bowfishing

woodchucker · June 29, 2010, 10:07:00 PM

THANKS Rob!!!!!!!!!! I'm gonna have to buy me one of those while it's fresh in my mind!!!

WINDTALKER · June 29, 2010, 10:43:00 PM

Just got a AMS this weekend I think its 100% better than the drum styles

IndianaBowman · June 30, 2010, 11:47:00 AM

Skippy, the AMS are tough to beat. They are slower to reel in but are nice to shoot. I just bought the Muzzy reel and it shoots nice with light 150# Spectra line. Be aware though that the light line will slice right through your hands if your pulling in heavy weeds. My son started out using the Muzzy reel on Saturday and switched to my AMS reel because while pulling in fish with pounds of weeds he sliced his hands. Don't get the slotted retriever unless you plan to hunt gators, stingrays, or other big stuff where you need a releasing float. They tend to jam up a little.

bmb · June 30, 2010, 02:17:00 PM

ams all the way...i went thru 2 zebco 808's and 1 muzzy in 2 nights out!! now i have an ams on all my fishing bows. no worries

KentuckyTJ · June 30, 2010, 03:25:00 PM

AMS, I've torn many zebco's up by not pushing the button. I need dumb proof.

BMN · July 01, 2010, 05:45:00 PM

AMS gets my vote.