what closed face reel for bowfishing?

[$bowhunter$]

i recently found a piece of an old rod that i thought of making a bowfishing rig with. i just need to decide on what type of reel to use. ive oly used the hand winding reels before so im clueless on these types. i was thing maybe a zebco but im not sure on the size ill need. ill only be shooting the common grass carp. also what type of string would be best suitable?


thanks again,
steven

[robtattoo]

Depending on how much fishing you're intending to do; either the Muzzy XD reel or the Shakespeare Ti20

If you're going to be doing a LOT of shooting; the Muzzy. They're expensive at around $45+ BUT they're built for the job.

The Ti20 is a damn fine reel, but isn't really strong enough for handling large numbers of large fish, often, without some modifications. But, you you can pick one up from Backwater for about $25.

If you really MUST use a Zebco, the 808 or 888 is the most suitable. The main issue with Zebco is that they're simply nowhere near tough enough for the rigors of bowfishing. The pins are weak, the drag system is poor & the foot of the reel will snap if you look at it too hard.

Line-wise, you want either Brownells 200# fastflight bowfishing line, or 150# Tournament line.
Myself, I use the 200# again, from Backwater Bowfishing.

[eminart]

When I started bowfishing, using reels was a new concept. We used zebco 808's with no problems. If you're going to be shooting thousands of fish, they might wear out.

[graybarkhunter]

Zeb 808 is what i use. Love it. Make sure u push the button before u shoot!!

[eminart]

Originally posted by graybarkhunter:
Zeb 808 is what i use. Love it. Make sure u push the button before u shoot!!

We always tied to the nock end of the arrow. That way, if you don't push the button, it just pulls the arrow off the string when you try to draw.

[Glunt]

I shot a bunch of fish with 808s.  Great?  No, but more than sufficient for the guy thats going a few days a year.

I have a Retriever bottle type now that works well.

[JamesKerr]

I have personally gone through about 7 zebco 808 in the last 3-4 years of bowfishing. No, I really don't go alot maybe just 4-5 times a year. I have heard nothing but great reviews of the muzzy reel and expect it would be a decent reel. That said if you are even halfway serious about bowfishing go ahead and splurge and get the AMS retriever reel. They are the best reels designed for bowfishing period! Once you have one you'll wonder why you didn't buy it sooner.

[Fletcher]

The AMS Retreiver is slower to wind in and can't really be used to fight the fish in, but it shoots WAY better than anything else.  The AMS is pricey, but will outlast the push buttons 10-1.  It is by far my reel of choice.

[Hummer3T]

zebco 808 like above

[ishoot4thrills]

I use the Zebco 808 with Power Pro braided Spectra line. This line comes off of the reel like a rocket. I have two AMS retriever reels. They're great reels, but I still prefer the 808. Mainly because of the faster retrieve after a miss and also because you can reel a fish in better. I put the AMS reels on my kids' bows and I think they're safer, especially for kids because they don't have a button to push.