Bow fishing setups

[Jerry Jeffer]

I'm old school. Bear spool screwed into the front, and I hand line them in.

[Fletcher]

All the reel styles work fine, but nothing shoots as well as an AMS. A pushbutton is good when the shots are short and the action fast, just MAKE SURE TO PUSH THE BUTTON BEFORE YOU SHOOT!!!  It is easy to push the button, bump the handle and have it reset and shoot without pushing the button again.  I prefer an AMS for most of my bowfishing.  It is very durable, foolproof to use, quick enuf and nothing shoots as well as an AMS.

I also tie to the back of the arrow when using a pushbutton.  Keep the slack short and if you haven't pushed the button the arrow will pull off the bowstring when you draw, a good reminder to push again.

[ishoot4thrills]

Originally posted by Lucas K:
Do you shoot from that bridge? looks like a long way down.

Yes. The carp and the gar were shot from the bridge. And, yes, it is a long way down!

[ishoot4thrills]

Originally posted by Fletcher:
All the reel styles work fine, but nothing shoots as well as an AMS. A pushbutton is good when the shots are short and the action fast..........nothing shoots as well as an AMS.

I'll have to disagree about the part where you said, "nothing shoots as good as an AMS". My spincast setup shoots every bit as good as my AMS reels. I've shot carp from very far out away from me and the gar and carp, in my picture above, were both shot from the bridge form which I stand.

[johnnyk71]

no pics, but i have a 45 lb. Hatfield that i use with an AMS retriever. it is secured with the rubber strap on adapter from 3 Rivers and is rock solid. i did not want to drill my bow, so it's perfect. i also have the gadget adapter i'm going to use this year for my light.

[Fletcher]

Thrills, what kind of reel and line are you shooting?  I've been shooting 200# FF in a big Synergy and an 888.  Picked up some 150# Power Pro to try this year.

[ishoot4thrills]

Originally posted by Fletcher:
Thrills, what kind of reel and line are you shooting?  I've been shooting 200# FF in a big Synergy and an 888.  Picked up some 150# Power Pro to try this year.

I shoot with an older model Zebco 808 with 50# Power Pro braided Spectra. It comes out smooth as silk. I bought some of that stuff they sell for reels that you spray on your spool to make the line come out even better but I've yet to have to even use it.

[Tom D]

I use the AMS and prefer it to the spincast. If you have ever had an arrow come back or seen them fly when someone forgets to "push the button" you'll know why I like the AMS.
I will not let anyone shoot from my boat without a safety slide!!! Did that a few years ago and after some close calls I now keep extra slides in my rig and insist they use a safety slide. I like the stainless rings from AMS myself but the plastic ones work fine.
I love the "no-glove" devices!! Worth every penny after a long day shooting!!

I can't address the strap on for the bowfishing rigs as I have not used it. I have used one for quivers and to attach a H.I.P.S. blind to my bow and they work well for that so I would think it should be fine??

Have fun and take a newbie along, it is a quick way to get someone hooked on shooting a bow!!!

[JamesKerr]

I use the AMS reel 100% of the time. I found that the spincast just didn't last near as long and there was always the problem of line getting hung up in them. I use the adaptor 3rivers sells and have never had any issues with mine. It is a very solid attachment.

[moredneck]

I prefer to use a muzzy spincast with 200lb fast flight. The trick to not getting a snap back is to set your drag really light. If you forget to press the button the 200lb line will either brake or your arrow will only shoot a few feet. It also helps with stress on the reel. I also feel a spincast acts like drag on the back of the arrow like fletchings