fishtailing

[wyrnutz]

What does a fishtail/tailwhip indicate?
40# TD recurve, 29" 2213 Easton camo hunter and I am a 27" draw.
The arrow appears to tail left and then correct before impact.
    Just wondering as I'm still hitting the mark, I'd like to correct it if it is a major concern.
Thanks all

Brian

[rraming]

side to side is spine, up and down is nock height

[bofish-IL]

I have found that a poor release will also cause the same problems on side to side. I know I will get a bad arrow flight from one arrow with the same arrow type and then the next 2 fly great.  However if it is happening consistently it shouldn't be a release problem.

[Stephen Claypool]

Im not experienced w/ trad set ups at all, but just want to say that 2213's are the arrows that i use to use w/ my 70# compound. Im guessing your stiff.

[ti-guy]

You can adjust with the lenght and/or the weight up front of your arrows.

[slivrslingr]

Poor release and/or wrong spine.  I too would guess that you are overspined for your bow and draw length.  Try adding point weight or go down in spine.

[sawtoothscream]

i know wen i release poorly my arrows will fish tail a little.

[Bjorn]

Good advice above. Often you can make a brace adjustment-usually more brace can fix the tail wagging condition. Try brace first cause it is easy...if that does not fix it tip weight.....also look for an out of true nock.

[KSdan]

Brian- not sure if you are new to trad and tuning a bow.  But that sounds like the problem- you must tune the shafts to match the bow.  This link may help. . .

http://bowmaker.net/tuning.htm

[Lonala]

I think your way overspined

[Wheels2]

If you still have shafts try some left longer.  The little extra weight won't hurt with a recurve and an extra two inches will reduce your arrow spine.  Better to leave them too long and underspined and them trim a bit, thus increasing the spine to the point best for you.

[wyrnutz]

Thanks much everyone, I have a trip to the local shop set up this afternoon. I'll be picking up some different weight tips and doing a little more learning.
The owner is a great guy and has helped me a lot over the years with my compound. His "go to bow" is a 37#@27" Fedora recurve that he has let me shoot!!!!! I will keep you posted.
KSdan, I am new to Traditional so any help is unspeakably appreciated, I shoot daily at close range(to work on form), hit the yard a few times a week and read.
Thanks everyone
Brian

[fishone]

I think you are over-spined. I draw 27" and most of my bows are in the low to mid 40#'s. I shoot a 1916, cut 28" BOP with a 175 gr weight. I hope this helps.

[SlowBowinMO]

I concur with those who believe you are overspined.  Fish-tailing can also be brace height but in this case I believe spine is your issue, way too stiff.

Tail left was also mentioned as underspined, and that is correct, however in this case I believe you are so overspined you are getting a false weak in the tail left.

[Javi]

Look at the inside hen feather, if its marking the strike plate or worn it is pretty clear that you are over spined..