Question about Bowfishing Arrows

[ishoot4thrills]

I am wondering if most people just use fiberglass bowfishing arrows as they come, or does anybody cut them to a shorter length? Like cutting them down as to make them stiffer for better flight or shorter for kids' short draw lengths so they won't be so cumbersome? And, I guess most people remove the rubber fletching that comes on some of the bowfishing arrows when purchased new, right?

Thanks for your answers/ideas on these things that I've been wondering about for quite a while now.

Doug

[Leo L.]

The rubber fletching isn't needed at all.  Can actually hinder performance in the water.  I personally don't cut them down at all.

[ishoot4thrills]

It's been years since I bowfished, but gonna get back into it this year with my kids. I used to keep the rubber fletch on the arrows, but this year I've already cut it off of most of my arrows, so gonna try it that way. So, most people don't have any flight problems at all with bowfishing arrows and are able to just leave them full length? Even for kids' bows?

[ishoot4thrills]

Up again for more responses, please.

[shortstroke 91]

always leave mine full length, if for no other reason than lazyness but the extra weight can't hurt.

[mark land]

I use to cut mine down with some of the heavier bows I shot before, but now shooting in the low to mid 50's I found they spine out just fine at my draw weight and range.  I do bareshaft tune my bowfishing bows the same as my hunting bows and adjust nock pt and shaft spine until they bareshaft well off the bow.  Just tune them and see what you need to do with them.  But for most 45-55# bows at normal draw lengths, they will work just fine as is, if you shoot 60# or more you may need to trim them down some or use a heavier tip.  Good luck!  Mark

[frank bullitt]

Doug, for the kids I would cut the arrows down. For the weight they will be shooting, I would leave maybe a couple inches over their draw length. The string on the reel and arrow acts as a rudder and is the reason for not needing the fletch. Have fun, this is great for kids and us! Don't forget to post pics!

[ishoot4thrills]

Thanks, guys. You've been of great help to me, once again. Still open to more suggestions. Thanks to all.

[Paul Mattson]

Don't forget to use a safty slid on the arrows.

[ozy clint]

what point weights are you guys using?
i'm using the garpoon point which weighs in at a hefty 500gr.

with a 500gr point on a fibreglass arrow i have to use my 70# bow to get the arrow moving at a speed at which the fish don't see it coming.  

[brmorris]

I was curious about the same thing.  Out of my 64# R/D longbow, they hit where I was aiming, but so far nock right it was scary.  I recently purchased a 45# Bear Grizzly that I haven't shot my fish arrows out of yet, so am curious.  I use the carp points.  As a side not, they didn't shoot overly wonderful out of my compound last year, but would stabilize once they hit water and hit where I was aiming.

[longstiks]

I shoot a #60 bow, full length arrow ("31 draw) strip the vanes,use a safety slide, with a stingaree point and they fly great.
Denny

[frank bullitt]

Same as Denny for me, except muzzy or sure shot points. Stingarees always planed on me. Never tried to find out why? When I want to shoot fish, I want to shoot what works. Bowfishing has a small window of opportunity around here! Oh, And a good pair of polarized glasses! Steve

[ishoot4thrills]

Man, this is great! I'm getting all kinds of good stuff here. Can't wait to get back into it!

[owlbait]

I cut them short when I was wade shooting in thick reeds. less to hang-up. Didn't seem to matter in the deeper water either. I like the yellow-jacket shafts from Cajun archery, you can get them thru Kustom King. Innerloc makes a great 2 blade head that is extremely strong and still easy to remove fish.