Setting up a bow

[Ralph Wiggum]

This year I've decided to venture into bowfishing. I can't say that I've shot a bow in many, many years and I don't know much about it, so I'd like some help getting set up correctly.

I just picked up an older compound bow with a 30lb draw weight figuring that was about perfect for shooting at carp. The draw is a little short, but for the price, I figure it'll work fine.

Now I need to know where to go from there. I don't really know anything about compound bows. How does one go about adjusting the draw length? What else will I need to set this thing up?

I planned on getting an AMS Retriever for it, but I don't know how to mount it (I'm guessing that there is instruction with it?). Will I need to install some type of arrow rest? Anything else I should know?

Thanks, guys! I'm a total novice when it comes to this, so any help will be taken in! I'll post a few pictures of the bow when I get home if that will help.

[Fishin4Life]

Ralph you will need a rest. You can pick one up cheep at a local archery shop. I usually head over to little canada to a shop called Bowanna;s (spelling?). They are really helpful when it comes to questions you might have and such. They can adjust the length and all that for you also. Generally you need a bow press to do this because you have to move the string to another notch on the cam. Or if the string is too short possibly get a longer one, if you can. I have had all my bows setup by them for the last 10-12 years, been very pleased. The bow might now be able to accomodate your length but they would be able to tell you that also.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Here's a few pictures of the bow so you have an idea what I'm working with:

[PierBridge]

How much are the retrievers

How about an old reel for retrieving?

[Ralph Wiggum]

$60 for the Retriever. I thought about saving a little cash by using a reel, but I have heard that the Retriever is the cat's meow.

[ghotierman]

The AMS retriever reel is the best way to go. Zebco now markets their 808 as a bowfishing reel. but you would then need to purchase a reel seat as well. The AMS bottle reels mount to the sight holes on the bow.

How short is the draw for you? There isn't a lot of adjustment on that model.

Also, from your pictures it appears the rest is glued on the riser...that may/may not be problematic. If it is in decent shape, you could probably use that rest...it may wear out quickly though.

I use a muzzy fish hook rest. the arm of the rest is just like their zero effect drop away, only it stays stationary. easy to set up, tune, and very efficient and easy to reload. roller rests are common too. You will have to see if the rest that is on your bow will stand up to the heavier fiberglass bowfishing arrows. when you do select your arrow and reel set up...be sure to use a safety slide. NEVER TIE THE ARROW DIRECTLY TO THE STRING! AMS Bowfishing's HSOforum has a video that explains this danger. (the tether string can actually get tied around the bowstring..resulting in a snap back of the arrow...potentially fatal injuries can occor).

Consider having No-glove finger sponges attached to the string. It eliminated the need for a glove or tab and allows quicker shots. Shooting a release is not recommended...easier to reload and reshoot without having to hook-up a release. However, if you need to gain that drawlength...a release and string loop can make up for the short draw..

As mentioned before...check in with Bwana archery in Little Canada...John is the owner, and they'll be able to help you with any questions and get your set up ready for the water.

Bowfishing is a growing sport...very fun and addictive.

I shot seven nice carp from my dock last week..the biggest went nearly 25lbs or better. All were between 10-18lbs. It is just a blast!

Last bit of advice: AIM LOW!

[Ralph Wiggum]

Thanks, ghotierman! The draw is a few inches short. The rest that is glued on there is worn out/broken. I'll try to make it over to Bwana's one of these days. Any ideas what it'll cost to have them mess with it a bit?

I speared a 9, 15, 18, and 30 over Memorial day. I figure it'll be easier and mroe fun to "reach out and touch" them with the bow. At least I won't have to be right next to them! Our lake is loaded!

[Powerstroke]

The problem you wil run into with that bow is that its age prevents you from using many of the products made for todays bows.

I see you don't have holes drilled for a sight or a rest and since it has a narrow window you are limited to the flipper style of rests. You won't be able to adjust the draw length on that wheel "cam". If its quite a bit short you may not be doing yourself any favors.

I would see what the bow pro shop says, but that bow looks more like a beautiful collector's item. YOu be better served to keep or sell this one and buy a different bow better suited for todays stuff.

[archer59]

Ralph,

I would go to 'hso_archery_forum.com' and check the classifieds for a recurve that would fit better. You can also search for 'bowfishing' or whatever info your looking for. Lots of help there. (there is even a feedback section to checkout potential sellers) 5 inches is quite a bit to make up with string twisting or a different string.

Good Luck,

Nick

[Ralph Wiggum]

Okay, so maybe I won't be doing any bowfishing.

The price of this bow made me get it. I don't want to spend the money that a different bow would cost. If this one doesn't work, I guess I'll just wait until I stumble upon a different deal. I'll take it in to a shop and see what they say.

[archer59]

If the price was right you probably could make it work by mounting a bottle reel, and a new rest. An pro shop can definatly get you going.

Nick

[Ralph Wiggum]

The cost was a 30-pack of Stroh's Light If I plan on getting gung-ho, I will purchase a more fitting bow at some point, but I am hoping to make this one work for now.

[Scoot]

Ralph,

While I agree with the other posts in that a different bow would fit you better, you can make what you have work for not a lot of money. Don't give up because you could spend more money and get something nicer. Take what you have, make it work for you and give it a shot. You'll likely love it and eventually upgrade to a nicer bow. But for now, you can make it happen with what you have. I'd suggest you head to a shop that has the equipment and supplies you want and get them to help you set it up. Should be too hard- you'll be slaying carp in no time.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Guys, thanks for the advice. I went in to Bwana's today and got things taken care of. We put a longer string on that got the draw just about right for me. They suggested just shhoting off of the shelf and put a felt pad on it for me. Also, they drilled and tapped some holes for me to mount the Retriever from. Now I've just got to pick up an arrow or two and reel, and go shoot some carp! I got the okay to shoot in a pond that is near my place, so I should be shooting next week.

What do you recommend as far as arrowheads for carp?

[live_2_fish]

I recomend you use a quick release carp point. Those are what I have found to work the best. If you want a nice cheap rest you should pick up some epoxy. you can form a rest from that. Here are some pictures of mine. My bow is an old one too. If you want a good site for lots of good information of bowfishing go to bowfishusa.com

http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=4/10817041070.jpg&s=x11

http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=4/10817202455.jpg&s=x11

http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=4/10817045983.jpg&s=x11

[Ralph Wiggum]

Alright, the Retriever is mounted and seems to be working well. I picked up a Muzzy carp point arrow. Now I've just got to get out there!

[Ralph Wiggum]

Update:

Spent an hour or two at a local "pond" this afternoon to try it out before heading out to the cabin. I shot at about 8 fish and got 2 of them (about 4 and 6 pounds). I'm working on the aiming part It was a lot of fun, especially pulling them in. Do you guys reel them in with your Retriever or by hand. I was doing it by hand.

Thanks again for all the help. I'm going to try to shoot a bunch this weekend, and hopefully some big ones!