Bowfishing

[Fishbreath1]

I would like to get started with bowfishing a little, meaning I don't want to spend tons of money outfitting my bow with the "best" most expensive equipment. I have a hunting compound bow ('06 Hoyt power tech). Can anyone recommend any packages, brands, or equipment types?

Thanks.

[so haaad]

If you are looking for a cheap setup, then you could get by with the spool style line holders, and a standard fiberglass arrow that you'll find at many sporting good stores. Buy some cheap string and you're good to go. If I remember right, Fleet has a combo package that has all of them together. I used this setup growing up and shot many, many, many carp and suckers with it. I also almost lost my index finger a few times when the string wrapped around it, so over time you may want to invest in the tube style line holders and the Muzzy-style sliding arrow attachment if you really like it.

[Fishbreath1]

Thanks for the info! Would I need a different arrow rest as well? I know I'll need to remove my sight for the reel and stuff, but can I get by with a regular hunting/target rest? I really like the one I have.

[so haaad]

It really depends on what kind of rest you have now. Do not use anything nice. The heavy arrow can really beat up the rest. Just a standard tab rest will be just fine. I've also used a center rest which works ok. They make a roller rest, which works very well and isn't too expensive (relative).

One thing you need to realize is that your bow is likely going to take a beating too. It's amazing how often you'll find yourself accidentally banging it on rocks, dropping it in the weeds or lake, or clanging it off a boat seat. So you may want to eventually search those pawn shops, hsolist and hsolist for that dirt cheap old compound that carries less guilt.

[LABS4ME]

that's exactly what I did...

Pawn Shop special! $35.00 it's an older compound all camo taped up... added a roller rest, a reel seat and a Zebco 33, dacron line and arrows... I have less than a hundred dollars in it and I could care less how dinged up it gets!

Good Luck!

Ken

[klecker]

Kenny

when we going? Have to bag work early one day before school starts up and the little miss is still up north.

[LABS4ME]

where were you at lunch today?

[SKIPPERS KID]

Fishbreath1, I must say there is a lot of stuff out there and it will depend on how much you are willing to spend. I shoot with a drop away rest and the reel retriever and muzzy arrows. The roller will work but it will not fly true I had this problem already and I when to the drop away rest it works great for me. Browning makes a great Bow package For around $225.00 all set up I would start as cheap as you can and learn what you like about your Bow and up grade after you start shooting more. You will find having two Bow is great to have a back up bow here is a great web site to help you get started .

(note from admin,please read forum policy before posting again,thank-you.)

[Fishbreath1]

I'll find the HSOforum admin...

Thanks for the tips guys, I might just try the pawn shop as my bow is nice and has some money into it.

[carp_killer]

for a beginner i would reccomend a ams retriever its simple no buttons to forget to push no drag to mess with but it is also going to cost you $60 if you really get into it then i would reccomend buying a reel seat and a zebco 888 and have it thumpertized you can contact me and i will let you no who to have do that for you but it makes a spincast alot nicer i shoot with a fishhook rest on my bow and have a wb on my other no complaints about either i am going to say do not go with the muzzy arrows though i have tried many of the different fish points out there and have had more pulloffs with muzzys then the shure shot penatraters and the interlocks but tip choice is personal preference

[so haaad]

Saw lots of carp today at the Coon Rapids dam today...wow is the water level dropping.