Best Bowfishing Bow in 2019, Review and Buyers Guide

 

What if we told you choosing the best bowfishing bow didn’t need to be intimidating or difficult?

It sounds too good to be true, right? Bowfishing presents new challenges, even for the seasoned outdoorsman, so how does one even begin to go about choosing a bow?

In this article you’re going to learn all about choosing the perfect bowfishing bow, so you can be confident in your equipment and your abilities.

 

Guide to Choosing Bowfishing Bows

How to buy Best Bowfishing Bow

First, a little background information:

Bowfishing is a fast growing sport among outdoor enthusiasts which entails firing special arrows to pierce fish from above the water to reel them in. Fishing with a bow requires special equipment, and it’s common for newcomers to want to find the best fishing bow, reel, and arrows before heading into the wild.

Best Bowfishing Bow

What is the perfect bowfishing bow?

The answer may surprise you.

The best bow for bowfishing beginners may not be the best for pros, and there are many factors (weight, archery experience, desired prey) you need to consider before choosing your bow.

We understand that entering a new sport can be challenging and potentially expensive, so we’ve compiled a special buyers guide to help you find the best bowfishing bow.

Want the inside scoop on bows?

We’ve put in hours of research – both in the shop and on the water to create THE definitive guide to bowfishing gear. We’ll tell you exactly what to look for in a high-quality bowfishing bow, as well as help you learn about reels, line, and arrows, so you’ll be ready to take aim in no time!

 

What is the Best Bowfishing Bow?

Choosing bows for fishing is not unlike choosing bows for other archery activities. Consider your body type, whether you’re left or right handed, as well as your upper body and arm strength. Usually, men and women will have different needs and each should spend time trying out the equipment before buying.

What is the Best Bowfishing Bow?

One of the most important things to consider is the bow draw weight. Keep in mind that while you might only launch one or two arrows when hunting on land, in bowfishing you’ll draw and release dozens of times. You want power, but you want your arm to be useful at the end of the day as well!

Fast Fact: 35 lbs is considered a good draw weight to start with!

 

Compound Bows:

COMPOUND BOWS for fishing

 

Some bowfishers prefer a compound bow as the lever and pulley system allows for multiple draw profiles. These bows are also energy-efficient, which can keep the user from tiring, but they can

be overwhelming for beginners.

 

 

RECURVE BOWS for fishingRecurve Bows: 

Others prefer a recurve bow for bowfishing, they are affordable and easy to use. The large curved apparatus stores more energy than a straight bow, which makes them good for quick releases.

 

 

 

Tip: Look for a recurve with a stabilizer hole The addition of a stabilizing weight can help keep your shots under control.

 

What is the Best Bowfishing Reel?

For many archers, choosing the best bow for fishing is 50% about the reel.

Why? Let us explain…

Best Bowfishing Reel

 

 

Each reel dramatically changes the bowfishing experience, almost turning it into a different sport. This often makes the reel the hardest for newcomers to choose. Luckily, there are only three main types to consider.

 

 

Hand Wrap / Drum Reel:

HAND WRAP and DRUM REEL

The simplest and most inexpensive option – this reel requires manually wrapping the line around a drum. While some fishermen criticize this method for being too slow and limiting the number of potential catches, beginners love the low start-up investment.

 

 

Retriever:

RETRIEVER bowfishingThe retriever involves attaching a small bottle to the bow, which stores a line that is automatically released with each shot. A hand crank allows the user to quickly reel in fish and prepare the next shot. While on the pricier side, this is a great option for beginners and pros alike.

 

Spin Cast:

Fisherman will feel quite comfortable with the spin cast reel, which functions similar to those on most fishing poles. Favored by pros for their ultra-fast retrieval speed, these reels must be properly released when firing, or the user risks snapping the line and losing the arrow.

 

What is the Best Bowfishing Line?

 

What holds the sport of bowfishing together?

The line!

You could have the best bow for fishing in the world and still lose every catch if you don’t have the right line. While the line depends on the prey, there are a few essential factors to keep in mind.

Such as…

What is the Best Bowfishing Line?

Weight: Usually between 80 and 600 lbs. For fish, 400 lbs should be the max.

Material: Usually Spectra, Dacron, or Nylon which are tough materials that can handle the speed that comes with being attached to an arrow instead of a lure.

Color: Even the best line can break or snag, and when that happens, you’ll probably still want your fish! Some line comes in bright colors, which can make seeing the line easy in many conditions.

 

What is the Best Bowfishing Arrow?

A few things to take note of when choosing bowfishing arrows:

What is the Best Bowfishing Arrow?There’s a big difference between fishing with a bow and arrow compared to bow hunting on land. Arrows constructed for use with top rated bowfishing bows and beginner bows alike are specifically constructed to penetrate through water, which is much denser than air. This means they have more weight and strength and are absent of fletching or feathers, which could slow the arrow or miss the target.

Material, rather than design, is the principal point of contention among bowfishing enthusiasts, with each having its pros and cons concerning strength, price, and versatility.

Fiberglass Bowfishing Arrow

 

 

Fiberglass: Inexpensive and effective, fiberglass is the go-to material for many bowfisherman. However, some feel fiberglass is too inconsistent, and can affect your aim if not uniformly straight.

 

Aluminum bowfishingbow arrow

 

Aluminum / Fiber: Fisherman hunting larger prey often prefer fiberglass arrows with an aluminum jacket. These give an added kick to speed and help keep the shaft from breaking under contact with thick hides or scales.

 

Carbon bowfishing arrow

 

 

 

Carbon: More expensive but generally thought to be more suited to water travel, carbon arrows recover quickly after launch, making them better at penetrating the water. While extremely durable, they can crack or split if they impact on the side.

 

Hybrid bowfishing bow

 

Hybrid: These arrows combine the stiffness and straightness of carbon with the durability of fiberglass. This price, like the other specs, is also somewhere between the two.

 

 

Top 10 Best Bowfishing Bows in 2019

As enjoyable and rewarding as bowfishing can be, getting the most out of it requires having the proper equipment especially the best bowfishing bow you can get your hands on. To guide you in your quest to pick out the absolute best, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best bowfishing bows of 2019. Along the way, we’ll pay special attention to the type, reel, and line of each bow.

We’ve assembled these reviews to offer you  a starting point to explore all the many bowfishing bows on the market. Find one that best suits you and become the best you can be at targeting, shooting, and reeling in fish.

 

RPM Bowfishing Nitro Bow Black – Best Bowfishing Bow for the Money

There’s no denying the RPM Nitro Bow will set you back a pretty penny, but it’s extraordinary quality makes it clear where the money went as RPM’s products have consistently been among the top rated bowfishing bows.

This is an extremely lightweight bow (only 4 lbs.), but packs an impressive draw weight for its size (up to 55 lbs.). Made mostly of aluminum – particularly the timing cams, limb pockets, and saddles, this bow combines length and portability with power and makes it invaluable for anyone serious about bowfishing. It’s other major features include:

  • Type: This is ultimately a compound bow, as seen by the cams near the limbs. This gives the bow additional power. The curved limbs do give it the look of a recurve bow, though.
  • Reel: The bow does not include a reel, but is compatible with a wide range of reels.
  • Line: Since the bow does not come with a reel, there is no line to speak of. The line and its quality depends on the reel that you choose to purchase with this bow.

Pros:

  • excellent power and draw weight given its size
  • extremely high-quality and durable
  • reliable and accurate

Cons:

  • expensive
  • does not come with accessories

 

Verdict: If you can accept the steep price of this bow and that you’ll have to purchase your own reel and other accessories, you’ll find that RPM’s Nitro is perhaps the best product in the lineup offering everything a bowfisherman could desire. For those willing to pay, we recommend it.

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RPM Bowfishing Nitro XL Bow Black – Among the Best Bowfishing Bows of 2019

RPM’s Nitro XL is an enlarged improvement of the regular Nitro bow, boasting all of the exquisite features of the previous model, but with a slightly longer draw length (28.5 – 31”) which translates into more power. Those who are fans of PRM’s Nitro but want a bit more bang for their buck when fishing with a bow need to look no further. Its salient features include:

 

  • Type: This is a powerful compound bow while its bent limbs make it look like a recurve bow.
  • Reel: No reel included. Compatible with many reels.
  • Line: No line included.

Pros:

  • very powerful for its size
  • accurate
  • durable and reliable for long periods

Cons:

  • expensive
  • does not come with accessories

 

Verdict: Like the RMP Nitro, the XL is expensive. However, we highly recommend it for those who want an excellent all-round bow, with extra power, and for whom money is no object.

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AMS Bowfishing Water Moc Recurve Bow Only Right Hand – Best Bow For Fishing

Made to last on the water, AMS’s Water Moc Bowfishing Bow is an excellent bowfishing bow for right-handed hunters. With its impressive power, relatively high draw, and exceptionally lightweight, any fish you target will be sure not to know what hit them. Some major features include:

 

 

 

  • Type: This is a recurve bow.
  • Reel: This bow does not come with a reel, but is compatible with a wide range of reels.
  • Line: No line included.

Pros:

  • quite inexpensive
  • extremely lightweight
  • relatively high draw and power

Cons:

  • only for right-handed users
  • not as powerful as a compound bow
  • does not come with accessories

 

Verdict: Among recurve bows, this may be the best bow for fishing you’ll  find in 2019. Extremely lightweight, powerful (at least for a recurve bow), and relatively inexpensive – this bow can be a great choice. Let-handed users, however, should not buy it.

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Southland Archery Supply Bowfishing Bow SAS Scorpii Compound – Top Rated Bowfishing Bow

Southland Archery Supply has produced a top rated bowfishing bow that’s both affordable and powerful. With an adjustable draw length going from 19 to 29” and a draw between 30 and 55 lbs., it’s got enough power to stop just about any fish in its tracks. More importantly, unlike some bows for fishing, it comes with a few accessories, making it appealing to dedicated bowfishermen who just want to get out there and start fishing. Its important features include:

 

 

  • Type: Compound.
  • Reel: Includes a reel
  • Line: Also includes line.

Pros:

  • the bow is on par with a useful package of accessories, including a reel, line, and an arrow
  • relatively cheap
  • easy assembly
  • powerful and durable

Cons:

  • no nock points included on the bow string
  • some have complained the reel is of poor quality

 

Verdict: For the price, this is an excellent bowfishing kit that includes a reel, line, 31” arrow, and a snapshot rest along with the bow. It’s combination of lightness, durability, and power lead us to recommend it.

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Cajun Bowfishing Bow – Best Bow for Bowfishing

Cajun Bowfishing presents us with a serious contender for the title of the best bow for fishing. With its 45 lb. draw, quality crafted aluminum riser, no-slip rubber grip, and durable aluminum limbs – the Cajun Bowfishing Bow, like most Cajun bows, is a superior product. Its other major features include:

 

 

 

  • Type: This is a recurve bow.
  • Reel: The bow comes with a drum reel.
  • Line: The set of accessories also includes line.

Pros:

  • fairly high draw and power
  • relatively cheap
  • fiberglass limbs make it durable and lightweight
  • includes a reel, line, and arrow

Cons:

  • only available right-handed
  • does not come with assembly instructions

 

Verdict: This is a fine bow. However, left-handers will have no use for it and the lack of assembly instructions present inconvenience. Buy this bow if you can overcome these obstacles.

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PSE Kingfisher Right Hand – Top Rated Bowfishing Bow in 2019

This outstanding bowfishing kit from PSE includes a powerful camo fishing bow made of aluminum that is resilient and effective through prolonged use. With a 45 lb. draw and an affordable price, this is a bowfishing unit enthusiasts and outdoorsmen would do well to take a good look at. Also included is a fiberglass arrow and a snap shot arrow rest. Some other important features are:

 

 

 

  • Type: This is a recurve bow.
  • Reel: This kit includes includes a special mounting reel which offers effective performance in reeling in your targets after a strike.
  • Line: The kit includes a reliable line along with a reel and other accessories.

Pros:

  • durable and possesses exceptional longevity
  • fairly inexpensive
  • includes mounting reel
  • includes a fiberglass arrow

Cons:

  • somewhat heavy

 

Verdict: If sturdiness is important, this unit certainly belongs on the short list of bows you need to check out. It’s relative inexpensiveness which makes this kit all the more worthy of consideration as the bow is among the top rated bowfishing bows for the price.

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Cajun Bowfishing Sucker Punch Bow – Best Fishing Bow in 2019

Cajun Bowfishing’s Sucker Punch Bow comes as a package to get you up and running to fish quickly. The package includes a reel, an arrow rest, and two white fiberglass arrows. As for the bow itself, it’s got a 50 lb. draw, a 60% let off to help you shoot smoothly, and finger pads on the string for added comfort as you line up your shots. It also comes in both right and left-handed versions and strives to be the best fishing bow on the market. Some other features include:

 

  • Type: Compound.
  • Reel: Includes a reel included.
  • Line: The line included in the kit is sturdy and reliable.

Pros:

  • available in right and left-handed versions
  • high 50 lbs draw
  • adjustable and easy to assemble
  • includes two arrows, a reel, and a line

Cons:

  • expensive
  • has been known for durability issues and to fall apart easily

 

Verdict: This bow certainly brings power to the table and offers many features other bows on the market do not include. We would recommend this bow for the occasional bowfisher who wants many features in one package and the durability issues won’t pose an issue.

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AMS Bowfishing Juice Bow – Best Bow For Fishing in 2019

The Juice Bow Kit from AMS Bowfishing includes numerous features that are sure to please any bowfishing enthusiast. The bow comes with an adjustable draw between 15 to 50 lbs. and an adjustable draw length from 17.5 to 30 inches. The line cams give added power to each snap. Also included is a fierce looking chaos arrow. Available in both left and right-handed versions, the bow’s other features include:

 

 

  • Type: Compound.
  • Reel: Includes a drum reel.
  • Line: Comes with 35 yards of Spectra Line.

Pros:

  • high draw
  • comes in left and right-handed versions
  • includes a chaos arrow built to deliver devastating damage and hook into your prey

Cons:

  • expensive
  • some durability issues have been reported

 

Verdict: This is a powerful versatile compound bow that includes many features and accessories, if you’re looking for an all inclusive kit for gentle use, we recommend this unit.

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PSE Archery Mudd Dawg Bowfishing Bow with Muzzy Kit – Top Rated Bow For Bowfishing

Anyone in search of the best bow for fishing would do well to give PSE’s Mudd Dawg bow a look. The bow is reliable under rough and messy conditions and will continue to work even through heavy use. The bow is capable of a respectable 40 lb. draw and has a draw length of 30 inches. Although not as light as other bows, considering its power and durability, it comes out as rather light overall. Also included in this package is an arrow with a safety stop and safety slide. The bow’s major features include:

 

 

  • Type: Compound.
  • Reel: Includes one Muzzy spin reel.
  • Line: Includes 150 ft. of bowfishing line.

Pros:

  • lightweight and easy to use
  • durable

Cons:

  • expensive
  • requires significant maintenance

 

Verdict: This is a powerful and durable bow, so it provides value for the money you have to pony up to get it. If power and durability is essential and you don’t mind paying for it, this is the bow for you.

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Diamond Edge Sonar Neptune Bowfishing Compound Bow – Excellent Bowfishing Bow for 2019

Diamond Archery’s Edge Sonar Neptune is a high-end, high-performance bow and it looks the part, with its sleek aluminum limbs, a black paint job that looks cool and special carrying case to boot. Moreover, it has an impressive 50 lb. draw, an 80% let off, weighs only 3.3 lbs. and includes a reel and arrow. It is undoubtedly one of the top rated bowfishing bows ever made. Anyone who is serious about bowfishing can’t afford to overlook this bow. Some of its other significant features are:

 

 

 

  • Type: Compound.
  • Reel: Comes with a drum reel.
  • Line: Comes with a line so you can get out there and fish.

Pros:

  • extremely powerful
  • lightweight
  • looks cool
  • come with many convenient accessories

Cons:

  • expensive

 

Verdict: You simply can’t go wrong with this bow. Though it is expensive, it is well worth the money, boasting great power, ease of use, and an attractive and eye-catching design. Put simply: If you want a high-quality bow for bowfishing, look no further.

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What is There to Know About Bowfishing Bows?

To assist you in your search to find the bowfishing bow that will deliver the highest performance and is best suited, we have decided to answer a number of the most frequently asked questions about bowfishing bows and about bowfishing in general.

1. How do I turn a compound bow into a fishing bow?

An ordinary compound bow can be repurposed for bowfishing easily. All you’ll need is a reel, a rest, and perhaps some finger tabs. You can find detailed information on how to prepare an ordinary compound bow for bowfishing here, but essentially all that is necessary is to hook your reel up to the bow, tie the line up to your arrow, and add some finger tabs onto the bowstring.

2. How do I set up a bow for bowfishing?

Setting up a bowfishing bow is a simple process that involves setting up finger tabs, mounting your rest, squaring your arrow with the bowstring, and mounting your reel onto your bow with a wrist sling. This helpful video found here walks you through the entire process from beginning to end.

3. How do I make a bowfishing bow?

If you insist on doing things on the cheap and assembling everything from scratch, it’s possible to build a reasonably functional bowfishing bow all on your own. If you can run a string through both ends of a flexible but strong piece of wood to make a basic bow and then drill holes into the ends of a Gatorade bottle and place fishing line into it to make a reel, then you have the basic components of a bowfishing bow. This video presents and easy-to-follow example of how to build essentially everything yourself.

4. What pound bow weight is best for bowfishing?

When it comes to the weight of a bowfishing bow, there’s a simple trade-off involved: heavier bows are generally more durable and pack more power, while lighter bows are easier to maneuver and present less resistance when you want to make quick shots. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. If you are a casual bowfisherman, a bow weighing less than 3 lbs. might be best for you. If you are more serious, consider a heavier bow.

5. What is the best bowfishing arrow?

The answer to this question, again, depends on your needs. Bowfishing can be broken down to two broad categories: fiberglass arrows and carbon fiber arrows. Fiberglass arrows are cheaper, but also less sturdy and communicate less impact than carbon fiber arrows. If you only intend to hunt small fish, fiberglass arrows are sufficient. On the other hand, if you have ambitions to go after larger game and consider high accuracy to be indispensable, carbon fiber arrows will be well worth the added investment.

6. What is the best bowfishing reel?

There are three basic bowfishing reels: drum reels, spincast reels, and retriever reels. Drum reels need to be hand wrapped and manually attached to the bow. Spincast reels come attached to the bow and make shooting and reeling in much easier. Retriever reels offer the advantages in the ease of use of spincast reels but also feature thicker line, making them an excellent choice if you plan to go for larger fish. Retriever reels have an excellent combination of features.

7. Do you need a bowfishing license?

You will need to have a fishing license before bowfishing. The specifics depends on the state and locality which you plan to go bowfishing. There are some areas that do not allow you to use bow fishing equipment at all, because they consider it to be a “deadly weapon.” Be sure to check the laws pertaining to bowfishing in your state or locality to be sure of what is and is not allowed.

8. Which fish can you catch with a bow?

Depending on the state you bowfish“rough” fish tend to be the center focus. These include carp, eels, suckers, perch, catfish, gars, dogfish, sharks and even stingrays. Some states even allow you to hunt alligators with a bow.

You should always take care to check the laws in the state you intend to go bowfishing.

9. Is bowfishing legal?

There is no universal answer to this question. Whether bowfishing is legal in some areas, and which fish is legal to catch there, depends on specific laws. Before going bowfishing, always check the local and state laws in the area.

10. Is it lawful to use archery equipment for fishing?

The laws on this subject vary from state to state and you should always consult the laws in your state before going bowfishing. Most archery equipment is permissible for bow fishing, provided the equipment is used to take non-game fish only. Be aware this rule of thumb does not hold for every state.

Conclusion

With all of the high-functioning units we’ve discussed, you should have an idea of what is the best bowfishing bow of 2019. We’ll state unequivocally the best is the RPM Bowfishing Nitro Bow. Despite being expensive and requiring you to purchase your own reel, line, and other accessories, it is simply the cream of the crop when it comes to bowfishing bows – boasting terrifying power and smooth ease of use. With that said, the other bows mentioned here are all still top-notch and you should check them all out:

 

 

  • the RPM Bowfishing Nitro XL Bow
  • the AMS Bowfishing Water Moc Recurve Bow
  • the Southland Archery Supply Bowfishing Bow SAS Scorpii Compound
  • the Cajun Bowfishing Bow
  • the PSE Kingfisher Right Hand Bowfishing Kit
  • the Cajun Bowfishing Sucker Punch Bow
  • the AMS Bowfishing Juice Bow
  • the PSE Archery Mudd Dawg Bowfishing Bow with Muzzy Kit
  • the Diamond Edge Sonar Neptune Bowfishing Compound Bow

All possess exquisite qualities and a host of virtues in their own right, from power, affordability, to durability. Be sure to give all your attention.