I am thinking of building a bowfishin rig. I have an older model PSE sittin in my closet collecting dust. Could I put a blank rod where the stabalizer bar should be, and mount a spinning real on that rod? I was thinking of using hose clamps to mount the reel. I was going to use a big catfishing reel, and spool it with about 60 lbs test line. I was just going to buy the fishing arrows w/ the barbs and the sliding ring on the arrow shaft already made up. Do yall think this would work? If so, I wouldnt have much money in this little project, and it would deffinantly be fun.

 

Everything sounds good with the exception of the hose clamps. I would figure a way to screw or bolt it to the stabilizer bar. Fish over 15 pounds that are considered bottom feeders pull harder when there is a shaft logged in its body. lol[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I assume you're going after carp or something similar?

 

Ya that will probably work. I have only shot one carp with my bowfishing rig and then I sold it cuz I never used it. The carp I shot was about 25lbs and was a blast to fight. I was on the bank when I shot it. Would have been a little better if I would have been in a boat. I

 

Sounds pretty cool, probably be fun too.

 

How about if I put the rod on a drill press, and drilled two holes in it along w/ the reel. Then put some screws w/ self stopping nuts through the rod and reel. Yall think that would be strong enough to hold? Any better ways to mount it?

Something else, do yall use sights, or aim down the arrow?

Any big bowfishermen have any good tips?

 

Actually, I never used sights. Because of the prism effect. I'm talking about how light goes into a crystal prism right. But when the light comes out of it and then changes it direction a lil bit. Bow fishing is very similar. It all depends on the angle of the shot. When the fish is directly below you, you should be able to shoot straight down at it with less effect. For further out shots your arrow will not follow its original path form the bow once it hits the water. You'll see what I mean when you do it a few times. Nix the sights.