How to Make a Bowfishing Rig

Bowfishing was a traditional way of catching fish for Native Americans. Bowfishing is still common in many areas. Anglers use bows to catch a wide variety of fish including carp, rays and even sharks. Getting a bow outfitted for bowfishing requires an upgrade to some equipment and the addition of equipment not found in traditional bow hunting. You can find bowfishing equipment at most sporting good stores. Bowfishing is legal in many areas, but before you start, find out if bowfishing is legal in your area and if it is, what licenses you need.

Things You'll Need

  • Bow
  • Bowfishing reel
  • Bowfishing arrows
  • Arrowholder
  • Bowfishing arrowheads
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Use any traditional compound or recurve bow for bowfishing. Bowfishing bows typically take more abuse than when doing traditional hunting. Don't use your best bow, but one that can take a beating.

    • 2

      Select a bowfishing reel. Reels come in three basic varieties: ones that look like traditional fishing reels, large loops and bottles that dispense the line, called an AMS retriever. AMS retrievers are popular because the line dispenses quickly and does not need to be carefully wrapped back around the reel when you finish. Just tuck it back into the bottle.

    • 3

      Upgrade the arrow holder on the bow. Bowfishing arrows are heavy. This extra weight allows the arrow to penetrate both the water and the fish. The traditional arrow holder will not work well with the extra weight.

    • 4

      Select arrowheads for bowfishing. Bowfishing arrowheads are barbed, so that the the arrow will not come out of the fish when the fish begins to run after being hit.