BEST BOWFISHING BOW 2023

While it features a 100 lbs test dynamo line, this bowfishing bow kit also comes with fully adaptable draw weights ranging between 15 to 55 lbs. It boasts a spin cast reel system for both left or right-handed recovery, and a double-locking aluminum reel seat.
The arrow rest that’s quite stable is also aluminum-made, and it comes geared up with a 33-inch fiberglass arrow.

SUITED TO: Multiple
MATERIALS: Aluminum, Fiberglass
WEIGHT: 5 lbs
BOW LENGTH: 19”-29”
BOW HEIGHT: 7”
PEAK DRAW WEIGHT: 15-55 lbs

The Infinite Edge is one of the best-selling, most popular bowfishing bows on the market – both for traditional hunting and bowfishing. Why? Because it is suitable for any shooter, made entirely in the United States of America and affordable. Whether you are a teenaged beginner or a 5o-year-old seasoned veteran, the Infinite Edge will meet your needs. It is available in either a right-hand or left-hand configuration. The draw length can be adjusted from 13-inches to 31-inches and the draw weight from a mere 5 pounds to an astonishing 70 pounds. The 31-inch length and 7-inch height provides moderate forgiveness, allowing for some basic mistakes without a lost shot and the 80% let-off allows even smaller users to manage higher draw weights. When using the Infinite setting there is zero let-off which allows the bowfishing bow to be set at a lower draw weight and used in a snap-shooting manner.

SUITED TO: Multiple
MATERIALS: Aluminum riser, composite limbs
WEIGHT: 3.2”
BOW LENGTH: 31”
BOW HEIGHT: 7”
PEAK DRAW WEIGHT: 70 lbs

Designed by the bowfishing pioneers, AMS Bowfishing, this bowfishing bow will sit on your hand nicely, aiming just right.
This bowfishing kit comes with a draw length of 28 inches, and a 45 lbs of draw weight, which ensures deep penetration no matter the environment, being saltwater, a swamp, or a rapid stream.
Spooling the line won’t take up much time, and is easy to do. Coated with a fiberglass layer, AMS Bowfishng’s recurve kit will do its job nicely.

SUITED TO: Multiple
MATERIALS: Fiberglass
WEIGHT: 3 lbs
BOW LENGTH: 28”
BOW HEIGHT: 7.7”
PEAK DRAW WEIGHT: 45 lbs

The Vortex Lite is a compound bow for preteens or teenagers; designed to grow right along with young archers as their skills and statutes advance. The draw length and draw weight both adjust with included modules and instructions, and the bowfishing bow itself is outfitted with all the features they need: oversized dual cams, three-pin fiber optic sight, three fiberglass arrows, two-piece attached quiver and more. Plus, they’ll feel cool with a bowfishing bow decked out in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country just like mom and dad.

SUITED TO: Intermediate, advanced
MATERIALS: Fiberglass
WEIGHT: 1 lbs
BOW LENGTH: 22″ – 25″
BOW HEIGHT: 7.5”
PEAK DRAW WEIGHT: 18-29 lbs

This bowfishing bow might easily be the ideal solution in terms of every asset that makes it a kit.
Although it’s on the light side, bearing this kit doesn’t mean less of a performance.
Coming with an adjustable draw length of about 15 – 30”, Muzzy’s bowfishing kit boasts a weight-draw of not-so-shabby 15 – 40 lbs.
This mighty bowfishing bow features several key points like an integrated reel seat, a muzzy fish hook rest, a classic white fish arrow with a carp point and nock, and glove-free finger guards that are already lodged on the string.

SUITED TO: Multiple
MATERIALS: Fiberglass
WEIGHT: 7.25 lbs
BOW LENGTH: 15”-30”
BOW HEIGHT: 7.5”
PEAK DRAW WEIGHT: 15 – 40 lbs

This is one of the hottest bowfishing bows to hit the fishing scene. It was designed with extreme-adventurers in mind, but it seems a great fit for just about any angler. This opinion is shared widely across the angling community, mainly for its ‘plug-and-play’ type utility. This is further embodied in the bow’s middle of the range dimensions and adjustable draw length that ranges from 17 to 31 inches. The peak draw weight is 50 pounds – suitable for most adventures. You have your choice of constant draw module or draw specific module, with a 60% let off. A notable feature is the deep cam grooves which help reduce string derailment during transportation and ensure your bow is ready to go when the fish arrive. The optional equipment package includes everything you need to get started: a Cajun Winch reel, fishing biscuit arrow rest and two red fiberglass Piranha arrows.

SUITED TO: Multiple
MATERIALS: Aluminum riser, composite limbs
WEIGHT: 3.2 lbs
BOW LENGTH: 32.25”
BOW HEIGHT: 7.25”
PEAK DRAW WEIGHT: 50 lbs

If you are an angler who travels but wants to bowfish whenever the opportunity presents itself – you need a bowfishing bow that is easy to transport but still provides quality and precision. You need the Fish Stick. This takedown-style recurve includes a 5-inch aluminum riser with composite limbs for an overall length of 58 inches. The 45-pound peak draw weight is more than enough for even the biggest trophy. The recurve design is perfect for snap-shooting while the Cajun Rollers provide a consistent draw cycle, shot after shot. Having this roller system also makes retrieval of larger fish easier while reducing wear and tear on equipment.

An optional equipment package includes a drum reel with 50 ft of an 80-pound test line, roller arrow rest, 2 arrows with Piranha Point and Blister Buster finger guard.

SUITED TO: Beginner, Intermediate
MATERIALS: Aluminum Riser, Composite limbs
WEIGHT: 3.2 lbs
BOW LENGTH: 56”
BOW HEIGHT: 20”
PEAK DRAW WEIGHT: 45 lbs

The Kingfisher is a bowfishing bow built for fishing by a company that specializes in bowhunting. It includes all the features anglers are looking for in a bowfishing bow- easy to maneuver, a manageable draw weight that is still capable of taking large fish and is manufactured by a company that knows all there is to know about bows. Because it is a recurve, there are fewer moving parts and shooting is as simple as to draw, aim & release. Beginners will benefit from the simplicity and seasoned anglers will enjoy the ability to make quick snapshots. The overall length of 60 inches may appear to make transportation difficult, but thanks to the takedown design, it can easily be stowed in a suitcase. Both available draw weights, 40 & 45 pounds, are light enough for beginners but still strong enough to take larger species such as gar. It is also suitable for traditional archery hunting and could be used for taking deer in most states. The optional fishing kit includes a front-mounted reel with line, 1 fiberglass fishing arrow and a Snap Shoot rest.

SUITED TO: Intermediate, advanced
MATERIALS: Fiberglass
WEIGHT: 3.3 lbs
BOW LENGTH: 56”
BOW HEIGHT: 20”
PEAK DRAW WEIGHT: 35,40,45 or 50 lbs

This bowfishing bow is at the top of the bowfishing pyramid, providing a high-quality design that includes all the features serious anglers are looking for. With a 34 ¾ inch length and maximum 30-inch draw length, it is even suitable for tall anglers. The 25 to 50-pound draw weight is perfect for larger species but capable of being used by younger shooters as well. With an aluminum riser and fiberglass limbs, it is less prone to corrosion and well suited for use in wet environments. The optional accessory kit includes an arrow, pre-installed drum reel with retrieving crank and fishing line. Having the crank is a real benefit as it means you do not have to pull in the line by hand.

SUITED TO: Beginner, intermediate
MATERIALS: Aluminum riser, fiberglass limbs
WEIGHT: 3.25 lbs
BOW LENGTH: 34.75”
BOW HEIGHT: 7.5”
PEAK DRAW WEIGHT: 50 lbs

All you have to do is Google “bowfishing bows” to find that there is page after page of options to choose from. Before you can select the correct bowfishing bow for You, it is important to know what to look for.

What type of fish will you be targeting?

The first question you need to ask yourself is – “what species do I want to target?”. The most common species are various freshwater carp, gar, paddlefish and catfish or rays & shark in saltwater. Each requires bows with different strengths and features so answering this question will help narrow your search.

Make sure you check local regulations as well. Not all states allow the same species to be taken by bow. A good rule of thumb is if a species has a minimum size requirement (length) before it can be harvested, chances are you will not be able to target it with a bow.

Equipment

You do not need a lot of equipment to get started nor do you need the best gear possible. Many anglers get their start by re-purposing a bow they already have, something they had previously used for hunting or target shooting. However, regardless of whether you re-purpose equipment or start from scratch, there are a few items you must have and some features that will improve your success. These items can be purchased separately although many bow manufacturers do offer packages that include the bowfishing bow and all necessary basic accessories in one ready to fish set up.

Bow

The first thing you need to remember is speed and power are not as important as when selecting a bowfishing bow for traditional hunting. Land-based hunters can get away with 50, 60 or even 70-pound draw weights because you are only drawing that bow a few times per day, if at all. Plus, a heavier weight is necessary for accurate shots that will penetrate large game at a distance. But when it comes to bowfishing shots, you will be drawing repeatedly throughout the day and your targets will be much smaller & closer. A minimum draw weight of 35 pounds is recommended and 40 to 50 pounds is more than enough for most species.

There are a few options when it comes to the type of bow, each of which has advantages and disadvantages:

• Recurve – this is the traditional design that most people associate with archery. They are simple to use, allow quick shots and require lower maintenance due to less moving parts. However, they tend to be longer and therefore less maneuverable in tight spaces and require full strength to draw, which limits the draw weight you will be able to handle.
• Compound – these are easily recognized due to the pulleys, or cams, at the end of each limb. The design allows for let-off which requires less strength to draw high weights, referred to as let-off, and is more compact. The drawback is that the let-off feature makes it difficult to make quick shots before reaching peak draw. Fortunately, a growing number of manufacturers are designing bows that are lower-powered without the let-off specifically for bowfishing.
• Crossbows – there is a growing number of anglers using crossbows for angling, probably due to their increase in hunting. On the plus side using a crossbow allows you to re-purpose equipment you already have, they are operated similar to a firearm so it can be easier for beginners to master and have more than enough power for any species you might encounter. Some of the drawbacks are that the available power is often far more than needed, they are more difficult to reload between shots and there are a limited number of manufacturers producing fishing accessories for crossbows.

Arrows

The arrows you use for fishing are not the same ones used for hunting. First, they are generally produced from fiberglass to allows multiple uses even after impact and to provide the additional weight needed to travel through water. Secondly, they are longer than traditional arrows. Lastly, they do not have fletchings (i.e. feathers) as this would cause resistance in the water.

Tips

Unlike hunters you are not shooting your prey and tracking it for recovery, you are retrieving it via a line connected to the arrow. This means that rather than a razor-sharp broadhead designed to kill on the impact you will use a tip equipped with barbs that prevent the fish from escaping.

Reel

The reel performs two functions: it holds the line until a shot is made and may assist in retrieving the line (and the fish you have shot). There are three options available:

• Drum – this is the most basic reel design and while it holds the line until you shoot it does not aid in retrieval. After each shot you will pull in the line by hand, something which can be tiresome and even difficult should you be targeting larger species.
• Retriever reel – often referred to as a Bottle Reel, this option resembles a plastic water bottle mounted to the side of the bow with a small crank handle at the front. The line is loose in the bottle and upon shooting, plays out quickly, being stopped by a brake lever. The crank allows you to retrieve the line easier than hand over hand and without risk of injury.
• Spinning reel – this option is almost identical to the closed face spinning reels used for traditional fishing, with a push-button release at the ready and a side-handle. Before the shot, the release button is pushed and when it is time to retrieve the line you simply turn the handle, in the same manner, you would when using a pole. The adjustable drag provides more control and retrieval is faster. However, the design tends to experience more line twists and forgetting to push the release before shooting will cause a misfire and possibly an arrow to come back towards you, which can be dangerous.

Line

The specific type of line used is generally dictated by the reel you select. Drum or retriever reels often allow, and can even demand, the use of larger diameter line. Not only is thinner line harder to re-spool it can cause injury when retrieving in a hand over hand application. Spinning reels almost always use a thinner line as it needs to fit into the closed face’s smaller opening and lay onto the internal reel. Regardless of which type of line you select it will generally be much stronger than that used when targeting the same species with a traditional rod. This larger line is necessary because once you shoot the fish, it is the line alone that absorbs the fight, there is no rod to absorb the shock of a fish that runs, jumps or otherwise attempts to escape.

Accessories

While the bow, reel, arrow plus tips, and line are all that is needed to start catching fish, there are a few additional items you should consider:

Finger protection

Unlike during traditional hunting, you will not be using a release when fishing. The bow is drawn by grasping the string with your fingers, something which can result in fatigue or even injury during a full day of fishing. Many hunters opt to use a finger or shooting tab, wear a glove or install finger tabs onto the string for protection.

Arrow rest

Most bowfishing bows require a rest on which the arrow lays between shots and during the draw. There are several options available. Which option you choose depends on the bow used as well as personal preference. Use caution when attempting to use a standard arrow rest as many that are designed for traditional hunting will foul the line when fishing, something that can easily result in injury.

1. What is bowfishing?

Bowfishing is a method of fishing that utilizes specialized archery equipment to target fish. Fish are shot with a barbed arrow. The fish is then retrieved via a line that is attached at one end to the arrow and the other to a bow-mounted reel.

2. Will any bow work for bowfishing?

Yes, any bow will work for bowfishing and many beginners get started by re-purposing a bow they already have and use for hunting or target shooting. There are bows specifically designed for bowfishing and using one of these bows will often increase success and provide specific features anglers desire.

3. Can you bowfish with a recurve bow?

Yes, recurve bows are not only very popular with anglers but also well suited for the task.

4. What are some of the regulations surrounding bowfishing?

It is important to review local regulations as they are different from state to state, however, most states have regulations concerning the species of fish you may take with a bow, where you can use archery equipment and the number of fish you can possess. Of course, almost every state will require you to purchase a license as well.

5. What is the best bow for bowfishing?

Our Top Pick is the Cajun Sucker Punch which is recommended due to its all-around quality, dependability, and ease of use.

6. What is the best beginner bow for bowfishing?

The Diamond Infinite Edge is our pick for the best bow for a beginner as it provides a wide range of adjustments to draw weight and draw length, allowing it to be used by beginners of all ages.

7. What is the best cheap bowfishing bow?

The Cajun Fish Stick is an affordable bow that a beginner will not quickly outgrow. As a recurve, it is easy to shoot, and the 45-pound peak draw weight is more than powerful enough for the majority of species you will encounter.

8. What is the best women’s bowfishing bow?

The Cuda X is an excellent choice for female bow anglers as it is lightweight, compact and provides an adjustable draw weight suitable for those with a smaller frame.

9. What is the best fishing arrow?

Although the arrows you choose are as much about personal preference as design – the Muzzy Lighted Carbon Composite Arrow is an excellent choice. The carbon composite material is lighter than fiberglass without sacrificing durability, the bow can be fitted with a variety of tips and the included illuminated nocks are perfect for night fishing.

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!