Bow fishing reel suggestions

[Chuckybmd]

I’m looking to swap out my bow fishing reel. Right now I’m using a Muzzy reel, which basically is a bait casting reel. I have to activate a lever before shooting. If I forget to do that, it basically rips the string or breaks the arrow. Anybody have a real that they are particularly fond of they could recommend?

 

[Fatcamp]

Turn your drag way down to avoid those issues. I find it easier to fight fish by hand anyway.

We use AMS retriever reels but when I used a Zebco 808 that's what I did.

 

[Keith Stone]

AMS is the way to go

 

[Beendare]

I prefer the Muzzy’s…. especially on bigger carp. If you’re shooting a little fish, it’s not as big a deal.

The AMS wheels wear out and don’t give you as much leverage on the big fish

 

[bigbuckdj]

I have tried almost everything and my preference is the newer AMS zero drag reels

 

[Chuckybmd]

I prefer the Muzzy’s…. especially on bigger carp. If you’re shooting a little fish, it’s not as big a deal.

The AMS wheels wear out and don’t give you as much leverage on the big fish

I didn’t realize I had a slight advantage with the Muzzy, I’m that regard. Sort of get tripped up when I am shooting fast or getting into a pile of carp. I tend to forget to drop the lever.

 

[Chuckybmd]

Turn your drag way down to avoid those issues. I find it easier to fight fish by hand anyway.

We use AMS retriever reels but when I used a Zebco 808 that's what I did.

Not a bad suggestion at all.

 

[MattB]

I like the AMS but hand lining big carp can be hard on the hands. I carry hockey tape in my backpack to wrap the joints on my pinkies when the fishing is really good. The big carp where we shoot rarely exceed 30#.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I've never shot a carp but I've reeled in lots of good pike with my AMS reel. Thats what I'd buy if I was doing it again.

 

[BoxKrancher]

AMS, you will not regret it.

 

[Ten Bears]

just picked up a Cajun Bowfishing Reel last week. so far I am liking it. no huge carp shot yet...but it's been solid on some bowfin...

 

[Beendare]

I didn’t realize I had a slight advantage with the Muzzy, I’m that regard. Sort of get tripped up when I am shooting fast or getting into a pile of carp. I tend to forget to drop the lever.

Yeah, carry a couple extra pins easy to replace...or an extra reel.

Shoot a wad of line into the weeds and get it all tangled with an AMS and you will be cussing that thing.

Really, either is fine...I have both. The Muzzy is much faster- no question. If you miss as much as I do...the Muzzy wins- grin

 

[Chuckybmd]

Yeah, carry a couple extra pins easy to replace...or an extra reel.

Shoot a wad of line into the weeds and get it all tangled with an AMS and you will be cussing that thing.

Really, either is fine...I have both. The Muzzy is much faster- no question. If you miss as much as I do...the Muzzy wins- grin

Well I do miss a lot…

 

[thinhorn_AK]

just picked up a Cajun Bowfishing Reel last week. so far I am liking it. no huge carp shot yet...but it's been solid on some bowfin...

I had a whole Cajun bowfishing setup for a few years. It was a red recurve thing with a zebco type reel on it. It was heavy as all hell but it was good for walking the banks in the summer and shooting pike. I did blow it up once when I forgot to hit the button on the reel before shooting it.

 

[Ten Bears]

I had a whole Cajun bowfishing setup for a few years. It was a red recurve thing with a zebco type reel on it. It was heavy as all hell but it was good for walking the banks in the summer and shooting pike. I did blow it up once when I forgot to hit the button on the reel before shooting it.

This is the one I grabbed, stuck it on a PSE Mudd Dawg. So far it’s been great to shoot, weather has been hot and dry here and the morning/daytime shooting has been incredible.

 

[Griffin99]

Personal I would stick with the muzzy. I have had great luck with mine and have had no problem righting 20 lbs grass carp on them

 

[Beendare]

The one thing I have grown to really like is a spray can of line conditioner