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Fishing => Freshwater => Topic started by: Todd Rahm on February 17, 2018, 05:53:14 AM

Title: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Todd Rahm on February 17, 2018, 05:53:14 AM
My daughter has a Mission Bow that is a few years old from her youth league, and she has given me the go ahead to convert it in to a pike hunting arrow slinging beast.  :biggrin: (Hopefully from a kayak Jim)

Don't recall off the top of my head the model, but the draw length will adjust to my range and the poundage adjust from like 25-75lbs. (Not sure whats a good range for fishing yet) Read a lot, watched a lot and still just as confused.

I really don't want to fool around with cheaply made (Easily broken) kind of stuff. I'm guessing the retrieval system is the most important???? For pike I would like a really good real as apposed to hand lining them in.

Any tips and or suggestions or maybe a good place to find this info?

Thanks, and Ill get the bow out for a few pics when I get home.

(Jim wasn't sure which forum to put this in, so boot me to another if need be.)  :innocentwhistle:

Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: centerfire_223 on February 19, 2018, 05:56:44 AM
Go to Muzzy's website. They have the best reels available for bowfishing. They are about the size of a Zebco 808. They also have parts available to rebuild if you ever need to. I bowfished competitively for years and went through dozens of 808's, these Muzzy reels are nice, but expensive ($75). But then again an 808 is ($40). Another reel is the AMS retriever, they are good reels but I never did like them.
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Todd Rahm on February 19, 2018, 07:29:56 AM
Thanks Ronnie!!! Whats your opinion on the Cajun Sucker Punch Winch?  I'm leaning either way but figured the Cajun might be a good set up for pike since that is all I would be using it for up here. I know the rest is a must, but is the roller some add required or needed?

Thanks,
Todd

Flying in from the slope today and talked the wife into stopping at Bass Pro on the way home.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: FinsnFur on February 19, 2018, 06:50:29 PM
Quote from: Todd Rahm on February 19, 2018, 07:29:56 AM
Flying in from the slope today and talked the wife into stopping at Bass Pro on the way home.  :biggrin:

Its a start!  :laf:
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: nastygunz on February 19, 2018, 08:44:00 PM
Lotta guys go after carp with a bow in these parts.
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: centerfire_223 on February 20, 2018, 05:12:08 AM
I have not shot one so could give a good opinion. Any bow will work as long as the poundage can be turned down low. I normally run mine on 35 lbs., any stronger and you will have a heck of a time getting your arrow out of the mud. Check out the bowfishing whisker biscuit for the arrow rest. They work awesome. Never have to worry about your arrow falling off, plus it keeps tension on the bowfishing line, so it don't hang loose and get tangled up.

You will have an awesome time. Especially if you like to shoot a bow. Here on a good night, you can shoot 500 or more times in a night. Here is a little piece of advice, wear gloves on your shooting hand. That fast flight string will eat your hand alive when you are trying to get your arrow out of the mud or fighting a fish. Another tip, carry a flopper stopper (hammer or something), when you throw that fish in the boat it will try to knock the console out of it and if you have other stuff laying around on the deck. It's gone swimming!!

If you have any other questions give me a holler.
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Hawks Feather on February 20, 2018, 08:17:46 AM
Todd,

I have been following this thread and you seem to be getting some good advice.  Personally, I have found the Crocodile Dundee method of just using a small charge of dynamite to work extremely well.  I never miss and usually (depending on the amount of dynamite) can get quite a few with each try.

Just a thought.

Jerry
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: nastygunz on February 20, 2018, 06:37:00 PM
Flopper Stopper= thats a new one for me :alscalls:👍
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Todd Rahm on February 26, 2018, 01:47:42 PM
Took the daughters bow into the local arrow flinging store and had it adjusted to my draw at 35 lbs. He also put on some finger savers for me.  Picked up an Archenemy HD Reel. Archenemy Arrow Rest, and a couple of arrows this week off. I just need to order my reel seat mount and shoot thru rod tip.

I looked up the Bowfishing Association record for Alaska. and its  11.9 lbs @ 32&3/4 long for pike. I've been lucky enough to land a few well over this size and routinely see them and bigger sunning or swimming thru the shallows. So I'm hopeful.  :biggrin:  There is  a video of this pike on Youtube but I'm to dumb at this point to figure out how to post it up.
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Todd Rahm on February 26, 2018, 02:05:04 PM
Meant to mention, we can only go after pike and shefish up here. No Carp in Alaska.......that I know of?  :confused:
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Todd Rahm on March 07, 2018, 12:50:34 PM
Well ordered a TJE thru rod tip, and a Reel Seat and Line Puller/Arrow Locker from Gargods. The bow should officially be ready to rock when they get here. I'll just need to practice with it.

In the mean time I think I have watched every bowfishing video on Youtube, and I mean every.  :biggrin: Which had me making a mental note of a bucket hit list so to speak.

1. Pike (bigger the better but shooting for the state record with BAA)
2. Snakehead (Pontomic maybe?)
3. Paddle fish.
4. Alligator Gar

Make take a couple of years, but I can dream for now.  :innocentwhistle:
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Hawks Feather on March 07, 2018, 10:45:52 PM
Quote from: Todd Rahm on March 07, 2018, 12:50:34 PM
Well ordered a TJE thru rod tip, and a Reel Seat and Line Puller/Arrow Locker from Gargods. The bow should officially be ready to rock when they get here. I'll just need to practice with it.

In the mean time I think I have watched every bowfishing video on Youtube, and I mean every.  :biggrin: Which had me making a mental note of a bucket hit list so to speak.

1. Pike (bigger the better but shooting for the state record with BAA)
2. Snakehead (Pontomic maybe?)
3. Paddle fish.
4. Alligator Gar

Make take a couple of years, but I can dream for now.  :innocentwhistle:


You missed the American Alligator (not Gar).  I think you would have LOTS of FUN after you stick that arrow in a gator and start reeling it in.     :sad3:

Jerry
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: centerfire_223 on March 08, 2018, 05:56:06 AM
Gotta throw in a Carolina Catfish on the bucket list.

Here is a major tip for ya; when you think your aiming low enough, aim lower!!  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: nastygunz on March 08, 2018, 07:05:13 AM
Choot em Todd, choot em !
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Todd Rahm on March 08, 2018, 08:37:29 AM
Jerry, I haven't convinced my self to shoot something that could pull me in and eat me yet.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Hawks Feather on March 09, 2018, 01:38:13 PM
Quote from: Todd Rahm on March 08, 2018, 08:37:29 AM
Jerry, I haven't convinced my self to shoot something that could pull me in and eat me yet.  :biggrin:

Ah, come on.  I am sure you are up to the challenge.  If you are like me you have watched Tarzan kill quite a few with a knife.

Jerry
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Todd Rahm on March 09, 2018, 02:10:08 PM
Sorry Jerry, Tarzans before my time. I'm more a George Of The Jungle generation.  :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

Its on the list now.  :readthis: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Hawks Feather on March 10, 2018, 12:24:08 PM
Quote from: Todd Rahm on March 09, 2018, 02:10:08 PM
Sorry Jerry, Tarzans before my time. I'm more a George Of The Jungle generation.  :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

Its on the list now.  :readthis: :biggrin:

Kids today.  Well there was a movie called Tarzan that came out a couple of years ago.  New Tarzan, but still worth watching.  The one that I used to watch is now in a nursing home.

Jerry
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: 5 SHOTS on March 10, 2018, 05:14:17 PM
1. Pike (bigger the better but shooting for the state record with BAA)
2. Snakehead (Pontomic maybe?)
3. Paddle fish.
4. Alligator Gar


3. Paddle fish
Does this mean you are thinking about the Ft. Peck area?  :eyebrow:
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Todd Rahm on March 10, 2018, 05:49:58 PM
What ever area I get invited to.  :innocentwhistle: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: centerfire_223 on March 11, 2018, 07:32:44 AM
Any time you get ready for that catfish just let me know, you have an open invitation.
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: 5 SHOTS on March 11, 2018, 07:46:01 AM
I will do a little checking and find out more, but I know they harpoon paddlefish at the Fort Peck dredge cuts. That is about 150 miles from here. They snag paddlefish just 15 miles outside of town, at Intake, but I haven't ever heard of anyone harpooning them there.
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Todd Rahm on March 11, 2018, 09:36:07 AM
Thanks Fellas. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: FinsnFur on March 17, 2018, 11:31:13 PM
I cant believe we dont have any ShishkaBobbed fish pics posted in here yet. :laf:
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Hawks Feather on March 18, 2018, 11:37:22 AM
Todd mentioned that he had to wait till the ice was off, but I think a REAL bow fisherman would cut a hole in the ice to start practicing.   :innocentwhistle:

Jerry
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: FinsnFur on March 18, 2018, 08:45:44 PM
 :alscalls: I think they actually do that somewhere dont they?
Maybe it's spearing they do through the ice :wo:
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: coyote101 on March 18, 2018, 09:25:30 PM
Quote from: Todd Rahm on March 09, 2018, 02:10:08 PM
I'm more a George Of The Jungle generation.  :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

"Watch out for that tree!"  :laugh2:

Pat
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Todd Rahm on March 26, 2018, 10:27:17 PM
Got her together. Just got the rod tip and need to add it then I'm ready to go align the rest. (Don't pay attention to the slide on the arrow. I just slapped the arrow on for the pic.)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Todd_Rahm/Fishing/FB52A544-4D1C-468A-B05E-9ECE64FDD962_zpsyw1qfl3n.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Todd_Rahm/media/Fishing/FB52A544-4D1C-468A-B05E-9ECE64FDD962_zpsyw1qfl3n.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Todd_Rahm/Fishing/F1D9D383-423A-4FFD-B102-169E1A182700_zps4kdcuh2y.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Todd_Rahm/media/Fishing/F1D9D383-423A-4FFD-B102-169E1A182700_zps4kdcuh2y.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Todd_Rahm/Fishing/A1C14D75-E227-4ACC-9BCD-501E8F923A35_zpsozvq8r89.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Todd_Rahm/media/Fishing/A1C14D75-E227-4ACC-9BCD-501E8F923A35_zpsozvq8r89.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Todd_Rahm/Fishing/4FE12740-C80D-46B9-A5B1-27472D81FD40_zpslxpwpt8m.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Todd_Rahm/media/Fishing/4FE12740-C80D-46B9-A5B1-27472D81FD40_zpslxpwpt8m.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/Todd_Rahm/Fishing/B40B9CEC-0728-4A58-B1EF-ACB04FCFE363_zpsvsfrxmmw.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Todd_Rahm/media/Fishing/B40B9CEC-0728-4A58-B1EF-ACB04FCFE363_zpsvsfrxmmw.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: JohnP on March 27, 2018, 09:42:47 AM
As far as bowfishing goes I have no idea what I'm looking at - but it sure looks lethal.
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Todd Rahm on March 27, 2018, 09:05:48 PM
Well John, I'm sure the bow is lethal, its me that'll need the work.  :innocentwhistle:
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: centerfire_223 on March 28, 2018, 05:47:29 AM
Looks good, but for me the sight would have to go. You will see soon, they aren't much good for bowfishing. Reason being every shot changes the sighting picture. It will work ok if the fish is right on top of the water but every foot deep the fish is, requires on average of holding 4" low. So a fish 3 foot deep you will hold under it a foot. Sounds crazy but it all has to do with the light refraction of the water.

Rule of thumb, when you think your aiming low enough go another 6 inches. Good looking setup though.

I seen on another thread you may be moving to Tennessee, that is bowfishing heaven. Especially around Chattanooga, you have Lake Nickajack, Guntersville, Chickamagua. All great lakes to shoot, with huge grass carp, catfish and buffalo.
Title: Re: Bowfishing advice.
Post by: Todd Rahm on March 28, 2018, 07:16:17 AM
It might stay too long. I planned using one pin at either 10 or 20 foot until I get the hang of it. Unlike big fat carp targets, Pike will be some what stationary or slow moving in shallow water. (I hope) I have a formula written down somewhere that I got off the deep dark net. I think its kind of what you said, 4" for every foot down and double for every 10' away (or something like that). I'm sure I'll miss my fair share during the learning curve.

Yeah, I would like to move sooner then later but the wife is thinking later.  :innocentwhistle: I'm just trying to do a little state research and I'll probably make a few scouting trips.  :biggrin: