In a Hurry? Our Top 3 Picks to Buy!
Are you one of those hunters who find catching a fish with hooks and baits to be a boring sport? Or are you a fan of archery? Then, Bowfishing is your thing.
Good bows, reels, and arrows are what’ll make your experience fun and indulging. If you’re interested or a beginner, then for trying this fun, finding the right bow is challenging.
Although you might have used a bow and arrow for hunting deer, it differs from those as it has to travel through water. Therefore, there are various features you’ve to consider to select an excellent bow for bow fishing.
Here we listed the Top 10 Best Bowfishing Bows in 2022 based on in-depth research and top reviews.
Comparison Chart for top 10 Bowfishing Bows
| Bow | Draw Weight (lbs) | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzy Vice | 60 | Right | View on Amazon |
| CenterPoint AVCT 40K Typhon | 55 | Right & Left | View on Amazon |
| Cajun Sucker Punch | 50 | Right & Left | View on Amazon |
| PSE Kingfisher | 50 | Right | View on Amazon |
| AMS Hooligan | 45 | Right & Left | View on Amazon |
| Barnett BAR1105MO Vortec | 45 | Right | View on Amazon |
| Cajun Bowfishing Shore | 45 | Right | View on Amazon |
| Cajun Fish Stick | 45 | Right | View on Amazon |
| PSE Archery D3 | 40 | Right & Left | View on Amazon |
| D&Q Archery | 70 | Right | View on Amazon |
Which are the 10 Best Bowfishing Bows In 2023?
1. Muzzy Vice Bowfishing Kit
| Muzzy Bowfishing Vice Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Draw Length | 24.5″ – 31″ |
| Draw Weight | 30 – 60 lbs |
| Weight | 3.8 lbs |
| Let-off | 75% |
| Axle to Axle Length | 30″ |
| Hand | RH |
This kit is a premium package with its trademark quality built to reel in the big fish. The reel is attached to the bow, that is a 30-inches long axle. It has an adjustable draw weight of 30 to 60 pounds.
It shoots an arrow at speeds up to 320 fps. Moreover, it features a professional push-button reel, pre-spooled with 150 feet of 150 pounds tournament line.
It features a smooth, easy-to-use activation system with an easy, smooth line feed for impressive accuracy and easy retrieval. Furthermore, an included fish hook arrow rest proffers the shooter confidence, even in the most challenging situation.
It comes with a specially designed Carp tip to deliver excellent forcing on soft-fleshed fish. This Vice Kit includes Muzzy’s ultra-comfortable and finger-saving green glove-free rubber finger guards that make for accurate shooting even with wet hands.
Reasons To Buy
- Excellent finger guards on the string.
- Offers a professional set up.
- It is highly adjustable.
- All-in-one kit to get you out on the water shooting fish.
Reasons To Avoid
- It is only a right-hand model.
What’s the bottom line?
This Muzzy Bowfishing Vice Bow is a convenient gear to instantly get the target out of the water. It delivers not just convenience but also makes room for enjoyment while doing the practical shooting.
2. CenterPoint AVCT 40K Typhon Bow
| CenterPoint AVCT 40K Typhon Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Draw Length | 19” – 29” |
| Draw Weight | 15 – 55 lbs |
| Weight | 3.30 lbs |
| Let-off | – |
| Axle to Axle | 28.0″ |
| Hand | RH or LH |
Durable and deadly easy-to-maneuver fishing bow by CenterPoint brings everything in its kit you need for fishing. The CenterPoint Typhon comes with a spin-cast wheel that is adjustable and preferable for both left handed and right-handed retrieves. The 33-inch fibreglass arrows with quick relief carp tip, a Whisker Biscuit with durable aluminium casing saves for sure grip on the rope. This high-grade bow kit comes with top-class components that make you a pro in fishing and bring in your prize.
The Typhon adjustable pull out weight and pull out length permit anyone full ease. The bow has a waterproof body with a Dyneema line that will not sense water. The compact design with just 3.3 lbs weight make it easy to carry in the boat or on the beach. This CenterPoint bow is perfect for novices and experienced fishers who love to enjoy sports.
Reasons To Buy
- Premium material.
- Waterproof body.
- Adjustable spin-cast reel.
- Offers excellePerfect bow for beginners and experienced.
- Well balanced and durable.
- Easy to carry.
- High-quality package.
Reasons To Avoid
- Grips could be better.
What’s the bottom line?
This CenterPoint Typhon Bow is a well-designed gear with practical features, good balance, and fully adjustable traits. A perfect set-up for anyone looking to make the shift from an entry-level kit.
3. Cajun Bowfishing Sucker Punch Bow Package
| Cajun Bowfishing Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Draw Length | 17″ – 31″ |
| Draw Weight | 50 lbs |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Let-off | 60% |
| Axle Width | 32¼” |
| Hand | RH or LH |
This Cajun Fish Stick Sucker Package is a complete kit with a bow, a reel, an arrow and a crank. It features interchangeable draw modules – a draw specific module and a constant draw module. You can switch between them and use a constant cam module for snap shooting when you don’t want any time for aiming.
It is made for right-handed individuals, with a 50 pound pull weight that is factory set to a maximum of 50 pounds. It is more than enough to stick the majority of fish and comfortable to hold when drawn. It is one of the best Bowfishing bows for a great adventure.
It is easy to retrieve, with a crank that pulls the line onto a winch when retrieving it. This bow features deep cam grooves to prevent the derailed strings. It comes with everything you will need for fishing. The bow kit includes Fishing Biscuit Arrow Rest, Cajun Hybrid Bowfishing reel, Cajun Blister Buster Finger Pads, fiberglass arrows with piranha tips.
Reasons To Buy
- Easy, crank, and reel retrieval.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Solid build with good quality material and design.
- Offers excellent adjustability and versatility.
Reasons To Avoid
- Grips could be better.
- It is prone to tangling.
What’s the bottom line?
This excellent Cajun fish stick Punch Bow features a powerful drawing weight with smooth, dual-action that you need. However, it is a bit complicated to set up, as it is solid as a rock. It comes in both left and right handed options.
4. PSE Archery The Kingfisher 56″ Bow
| PSE Kingfisher 56″ Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Draw Length | 56″ |
| Draw Weight | 40 – 50lbs |
| Brace Height | 7″ |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs |
| Let-off | – |
| Axle Width | – |
| Hand | RH |
Get up for fishing with this PSE Kingfisher Right Hand fishing bow. The complex design is built to serve. Its limbs are wrapped in a DK’D camo pattern. It helps you to keep covered in the forest. This Kingfisher bow is an affordable and multi-use gear. You can endure the complete show with it.
It has an ideal 56″ length for excellent manoeuvring while on the water. Also, it comes with an accuracy machined riser. It is a multipurpose bow that can also use for shooting deer.
Besides that, it contains some unique traits that let you use it as archery too. Its classic design makes it more attractive and easy to transport. The suitable pull out weight from 40 to 50 lbs ensures long-distance fishing and shooting. Overall the package comprises of following accessories –
- Arrow with Safety Stop and Safety Slide.
- Drum Reel with 66 feet of the 60-pound test line
- Tide Chaser Rest.
- Finger Savers.
Reasons To Buy
- The multipurpose bow used for archery or deer Hunting.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Affordable and great value for money.
- Attractive covering for all season.
- Long fishing line.
Reasons To Avoid
- The strings are quite noisy.
What’s the bottom line?
The performance of Kingfisher 56″ Recurve Bow is undoubtedly great, and you can expect this from it. Its actual shoot, lightweight body, and multipurpose trait make it best for deer hunting and fishing.
5. AMS Water Moc Recurve Bowfishing Kit
| AMS Moc Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Draw Length | 28″ |
| Draw Weight | 45 lbs |
| Brace Height | 7-3/4″ |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs |
| Let-off | – |
| Axle Length | 58″ |
| Hand | RH |
To take down the big fish with your fantastic shooting skills, you need an AMSBowfishing Bow. The lightweight body with machined magnesium riser, and fully covered wood limb, make this bowfishing bow durable to deliver long-life in any condition. However, the limbs bolts are designed to be removed by hand easily. Pulling the bowstring and limbs bolts make the bow more convenient for storage.
The package covers a white fiberglass arrow with Chaos FX point, the Tidal Wave arrow rest, and green finger guards installed on the string. With the help of AMS Retriever TNT reel with 35 yards and 350 lbs weight, set-up gets easier. It is a super light, waterproof and best bow in this range.
Reasons To Buy
- Powder-coated riser.
- Lightweight and durable bow.
- Fully laminated limbs.
- Fast and silent takedown.
- High-performance bow.
- Waterproof and sleek design.
Reasons To Avoid
- No left-hand version is in the market yet.
- Difficult to aim with recurve bow due to absence of scope.
What’s the bottom line?
This Bow is a sleek and robust fishing bow with all the helpful accessories included in the kit. This bow aims to fulfil the desire of fisher to get a smooth handling and sharp shoots by a single arrow.
6. Barnett BAR1105MO Vortec Youth Archery Bow
| Barnett Vortec Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Draw Length | 21″-27″ |
| Draw Weight | 19-45 lbs |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
| Let-off | 60-70% |
| Axle Width | 28″ |
| Hand Orientation | RH |
Barnett is a leader in the industry of crossbow manufacture. This Vortex bow is perfect for seasoned bowhunters and even for beginners. Though it is crafted for people under age 18, it is deadly to people & animals.
It has great adjustable features that’ll enable you to target any prey you want. The drawing weight can be adjusted from 19 lbs to 45 lbs, which is quite a good range. However, it doesn’t work well for someone who is extremely tall and has long arms. Furthermore, it offers much forgiveness and convenience with its better design than the other Vortec model. This compact, small bow is great for bowfishing. A large bow doesn’t work well in the boat, canoe, or a dense brush bank.
Reasons To Buy
- Solid build.
- Very spotty, durable, and lively appearance.
- Easy to handle.
- Excellent performance, accuracy, and speed.
- Easy to adjust pull out weight and length.
- It comes with a packaging carry-case.
Reasons To Avoid
- Only for youth bow fishers.
- Only for right-handed users.
What’s the bottom line?
To make your champ expert like you as a bow fisher, then this Vortec bow is the proper equipment. It is designed with the teen shooter in mind, with flexible let-off, superb pull out weight, and length.
7. Cajun Bowfishing Shore Runner
| Cajun Shore Runner Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Draw Length | 29″ |
| Draw Weight | 45 lbs |
| Braces Height | 7.25″ |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs |
| Let-off | – |
| Axle Width | 31. 5″ |
| Hand | RH |
The Shore Runner Kit gives you all the high-performance basic tools you needed for bow fishing. It covers a bow with Arrow Rest, Bowfishing Reel, Reel Seat, Blister Buster Finger Pads, and more. In addition, it also holds a Piranha arrow and point.
This bow is 4.5 pounds and has a fair 7.25″ braces height. This makes it kinder and easier to pull the target. The bow is just about 31.5″ axel-to-axel which makes it compact enough to shoot even in close areas. At a 45lb pull weight it knocks down the big games without affecting your shoulder. All and all, the grip is super comfortable, and fingertips preserve your comfort all day.
Reasons To Buy
- Ready To Fish Bowfishing kit.
- Doesn’t need a bow press for changes.
- Deliver consistent shots.
- Simple and easy-to-use bow.
- Great value for money.
- Face any weather condition.
Reasons To Avoid
- Need to upgrade the reel ASAP.
What’s the bottom line?
This Cajun Shore Runner Bow is a good option for durable performance, especially for beginners and young youth. It is a versatile bow with mountable additions and accessories you need to sharpen up your game.
8. Cajun Fish Stick Take-Down Bowfishing Bow
| Cajun Fish Stick Take-Down Bowfishing Bow Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Draw Length | 56″ |
| Draw Weight | 45 lbs |
| Axle to Axle | 31″ |
| Color | Multi-color |
| Dimensions | 34.5 x 6.5 x 1.5″ |
The Cajun Fish Stick Take-Down Bowfishing bow is suitable for sticking everything from carp to gator gar. It features a high grade aluminum riser and takes down limbs. The length of this fishing stick is 56 inches, and its draw weight is 45 pounds.
This package comes with a variety of accessories, including a spine doctor reel, reel seat, brush fire arrow rest, and Piranha arrow and point. It has a no slip rubber grip, and Buster finger pads offer reliable shots.
Reasons To Buy
- Kryptek Camo.
- 56 Inches In length.
- Aluminum Riser And Take- Down Limbs.
- Piranha Arrow Provides Quick Fish Removal.
- 45-lbs Draw Weight Ensures Consistency Shots.
Reasons To Avoid
- Doesn’t Come with Assembly Instruction.
What’s the bottom line?
This cajun fish stick package and take- down design has everything that you want. It gives a consistent shot for every time with a blister bluster and non-sleep finger pad.
9. PSE Archery D3 Bowfishing Compound Bow
| PSE D3 Bowfishing Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Draw Length | Up To 30” |
| Pull out Weight | 40 lbs |
| Weight | 30 lbs |
| Let-off | – |
| Axle Width | 30″ |
| Hand | RH & LH |
Here is another product from PSE, the D3 bowfishing bow designed for every shooter. This highly adjustable bow can hold up to 30″ pull out length that delivers excellent snap shooting. The bow comes loaded with handy essentials like Snapshot Rest, Cajun Winch Pro Reel and 1 Arrow that enhance the performance.
This is a tough and durable bowfishing bow much better than recurve bows. Its 30″ axel-to-axel width and 40 lbs pull weight make it suitable enough for the real shot. It makes the ultimate value for anyone who wants to get into the sports of bow fishing.
Reasons To Buy
- Highly adjustable compound bow.
- An ultimate value for money.
- A complete fish kit.
- For both hand users.
- Tough and durable.
Reasons To Avoid
- A bit noisy.
What’s the bottom line?
This PSE D3 bow is for everyone from beginners to experts and youth. Its adjustable design makes it deliver snapping shoots. That is why this bow ranks on our list with an incredible price that values your wants.
10. D&Q Recurve Bowfishing Bow
| D&Q Bowfishing Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Draw Length | up to 30″ |
| Draw Weight | 30-70 lbs |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs |
| Let-off | – |
| Axle Width | – |
| Hand | RH |
Bows are not a toy, and especially this multipurpose D&Q bow. It is a powerful bow with solid arrows for adults and experts. This bow is not so difficult as compare to compound bow but feel very firm in hands. However, it is handy to hold with tight ends. The aluminum riser is sturdy and feels comfy even at full draw.
This hunting bow is too easy to assemble and disassemble. This trait makes its best for storage and transport. In addition to this, you will get installed brass bushing and other types of upgrades too. Shooting with this bow is something exciting, thanks to its quiet and flexible limbs. The only downside of this bow is that it can serve only right-handed hunters.
Reasons To Buy
- Convenient to hold.
- Firm and rigid ends.
- Flexible and silent limbs.
- Great shooting range.
- Pre-loaded with all you need.
- Well built construction.
- It’s easy to set-up and disassemble.
Reasons To Avoid
- Only for right-handed hunters.
What’s the bottom line?
Another great package is the D&Q Archery bow that has everything you need to start hunting fishes. This bow’s design is done with everyone’s type of hunters in mind to enjoy bowfishing at their best.
How To Choose The Best Bowfishing Bow?
Types of Bow
The model of bow you want depends on your hunting style. Not all kinds of bow and arrow are suitable for fish hunting.
Recurve Style
The recurve style bow is the most popular for fish hunting and field target shooting. It comes with a long curved object that had been skillfully made to aid shooting. It is light in weight and easy to use. If you are buying a recurve bow, ensure that it has a stabilizer hole for smooth draw.
Compound Bow
Bow fishing with a compound one is very easy as it is light in weight. One of the biggest advantages of shooting with a bow is that they have an adjustable pull weight. You can set it to your comfort zone, and there is no struggle drawing the bow. It is similar to fishing with a recurve bow. These compound bows are great for advanced hunters, who want up to the par velocity in their hunt.
Crossbow Bowfishing
Crossbow Bowfishing is an excellent way to get a young shooter or even the disabled shooters into the fishing expedition. It is suitable for beginners, but it takes practice and patience. However, it isn’t the fastest way to catch a fish to the boat. The crossbow with 100 to 170 pounds of drawing weight is easy to draw.
If you want the bowfishing bow to perfectly meet your needs and make your fishing session more fun. Here are a few factors you must consider while buying :
Type of Fish You’ll Be Hunting
When people talk about fishing with a bow, they usually mean fishes like bighead carp, grass carp, common carp, paddlefish, alligator gar, etc. Also, they hunt for rays and sharks from saltwater. Both of these types of fishes need bows with different strength or capabilities.
A bow with less strength can’t handle a more vital, faster, or too big fish. By determining the type of fish, you’ll catch first and help you narrow down your choices of features for the bows.
Weight
When selecting a bow fishing-bow, try to look for something that you can carry for extended limits. If you cannot take the bow, you won’t be able to shoot with the accuracy that requires for catching the fish.
A lightweight bow is better as it won’t strain your arm as much. Therefore, make sure to check the weight of the bow so you carry it easily. Otherwise, you’ll end up with an empty bucket and tired hands.
Length
It would help if you decided the length of the bow you’ll be using. If you use a bow that is too short or too long, then you’ll feel uncomfortable. The bow length also determines the strength needed and power provided to some extent.
Fast Draw
It is an essential factor of the best bowfishing bow, and you require a bow that’ll help you make accurate shots in the shortest time. A top-grade bow should allow for fast and easy drawing and snap-shots, or when you let go of the bow without having to do a full draw.
The pull out weight should be adjustable from around 20-40 pounds. However, the more is the pull weight, the larger the fishes you can target.
Brace Height
The shorter height helps to create more bolt speed, and the more extended height decreases speed. It also leads to bow forgiveness. Most manufacturers provide the bows with a standard or general braces height.
Durability
A bow is worthless if it isn’t durable. The best bowfishing bow and reel should be stronger enough to endure your catch’s work. Moreover, the line shouldn’t snap, as this would mean that you have lost both your catch and your bolt. Therefore whatever features are built in a way to stay functional for a long time.
Accessories
There are several accessories you can expect to come with the bow. For instance, a good pair of gloves may help you protect your hands when reeling in your seafood. Or sunglasses will help you to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays that reflect in the water. Therefore consider these accessories and decide if you have a particular need to have any of them.
Parts of the Bow
A Fishing Bow doesn’t only look like a hunting bow. Despite serving the same goal, the bow must travel through various mediums that hunting needs. It comes with few changes in the build-up. Therefore here is a complete look into the structure and function of each part.
Bowfishing Arrows
The bowfishing bow arrows need to go through water and then attack their prey. Therefore it requires to be stronger than the usual hunting arrows.
Their frame is built from solid aluminum, arrows with fiberglass, or carbon fiber. Also, they don’t have fletches as they don’t need air stabilization.
Line
Generally, the line is attached to the bolt. It is built from braided nylon, Dacron, or Spectra. Their weights may vary from 80 to 600 pounds, depending on how big the target is.
Reel
There are three basic reels for bow fishing that you can select from.
- Wrap drum reel: The wrap reel is the cheapest option and needs you to retrieve the line manually. However, it is the slowest one, so there are fewer chances of successfully hitting a quick swimming target if you use this reel.
- Spincast reel: It is similar to the spin of a traditional fishing rod. It looks like the hand crank reels of regular fishing poles. This type of reel has a faster mechanism than hand-wind reels.
- Retriever reel: It is the best and most expensive type of rotation. Most fishers prefer this one. It is the retriever or bottle type reel, where the line is put in a bottle and then attached to the arrow.
It makes the arrow shoot faster and avoids knots and tangles that may happen if you keep the line around a spool. It is best used for catching alligators.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many pounds does a bow need for bowhunting?
Extra weight will cause you much fatigue while bowfishing. To prevent this thing from happening, choose gears that fall within 30 to 40 pounds because of carp and gar, and you won’t make you carry heavy hunting weight.
2. What does let off means in a compound bow?
A compound bow will provide you with the option to use a “let off” or no “let off” features. When a bow has a let-off, that means they can adjustable to the slowest shooting speed. On the Other side, The bow with no let-off means a bow with a higher speed.
