Hey there anglers and welcome to my post where we will check out my three best bowfishing arrows for some close up action this year. As it is with the importance of a good hook when it comes to traditional fishing, a good arrow can make all the difference when bowfishing.
However as with anything to do with fishing, choosing the right option for your needs can be a daunting task. So to help you out I have had a good look around and come up with three decent options below.
Let’s check them out…
My three recommended bowfishing arrows
I will review these in more detail below, but if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are bowfishing arrows?
As the name suggests, a bowfishing arrow is an arrow used for bowfishing. They are usually composed of a strong material with a tip designed for fishing and a sliding system to which the line is fastened to allow for retrieval from the water.
Check out these: Bowfishing Bows
What should you be looking for?
The following factors should be considered as you look around for a good arrow for your bowfishing needs.
- Arrow shaft
- Arrow tip
- Arrow slide
- Nock design
- Additions
Arrow shaft
The shaft of an arrow is its body and can comprise fiberglass, carbon fiber, composite, and fiberglass stainless steel. These are outlined as follows:
- Fiberglass: These arrows are an excellent choice for beginning bowfishers on a tight budget. However, they may not last long if you plan on firing many of them. The slide stopper tearing out of the arrow and the arrow tips sliding off the arrow are two common difficulties with fiberglass arrows.
- Carbon fiber: The next bowfishing arrows are constructed of carbon fiber. These arrow shafts are recognized for being lightweight while still providing exceptional strength. However, such great quality comes at a higher cost. Carbon fiber could be the most robust arrow shaft available in terms of strength per unit of weight. The main issue with carbon fiber arrows however is that the slide stopper screw may tear off after extended use.
- Hybrid: The hybrid bowfishing arrow shaft, also known as a carbon composite, is an innovative combination of fiberglass and carbon fiber in a single arrow. The composite arrow shaft begins with a fiberglass arrow and is lined with carbon fiber for greater strength and stiffness at a lower cost than straight carbon fiber.
- Fiberglass stainless steel: This may appear unusual, but these arrows are constructed of fiberglass reinforced with stainless steel to address the arrow’s weak areas. This combination provides bowfishers the benefits of both materials in lightweight fiberglass arrows while possessing high-strength stainless steel.
Arrow tip
Bowfishing arrow tips are classified into two types: gar points and grapple (carp) points. Their capacity to pierce the skin of a fish explains their substantial difference where a Gar point will not work on Carp (it will pull out), but a Carp point will work on Gar.
- Gar arrow tips – Gar arrow tips offer the following characteristics:
- Arrow with two prongs
- Low profile for rapid penetration of tough gar scales
- Not ideal for carp, as the fish is more likely to be lost during recovery.
- Carp arrow tips – Carp arrow tips work as follows:
- This arrow’s tip is fitted with grapple-like barbs that extend after piercing the fish.
- This arrow tip works well on all fish but is difficult to remove once struck.
- The only disadvantage is that if the grappling barbs do not retract during arrow flight, it might throw your aim off.
Arrow slide
Bowfishing string is tied to the slide, and it is through the slide that the arrow is eventually recovered. The slide will migrate to the rear of the arrow after being shot, which is why a slide stopper is placed into the arrow shaft itself.
Nock design
An arrow’s nock is constructed of plastic and acts as the connection point for attaching an arrow to a bowstring. A suitable nock is snug enough to enable outstanding accuracy without becoming stuck in place. They will also remain in place rather than being pulled off on contact.
The majority of bowfishing arrow nocks are just clear bits of plastic glued to the end of the bowfishing arrow and some bowfishers use lit nocks to see where their arrows strike in the case of a miss. It can also assist an archer in retrieving an arrow if the bowfishing string snaps.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Colored shaft: This feature helps locate your arrow, especially within muddy waters.
- Easy to clean: Select bowfishing arrows that you can clean without much difficulty. Remember that fish’s flesh might cause the corrosion of your bowfishing arrows.
- Length: Because you’re not shooting long distances, arrow length isn’t an issue for the most part although most bowfishing arrows range in length from 20 to 32 inches.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Muzzy Classic Fiberglass Bowfishing Fish Arrow
This bowfishing arrow is a favorite among many bowfishers with a fiberglass shaft and bottle slide and stop installed. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Muzzy
- Shaft material: Fiberglass
- Tip: Gar
- Length: 37.5 inches
- Weight: 0.24 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Bright colored
- Bottle slide installed
Why have I chosen it?
This is a lower-cost, all-fiberglass arrow designed for soft-skinned targets. The quick-release point improves efficiency and the arrow is pre-drilled to accept cable or line attachments. To release the arrow, just twist the head or shaft.
2. AMS Bowfishing Fiberglass Arrow
My second recommended bowfishing arrow offers durability and functionality at one reasonable price. Made to perform, the bowfishing arrow is an excellent addition to your bowfishing gear. See its specifications below:
- Brand: AMS
- Shaft material: Fiberglass
- Tip: Gar
- Length: 34 inches
- Weight: 0.26 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Replaceable tip
- Safety slide installed
Why have I chosen this?
No amount of fighting, twisting or rolling will be able to move this bowfishing arrow off your target where a simple twist on the point will reverse the barbs for ease of removal. The integrated nock is robust and sized perfectly, reaching the sweet spot between tight enough for good accuracy and loose enough to stay in position. This arrow has good overall durability and is corrosion resistant as well.
3. AMS Bowfishing Ankor Quick Turn Arrows
My final arrow option is known for its penetrating power and innovative construction. It is also highly visible, so you will still see its trajectory once it hits the deep as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: AMS
- Shaft material: Fiberglass-Stainless steel
- Tip: Gar
- Length: 37 inches
- Weight: 0.31 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Bright-colored shaft
- Quick turn tip
- Safety slide installed
Why have I chosen this?
My final bowfishing arrow has an ultra-hardened tip that gives it more penetrating power. It drives deep and enters easily and the three folding barbs further improve performance because they remain locked in place until required. The fiberglass-stainless steel shaft of the arrow allows it to withstand any damage caused by bowfishing. Furthermore, the nock stays put, takes a beating without complaining, and is a perfect size—neither too tight nor too loose. Each arrow also includes a safety slide for added utility.
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4.5
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4.5
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4.5
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$24.99
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$59.99
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Conclusion
There you have it, my three best fish bowfishing arrows for your most sought-after fish. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
