Bowfishing reels – Buying guide, Reviews & Comparison
If you want to find the best fishing gear, but you don’t have time to go through the buying tips and reviews prepared by our research team, this short paragraph should tell you everything you need to know about the best bowfishing reels. After analyzing a lot of feedback coming from both amateur and professional fishermen, we have concluded that the AMS Tournament Retriever Pro is the best because it comes with a 4.3 to 1 gear ratio so you can rely on a smooth performance, along with having the power you need to securely set your hook. To make the reel a little easier to use and to increase leverage, it comes with a longer handle than some similar models. You will also appreciate the fact that all of the mounting hardware is included with your purchase. If the AMS Tournament Retriever Pro is unavailable, you should consider the AMS Retriever Pro as it is a reliable alternative both in terms of performance and quality.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
Due to the fact that it is designed with the needs of beginners and expert anglers in mind, this retriever style bowfishing reel is remarkably easy to utilize. Plus, it features a longer handle than many of its competitors. The sturdy Dacron line can allow you to begin your fishing adventure right after opening the box.
Some anglers have complained about the fact that this particular model costs more than others in the same line.
Given that it offers impressive value for the price and has been praised by the people who have purchased and used it, this product might be worth considering.
2nd Best
This right handed reel is also convenient and user-friendly as it seems to be intended for beginning fishermen and women. It’s durable, lightweight, and comes with virtually everything that you will require in order to mount it on your bow. It’s slightly more affordable than the Tournament unit.
Because the retriever is a lot faster compared to other reels, it might take a bit of time getting used to. This is not a drawback per se.
Many owners say that this unit is a must for bow fishing especially if you’re looking for performance and successful trips every time.
Also To Consider
This hybrid style reel is convenient and reasonably priced, which is why you might appreciate it a bit more if you find it impossible to spare around one hundred dollars on a bowfishing reel. It has smooth performance and a stainless steel construction that makes it withstand the test of time.
Some owners reported that the drag and tensioning system seemed a bit weak when they tested the reel for the first time.
This ambidextrous hybrid reel seems to be worth your decision-making journey as it’s easy to use, versatile, and appears to offer plenty of reliability.
3 Best Bowfishing Reels (Reviews) in 2023
Bowfishing reels are a necessity if you really want to be successful at this fun activity, and there are several makes and models to choose from. While we can’t choose your gear for you we can help you make an informed decision, which is why we have the best bow fishing reels showcased below.
1. Ams Bowfishing Ams Fiberglass Arrow
This retriever style bowfishing reel is perfect for beginners and experienced anglers. It is designed to be extremely easy to use, and comes with a bottle that keeps your line in place.
Not only do you not have to worry about your line tangling, it also helps to ensure it flows smoothly when you fire an arrow at a fish. You will also appreciate the fact that this reel comes with a longer handle which helps increase your leverage and makes it a little easier to use.
Since it comes with sturdy Dacron line you are ready to start fishing as soon as the reel is mounted. It also comes with everything you need to mount the reel onto your bow. There is even a convenient owner’s manual that will walk you through the simple steps. With a gear ratio of 4.3 to 1 you can enjoy a smooth performance every time you fire an arrow and reel it back in. If you are interested in bowfishing as well as surf fishing you can take a look at these guys and use them together with this reel so that you’ll get the most out of both experiences.
Pros
This reel has an excellent gear ratio of 4.3 to 1, to help you get your arrow back really quick. This is fast enough for your bowfishing to turn you into a professional if you’re not one yet.
The longer handle is a nice feature since it allows you better leverage. For a fast retrieve, that is a pretty good idea when you don’t know exactly what you’re dealing with.
The setup kit they give you to go with the reel is really good. It includes some good quality line beside the telescoping clamp, quiver mount, and others. All you have to do is continue reading to find out what fishing jacket will suit you best so that you can get started on bowfishing.
This reel is easy to install, especially since it already has everything it needs. You can practically go fishing right after you get the delivery.
Cons
It is a bit pricier, compared to other reels, but the bucks seem to cover the high quality of the product.
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2. Ams 610 Retriever Pro Bow Fishing Ree
Whether you are a beginner or a pro at this sport, this retriever style reel might be just what you are looking for. Like most AMS gear it is constructed in the USA so you can rest assured that it is a good value for your money.
The handle is designed to be easy and convenient to reach so you can concentrate on your target on not on your gear. It should be mentioned that this is a right handed reel and might not be suited for all anglers, but if it fits, you can always use a good rod and reel combo alongside it for your boating travels.
It comes with everything you need to mount the reel, including a convenient instructional manual. Lightweight, durable and easy to use, this bowfishing reel will help make your next trip a success.
Pros
This is just as well adapted for beginners and advanced bowfishing fans. If you have in mind purchasing it for a kid or a woman, you’re on the right track, as the simple features that it holds recommend it.
The retrieve is fast and easy to operate. All you have to do is pull the trigger and turn the handle. You can’t go much easier than that.
The retriever has good quality, and that is ensured by the use of top materials, whose list comprises heavy duty brass gear, aluminum trigger, stainless steel fasteners and composite housing.
The line is very good, some would say unbreakable. That’s one more reason why you can use the retriever for a long time.
Cons
It makes a loud noise when you shoot, and that is unpleasant and counterproductive.
The line can get tangled in the bottle sometimes, which lessens the efficiency of the bowfishing expedition.
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3. Cajun Hybrid Bowfishing Reel AFR1300
Left and right hand anglers will find this hybrid style reel easy and convenient to use. It is also designed to be operated with one hand so you can keep the other one free to help land the fish.
The handle is designed to be easy to use, and it will provide you with just the right amount of leverage when you are releasing the line. Since it comes with 25 yards of 250lb test line you can start fishing as soon as the reel is mounted to your bow.
To ensure a smooth performance every time you have the advantage of the 4 stainless steel ball bearings. Their stainless steel construction also ensures that they are resistant to rust and corrosion so you can safely use this reel for fresh and saltwater applications.
Pros
The aluminum finish is sturdy and nice. It gives a better feel that the composite used in other reels.
This hybrid reel is conceived for the use of both right handed and left handed people. While you have to choose the exact type of retriever when buying another brand, you can rely on this item no matter what sort of user it is destined for.
It’s got good retrieve that works relatively fast. In other words, it does exactly what it is supposed to.
The price is better than for other bowfishing reels. If you want something more affordable or you’re not ready to spend all that much on a casual bowfishing expedition, consider this as an alternative.
Cons
Unlike the AMS series, these have a more difficult setup. It’s not rocket science, but adjusting it may take more than you’d expect.
The line gets tangled in the reel sometimes, and that is a drawback for most owners.
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Buying guide
Bowfishing is a unique sport that can be fun and challenging. After all, you are trying to shoot and retrieve a fish with what is essentially a bow and arrow. If you want to try your luck at this exciting activity, you are going to need the right type of fishing reel. In this buying guide you will find the information you need to choose the best bowfishing reel for the money.
Budget
One of the first aspects to consider is your budget. You can find these reels at a variety of price points, and deciding on a set spending limit will help narrow down your options. If you are just starting out or not really sure that this is a sport you want to stick with, you will probably want to look for an inexpensive basic model. You can always upgrade if you decide that bowfishing is the sport for you. If you do decide to buy a cheap bowfishing reel it is still important to make sure that it is constructed from quality materials so it will last more than one or two trips.
Type
There are three main types of bowfishing reels, and one is not necessarily better than the others. Ones that are classified as “hand wrapped” are usually recommended for beginners since these reels are simply taped to the bow. Retriever bowfishing reels are also easy to operate, but they are priced a little higher than the hand wrap models.
If you are an experienced bow fisherman or are positive that this is a sport you are going to stick with, you might want to spend a little extra on a spincast reel. While these reels are priced higher than the other types, they are faster and more accurate.
Other considerations
There are a few other aspects to consider when you are looking for the best reels for bowfishing. Reels that can be operated with one hand can give you a distinct advantage when you are trying to retrieve an active fish. Some reels also come with an ambidextrous design so they can be easily used by right and left hand anglers. Multiple ball bearings help to assure a smooth and reliable performance, and you also want to pay attention to the gear ratio.
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