Table of Contents
Top 5 Best Budget Bowfishing Bows
- 1. Cajun Fish Stick Take-Down Bowfishing Bow Set
- 2. PSE ARCHERY the Kingfisher 56″ Recurve Bow Set
- 3. Muzzy Bowfishing vice Bowfishing Kit
- 4. D&Q Archery Recurve Bowfishing Bow
- 5. AMS Bowfishing Water Moc Recurve Bowfishing Kit
A good Bowfishing bow will help hunters expand their territory and improve their archery skills. The sport is, of course, also similar to archery. However, it requires a combination of hunting, archery, and fishing skills, which makes the sport much more exciting than simple throwing and rolling activities with a rod and a reel. Here we have put on a list of the top 5 Best Budget Bowfishing Bows.
You can hunt many different fresh and saltwater species with a fishing bow, including paddle, carp, grass carp, flounder, catfish, Redfish, Dickkopf Carp, Flounder, and many others. If you are a beginner or want to replace or upgrade your bow, you should find one here that will suit your needs.
Keep in mind that some Bowfishing bows are pre-assembled which are suitable for beginners and experts alike and many need to be assembled which are suitable for professionals only. There are models that are made for right-handers only and Bowfishing bows for left-handers are hard to come by. Also, you can find bows that can be adjusted in length. However, it would be best if you were careful to draw the length and be aware of how comfortable your reach is.
Here we will give you a rundown on what factors are necessary for selecting a bowfishing bow. With many options on the market, it could not be very clear to choose one. But, before that, we will carefully discuss our top pick of best budget bowfishing bows, their functions, specifications, and at the end, we will answer some of your questions.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 best budget bowfishing bows to make your bow fishing experience even more enjoyable.
1. Cajun Fish Stick Take-Down Bowfishing Bow Set
The Cajun Fish stick bow fishing bow is ideal for starters and professional bow fishers. This bow is made out of lightweight materials such as composite limbs and an aluminum riser. Being one of the most powerful bows around, it can shoot the arrow further underwater with accurate shots every time and a smooth pull, whether it is swamp or clear waters.
To make for easy transportation, you can easily disassemble the Cajun bow into three parts and carry it everywhere, conveniently making your fishing gear lighter. Its assembling is also easy as the process is simple and hardly any time. The assembled bow measures 56 inches long and requires 45 lbs of force to draw the bow.
You can have this bow with all the accessories included with it, such as a drum reel with line, roller rest, and arrow with Piranha point. The bow has a non-slip rubber grip attached to it to make sure you hit your fish with every shot without the possibility of the bow slipping from your hands. In addition, the blister buster finger protection pad will keep your fingers safe even after many shots.
You can also upgrade this bowfishing bow as the aluminum riser has threaded holes for sight and reel attachments.
The Cajun fish stick made our list because of its simple and convenient use and transportation, and it can be used without any problems by beginners and professionals. In addition, it is a powerful bow that is reasonably priced is one of the best budget bowfishing bows on our list.
Pros
- Comes in a complete take-down kit.
- High-quality aluminum riser and synthesized limbs.
- Ideal for beginners and professionals.
- Very powerful.
- Anti-slip grip and blister protection.
- Customizable design.
Cons
- No left-handed options.
2. PSE ARCHERY the Kingfisher 56″ Recurve Bow Set
The PSE Archery Kingfisher is another bow on our list that is suitable for those who are new to the bowfishing sport. This recurve bow will give the perfect pleasure for bow fishing you’ve been searching for. Its precision and reliability shoot the arrow through the water at high speeds to land a fish with every shot.
The machined aluminum riser has an arrow rest built into it for target accuracy, coupled with the composite camo-printed limbs; it weighs around 2.7 pounds and measures 56 inches, allowing easy carrying. The overall build is durable and can withstand any harsh environment.
Out of the box, you can use it straight away and shoot some fish out of the water as the bowfishing bow comes assembled. You can also disassemble it for easy carriage. So its assembling and disassembling don’t require rocket science, and it’s simplified for everyone.
The accessories included with the kingfisher bow fishing bow are a spool with 66 feet 60 lbs test line that is enough for any sized fish to be hauled in. Its 32-inch arrow has a safety stop and safety slide feature, which means the fish cannot escape once hit. In addition, you get 45 lbs of draw weight which can penetrate the arrow through some hard scale such as an alligator gar.
The tide chaser rest of the PSE kingfisher bow provides a firm grip on the aluminum riser. It ensures stability even after a long draw. The finger saver keeps blisters away and makes it easy for you to take repeated shots. This bow fishing bow is only available for right-handed use only.
Being affordable and with many features for novice and pro users, the PSE Kingfisher has the best budget bowfishing bows with camo print.
Pros
- Attractive all-season camo design.
- Durable material.
- Powerful bow with high draw weight and length.
- 32inch arrow with safety stop and slide.
- Budget-friendly price.
Cons
- Not suitable for left-handers.
3. Muzzy Bowfishing Vice Bowfishing Kit
Muzzy is one of the premium manufacturers of fishing bows and is well-known in the sportfishing community. Their Vice bowfishing kit with a compound bow is one of their best budget bowfishing bows. The best feature that we like is the adjustability of the bow and the quality accessories included in the package.
You can adjust the draw length from 15 – 31 inches, and that also increases the draw weight ranging from 15 – 60 lbs. This powerful draw weight can propel the arrow at an impressive speed of 320 feet per second to target the fish deep beneath the water surface. These adjustable features are incorporated for shooters of all heights and skill levels.
The Vice bowfishing bow has a compound material construction that makes it super light weighing in at only 3.8 lbs. It has a 30-degree axle-to-axle design and has a 7.5-inch brace height.
The Vice bowfishing kit comes with Muzzy’s XD Pro Reel. This durable stainless-steel spin-style reel offers an integrated reel seat and is pre-spooled with 150 feet of the 150-pound line, which means longer shots can land big fish. The push-button feature makes the casting of the line and spooling back easy. This bow fishing bow also comes equipped with a fishhook arrow rest that gives stability and confidence to you even in tough fishing conditions.
A bow is incomplete without an arrow, and the Vice bowfishing kit has a fiberglass quick-release carp point tip to penetrate any kind of fish. In addition, the glove-free rubber finger guard on the string keeps your finger from getting hurt and provides accurate shooting with wet hands.
The affordability and cool accessories with adjustable features are the best budget bowfishing bowls for beginners and professionals.
Pros
- Suitable for all skill levels.
- Hard-hitting compound bow.
- Complete bowfishing bow kit.
- Complete adjustability.
- It comes with fish hooks rest and finger savers.
- Comes with a push-button reel and 150 feet length line.
Cons
- This is a right-handed model (a left-handed model is also available, though)
4. D&Q Archery Recurve Bowfishing Bow
Here we have another one of the recurve bowfishing bows in the shape of D&Q Archery. It is a quality bow fishing bow that is suitable for starters in this sport and for professionals as well. It is reasonably priced and provides many bowfishing pleasures that place the D&Q Archery bow number four on our list of best budget bowfishing bows.
The riser on this D&Q Archery fishing bow is machined out of metal alloy, and the limbs are fiberglass laminated, making them tough and water-resistant. The overall bow design provides better performance, precision, stability, and more power for each shot consistently.
This bowfishing bow has a classic design that is portable and can be carried anywhere. It can be assembled and disassembled fairly easily. You have the ability to choose from a 30 or 40lbs pull force on the string, which packs quite a punch.
The accessories provided with the D&Q recurve bow are impressive. We will start with the metal fishing reel, which is pre-spooled which rests on metal wheel feet. The reel has a gear ratio: 3.3:1, Line capacity: 10 lbs / 100 yds, Wheel size: Diameter: 2.5 inch, Length: 3.8 inch, Height: 3 inch, Wheel feet size: 2.5*0.57 inch.
You get an arm and finger guard along with the reel, a bow stabilizer, an arrow rest brush, an aiming needle and needle board, and six arrows. With all these accessories, it deserves to be on our list of best budget bowfishing bows.
Pros
- Well built, durable construction.
- Easy to set up and dismantle.
- Choice of draw weights available.
- Ergonomic riser.
- Loads of accessories.
Cons
- Yet again, this model is for right-hand use only.
5. AMS Bowfishing Water Moc Recurve Bowfishing Kit
AMS are the pioneers of bowfishing, and with their, Water Moc recurve bowfishing bow, we know that it has to be the best one. The price may be on a higher-end than other models on our list but believe us; it is made for bowling. And with the best quality product on your hands, it’s sometimes better to spend a few bucks more. With a premium quality and a hard-hitting design, AMS Water Moc is definitely the first choice of many among the best budget bowfishing bows.
The Water Moc bow has a 28-inch draw length and a 45lbs draw weight which can take a deep penetration arrow in any water condition, no matter a swamp or saltwater. The arrow is fiberglass coated and has a Chaos FX point. The AMS retriever reel has a 35-yard spectra line has a 350 lbs capacity, and you can haul in massive fish with that. Spooling the line is very easy, and it can be done very quickly.
The lightweight riser on the Water Moc is made from magnesium which is much lighter than aluminum and is powder coated and dipped in camo; it weighs only 2.5 lbs. It has an arrow rest attached and also has a HEX arrow tip hole to tighten or loosen the arrow tip. The tidal wave arrow rest is also attached to the riser for arrow stability. The limbs are laminated and coated that provide you all the strength needed and are coated with water-resistant materials for protection.
This take-down bow is easy to assemble and disassemble for easy carriage. You can remove the limb bolts by hand; it is that easy. When assembled, it measures 58 inches and a string length of 54 inches. The brace height is 7¾ inches.
The handle has an anti-slip grip and finger protection on the string for shooting stability and finger protection.
Pros
- Well-designed and built.
- Magnesium riser and synthesized limbs for full performance.
- Fiberglass arrow with chaos FX point.
- Easy to dismantle assemble.
- Highly durable.
- Premium reel and line.
Cons
- No left-hand option.
- It can be hard to aim.
Best Bowfishing Bow for Beginners
Bow fishing is a fun activity that can be your new hobby, and it’s a great way to spend thrilling holidays. However, if you haven’t started bow fishing, now is the right time to create it. Here we will guide you on a few tips about bowfishing and show you which bow fishing bow suits a total beginner.
What is bow fishing?
In simple words, bow fishing is hunting a fish with a bow and arrow; as simple as it may sound, there are a few twists to bow fishing. At first glance, bowfishing might seem similar to bow hunting. Still, the difference is that in bowfishing, your target is much closer than bowhunting, and this makes the choice of equipment simpler. So beginners found it easier to learn bowfishing due to this factor.
The only nuance you have to face is that your target fish is moving inside water and moving fast.
Bowfishing Gear for Beginners
Unlike bowhunting gear, bowfishing has more straightforward gear with fewer specialized parts. As a result, you can have the best bowfishing gear on a budget. Just remember that the main components are bow, reel, and arrow.
Bow
The bow is an integral part of bowfishing. There are many choices, but if you are a beginner, then the recurve or compound bows are perfect for you. But keep in mind each fishing bow has its advantages and disadvantages.
The recurve bows are traditional ones and have the tips curved outside for more strength and shooting power. They are lighter and easier to maintain but require pure brute power to draw the string and launch the arrow; it requires, on average, around 40lbs of draw weight. The only drawback is that they are less precise than compound bows.
On the other hand, compound bows require less strength to draw and are more complex with many customization options. The disadvantage compound bows have is that they are tech-savvy and more powerful, and you have to adjust them according to your needs.
In the beginning, the most important thing you should consider is that your bow should have support for a reel and arrow rest. These days you can find many bowfishing bows that come with all the gear attached to them. Therefore, you should consider the type of reel and arrow before you make a purchase. Here is an explanation for that.
Types of Reel
There are three types of reels for a bowfishing bow. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Hand Reel
Hand reel is the simplest type of bowfishing reel. It has a drum shape with a line spool around it, and once you take a shot, you have to roll the line around the drum manually. Which is the only disadvantage of this type of reel. Nevertheless, it is a popular choice among bow fishers and goes well with a recurve bow.
Bottle Reel
The Bottle reel is also one of the more popular and straightforward bowfishing reels. It has a bottle that stores the line and a handle to reel in the line. Its only drawback is that it requires a heavier line.
Spin cast Reel
The spin cast reel is a proper fishing reel mounted to a fishing bow; most seasoned anglers use this type of reel. You can retrieve your line faster and without any effort. In addition, you can use a thinner line which can work for longer shots. The only downside is that they might be pricey and hard to clean.
Arrow Rest
Arrow rest is a stabilizer that keeps your arrow still as you take a shot. There are several shapes and sizes out there, and they are pretty simple. It is a must-have for beginners.
In our top picks of best budget bowfishing bows, all five models are carefully selected for beginners and professionals alike.
Bowfishing Bow Buying Guide
There are many bowfishing bows available in the market, but choosing the appropriate one can prove challenging. Whether you are looking for beginners or professional bowfishing bows, you should know the features of the best fishing bow. Before making up your mind about buying the best bowfishing bows here, we have some features explained for you.
Type Fish to Hunt
The type of bowfishing bow you need is dependent upon the type of fish you plan to hunt. Bowfishing is carried out in shallow waters; that’s why all types of freshwater and shallow saltwater fish are on the menu. The clumsy and soft fish require less strength, while the strong, fast, and big fish need more strength, such as sharks, rays, gar’s, and many more. So make sure to narrow down the type of fish you plan to take out or simply go for the bowfishing bows with more strength.
Weight of the Bow
The weight of your fishing gear matters a lot because you have to carry it all to the best fishing spot, and heavy gear can slow you down. So make sure you take a bowfishing bow constructed with the most lightweight materials possible such as machined aluminum, magnesium, or wood. In addition to that, the weight doesn’t compromise the accuracy of the shots. All of this because getting tired at the beginning of your bowfishing trip is the last thing you want.
Length of the Bow
The length of a bowfishing bow is essential because the length decides its strength. It should neither be too long nor too short. You should look for a bowfishing bow length that is right for your height and arm length.
Draw Weight
The draw weight on typical bowfishing bows is somewhere from 20 lbs to 40 lbs. Most bowfishing bows, such as compound bows, have an adjustable draw weight. The higher the draw weight, the more power will be carried by the arrow to land big fish. So make sure you choose a bowfishing bow that has a faster and more convenient draw because that can be a matter of losing or catching a fish.
Brace Height
The brace height of a bowfishing bow cannot be overlooked because a short brace height means more speed and an extended brace height means reduced speed. So make sure to choose a bowfishing bow with a brace height according to your needs. However, many bowfishing bows come with standard brace height.
Bow Rests
Many bowfishing bows have a hook and roller rests. A roller rest can increase the speed of the arrow significantly, and it is easy to install. However, a hook rest only ensures good aim and accuracy and has nothing to do with arrow speed. So if you are interested in these two features, you can add them to your bowfishing bow.
Bow Grip and Finger Safety
You will be holding your bowfishing bow for an extended period. So a comfortable grip is necessary to keep your hands safe. Some bowfishing bows have padded, anti-slip, or anti-blister pads. You must choose a grip that is anti-slip and anti-blister properties which could also help when your hands are wet.
To keep your fingers from getting blisters, make sure to look for finger protection attached to the string.
Reel of the Bow
A bowfishing bow with a reel allows you to retrieve the fish after you take a shot. There are three types of reels available, and each type of reel depends upon the type of bowfishing bow you are using.
The hand reels are drum-shaped reels with line spools around them and are used manually; almost all of the recurve bows have hand reels, and they are inexpensive. Some recurve bowfishing bows have a bottle reel. This type of reel has a bottle that holds the line and a handle to reel in the line. A spin cast reel is the one you can find on fishing rods, and the line can be retrieved quickly without any effort.
Make sure to choose the appropriate reel according to your needs.
Arrows
Without an arrow, a bow is not complete. Most of the bowfishing bows have a composite fiberglass coating or structure. This hybrid structure makes the arrow light and flexible. As a result, it travels further with a lot of kinetic energy transferred to it by the draw weight. There are different types of arrowheads used, such as piranha point, safety stop & slide, fish hook, Chaos FX, and many more.
Make sure to choose an arrow with a metal tip that has enough penetrating capability to defeat thick scales.
The Durability of a Bow
The last thing you want on a bowfishing trip is a broken fishing bow. So make sure to choose the best possible materials such as aluminum or magnesium riser, laminated or composite limbs, and a braided string. Also, make sure to select a strong line and a high-quality reel. Because all of these parts of a bowfishing bow are under extreme stress over and over again, their durability is a must.
Assembling & Disassembling
Most of the takedown and recurve bows can be assembled and disassembled for easy carrying. However, you should choose a bow that has easy to assemble because, in the beginning, it is pretty tricky, and the wrong adjustment can break the bow or string.
FAQ’s
What is a recurve bow?
A recurve bow is a classic design that has limb tips curved outwards. The outward curved tips make the bow store more energy when drawn and transfer all that energy into the arrow.
What is a takedown bow?
A takedown bow is a bow designed with three distinctive parts, the riser, limbs, and string. It can be disassembled for easy transportation.
What does the draw weight of a bow mean?
The draw weight means the weight or strength required to draw the string of a bow to aim and shoot an arrow.
What is the difference between a bowfishing bow and a hunting bow?
The bowhunting bow is derived from the hunting bow with lots of similarities. But the major difference is that a bowfishing bow has a reel attached to it to retrieve the line and the fish. Fishing bows are used for close-quarter shoots, unlike hunting bows that can shoot long-range.
Does the bowfishing bow require multiple arrows?
The fishing bow is used with a single arrow attached to the bow with a fishing line. So you have to use the same arrow over and over again. It’s only if you lose your arrow or break it then you will need another arrow.
Which types of fishing conditions a bowfishing bow is suitable for?
The bowfishing bow can be used in shallow water with fish such as swamps, rivers, lakes, streams, and shallow sea or corals. You can hunt any fish in these environments with a bowfishing bow.
