If you love shooting a crossbow, then you will find all kinds of uses for it. Crossbow fishing has become incredibly popular, especially if you were already into bowfishing and spearfishing. For those who love the crossbow and fishing, this is a merge between the two that uses barbed arrowheads and precise aim to reel in the catch.
What Type of Crossbow is Best for Fishing?
You can adapt almost any crossbow to use for bowfishing, but they do need specialized bolts. There are specific types of crossbows being made for fishing, such as the Parker Stingray. These crossbows are lightweight and tend to be a little bit noisy.
However, if you are going after larger fish, then you want a stronger crossbow and tougher arrow weight. Bolts used for fishing are much heavier than those used for hunting game on land. These arrows don’t have fletching since it can cause twisting and inaccuracies under water.
In general, crossbows must be used at relatively short distances to hunt effectively in water. They use a specialty fishing line attached to the arrow to reel in. River hunters use crossbows frequently to catch freshwater catfish and carp in particular.
However, you can use crossbows to hunt bass, pike, and walleye just as well.
Pay Attention to Draw Weight for Crossbow Fishing
One important thing to note is that draw weights are different depending on the type of fish. You typically want to get a crossbow with a draw weight between 50 and 100 pounds. Some laws prohibit the use of high-powered crossbows, so it’s best to check local hunting laws to ensure that you’re able to use your crossbow before going out.
Equipment and Crossbow Fishing Kits
There are a number of tools that are essential to crossbow fishing. For example, you will want to buy a crossbow with a better cocking device so that you can load and shoot faster, such as a clip-on crank or clamp, as fishing typically requires more frequent shooting.
Dampeners are also used on split limbs to reduce noise. You can also try retention strings and stirrups.
The heaviest arrows are used for crossbow fishing, so you want to make sure that your crossbow can handle a 1400 to 1600-grain arrow. Barbed arrows are preferred as they assur that your catches don’t get away. Carbon and fiberglass arrows are ideal for fishing because of their weight and durability. Aluminum arrows tend to bend and break more easily in the water.
The typical package for fishing with a crossbow would look something like this:
- 100 to 125-lbs crossbow
- AMS Retriever Bowfishing Reel attachment
- Safety slide kits
- Crossbow scope
- 1400 to 1600 grain fiberglass or carbon arrows
Foot claw
If you want to go fishing with a crossbow, then you also have to know your shooting distance. You typically need to be within a close range to get a good shot on your prey. While you may be able to shoot from the safety of a boat, bowfishers typically shoot from the water or the bank.