Crossbow Fishing Kit For Successful Outings

Crossbow Fishing Kit For Successful Outings

When it comes to crossbow fishing, there are several tools and accessories you need to make your trip successful. One of the most important pieces of equipment in your crossbow fishing setup. With the right crossbow fishing kit, you can target big fish like alligator gar and flathead catfish in shallow water.

When choosing a crossbow fishing kit, there are several factors to consider. The draw weight, or the amount of force needed to pull the bowstring back, is an essential factor. A higher draw weight of course means more power and speed, which is sometimes necessary when targeting large fish. Sometimes you don’t want too much speed on your bolt because it can lodge deep into the bottom of the area you’re fishing. The crossbow should also have a short length and a safety slide to make it easier to maneuver in shallow water.

Best Crossbow Fishing Gear

If you already have a crossbow then below is the perfect reel, attachment bracket, and bolts to get you going. AMS is high quality and will last many years.

AMS Crossbow Bowfishing Kit Right Hand

AMS Bowfishing Crossbow Bowfishing Kit Right Hand

If you’re looking to convert your crossbow into a bowfishing machine, the AMS Retriever Pro Crossbow Kit is a great option. The AMS retriever is a time-tested retriever reel that makes it easy to reel in your catch quickly. The fishing line should be made of dacron fiber, which is durable and can handle the weight of large fish.

Pros

  • The kit includes everything you need to get started, including the Retriever Pro reel, Sleek-X Crossbow Mount, and Chaos FX bolts.
  • The Retriever Pro reel is a time-tested, high-quality option that comes with 25 yards of 200 pound braided Dacron line.
  • The Chaos FX bolts are made from solid fiberglass and come with a half-moon nock and AMS Ring System installed.

Cons

  • Some users have reported issues with the way the kit attaches to the quiver mount, finding it to be too flexible.
  • Crossbows can shoot too hard for bowfishing, causing the arrow to skip.
  • The kit may not be suitable for those who are new to crossbow fishing.

If you’re an experienced bowfisher looking to upgrade your crossbow, the AMS Bowfishing Crossbow Bowfishing Kit is a great choice. The kit includes everything you need to get started, including the Retriever Pro reel, Sleek-X Crossbow Mount, and Chaos FX bolts. The Retriever Pro reel is a time-tested, high-quality option that comes with 25 yards of 200 pound braided Dacron line, while the Chaos FX bolts are made from solid fiberglass and come with a half-moon nock and AMS Ring System installed.

However, some users have reported issues with the way the kit attaches to the quiver mount, finding it to be too flexible. Additionally, crossbows can shoot too hard for bowfishing, causing the arrow to skip, which may be a concern for some users. Finally, the kit may not be suitable for those who are new to bowfishing, as it requires some experience and knowledge to use effectively.

If you already have a reel, then below is a mount we recommend.

If you need a good lightweight and small crossbow that does a fine job out on the water then here is a crossbow you should consider.

BALLISTA BAT Compound Mini Crossbow, Self-Cocking with One Hand Small Crossbow for Hunting, Fishing and Target for Adults and Youth

Fast (330 fps) – Speed of up to 330 fps allows you to use the crossbow not only for fun, but also for hunting.

Powerful (130 lbs) – You can also shoot heavy bolts with a broadhead.

Compact (16″x5″) – Easy to carry, will even fit in a small backpack.

This crossbow is silent and quick loading, it’s very light weight at 2.46 lbs. It weighs as much as medium-sized binoculars, so your hands won’t get tired when shooting. Thanks to a lot of know-how, loading the crossbow is quick at only 3 sec., and is easy and silent. It includes a Weaver Rail 21mm and can be equipped with a red dot sight, optics or laser. It comes with 3 practice bolts 11″ in length. It is compatible with Ballista Practice Bolts 12.8″ and Ballista Sting Bolts 13″.

Sleek-X Machined Crossbow Mount

AMS Bowfishing M109 Sleek-X Crossbow Mount

The sleek-x crossbow fishing mount is an excellent addition to any crossbow fishing kit. It attaches to the picatinny rail on your crossbow and allows you to mount your fishing reel directly onto the bow. This keeps your reel out of the way and makes it easier to reel in your catch. *NOTE: The bolt holes on your crossbow must be 1.3 inches apart center to center to work with your Sleek-X crossbow mounting bracket. If you have a picatinny rail on your crossbow, you will need our picatinny rail adapter in order to mount the Sleek-X. Click image to learn more.

Before heading out on your crossbow fishing trip, be sure to check your local regulations to ensure you are following all rules and guidelines. You will also need a fishing license, which can be obtained from your local fishing department. When targeting non-game fish like common carp and invasive species, a crossbow fishing kit is the best choice.

In recent years, crossbow fishing has become a popular sport among crossbow fishing enthusiasts. With the right equipment and a good understanding of the following steps, you can have a successful crossbow fishing trip. Whether you prefer a traditional bow or a crossbow, the right crossbow fishing kit can make all the difference.

If you’re looking to take your fishing game to the next level, crossbow fishing might just be the way to go. With the right equipment, you can target big fish like alligator gar and flathead catfish with ease. In recent years, crossbow fishing has become increasingly popular, and there are now a range of options available to suit different styles and preferences. In this article, we’ve put together a list of the best crossbow fishing gear to help you have a successful bowfishing trip.

Southland Archery Supply Prophecy 80 Pound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow with Cobra System Limb with 3 Bolts Black Bowfishing Ready Package

If you are looking for a compact and powerful crossbow for bowfishing, the Southland Archery Supply Prophecy 80 Pound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow might be the right choice for you.

Compact Body and Self-cocking Design: easy to cock and simple to use but it should not be confused as a toy.

Unlike full sized bows, with short 6-4/5” Power Stroke, crossbow bolts can be fired in a very short period of time. The Cobra Limb System is considered one of the best pistol crossbow limb systems, which is strong and powerful.

Pros

  • Compact and self-cocking design makes it easy to use.
  • Powerful with 80 lbs draw weight and arrows travel up to 165 FPS.
  • Cobra Limb System is strong and powerful.

Cons

  • Directions need improvement.
  • Durability may be an issue.
  • Safety may malfunction.

This crossbow is designed to be easy to cock and simple to use, but it should not be confused as a toy. It has a powerful 80 lbs draw weight and arrows travel up to 165 FPS. The Cobra Limb System is the best pistol limb system, which is strong and powerful.

One downside is that the directions need improvement. It would not hurt to be a little more specific in regards to installing the ‘Pressure Pad’ (and the rubber pads) when installing the “prod” or what I call ‘the bow part. Durability may also be an issue, as some customers have reported that the crossbow broke after less than 10 shots. The safety may also malfunction, which could be a concern.

Overall, the Southland Archery Supply Prophecy 80 Pound Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow with Cobra System Limb with 3 Bolts Black Bowfishing Ready Package is a decent choice for those looking for a compact and powerful crossbow for crossbow fishing. It comes with a Bowfishing Ready Package that includes a Red Dot Scope, Hand Grip, Stringer, 12 Bowfishing Bolts, Bowfishing Reel Seat, Bowfishing Reel with Line, and Scope Ring.

Bear X Desire XL Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow

If you are looking for a compact and user-friendly pistol crossbow that’s already set up, the Bear X Desire XL Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow might be a good option for you. With a sleek design and arrow speeds up to 175 FPS, this crossbow is engineered for top-of-the-line speed, extreme accuracy, and dependability.

Pros

  • Adjustable stock up to 2.5” for increased stability
  • User-friendly self-cocking arm and forearm grip
  • Includes 3 premium bolts

Cons

  • Some users reported issues with the locking cocking mechanism switch breaking after a few shots
  • Assembly instructions could be clearer
  • Some users found it difficult to string the crossbow at first

This crossbow is lightweight and easy to handle, making it a good choice for beginners or those who want a more compact option. The adjustable stock adds stability and helps with accuracy, while the self-cocking arm and forearm grip make it user-friendly. The included premium bolts are a nice touch and add value to the purchase.

However, some users have reported issues with the locking cocking mechanism switch breaking after a few shots, which could be a concern for some buyers. The assembly instructions could also be clearer, and some users found it difficult to string the crossbow at first. Overall, if you are looking for a compact and easy-to-use pistol crossbow, the Bear X Desire XL Self-Cocking Pistol Crossbow with 3 Premium Bolts might be a good option to consider.

Crossbow Arrows

AMS Bowfishing Fiberglass Arrow-White w/Chaos FX Point & AMS EverGlide Safety Slide

When it comes to crossbow fishing arrows, the chaos fx crossbow bolts are a great option for crossbow fishing. These arrows have heavy-duty barbs that ensure your catch won’t get away.

The Chaos FX Point is all Stainless Steel, with 2 hardened barbs that open to nearly 2″ of holding power. These bolts include a Replaceable Cyclone Tip for great penetration. It’s east to release the barbs by loosening the tip, no need to remove.
Solid white fiberglass shafts checked for straightness for more a more accurate shot!
AMS EverGlide Safety Slides are installed, and they’re Made in the USA!

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best crossbow fishing kit, there are several factors that you should consider. Here are some key features to look for when making your selection:

Draw Weight

The draw weight of your crossbow is one of the most important factors to consider. This is the amount of force required to pull the string back and load the bow. A higher draw weight will give you more power and accuracy, but it can also be more difficult to handle. Make sure to choose a draw weight that you can comfortably handle.

Safety Slide

A safety slide is a mechanism that helps to prevent the arrow from falling off the bowstring during the shot. This is an important safety feature to look for in your crossbow fishing kit.

Arrow Rest

The arrow rest is the part of the bow that holds the arrow in place before and during the shot. Look for a high-quality arrow rest that will provide stability and accuracy.

Fishing Reel

The fishing reel is the part of the kit that holds the fishing line and allows you to reel in your catch. There are several different types of fishing reels available, including retriever reels, drum reels, and bottle reels. Choose the type of reel that works best for your fishing style.

Crossbow Bolts

Crossbow bolts are the arrows used for crossbow fishing. Look for crossbow bolts that are made of high-quality materials, such as carbon or aluminum, and have a half-moon nock for easy loading.

Crossbow Mount

The crossbow mount is the part of the kit that attaches the crossbow to your boat or other surface. Look for a sturdy, non-handed mount that will provide stability and ease of use.

Local Regulations

Before you go crossbow fishing, make sure to check your local regulations to ensure that you are following all laws and guidelines. Some areas may have restrictions on the types of fish that can be caught, the equipment that can be used, or the time of year that fishing is allowed.

By considering these key features and doing your research, you can choose the best crossbow fishing kit for your needs and have a successful crossbow fishing trip.

Martin Hamilton

Archery lover and compound bow enthusiast. Love all types of archery. The current technology in compound bows, crossbows, recurve bows and arrows is truly amazing. I was an airline mechanic for years and got introduced to advanced composites. Great to see them put to use in this amazing sport.

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