Sooner1982

I have a Compound Bow that I want to use for bowfishing. I tried a reel style setup (zebco 808), but the line snapped at every shot (200lb test fast flite braided line). Will a retriever work for my bow, or is my weight just too high for bowfishing? My minimum weight setting is 60lbs. Also, will it hurt my bow to be used at a lower setting than the limbs are for?

HNI_Christine

Welcome to the site Sooner1982!

A 60lb compound will work fine. You may end up getting in a bit of a workout between the draw weight and pulling your arrows out of the mud... but I know people who regularly shoot that weight and higher for their bowfishing rigs.

I don't know much about the spincast reels for bowfishing. I'll let one of those guys answer you on that one.

A retriever will work great if you can't get the spincast working for you.

bowman15

Hey sooner, welcome!

I shoot a 55-lb. recurve with a spincast, and the biggest problem I have is either forgetting to push the release button, or bumping the handle and engaging the pickup-pins. That's the only reason you should be having problems like that. I don't know what type slide or other fastening means you use to tie the line to the arrows, but even when I shoot and the pins are engaged, the arrow still flys at least ten feet, and I've only had one break like that. I shoot with 120 or 130 lb. braid I believe.

Sooner1982

I was just using AMS safety slides. I'm pretty sure my problem was the reel I was using. But yeah, it snapped that 200lb. braided test like it was sewing thread. I'm going to switch to a recurve or get the retriever. I think the recurve would be my best bet, for the weight savings and for quick snap-shots so I don't have to be at full draw.

carpsniper

Welcome Sooner, I have to say draw weight should not be the issue. You said you use safety slides. Do you use the rod extension also? This is a must if you use the slide/spincast combiation.
When you pull the line out of the reel by hand, does it come out easily and smooth? No catches or hang ups? Sometimes the line just doesn't want to feed smoothly. If this is the case, you may want to try some "reel majic" sp? or other sillicon type lubricant.
If your line feeds freely, then it is probably just a matter of the pick up pins not being disengaged for whatever reason. If that's the case, bite the bullet and get a new reel. [:@]
Even though I'm a spincast person, I have to say that the retreiver reel has lots of benefits. Not snaping lines is one of them.
Good Luck and stay safe.

Johnny b

Just like carpsucker said it is not your bow weight. For what ever reason the line is not letting go. Either the pins are not retracting or the line is wound too tite. I have had problems after landing a large fish with it pulling the line down into the loose line under it. Then on the next shot the line just will not come out of the loose loops. You can bet it is you reel not the poundage. I still cannot think of a good reason to go to a retreiver. But hay ole christine love's them. I had one and just gave it away.

Sooner1982

Thanks for all the tips guys. I switched to a Synergy 4003S reel, and it works like a charm! .....now if I could just hit something......

carpsniper

We've all been there. Have fun.