Reels

[ajf]

New to bowfishing. Just got back from visiting family in Texas. My brother-in-law took me out a couple nights bowfishing for longnose gar. Loved it. My question is in regards to reels. What's the best "cheap" setup. I want to make sure I'm able to get out enough before a drop a lot of cash on equipment.

Thanks

[Fishbeater]

Buy an AMS Retriever once and you'll never have to buy another reel again for the next 5-10 years. Initial cost is about $70. If you buy something cheaper you'll end up replacing it a lot sooner....A lot of guys will tell you a spinner reel is better but its just a matter of personal experience and personal opinion....

[trajordy]

personally, AMS Retriever all the way, built in Wisconsin, parts easily accessable, easy to use, just good all around. I've had mine for about 14 years and really used it hard the last three years and just now had to replace a couple parts. It has served me great and it is the only real that I tell others to shoot.

[Fishman]

I would have to agree about the ams retriever. I bought one when I first started bowfishing about 10 or so years ago and I am still using it today without nothing ever going wrong with it.

[eunpark]

AMS Retriver the only way to go. Had my goimg on close to 20 years and only replace the line. Great product.

[Fillinbarrels]

If you choose to shoot a bottle then the Retriever is the only way to go.

If you want to shoot spinners there are quite a few options including the Shakespeare Synergies (once you modify the handle they will last quite a while), Muzzy reels (probably the toughest), Zebco 808's (one of the first "bowfishing reels" - I think they're garbage but that's just my opinion) and some others that I've never tried including Rhinos.

Starting out I'd recommend the Retriever. I have a couple that are at least 10 years old. They are made to last and almost fail safe.......

[gooberman]

I would have to say AMS also. I shot spinners up to yesterday,I get sick of breaking spinners. Also AMS does more the sport and gives back to the sport more than any company I know.

[ajf]

Thanks for all the good info

[joosty1230]

the only thing about the ams is if your dont take care of the line after you use it, it wears out alittle.

[woody283]

AMS all the way, and if your line starts to wear just turn i around. Just like new. You should get many years with 25yds of line.