Fishing bow

[Bvas]

I have a buddy that is thinking about having me build him a bow that would primarily be for fishing but could also be used for deer hunting from a blind.
Just curious what, if any, mods you do to a bow when you know it will be specifically used for fishing?
I'm thinking a 54" Hybrid with an all leather plate and shelf. Also, inserts for stabilizer and sights to mount any style reel.

Should the shelf be cut past center for the stiff fiberglass arrow?
What weight bow do you recommend?

[macbow]

I like 50# for bow fishing. Although that is getting heavy for me.
Front insert for sure.
I like a side mount reel so maybe screw inserts on side.
Cut to center hasn't been a problem for the fibre glass arrows for me. Cut past center couldn't hurt, would leave room for tuning.

If he plans to bow fish a lot, I would leave it as a dedicated bow. To much trouble to switch around.

Fir bow fishing I would use the velcro rest on the shelf.
More water proof.

[kennym]

A really good finish, since it will be soaked in water and fish blood.    :D    

The fish arrows aren't really too stiff. I was going to try them on deer a few years back, but the spine wasn't enough for my bow.

I have a dial indicator spine tester I built, I'll check one against a .500 spine in a bit.

And I use Velcro on em too .

[Bvas]

I normally use hair rests. Thought maybe the fiberglass arrow would wear them off quick.
Guess they're not any more abrasive than a carbon.

[Bvas]

Originally posted by kennym:

The fish arrows aren't really too stiff. I was going to try them on deer a few years back, but the spine wasn't enough for my bow.

LMAO. Just got a mental pic of ya with a big ol buck on the other end of the line. Bet he would put up a good fight  

[kennym]

Nah , I wasn't gonna use a string tracker, just the heavy arrow .
Here is the data which is off because the posts are 26" on mine for wood shafts not 28 for carbons but you will get a general idea.
The .500 GT checked  .329,
a CX 250 checked .264,
and the glass fish arrow  .282,
so it will be not quite as stiff as the cx250

Not sure what a muzzy carp head weighs but I bet a 50 lb bow would be close to shooting it.

[Bvas]

Thanks Kenny.
That saves will save a lot of work. I was thinking I would have to go with an 1-3/4 thick riser if I went past center. Did that on my first build and it was kinda tricky blending it to 1-1/2 wide limbs.

[kennym]

You bet, now lets see some skewered fish.