Old shafts for bow fishing

[nightowl1]

Is it possible to use old slightly bent aluminum shafts for bow fishing? I have some that i that are somewhat straight but not usable on land for game. Could I just drill some holes and let em fly?

[James Wrenn]

A bowfishing arrow has to be pretty strong.That is why solid glass is used the most.Sure you can go shoot fish with what you have but fish arrows that will work much better are pretty cheap.

[Blackhawk]

What James said, but...

When I find shallow pools of carp and can do some wading, using old shafts without drilling holes will work. Chasing down your targets are most of the fun.

[toddster]

nightowl1- as stated a heavy fiberglass shaft is needed for great penatration of water.  However, if you are shooting shallow (off bank or fish on surface) they will work.  I would strongly recommend getting a pack of slides for the shafts.  This way only have to drill a hole for stop and don't have to worry about an insert to keep line from getting cut.

[frank bullitt]

Don Thomas wrote an article in TBM about doing that with old arrows and I think broadheads in shallow water. I say go for it. Good shootin, Steve

[Mo. Huntin]

I took some of that aquarium tubing that terry suggested for weighting arrows and stuffed it in an arrow one time and I tell you what I bet that thing would penetrate the heck out of anything.  that is a very good, cheap way to get weight.

[IndianaBowman]

I'm getting ready to go and shoot some alligators and really wasn't excited about spending $22.50 per arrow for the really nice Muzzy arrows. I did buy a couple as the primary arrow, but have made my own out of standard aluminum arrows. The detachable head for alligator is the important part. I just took some good straight 2219s, filled them with 5 strands of weedeater cord and then filled the space with glue for a really nice and heavy shaft. The arrows havet to be really heavy for fish or gators. I'm only expecting to get one shot out the arrow, but it is WAY cheaper than $22.50!

[wv lungbuster]

I have put wooden dowels in old aluminum shafts and used them, but not with a bowfishing reel I just us them for wading and areas I can chase the fish down.

[pseman]

Check your local game regulations as well. In Alabama, fiberglass or solid metal arrows are required.(not sure where you would get solid metal arrows????)

Anyway, something to consider.