Bowfishing: What weight bow?

[Tall Paul]

Hello all,
I'm about to order a new recurve to use for bowfishing, and need a little advice.

My regular hunting bow is 51# at my draw length of 31.5".

I've read where some folks recommend shooting a lighter bowfishing rig, because you might shoot 100 times a night. Then again, I want something heavy enough to get good penetration on monster grass carp.

What do you guys say?

Any advice is much appreciated!
Paul

[Doug_K]

That depends on you. I shoot a 50lb for bowfishing, but I can shoot that all day. Penetration drops very fast the deeper you shoot regardless what poundage you're shooting, so I doubt you "need" more than say 35 or 40 lbs for your average shot.

[Pine]

Anything over 40# will do just fine . I have used a 45# for years and very often get a complete pass threw .

[Tall Paul]

Thanks guys. I'm getting a Samick Journey, which is 64" long.

If I get 40# limbs, and draw to 31.5", that ought to put me in the 49-51# range.

This way I can use it as a backup bow, and maybe shoot the same arrows.

[ChuckC]

There IS a down side to too heavy. .  stick it(the arrow) in the bottom in a foot and a half deep water while using a 75# bow  and you are gonna have fun getting it back.
ChuckC

[Tall Paul]

Thats a good point, Chuck. Its been 10 years since I've done any bowfishing, and I can't remember all the little details like that.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

I use 50 lbs and seems to be a  good weight for me.

My bowfishing rig is right at 50#, the same as my hunting bows. That being said, you do not need anything over 45#, and could go lighter if you wanted to. I have never had much of a problem getting worn out from shooting too much. The fatigue I get is from the physical weight of the bow. When it is hot and heavy, you will be having so much fun you wont even notice the draw weight on your bow!

And I have had arrows stuck in the mud that nearly ripped my fingers off trying to pull them loose with my 50# bow!

Bisch

[Tall Paul]

Thanks for the help guys.  I ordered 40# limbs, so with the longer draw, I should be around 50#, maybe a little less, which sounds like it should be plenty.