Thinking about getting into the sport

[jeff201]

So, I'm thinking about getting into bow fishing. Texas Parks and Wildlife is talking about lifting the harvest restrictions on grass carp on Lake Conroe by the end of the year.

I am first and foremost a bass fisherman, but I'd glady take out a few of these grass carp once the restrictions are officially lifted.

Officials are talking about hosting bow fishing torneys on the lake so they can monitor exactly how many fish are being harvested. I'm thinking about signing up for one. I'm willing do do what ever I can to help reduce the numbers of these fish, and give our native plants a chance to grow. (anyone who knows the sad story of this lake knows what I'm talking about)

So, I'd like to get a good quality bow fishing rig that won't break the bank. Ideally I'd like to spend less than $150. So far the only one I have found that is within budget is the PSE Kingfisher kit. Cabellas has it for about $140 and it comes with the bow, arrow, a manual reel, and 50 yds of 80 lb line.

Is this a good rig? I know it's not a fancy compound bow, but I'm not looking for a high dollar set up. It comes in 40, 45, and 50lb draw weights. I'm thinking 50 lb would wear me out in an hour or two of shooting, would 40 be enough, or should I get 45 lb?

Would I be better off searching for used equipment on e-bay or Craigs list? Could I get something much better for about the same price?

[stringnfling]

Whatever you can afford will work. The PSE is a good bow from what I have heard. I shoot an old compound that I have had for many a year, and shot a hand wrap reel for alot of years. I got an AMS retriever this year and that thing is awesome. That being said check out used equipment online and even pawnshops. It doesn't take alot of poundage so 45 is plenty. Hope this helps.

[marc]

the kingfisher is a good bow but its physically heavy. they hand drum reel is good but i think you will like the ams retriever more. check out bowfishingextreme.com he is out of Missouri and ships fast. also you want a good tip for your arrow cause grassies can get big and their skin is real soft and you have a good chance of having a pull off with 2 barb tips, i would highly recommend upgrading to a yellow jacket shaft and using either the gene davis 4 barb or the cajun 4 barb for grassies.