Imagine this: You’re on the water, the perfect fish swims into view, and you draw your bow. But what happens next? The right arrow makes all the difference in landing that trophy catch. Bowfishing is exciting, but picking the perfect arrow can feel like a tangled mess of knots. Do you need a barbed tip or a safety slide? What material is best for deep water?
Choosing the wrong arrow means missed shots and wasted time. You want arrows that fly true and retrieve easily, without causing unnecessary snags. We know the frustration of equipment letting you down when the action is hot. That’s why we dove deep into the world of bowfishing arrows.
This guide cuts through the confusion. You will learn exactly what features matter, how different arrow types perform, and which ones fit your style of bowfishing. Get ready to upgrade your gear and boost your success rate on the water. Let’s explore the best tools for your next big haul!
Top Bowfishing Arrows Recommendations
- 【Noctilucent】 High-quality Bowfishing arrows glow at night to help you see where the fish are.
- 【Features】Arrow Length: 34.8inch in total; OD: 8mm; Weight: 104g. Solid arrow shafts, not easily broken
- 【Safety】Come with Stopper and Safety Slides installed,lncreased accuracy in archery good choice for bowfishing activity, The nocks are fixed with qlue,please noted.
- 【Broadheads】 Professional bowfishing broadhead with barbs, with pins on the shaft to keep the broadhad in place. Nickel plated stainless steel arrow point is durable and has strong penetration.
- 【Package】 Package include 6pcs bowfishing arrows, and extra two set of accessories.
- High Quality Fishing Broadhead with 2 mechanical barbs ,desing offers over 2.5" of holding area and releases by loosening the tip.Colorful solid fiberglass shaft.
- 32 inch Solid Fiberglass Shaft, 34.4 inch Length in total, 8mm O.D. Shaft with Safety Slide & Stopper increased accuracy in archery good choice for bowfishing activity. Weight: around 100g each arrow.
- Compound & Recurve bows & Long bows , fit for fish hunting, target practice & outdoor shooting.
- Nocks are fixed by glue, please noted.
- Packaged of 3/6 pieces fishing arrows, money back or replacement is available.
- 【Visibility】Hi visibility color solid fiberglass shaft
- 【Broadheads】Nickel plated stainless steel arrow point is durable and has strong penetration
- 【Features】Arrow Length: 34.8inch in total; OD: 8mm; Weight: 104g.
- 【Safety】Come with Stopper and Safety Slides installed,Increased accuracy in archery good choice for bowfishing activity, The nocks are fixed with glue,please noted
- 【Package】Package include 6pcs bowfishing arrows, and extra one set of accessories.
- The total length of the fish arrow is 92 cm/36inch. The shaft is made of glass fiber. The solid shaft is durable and not float in water.
- The fish arrow tip adopts a detachable design, which can be flexibly replaced with accessories. Mechanical barbs have excellent penetrating power and flexible barbs for easy arrow retrieval
- The nock tail of the fishing arrow is outsourced, tightly packaged, not stuck, and the arrow can be released quickly.
- Metal spring sliding sleeve, solid workmanship, safe to use, easy to thread fishing line, easy to install and easy to use
- Fishing arrows can be used with fishing slingshots, recurve bows, compound bows, for outdoor fishing, target practice, etc.
- High-Quality Bowfishing Arrows Set: 6 Pack, 35inch in total, OD: 8mm, Weight: 100g. Solid Fiberglass Bowfishing Arrows, 6 Pack broadheads, and safety slides for a comprehensive bowfishing experience
- Luminous Bowfishing Arrows: The glow in the dark runs the full length of the shaft and it is easy to charge up with a good high-output flashlight or a UV flashlight
- Precision Bowfishing Broadhead: Equipped with sharp broadheads for accurate shooting and effective penetration, ideal for targeting fish with precision
- Safety: Come with Stopper and Safety Slides installed to prevent arrow snapback and protect your fingers. Ideal for both novice and experienced bowfishing enthusiasts
- Versatile Compatibility: Designed to be compatible with both compound bows and recurve bows, ensuring flexibility for various archery setups
- High Quality Fishing Broadhead, with 2 mechanical barbs ,desing offers over 2.5" of holding area and releases by loosening the tip.
- 32 inch Solid Fiberglass Shaft, 34.4 inch Length in total, 8mm O.D. Shaft with Safety Slide & Stopper.
- Nocks are fixed by glue
- Compound & Recurve bows & Long bows , fit for fish hunting, target practice & outdoor shooting.
- Packaged of 6 pieces fishing arrows.
- Chaos FX Point is all Stainless Steel, with 2 hardened barbs that open to nearly 2" of holding power.
- Includes Replaceable Cyclone Tip for great penetration. Release Barbs by loosening the tip, no need to remove.
- Solid White Fiberglass Shaft checked for straightness for more a more accurate shot!
- AMS EverGlide Safety Slide Installed
- Made in the USA!
- 【Visibility】Hi visibility color solid fiberglass shaft，New glow-in-the-dark colours, glow at night, easier to find.
- 【Broadheads】Nickel plated stainless steel arrow point is durable and has strong penetration
- 【Features】Arrow Length: 34.8inch in total; OD: 8mm; Weight: 104g.
- 【Safety】Come with Stopper and Safety Slides installed,Increased accuracy in archery good choice for bowfishing activity, The nocks are fixed with glue,please noted
- 【Package】Package include 6pcs bowfishing arrows, and extra one set of accessories.
Choosing Your Perfect Bowfishing Arrow: A Buyer’s Guide
Bowfishing is an exciting sport! You shoot fish with special arrows from a bow. Picking the right arrow makes a big difference in your success and fun. This guide helps you choose the best bowfishing arrows for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Good bowfishing arrows have several important parts. Pay attention to these features when you shop.
Shaft Material and Durability
- Aluminum: This is a common material. Aluminum shafts are strong and usually affordable. They hold up well against bumps.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass arrows are very stiff and durable. They resist bending better than some aluminum arrows.
- Carbon: Carbon arrows are lightweight and very straight. They fly fast, but they can sometimes shatter if they hit something very hard, like rock.
Point and Tip Design
The tip is the most important part for catching fish. You need a tip that can penetrate the fish’s tough skin.
- Barbed Tips: These tips have small barbs that stick out once they enter the fish. This stops the fish from sliding off the arrow. They are great for larger fish.
- Fishtail/Tear-Away Tips: These tips are easier to remove from thick mud or vegetation underwater. The barbs often fold back when pulling the arrow out.
Line Attachment
Bowfishing arrows must attach securely to your fishing line. Look for strong connection points.
- Secure Eyelets: The point where the line connects must be very strong. A weak connection means you lose your arrow and your catch!
Important Materials and Construction
The quality of the materials affects how long your arrows last and how well they shoot.
Shaft Straightness
A perfectly straight arrow flies truer. Manufacturers check for straightness. Arrows that are slightly bent will not fly accurately, especially at longer distances.
Fletching (Vanes)
Fletchings are the fins at the back of the arrow. They help stabilize the arrow in flight.
- Durable Vanes: Because arrows often fly through water or hit obstacles, the vanes must be made of tough plastic. Soft or thin vanes tear easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some features make an arrow better, while others might cause problems.
Weight and Spine
The “spine” refers to how stiff the arrow shaft is. A heavier arrow usually has more momentum, which helps it punch through water resistance and hit hard targets.
- Heavier is Often Better: For bowfishing, slightly heavier arrows often perform better than very light ones.
Corrosion Resistance
Since you use these arrows in water, the metal parts need protection. High-quality arrows use stainless steel or have protective coatings to prevent rust.
Quality Control
Arrows made with strict quality control are more consistent. If you buy a set of six arrows, they should all weigh almost the same and be equally stiff. Poorly made arrows vary too much.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you plan to fish.
Shallow Water vs. Deep Water
If you shoot mostly in shallow, clear water, lighter arrows might work fine. If you shoot in deep, murky rivers where you need penetration through weeds and mud, you need heavy, durable shafts with strong, aggressive tips.
Beginner vs. Expert Use
Beginners should look for affordable, very durable packages (often aluminum). Experts might invest in premium carbon arrows for maximum speed and accuracy.
Bowfishing Arrow FAQs
Q: What is the ideal length for a bowfishing arrow?
A: Most standard bowfishing arrows measure between 28 and 32 inches long. This length works well with most bows and reels setups.
Q: Do I need a special bow for bowfishing arrows?
A: Yes. Bowfishing requires a bow equipped with a reel seat and a specialized bowfishing reel, which holds the line attached to the arrow.
Q: How much draw weight should my bow have for these arrows?
A: Bowfishing bows are often set to a lower draw weight (30 to 50 pounds) compared to hunting bows. Check the arrow manufacturer’s recommendation for the minimum spine stiffness required by your bow’s poundage.
Q: How do I clean my arrows after use?
A: Always rinse your arrows with fresh water after using them in saltwater or muddy rivers. Wipe them dry to prevent rust on metal components.
Q: Are fiberglass arrows better than aluminum ones?
A: Fiberglass is generally tougher against bending and impact damage. Aluminum is often lighter and slightly cheaper. Neither is universally “better”; it depends on your budget and how rough you are with your gear.
Q: What is the main difference between barbed and tear-away tips?
A: Barbed tips hold fish very securely once hit. Tear-away tips are easier to remove from thick muck or brush after a missed shot, as they create less drag when you pull them out.
Q: Can I use regular target arrows for bowfishing?
A: No. Regular target arrows lack the necessary strength, the correct line attachment point, and the specialized tips required for penetrating fish skin and retrieving the arrow via the line.
Q: How often should I replace my arrows?
A: Inspect your arrows after every trip. If you see cracks in the shaft, deep bends, or if the tip attachment is loose, replace the arrow immediately for safety and performance.
Q: Do the fletchings affect how the arrow sinks?
A: Yes, large fletchings create more drag, which can slow the arrow down slightly underwater. However, they are necessary for in-air stability.
Q: Is it necessary to use a safety slide on the line?
A: Absolutely. A safety slide keeps the fishing line away from the bowstring when you shoot. This prevents the line from tangling in the bow limbs, which can cause dangerous arrow failure.