10 Best Fishing Crossbows To Buy In 2024
For generations, men and women have engaged in active bow fishing as a means to gather food to feed themselves and their families. And in our generation, it has even become a recreational method of fishing.
Bowfishing is an activity that regulates the ecological system by helping to control invasive species of fish that tend to bring imbalance to the natural population of more desirable ones. In the process, balance is brought to the ecosystem.
Thanks to newly developed auto and manual weapons for bow fishing, the thrills and excitement are now at their highest.
Unlike the traditional and perhaps, archaic method of throwing rods and reels that not only wear anglers out but have them spend hours on the water with little or nothing to show for it, the bow fishing crossbow empowers anglers to carry home plenty of catch even in the roughest of waters, in just a little time in the water.
In this article, out of the several models on the market, we review the best 10 bow fishing crossbows that you can choose to have the most fascinating angling activity on your next adventure. But first, let us consider a few questions.
Top 10 Picks For The Best Fishing Crossbows
1. Muzzy Bowfishing Vice Bowfishing Kit with Compound Bow and Pre-Spooled Crossbow Fishing Reel
- Material: Blend
- Adaptable Draw Weight: 25 – 55 lbs
- Adaptable Draw Length: 24.5″ – 31″
- Self-Weight: 3.8 lbs
- Brace Height: 7.5″
- Axle to Axle: 34″
- Let-Off: 75%
- No of the arrows included: 1
- Bolt Maximum Speed: 320 feet per second
- Handle: Right or Left Hand
The Muzzy brand is a pioneer in bow fishing. Started in 1984, its goal is to provide anglers with high-quality bowing equipment using the finest of materials. This item is a typical example of their commitment over the years.
The Muzzy Vice Bow fishing kit is a special, ready-to-go design, equipped with advanced features to set you up on a large fish-catching spree.
It is lightweight at just 3.8 pounds, and easy to handle and maneuver with only 7.5 inches height for both right and left-hand handles. There’s an XD Pro control reel with an integrated seat, pre-spooled with a 150 feet tournament line of 150 pounds weight.
It also features a classic fiberglass arrow with pre-installed carp point and nock, a Muzzy fish hook rest, and built-in glove-free guards on the strings for your fingers’ protection.
This 34″ Muzzy axle-to-axle crossbow provides big power for longer shots, firing up to 320 feet per second into big fish with 75% let-off. So much finesse.
Highly adjustable, with draw lengths between 24.5 and 31 inches and draw weights between 30 to 60 pounds, this crossbow offers you an accurate target setting for prolonged shooting time.
2. Cajun Bowfishing Sucker Punch
- Material: Aluminum
- Adaptable Draw Weight: 50 lbs
- Adaptable Draw Length: 17″-31″
- Self-Weight: 3.2lbs
- Brace Height: 7.25″
- Axle to Axle: 32.25″
- Let-Off: 60%
- Handle: Right- or Left-Hand Models
The Cajun Bowfishing Sucker Punch is an overly constructed crossbow for optimum performance. It is equipped with sophisticated features that place it as one of the best among the available angling bows on the market.
It has a 32.25″ axle-to-axle length, a maximum draw weight of 50 pounds, and a brace height of 7.25 inches. This angling unit also comes with two switchable draw modules: a draw-specific unit, and a constant draw unit with 60% let-off, both offering adjustable draw lengths between 17-31 inches.
Talking of sophistication, this beast of a crossbow features Cajun Blister-Buster guards for finger protection, a Fishing Biscuit Rest for your arrow, a Cajun Hybrid Bowfishing reel, and double fiberglass arrows with piranha tips.
Moreso, there are deep can grooves for preventing the strings from derailing while in the heat of fishing. These grooves also help to enhance easy transport to the water.
With a light weight of just 3.2 pounds and its amazing draw weight, you can comfortably reel in big targets like barracuda, or carp, without hurting your fingers.
It is engineered for serious crossbow fishermen and fisherwomen who’re interested in getting value for their money without a compromise on quality performance and constant delivery every time they need it.
3. Southland Archery Supply SAS Scorpii Compound Bowfishing Bow Kit
- Construction Material: Resin
- Adaptable Draw Weight: 30-55 lbs
- Adaptable Draw Length: 19-29″
- Axle to Axle: 28″
- No of the arrows included: 1
- Bolt Maximum Speed: 260 feet per second
- Handle: Right or Left Hand
The Southland Archery SAS bowfishing kit is a compound high-tech kit designed with expert bow anglers in mind. And due to its excellent performance, it now ranks on the top list of sellers on the market.
The crossbow features an adjustable draw weight between 30-55 pounds, and an adjustable draw length between 19 and 29 inches with your arrow traveling at a whopping 260 feet per second. The axle-to-axle length is 28 inches.
In addition, this bowfishing kit features a front-mounted reel line that can hold up to 150 feet of 80 pounds test line, an arrow rest, a slide and point arrow, and two-color options GC camo and black.
The above features and more endorse this crossbow as the top option to consider.
4. HBG New Fishing Slingshot Professional
- Construction Material: Resin
- Self-Weight: 1.7lbs
- Axle to Axle: 2.93″
- No of the arrows included: 1
- Handle: Right or Left Hand
This HBG New Fishing Slingshot Professional is more than a weapon. It is versatile and is designed with professional anglers in mind. It is multi-functionally suitable for not just arrows but also steel balls.
This large slingshot is made using a human and nature-friendly Polycarbonate plastic which is a prominent contributor to the lightweight weight of just 1.7 pounds. It also comes with a handguard to provide extra safety for your hands and fingers.
The bowfishing kit comes with a whole lot which includes: a large bowfishing slingshot, a fishing reel, two rubber bands, an arrow brush, and two-color options black and red.
One minor setback is that you may not get the color of your choice when you order the package online as the colors are set at random.
5. PSE Kingfisher Bowfishing Kit
- Material: Fiberglass
- Adaptable Draw Weight: 45 lbs
- Dimensions: 36.5″× 6.26″ × 2.24″
- Self-Weight: 2.7lbs
- Axle to Axle: 2.93″
- Number of arrows included: 1
- Handle: Right or Left Hand
The PSE Kingfisher Bowfishing Kit is the ideal bundle for optimum results, regarded as the most suitable for beginner bow fishers.
The bow comes with so much ruggedness, delivering the arrow with an utmost thrust that it travels through the water no matter how rough straight to the target without yet being pocket-friendly.
Its awesome performance is further enhanced by its light weight of 2.7 pounds and dimensions of 36.5× 6.26 × 2.24 inches for better portability and maneuverability in tight spaces.
The reel is front-mounted and this helps bring simplicity into the design by reducing the stress of assembling the bow after unpacking. The Snap Shot Arrow Rest combines the powers of high-grade aluminum and stainless steel for a prolonged lifespan and maximum protection against rust and chipping.
With a 50 feet of 80 pounds test line that accommodates large fish, a draw weight of 45 pounds, and a fast fiberglass arrow with a strong head tip that penetrates through hard scales effortlessly, you can be sure you need all you need for radiant fishing activities.
For optimum aesthetic appearance, the body is covered with an All-season camo design (dark grey and black) and is suitable for use in all bowfishing situations.
6. PSE Discovery Bowfishing Pkg RH H20 XL
- Material: aluminum
- Adaptable Draw Weight: 27- 40 lbs
- Adaptable Draw Length: 30″
- Self-Weight: 2.7lbs
- Brace Height: 6.5″
- Axle to Axle: 31.5″
- Let-Off: %
- No arrows included: 2 (32 inches each)
- Bolt Maximum Speed: feet per second
- Handle: Right or Left Hand
Have you ever pictured and dreaded the tough angling moments on the water and longed to have a fishing crossbow that is made for those exact conditions?
If you have, then you don’t have to worry anymore. The PSE Discovery Bowfishing Package with 32 inches long twin arrows is designed for just that.
Ruggedly constructed to help you make the best of even the most challenging water and weather conditions while also providing effortless use in tight spaces.
There’s enough propelling power released through rough waters towards tough scales of fish targets made possible by the adaptable constant draw weight between 27- 40 pounds with minimum let-off delivery by the cam.
Now to the physical features: you can be sure that this US product is one of the most durable around with quality performance.
With a compact axle-to-axle length of 31.5 inches, this crossbow accommodates up to 30 inches of draw length and has a brace height of 6.5 inches for easy maneuvering in tight spaces.
Moreover, the bundle comes with the strong bow itself plus two unique arrows with points, a Snapshot Rest, and an AMS reel with a line for the occasion.
Incredibly lightweight at 2.7 pounds net weight, it comes with a special Green Reaper H2O™XL Riser and Green Reaper H2O™XL for a great overall experience. You also get to select from the two configuration options: right and left
7. Parker STINGRAY OPEN SIGHT
- Adaptable Draw Weight: 100- 125 pounds
The Parker STINGRAY OPEN SIGHT Crossbow was constructed in the USA and is the oldest of all the fishing crossbows.
Stemming from Parker’s years of excellent delivery, this crossbow offers amazing features and performance that set it among the best out there.
Its special compact design features a sturdy limb and reel, up to 200 feet of Dacron fishing reel line, and a solid arrow with a quick-release point for high-precision aiming at the target.
Moreover, a fittable Open-Sight with a low-power illumination range is provided for effortless locking and shooting of fish targets at close distances.
With an adjustable draw weight between 100 and 125 pounds in a quick-draw system, the Stingray offers fast cocks and reloads, making the acquisition of different sizes of fish from medium to large sizes become a cheap thing to do.
It also features a raised column, a curved pistol clench, and a forearm for better grip and control.
In addition, this stingray beast of a weapon features an exclusive G2 Bullpup Trigger technology, combining a multifunctional Auto-Engage safety with a strong trigger pull and an anti-dry shot locking system. Simply a fishing beast to own.
If you’re interested in getting the best fishing crossbow, your answer is no longer far from you.
8. BOLT Crossbows The Angler Crossbow
- Material: plastic
- Adaptable Draw Weight: 80 lbs
- Adaptable Draw Length: “
- Self-Weight: 3.3lbs
- Brace Height: “
- Axle to Axle: “
- Let-Off: %
- Number of arrows included: 2
- Bolt Maximum Speed: 160 feet per second for aluminum and 200 feet per second for plastic
- Handle: Right or Left Hand
Next on our list is the BOLT Crossbow. It is one of the crossbows that give value for money; designed for anglers who want to get affordable products without compromising on the quality of performance.
The bow makes you achieve a lot on a single fishing trip, featuring a pair of bolt crossbow, protective nitrile fishing gloves, an adjustable rear sight, an auto-safety system, a metallic limb, and a cocking lever.
That’s not all, it also features 12 aluminum fishing bolts, and a bow line of 150 feet for optimum performance, handling, and safety.
With a peak draw weight of up to 80 pounds, this crossbow can set a plastic bolt on a maximum speed of 200 feet per second or more, while the aluminum bolts can travel up to 160 feet per second when fired.
At the end of each, the fishing boat is a hole for tieing the included fishing line. The BOLT Crossbow is lightweight with a self-weight of 3.3 pounds, giving you high-level handling and maneuvering.
There’s also a warranty of one year on the product, so you have nothing to worry about. Amazingly, with all these features and all-needed accessories, the BOLT Crossbow Angler Kit comes at an affordable price of under 100 dollars.
9. Anglo Arms 80 lbs Mantis Fishing Crossbow
- Construction Material: Resin
- Adaptable Draw Weight: 80 lbs
- Adaptable Draw Length: 2.93″
- Self-Weight: 2.65lbs
- Axle to Axle: 2.93″
- No arrows included: 3× aluminum arrows
- Bolt Maximum Speed: 175 feet per second
- Handle: Right or Left Hand
The Anglo Arms Mantis is a top-rated fishing crossbow among anglers with lots of professional features. It is a self-cocking bow with adaptable arm grips for easy and safe use while ensuring proper string attachment.
The crossbow features 3 aluminum metal bolt strings, a shark fishing boat, and 2 wing fishing bolts. The bolt when shot thrusts at a maximum speed of 175 fps.
Made of a tough resin body and endowed with a draw weight of 80 pounds, you will get nothing short of incredible performance. The axle-to-axle length is 2.93 inches and the string length is also 2.93 inches.
The self-weight of 2.65 pounds makes handling and maneuvering to shoot easy to do even when the boat is unstable. Its limb is made using high-definition fiberglass and with 6-
In addition, the Anglo Arms Mantis also comes with an 8-pound reel, a vertical handle, and a reel seat. More than enough features to ensure that you enjoy your every moment on the water.
The materials used for this crossbow bow fishing kit are aluminum and ABS plastics. The overall weight is 3.6 pounds, which makes it lightweight to hold in your hand and arm.
10. Advanced Bowfishing Package w/ PSE Kingfisher Recurve Takedown
The Advanced Bowfishing Package w/ PSE Kingfisher Recurve Takedown does not just rank among the current best just for a show as its overall performance outshines its name.
Not just that, it features the legendary AMS Retriever #610R-12 which is tagged as one of the best reels around. The reel has a reliable test line of 130#.
There are two Snap Shot Arrows with a penetrator that enables the arrow to pierce through the water, hit the target very hard, and penetrate even the toughest of scales.
Moreover, the crossbow’s 50-pound draw weight enhances the blow and the roller-style arrow rest further simplifies its use.
To make sure that your fingers and hands stay safe, protective finger tabs are included to avoid blisters during use, so that you can enjoy the extended fishing time.
Furthermore, there are AMS Safety Slides included in the design to bring about perfect arrow travel while ensuring that the string is where it’s supposed to be forward on the crossbow- thereby preventing snap-back occurrences.
In terms of additional accessories, the bow features all it needs for maximum performance: screw, shock pad, bushings, and nock for replacements.
The limbs and the riser come with a camo color design that aesthetically displays the level of ruggedness that best bow fishing crossbows like the Advanced Bowfishing Package w/ PSE Kingfisher Recurve Takedown have to offer.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Fishing Crossbow Kit
The Target Prey
Understanding the species of your target prey, where they’re mostly found, and their behavior will set you on the right path to preparing for the best bow fishing bow.
For instance, as a bow fisherman, if you prefer to go angling in freshwater, you will encounter fish like the alligator gar, grass carp, catfish, paddlefish, common carp, bighead carp, tilapia, etc.
Whereas in salt water, you’ll find common species like the flounder, redfish sharks, barracuda, rays, etc. When you know where to find them and how they behave each time, the next thing is to angle away!
Bowfishing Accessories and Equipment
Main Equipment: The Arrow or Bolt
There are many ways where a bowfishing arrow or bolt is of better design and better use than a typical archery arrow.
First, the former is designed to be stronger and with more thrust power to pierce through water denseness and hit the target.
The arrow can be made of solid aluminum, heavier fiberglass, pure carbon fiber material, or reinforced fiberglass and carbon fiber. This is so that it doesn’t drift too far after hitting the target.
Secondly, the bowfishing arrow doesn’t come with feathers at its butt, a characteristic of an archery arrow. The fletching in the archery arrow is included to act as a propellant, directing it to the mark whereas the bowfishing arrow doesn’t need this to run and hit the target in the water.
The presence of spikes at the tips of arrowheads helps to keep the fish hooked after capture, and the reel line is connected to the arrow through a sliding technique that prevents snapback.
The Line
The Line is equally important to successful bowfishing as every other piece of equipment. It is useful in drawing out the hit fish target from underwater into the boat and has weight ratings between 80 and 400 pounds.
If you’re bowhunting heavier organisms like alligators, you’ll need nothing less than test line weights of 600 pounds. The line could be made of materials like Spectra, Dacron, or even braided nylon and can come in varying colors but often white, lime green, or neon orange.
The Reels
When going on your bowfishing trip, you can choose any of these three reel types namely, hand wrap, spin cast, or retriever. The simplest to use is the hand-wrap with a circular spool where the line is wrapped manually and placed securely in a slot.
The retriever uses a bottle-like structure to keep the line. The spin cast, which is the most sophisticated of the three, offers better precision and higher speed, perfectly designed for professional anglers with a wealth of experience.
Additional Accessories
Some bowfishing kits do not come with accessories beyond your basic needs for the adventure while some do.
Additional accessories you may need for successful angling include protective gloves for the hands, polarized sunglasses for easy and better sighting especially when bowfishing under bright sunlight, rubber waders to keep you dry during fishing, and high-quality LED light for night bow fishing.
Using a boat or any other water vessel with a flat bottom and little or no noise from the motor will be a good addition too, as noise keeps potential catches away.
Bowfishing Techniques
There are several techniques involved in Bowfishing. You can stay in your boat or kayak, or any other vessel and make your shots without ever touching the water.
Another method is standing on a large rock along shallow water sections but it requires that you have someone with you. As you wade in the water, the fish are herded towards your partner who’s at alert to shoot.
Perhaps the most effective method, if you do not mind getting yourself wet, is by going into the water and shooting at the fish up close.
This method gives you greater chances of hitting the target by displaying different bowfishing skills. Since the fish you see on the surface is just a refracted image of the actual fish in the water, it is best to aim low and then aim even lower.
The bowfishing crossbow is now becoming more popular among fish hunters and if you’re one of them, here’s your chance to get yourself the best crossbow for bowfishing, so that you can have the most exciting experience. Why not get any of these on our review and let’s meet at the water shore tomorrow!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bowfishing crossbow?
There are different types of fishing as there are many species of fish. Getting the right crossbow for the type of fishing you’re going for can be a little challenging.
We understand this and that is why we made a review of the best available options on the market for you. Before we move into the review, let us understand what bowfishing means first. The word Bowfishing is derived from two words “Crossbow” and “fishing”.
While fishing is an act of hunting and catching fish targets underwater, a crossbow is a specially-made archery gadget. The word bowfishing, therefore, means the hunting of fish targets, using a specialized and sophisticated crossbow.
In bowfishing, anglers explore more time and water space by simulating all their hunting, fishing, and archery skills to capture prey difficult to capture on a normal day. And the efforts it demands are nothing compared to the fun and excitement that come with the hunt for a seasoned angler.
Are Spearfishing and Bowfishing the same?
Bowfishing is similar to spearfishing but they are not the same, especially in their fishing weapons. Although they both are carried out on a water vessel, a raised platform (e.g. rock), or shallow water.
Moreover, while in bowfishing, an arrow is employed with a bow driving it into the prey, in spearfishing, a hook is used to bait the target. In addition, you can carry out bowfishing at night and during the day.
