As with any sport that involves equipment and physical activity, there exists an inherent risk of bodily injury if proper safety measures are not followed. And although modern bowfishing equipment is often sold with safety devices in place, individuals should still check their gear before hitting the water and before each shot.
The greatest danger related to bowfishing equipment is “snapback.” Snapback can occur when an arrow is released and the line (attached to the arrow) is unknowingly caught on part of the bow or bowfisherman. The tangled line does not allow the arrow to fly uninhibited and can cause the arrow to snap back toward the bowfisherman resulting in bodily harm. Below are some photos courtesy of AMS Bowfishing, that demonstrate this danger.
You CANNOT compete in COBF sanctioned tournaments if your line is attached directly to the end of the arrow. You must use an AMS safety slide or similar device.
Snapback Images:
Here are some tips for safer bowfishing:
Always check your equipment prior to each bowfishing trip. Make sure that your gear is clean, your line is not tangled or frayed and that all screws, nuts and bolts are tight.
Prior to each shot, make sure that your line is not tangled or caught on your bow or your person.
Never tie a line to the tail of an arrow. Always use an AMS Safety Slide System or another cabled arrow system. These systems will keep the reel line ahead of the bow when drawing.
Always wet your line before your first shot. Toss the arrow with a good bit of line into water, then reel it back in. Wet as much of the line as your can (without going overboard). A wet line will not only help to lubricate the reel mechanisms, but also help to reduce friction that can increase the chance of a snag.
Always wear eye protection while bowfishing.
ALWAYS be sure of your target before releasing an arrow!
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As with any sport that involves equipment and physical activity, there exists an inherent risk of bodily injury if proper safety measures are not followed. And although modern bowfishing equipment is often sold with safety devices in place, individuals should still check their gear before hitting the water and before each shot.
The greatest danger related to bowfishing equipment is “snapback.” Snapback can occur when an arrow is released and the line (attached to the arrow) is unknowingly caught on part of the bow or bowfisherman. The tangled line does not allow the arrow to fly uninhibited and can cause the arrow to snap back toward the bowfisherman resulting in bodily harm. Below are some photos courtesy of AMS Bowfishing, that demonstrate this danger.
You CANNOT compete in COBF sanctioned tournaments if your line is attached directly to the end of the arrow. You must use an AMS safety slide or similar device.