Bowfishing Safety


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As with any sport that involves equipment and getting off the couch, there is always an inherent risk of injury if you don’t practice safety and don’t follow common sense rules. Although there are safety measures in place with bowfishing equipment, each bowfisherman and woman must still check over their gear before hitting the water and before each shot.

The greatest danger with bowfishing equipment is snapback; where the line attached to the arrow can get caught on the bow or the bowfishermen, and “snap back” at them after they release the arrow. Below are some photos, courtesy of AMS Bowfishing, that show this event.

You CANNOT compete in COBF tournaments if your line is attached directly to the end of the arrow. You must use an AMS safety slide or similar device.

Here are some tips for safer bowfishing:

Always check your equipment prior to each bowfishing trip. Make sure all bolts and screws are tight on your bow and your arrow, and that your gear is clean.
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 your arrow, other than the appropriate AMS Safety Slide System or to a 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 line attached into water, wet as much of the line as your can. A wet line will not only lubricate the reel mechanisms, but will help eliminate possible friction that can cause snags.
Always wear eye protection while bowfishing.