Bowfishing Arrow 101: Points, Materials, and What You Need to Know
- 8 min reading time
The Short Answer:
Bowfishing rigs have what type of arrow point? Bowfishing rigs use barbed arrow points designed to penetrate fish and hold them in place during retrieval. These points may have fixed barbs or reversible barbs that unscrew to release the fish.
Bowfishing arrows are made from what material? Bowfishing arrows are most commonly made from fiberglass due to its durability. Some arrows use carbon or carbon-fiberglass composite materials, but fiberglass remains the most widely used option for handling water resistance and repeated impact.
What Makes Bowfishing Arrows Different?
Built for Retrieval, Not Distance
A bowfishing arrow is not built for long-range accuracy. It is built to land fish and come back.
Key differences from standard archery equipment:
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A bowfishing line connects the arrow to a reel for retrieval after the shot
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Shots are taken at short range, typically in shallow water
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The goal is penetration and hold, not downrange performance
Heavier and More Durable Construction
Bowfishing arrows are heavier than standard archery arrows. That weight is by design.
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Heavier arrows push through water resistance more effectively
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Construction handles repeated impact with fish, rocks, and debris
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Standard arrows break down quickly under these conditions
Bowfishing Rigs Use What Type of Arrow Point?
Barbed Arrow Points Explained
The bowfishing point is what separates a bowfishing rig from every other archery setup. Barbed arrow tips are designed to hold fish after penetration and prevent them from slipping off during retrieval. Bowfishing most commonly targets rough fish and invasive species like common carp, though legal target species vary by state. Always check local regulations before heading out.
Two main barb styles:
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Fixed barbs: Simple construction with fewer moving parts. Reliable and durable.
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Reversible barbs: Unscrew to release the fish more easily. A good choice for anglers who bowfish frequently.
Fixed vs. Removable Points
The choice between fixed and removable arrow tips comes down to personal preference.
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Fixed points are straightforward and hold up well over time
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Removable points make it faster and easier to get fish off the arrow
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Both styles work for most rough fish species
Why Standard Broadheads Do Not Work
Standard broadheads are not designed for bowfishing. The main issues:
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Broadheads are not built for fish retention or retrieval after the shot
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They are not compatible with bowfishing line systems that rely on a safety slide setup
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Using broadheads with a retrieval line creates a safety risk that purpose-built fish points avoid
Bowfishing Arrows Are Made From What Material?
Fiberglass Arrows (Most Common)
The fiberglass arrow is the standard choice and widely considered the best bowfishing arrow material for most situations. A solid fiberglass rod construction handles repeated impacts without cracking or splintering.
Why fiberglass works:
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High strength under repeated use
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Handles contact with rocks, logs, and debris
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Works for beginners and experienced archer anglers alike
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Most affordable entry point into bowfishing gear
Carbon Arrows (Less Common)
Carbon-fiber shafts are lighter and faster than fiberglass. That speed can be an advantage in certain situations.
Drawbacks to consider:
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More prone to splintering under hard impacts
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Contact with rocks or large fish increases the risk of shaft failure
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Less forgiving than fiberglass in rough conditions
Carbon-Fiberglass Composite Options
A carbon-fiberglass composite arrow blends the durability of fiberglass with some of the speed benefits of carbon. These arrows are growing in popularity among experienced bowfishers looking for faster recovery on shots.
They are less common than solid fiberglass options and typically cost more.
How to Choose the Right Bowfishing Arrow
Match Your Target Species
Not every bowfishing setup fits every fish.
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Larger rough fish like gar or buffalo require stronger, heavier arrows
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Smaller species allow for a lighter setup
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Common carp fall in the middle and work well with standard fiberglass arrows
Consider Your Environment
Where you fish affects what arrow holds up best.
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Shallow water with sandy or muddy bottoms is easier on arrows
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Rocky environments increase impact risk and wear down arrows faster
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Bowfishing from a boat adds shot angle considerations that affect arrow performance
Balance Durability vs. Performance
Most bowfishers prioritize durability over speed.
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Fiberglass offers reliability and does not require a lot of money to replace
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Carbon arrows offer speed but are less forgiving
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For spring bowfishing or a multi-day fishing trip, fiberglass holds up better across a high volume of shots
Common Bowfishing Arrow Mistakes
Using Standard Archery Arrows
Standard arrows are not built for water use. They are not designed for a bowfishing reel or retrieval line and will fail quickly under bowfishing conditions.
Choosing the Wrong Point Type
An arrow tip without proper barbs will not hold fish after penetration. Lost fish and wasted shots are the result. Match the point style to the species and retrieval method.
Ignoring Durability
Bowfishing puts arrows through repeated stress. Choosing weak materials leads to frequent replacement. Fiberglass arrow shafts are the most practical choice for most anglers because they handle that stress without breaking down.
Get the Right Bowfishing Gear at Adventures Archery
Adventures Archery carries bowfishing gear for new and experienced anglers. Finding the best bowfishing arrow for your setup starts with matching material and point style to your target species and environment.
At Adventures Archery, you will find:
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Bowfishing arrows and arrow tips
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Complete bow packages with reel, arrow, and accessories included
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Gear for recurve bow and compound bowfishing bow setups
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Archery equipment and expert guidance from staff who know the sport
Visit our Tampa location or Lakeland location to get set up, or browse our bowfishing collection online.
FAQs About Bowfishing Arrows
Do bowfishing arrows float?
Some arrows float depending on material and tip setup. Many standard arrows sink without added flotation. Check the specific arrow specs before purchasing if floating arrows matter for your setup.
Can you use regular arrows for bowfishing?
No. Standard arrows are not built for water contact or bowfishing retrieval systems. A purpose-built bowfishing arrow shaft is needed for safe and effective bowfishing.
What draw weight bow is best for bowfishing?
A draw weight between 30 and 50 pounds is commonly recommended for most bowfishing setups and species. Heavier setups help with larger fish at steeper shot angles. A recurve bow or compound bowfishing bow can work effectively across that range.
How do you retrieve a bowfishing arrow?
A bowfishing string connects the arrow to a reel mounted on the bow. After the shot, the reel pulls the line and brings the fish back. Options include a bottle reel, hand reel, or spincast reel depending on setup preference.
Are bowfishing arrows reusable?
Yes, as long as the arrow remains structurally intact. Fiberglass arrows are the most reusable option because they handle repeated impact without splintering. Inspect the arrow nock and shaft after every use.