Best Bowfishing Reels in 2023


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Last updated : May 6, 2022
Alexander Knobloch

Hi, I'm Alex, the owner of BowAddicted. I've been shooting recurve bow since 2019 and recently got into string walking. I'm passionate about archery, the outdoors, and my kids. This journey has had its share of ups and downs, but the moments spent outside with friends and family are truly worth it. Feel free to get in touch!


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After you have spent countless hours perfecting your bowfishing marksmanship skills, and ample time on the water to put yourself in position for the shot that you seek, you have finally connected and have the fish of a lifetime at the end of your line. Now is when a quality reel pays dividends towards your overall success.

Moments like these lead a countless number of archers every year to seek out the best bowfishing reel. If you find yourself with this same thought, be sure to check out the best bowfishing reel: The AMS Bowfishing Tournament Series Retriever, as well as the other quality market offerings on this list (read… the best bow fishing kits)

Next Level Bowfishing Reels

While you can indeed bring fish to the boat or bank with nearly any bowfishing reel that can be fixed to your bow, there are several reels that are much more efficient in completing this task in a way that promotes success at every turn.

AMS Bowfishing Tournament Series Retriever


AMS Bowfishing Retriever TNT Reel -...
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If you want to get your hard-earned fish to the boat (read.. top-notch bowfishing crossbows) or bank in record time, with little worry of breaking your line, then the AMS Bowfishing Tournament Series Retriever is the reel for you.

This reel features a 4.3:1 gear ratio that takes up 27 inches of line with every revolution of the handle, 350 pound-test line, and stainless steel hardware.

Specs: 

    Weight- 3.0 pounds 

Pros:

  • 4.3:1 gear ratio for blistering fast line uptake
  • 350 pound-test line for unrivaled breakage resistance
  • Brass gears and stainless-steel hardware for enhanced durability
  • Corrosion-resistant housing for long service life

Cons:

  • Can potentially be more than what the casual bowfisherman would require
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When using this reel you will feel as if you are harnessing the power of a winch.

Cajun Winch Pro Bowfishing Reel


Cajun Bowfishing Winch Pro Bowfishing...
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The Cajun Winch Pro Bowfishing Reel is perfect for those that demand a reel that works as hard as they do.

Featuring a fighting wheel brake that slows a fish’s run while simultaneously reeling, ceramic string guides for smoother string feed, and a rugged aluminum frame.

Specs:

    Weight- 1.5 pounds

Pros:

  • Fighting wheel brake to stop a fish’s forward progress
  • Ceramic line guides for smoother string feed
  • Rugged aluminum frame for enhanced durability
  • Vertical and horizontal adjustments for easy bow fitment

Cons:

  • Some arches express concerns over claims made by Cajun that this reel can be used by both right and left-handed shooters.
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This reel not only allows you to fight fish but to do so in the most efficient manner possible.

AMS Retriever Pro


AMS Bowfishing Retriever Pro Reel - Made...
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The AMS Retriever Pro is an excellent reel that can easily meet the needs of most bow fisherman.

This reel is built for outright performance with its 17 inches of line per revolution retrieval rate, 200 pound-test line, and rugged construction.

Specs:

    Weight- 1.6 pounds

Pros:

  • Buttonless operation for simplicity
  • 17 inch of line per revolution retrieval rate for efficient reeling
  • 200-pound test line for breakage resistance

Cons:

  • Must be ordered based upon a shooters dominant hand orientation
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The AMS Retriever Pro also makes operation a breeze by allowing a shot to be taken without pressing a button for the reel’s bail mechanism prior to operation.

Muzzy 1069 XD Pro Spin Style Reel


Muzzy Bowfishing 1069 XD Pro Spin Style...
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Muzzy is a name that is synonymous with all things archery and has been since the 1980s. The company maintains its heritage of producing quality products with their 1096 XD Pro Spin Style Reel.

Specs:

    Weight- 1.97 pounds

Pros:

  • Spool Switch Technology that allows for similar operation to dragless reels
  • Integrated steel mounting bracket to aid in secure placement
  • Reversible left or right hand retrieve for increased durability

Cons:

  • Manual bail set functions
  • Far fewer features than many market offerings

Why Trust BowAddicted? 

Founded in 2019, BowAddicted draws on over 30 years of collective archery experience to offer unbiased gear reviews and expert advice.

Josh, our lead reviewer, brings two decades of bowhunting experience. His extensive background in conservation organizations like QDMA offers a nuanced understanding of gear needs for ethical hunts.

Senior editor Darren adds 30+ years of knowledge in recurve archery, bowhunting and essential gear.

Founder Alex, specializing in recurve and barebow archery, rounds out our comprehensive coverage, which includes compound bows, crossbows, and other equipment.

We emphasize rigorous field testing and objective analysis to provide transparent reviews, highlighting both pros and cons, ensuring our readers make well-informed decisions.

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