Bowfishing with a crossbow combines the precision of archery with the thrill of fishing, and it has become one of the fastest-growing outdoor pursuits in the country. Unlike traditional bowfishing bows, crossbows offer a trigger-based firing mechanism that many hunters and shooters find more natural - especially when tracking fast-moving carp or gar in shallow water.
The five options below cover the full spectrum from dedicated bowfishing kits to versatile recurve crossbows that do double duty. Each has been selected for durability near water, compatibility with bowfishing lines and reels, and overall ease of use for anyone new to the sport.
| Product | Best For | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|
| AMS Retriever Crossbow Kit | Complete ready-to-fish package | ~$150-400 |
| Barnett Recruit Recurve | Versatile dual-use option | ~$60-150 |
| SA Sports Torpedo Recurve Pistol | Ultra-compact shallow-water shooting | ~$30-60 |
| Cajun Sucker Punch | Lightweight dedicated bowfishing | ~$60-150 |
| Zebco Crossbow Bowfishing Kit | Entry-level budget kit | ~$30-60 |
1. AMS Retriever Crossbow Kit - The Complete Package
AMS is the gold standard name in bowfishing accessories, and their complete crossbow kit includes everything needed to start shooting fish immediately. The kit pairs a full-sized crossbow with AMS’s legendary Retriever reel, bowfishing line, a fiberglass arrow with a field point, and a Safety Slide system that prevents dangerous line snap-back. It handles repeated water shots without issue and the reel rewinds quickly between shots. If you want zero guesswork, this is the kit to grab.
2. Barnett Recruit Recurve - Versatile All-Rounder
The Barnett Recruit Recurve is a lightweight, affordable recurve crossbow that adapts beautifully to bowfishing with the addition of an aftermarket reel. Its simple limb design is easy to maintain and resistant to moisture - a real advantage when you’re leaning over a boat deck or wading through a marsh. Drawing at 150 lbs and shooting around 245 fps, it has plenty of power to punch through big carp at close range. It doubles as a capable small-game hunting bow when the fishing season ends.
3. SA Sports Torpedo Recurve Pistol - Compact and Quick
The SA Sports Torpedo Recurve Pistol crossbow is a strong tool for shallow-water bowfishing where you need to move fast and stay agile. Its pistol form factor is small enough to shoot with one hand and light enough to carry all day without fatigue. At 80 lbs draw weight, it won’t reach the depths of a full crossbow, but for carp and tilapia in 1-3 feet of water it’s perfectly lethal. Pair it with a stick reel mounted to the barrel and you have an incredibly fun and maneuverable bowfishing rig.
4. Cajun Sucker Punch - Dedicated Bowfishing Design
The Cajun Sucker Punch is purpose-built for bowfishing, coming pre-drilled for a reel, packed with a bowfishing arrow and reel ready to mount, and tuned for the short, fast shots the sport demands. Its 175 lb draw weight and 350 fps velocity give it more than enough energy to down large carp and gar, even with the drag of the line factored in. The solid composite stock resists moisture and abuse better than wood alternatives, and the overall package is well thought out for the dedicated bowfisher.
5. Zebco Crossbow Bowfishing Kit - Best Budget Entry
Zebco brings their fishing expertise into the crossbow world with this ready-to-fish entry-level kit that includes a reel, line, and arrow. It is not the most powerful or refined option on this list, but it gets new bowfishers into the sport at a price that removes all hesitation. The kit is light, simple to set up, and accurate enough for shots inside 20 feet - which covers 90% of bowfishing scenarios. It’s the right choice for anyone who wants to try bowfishing before investing in a premium setup.
What to Look For
Reel compatibility: The crossbow must have a barrel or stock that accommodates a bowfishing reel mounting system. Pre-drilled mounting points are a huge convenience.
Water resistance: Look for synthetic stocks and composite risers rather than wood, which can warp and crack with repeated moisture exposure.
Line management: A dedicated bowfishing reel with an anti-reverse system prevents line tangles and makes retrieval fast between shots.
Arrow speed vs. accuracy: For bowfishing, accuracy at 5-25 feet matters far more than raw fps. A slower, more controllable crossbow often outperforms a blazing-fast hunting setup in the field.
Draw weight: 150-185 lbs is the sweet spot for most bowfishing applications. Too light and you lose penetration on larger fish; too heavy and you fatigue quickly during long sessions.
Final Thoughts
Bowfishing crossbows are a unique category that rewards matching your gear to your specific water and target species. The AMS Retriever kit is the turnkey solution for anyone who wants everything sorted from day one. The Barnett Recruit Recurve gives you the most versatility if you also hunt. And if you just want to dip your toes in the sport without spending much, the Zebco kit is a no-risk entry point. Whichever you choose, check your local regulations, practice your aim on still water first, and enjoy one of the most action-packed forms of fishing available.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a regular crossbow for bowfishing?+
You can modify a regular crossbow for bowfishing by adding a reel and using specialized fishing bolts, but purpose-built bowfishing crossbows are designed to handle the stress of repeated water shots, fish-specific arrows, and retrieval systems. Using a standard hunting crossbow without proper modifications risks damage to the bow and creates a tangled mess in the field.
What kind of arrows do you use for crossbow bowfishing?+
Crossbow bowfishing uses heavy, fiberglass or carbon fishing arrows with barbed tips designed to penetrate fish and hold. Standard carbon hunting bolts will not work - they are too light and the tips are not designed to retrieve fish. Many kits include purpose-built fishing arrows with a slide or AMS retriever attached.
Is bowfishing with a crossbow legal?+
Legality varies by state and target species. Most states allow bowfishing for rough fish like carp, gar, and buffalo, but many restrict bowfishing for game fish. Always check your state fish and wildlife regulations before heading out. Some states require a separate bowfishing license in addition to your standard fishing license.