Bowfishing Arrows Are Made From What Material?

The material of a bowfishing arrow determines its performance, which includes its precision, weight, and durability. So, you might want to ask; the best bowfishing arrows are made from what material?

Read on to know the materials used to make this hunting gear and other important aspects of bowfishing arrows.

What Materials Are Used To Make Bowfishing Arrows?

Bowfishing arrows have three parts: the shaft, nock, and arrow point. So, to answer the question, you need to know the materials of each part.

Here they are. 

• The arrow point: Usually made from stainless steel, which is the part that pierces the fish. It is usually rust-resistant and strong enough to penetrate fish without breaking up.
• The Nock: The connection point between the arrow and the bowstring. It comprises mostly durable plastic.
• The Shaft: Different materials are used to make bowfishing arrow shafts ranging from fiberglass to carbon. 

The different materials have their pros and cons, and understanding them will help you decide which material is ideal for you.

What Are The Materials Used For Making Bowfishing Arrow Shafts?

1. Fiberglass Bowfishing Arrow

Made from a combination of plastic and glass fiber, arrows made from this material are durable. It is also less expensive than arrows made from other materials. 

Here is an exciting part

As a beginner, using arrows made from this material reduces the cost of getting into bowfishing. The arrows are also corrosion-resistant, meaning you use them for longer.

Pros 

Cons

2. Carbon Bowfishing Arrows

These are arrows made from graphite or carbon. They shoot with higher precision and are more durable than fiberglass arrows. It also weighs less than fiberglass arrows making it move faster. These arrows are also popular among fishers. 

Why are carbon arrows gaining popularity? Because they penetrate both water and fish with ease, reducing the time spent hunting. 

Are Carbon arrows durable?

Yes. With proper maintenance, you could enjoy two years of heavy shooting.

But here is what I don’t like. 

You have to inspect carbon arrows for damage regularly. Shooting a damaged carbon arrow might cause muscle and nerve damage if the arrow explodes into your hand or arm.

Another downside is that they are more expensive, although worth every penny spent. 

Pros

Cons

3. Hybrid Bowfishing Arrows

A hybrid bowfishing arrow is often a combination of two materials that help balance each other. There are two types of Hybrid arrow combinations;

Carbon Composite

These arrows are a combination of both fiberglass and carbon materials. They offer you the best of both materials without the drawbacks.

These hybrid arrows are durable as they come with an outer carbon layer. They also have a strong spine which helps them fly straight with accurate precision.

That’s not all

They are small diameter arrows that increase their penetration ability due to the reduction in surface friction. They are not as expensive as carbon arrows but offer you the same quality in terms of precision and durability.

Fiberglass + stainless steel

These are arrows made from a combination of fiberglass reinforced with stainless steel. This combination offers bowfisherman the best of both fiberglass and steel. Arrows made from this combination are lightweight and strong. 

Also, this hybrid is more durable than all arrow types combined, and you do not have to break your bank for them.

Pros

Pros

While bowfishing arrows are important to make a kill, they are nothing without the best bowfishing bow. Using one with great quality and impressive features will help improve your shooting precision. 

Many use the compound bows, although a few bowfishers out there use crossbows. If you plan to use the latter for fishing, consider getting the best crossbow under $400 and ensure you master how to use them. 

How To Choose the Ideal Bowfishing Arrow for Your Bowfishing Needs

To choose the best bowfishing arrow, you must consider the cost of the arrow, its efficiency, and its durability. An arrow that combines a hybrid shaft with a carp arrow point is ideal for all your bowfishing needs. 

Why did I recommend this? 

The hybrid shaft ensures the arrow flies straight and true, while the carp arrow point ensures your catch does not slip away when being reeled in. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Is Special About Bowfishing Arrows? 

Compared to regular archery arrows, bowfishing arrow manufacturers generally focus on durability. They designed these arrows to hit heavy fish through water without getting damaged. As a result, the shafts of such arrows are very strong. They also don’t have feathers or flight close to their nock.

How Do You Make Bowfishing Arrows? 

You can make this bowfishing equipment using durable arrow shafts that can withstand the stress of passing through water to hit the target without them getting damaged. 

Is that all?

It is also required that the bowfishing rigs have barbs or protrusions at an inclined angle, so it hooks the fish after passing through. A line is also attached to the arrow, so you can reel the fish out.

What Is The Best Material For Arrows? 

Personally, the best material is fiberglass. 

Here is the reason.  

Fiberglass is generally cheaper than most other materials used in making bowfishing arrows. Besides, they are extremely durable. Even more so than your regular hunting arrows, as they can survive as long as 20 years or more. 

Are there other materials? 

Yes. In recent times carbon arrows are now getting popular in the bowfishing market. Unlike fiberglass, they are expensive and could even be double the price.

What Type Of Arrow Point Is Used For Bowfishing? 

Fishing points are the most suitable to use. Why is this so? The reason is that the arrow points have barbs that allow them to hold the fish tight so that you can reel them out with ease. You can also use it with the best crossbow for hunting without much of an issue.

How Many Grains Is A Bowfishing Arrow? 

The regular fiberglass arrows may weigh between 1,400-1,500 grains. This weight may be heavier or slightly lighter, depending on your choice. On the other hand, Carbon arrows for bowfishing generally weigh around 1,350-1,450 grains, but some are heavier than fiberglass. 

What Type Of Fish Can I Bowfish? 

Generally, bowfishing targets are medium to large fish and are usually not considered game fish. Some of the bowfishing targets include the Common Carp, Grass Carp, Longnose Gar, Bowfin and Snakehead, Catfish, and Stingray.

Here is what you should know. 

Among the listed targets, the catfish is the only one considered game fish. There are certain limitations to observe when bow hunting catfish, including size, restricted season, or even equipment.

How Does A Bowfishing Arrow Work?

Bowfishing arrows make use of slide mechanisms. With this, you can attach the line to the side of the arrow shaft. 

Why do this?

That way, the line parts that are going out don’t cross and interfere with the bow and bowstring plane.

Wrap Up

From the information above, I believe you have gotten answers to the question bowfishing arrows are made from what materials. There are three main parts of a bowfishing arrow; Arrow point, shaft, and nock. These parts contain different materials, and the type of material used determines the arrow’s strength and durability.