I was wondering about cutting the reel seat off an old broken spinning rod and running some threaded rod through it, then mounting an open face for bowfishing. Would having the reel hanging down be a problem for line feeding?

Made one similar to that, I used old bass rod -cut off the end then used all thread. Have a Shakespear Tiger closed face reel with 150lb. fast flight line from Townhall archery, only test fired in the backyard but seems to work so far. May need some liquid nails to hold it all in place.

Thats really all the reel seats are that are sold for bowfishing. Spinning reels just arent practical though, and a little dangerous. Lots of things on it for the line to get tangled on and you would either have to flip the bail just before the shot or leave it open. If you left it open most line would be falling off it all the time. A closed faced spincaster is the way to go IMO.

I've just had bad luck with the line in spincasters sticking when casting. I guess they fixed that problem for the reels used for bowfishing.

I've just had bad luck with the line in spincasters sticking when casting. I guess they fixed that problem for the reels used for bowfishing.

One of the most popular spincast reels used is the big shakespear Synergy reel they sell at Wallmart. Pair that reel up with some 200lb FastFlite line by Brownell and you shouldnt have any problems with line sticking.

Line sticking is a pretty common problem for closed face reels. Try spraying some 'reel magic' or other silcone spray on the line. Also, wetting the line down helps. (toss your arrow out and reel it in once when you first hit the water)

Best solution... get an AMS Retriever reel. ;)

My budget's a little tight for that one Christine. Maybe I can upgrade to that next year.

Life, by the time you buy the threaded rod, line, epoxy, etc. You could have an AMS retriever. (and save yourself a lot of agrivation)

I used to do exactly what you're talking about. I'd go to wal-mart and buy a Tiger combo catfishing rig (<$20), cut off the handle, epoxy a 5/16 - 24 threaded rod into it, replace the line and go fishing. Sometimes they'd last 6 months, sometimes 6 minutes. If I'd just spent the money on a retriever, I'd probably still have it. ;)

About the line sticking, we called it the "zebco dunk". We would just stick the front of the reel into the water. Then shoot the arrow out and put some tension on the line with the thumb and finger while reeling it back up. Standard fishin' stuff you already know I'm sure.

I hadn't done the Zebco Dunk, but I'll keep it in mind next time my wife has a problem with her spincast reels. I've got a couple old broken rods in the basement and that's why I was thinking about going that route. At least I've already got an old bow to start with. It's an old Bear 45# 76er breakdown recurve with a metal handle section and fiberglass limbs.

Do you recommend using shooting gloves http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Pod/00/44/60/p004460ii03.jpg or these? https://www.backwaterbowfishing.com/onlinestore/images/products/73.jpg

I hope you don't mind my questions. There may be a few others here with the same questions.

Do you recommend using shooting gloves http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Pod/00/44/60/p004460ii03.jpg or these? https://www.backwaterbowfishing.com/onlinestore/images/products/73.jpg

I hope you don't mind my questions. There may be a few others here with the same questions.
We never mind questions.

I wouldn't recommend leather shooting gloves. (they don't like getting wet)

The no-gloves are the way to go for many folks. They are a bit tough to install but not too bad.

I hadn't done the Zebco Dunk, but I'll keep it in mind next time my wife has a problem with her spincast reels. I've got a couple old broken rods in the basement and that's why I was thinking about going that route. At least I've already got an old bow to start with. It's an old Bear 45# 76er breakdown recurve with a metal handle section and fiberglass limbs.

Do you recommend using shooting gloves http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Pod/00/44/60/p004460ii03.jpg or these? https://www.backwaterbowfishing.com/onlinestore/images/products/73.jpg

I hope you don't mind my questions. There may be a few others here with the same questions.

Personally, I dont like the rubber no-gloves at all. They roll under your fingers and I just dont like the way they feel at all. Several BAI members tried them and took them off pretty quick, but there are those that swear by them.

If you have shot with a glove, you might like this glove by american Leathers called the Wet Shot.
http://www.americanleathers.com/
http://i42.tinypic.com/1ebccy.jpg

100% waterproof with neoprene and thick nylon tips for slick release. They are a little pricey but they last for years. Im shooting the same glove now for 3 years. Perfect for bowfishing!

I hadn't done the Zebco Dunk, but I'll keep it in mind next time my wife has a problem with her spincast reels. I've got a couple old broken rods in the basement and that's why I was thinking about going that route. At least I've already got an old bow to start with. It's an old Bear 45# 76er breakdown recurve with a metal handle section and fiberglass limbs.

Do you recommend using shooting gloves http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Pod/00/44/60/p004460ii03.jpg or these? https://www.backwaterbowfishing.com/onlinestore/images/products/73.jpg

I hope you don't mind my questions. There may be a few others here with the same questions.

Life I use the rubber no-glove string grips. They work great for me, however my bow is only set at 35 lbs and works fine.

Life I use the rubber no-glove string grips. They work great for me, however my bow is only set at 35 lbs and works fine.

Yep the folks that like "no-gloves" like 'em. Since Christine started using them on her new Onieda, she's come to like them.

I always shot with a glove for hunting, targets and 3-D. I just went through too many gloves while fishing. They would get slimy pretty fast and they would tear up when wet.

Some guys used the "Mechanix" brand neoprene gloves. I tried them but they didn't hold up for me. I just learned to shoot bare handed. If you don't shoot a whole bunch, they would work for you.