Bowfishing Arrows Are Made From What Material? This Article Explains It!

Bowfishing is definitely one of the most challenging fishing techniques. It combines elements of hunting and fishing so you have to be good at both to be successful. Your hunting and fishing skills are very important but what is also important is your bowfishing gear, especially the arrows. It is important what arrow you choose. Not just any will do. Length, weight, color and especially the right material are a thin line between going home with a full trunk of fish and going home empty-handed. That is the main reason why many people who are new to the world of bowfishing ask the same question: “Bowfishing arrows are made from what material?”

There are various materials used when making bowfishing arrows. The most common is fiberglass. But manufacturers also use carbon fiber, solid aluminum, and a combination of carbon fiber and fiberglass. These are the four most common materials used when making bowfishing arrows.

Basic properties of bowfishing arrows

What you will notice first is that bow fishing arrows are much heavier than classic arrows. Why? Imagine all the layers of water an arrow has to penetrate to hit the fish. Also, an arrow must be durable, strong enough and have enough penetration to go through scales on fish. Otherwise it would just hurt it and your prey would escape harmed.

Different materials you should consider

Fiberglass (glass fiber) is a plastic material that is reinforced to make it stronger. It is embedded with glass fibers and held together with a binding substance. Compared to steel, fiberglass is just as strong. But if you look at the strength to weight ratio, this material acts much better than steel. It is also much more durable and resistant to impact. These arrows are low cost and inexpensive, they last longer and are a great choice for new bowfishers who are still learning and building up their hunting skills.

Carbon is considered to be the alpha and omega of materials. It is very tough and aces in strength, allowing higher draw weights. Carbon fiber arrows also offer low weight and high tolerance to different temperatures. But the main disadvantage is that carbon fiber is expensive. One arrow made of this material can cost $25 or even more. Also, these arrows will crack when put in extreme stress or under possible side impacts.

Hybrid arrow models, made from strips of carbon on or in the fiberglass combine the best properties of these two materials. Hybrid bowfishing arrows have a tighter spine and straightness tolerance. This combination also makes them much stiffer and therefore suitable to use in heavier bows. Their price range is somewhere between fiberglass and carbon so this makes them very popular on the market.

Should I buy wooden bowfishing arrows?

Manufacturers avoid using wood for the arrows for several reasons. One of them is that wooden arrows can break faster than arrows made of aluminum, carbon fiber or fiberglass. Also, not all the arrows made of wood are the same. Even the same batch may slightly vary in weight and length and that affects the arrow’s firing properties. This is the main reason why manufacturers tend to choose other materials that are much better.

What is the best bowfishing arrow material?

Why would you even consider buying expensive bowfishing arrows, such as pure- or combined-carbon? If you are hunting in shallow waters and you are going after smaller fish, then there is no need for that.

But if you are planning to go bowfishing in deep waters, targeting bigger fish, then consider these arrows. Longer shots will require increased accuracy, better handling and plenty of power to hit and lure in the prey.

To conclude

After reading this article you should have the answer to the question: “Bowfishing arrows are made from what material?”

Now you know that choosing the right type of arrow is essential and will make a big difference. There are four different materials that producers use for making bowfishing arrows and they differ in many qualities. Decide where you will fish and choose your arrows accordingly.

If you are going for small fish, then fiberglass or aluminum arrows will be okay. If you are planning to fish in deep water and going after larger fish, then pay some extra money and get yourself proper arrows. In the end, the hunting experience will outweigh the price difference.