photo credit: AMS Bowfishing.
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Bowfishing isn’t just a sport—it’s an adventure that combines the thrill of archery with the patience of fishing. Not only does it sharpen your aim, but if you’re lucky, it might even reward you with a delicious seafood feast. While most of the focus goes to the bow and arrow, there’s another piece of equipment that plays a key role in your success—the reel.
Although a bowfishing reel shares some similarities with a traditional fishing reel, the big difference lies in how it’s mounted. It attaches directly to your bow, becoming part of your aiming and shooting setup. So if you’re ready to elevate your game, it’s time to get your hands on the best bowfishing reel. We’ve compiled seven top-notch options dominating the market today.
Best Bowfishing Reel We Cover Today
1. AMS Bowfishing Retriever Pro Reel
2. Cajun Bowfishing Winch Pro Bowfishing Reel
3. Muzzy 1097 XD Bow Fishing Reel
4.MegaMouth 2.0 Bowfishing Reel
5. Cajun Bowfishing Spin Doctor
Top Bowfishing Reel Reviews !
1. AMS Bowfishing Retriever Pro Reel
Price: $129.99 | Review: 4.6
Features & Specs
- Hand Orientation : Right Hand
- Item Weight : 3.2 ounces
- Special Feature : Anti-Reverse
The AMS Retriever Pro is designed for serious bowfishing, offering 27″ of line retrieval per crank with no buttons to push—just draw and shoot. Its free-spooling bottle design eliminates drag, giving you smooth, tangle-free shots every time. Pre-loaded with 35 yards of 350 lb Spectra braid, it’s ready for action straight out of the box.
A 4.3:1 gear ratio and high-torque handle make it easy to reel in even large fish fast. Built in the USA with machined brass gears, stainless steel parts, and a corrosion-resistant housing, it stands up to harsh freshwater and saltwater use.
Features like the EverGlide Safety Slide, quick-release mount, and trigger guard enhance both safety and convenience. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned bowfisher, this reel delivers performance that lasts.
Pros:
- Highly visible yellow Dacron line
- Beginner-friendly and simple operation
- Durable brass and stainless steel build
- Long handle for better leverage
Cons:
- Heavier line may reduce speed
- Higher Price Point.
🚀 27″ Retrieval per Crank | 🧵 Pre-Spooled with 350 lb Line | 🇺🇸 Made in USA | 🛡️ Zero-Drag Free Spool
2. Cajun Bowfishing Winch Pro Bowfishing Reel
Price: $94.99 | Review: 4.6
Features & Specs
- Hand Orientation : Right Hand
- Item Weight : 1.5 Pounds
- Special Feature : Durable
- Fishing Line Type : Monofilament
The Cajun Winch Pro is built for serious bowfishers who need control, strength, and reliability all in one reel. Featuring an adjustable lever drag system, it allows you to dial in the perfect resistance for every shot—ideal for fighting big, aggressive fish. Its vertical reel orientation ensures a natural grip and smooth handling during intense bowfishing sessions.
The sturdy 100% aluminium mounting system makes the Winch brutally tough and is built to handle any conditions. The rugged aluminum frame is both lightweight and strong, while the anti-reverse system helps prevent tangles and back-spooling. Designed for durability and high performance, the Winch Pro is perfect for both freshwater and saltwater use.
Pros:
- Fine-tune resistance during retrieval
- Lightweight yet durable aluminum construction
- Prevents tangling and ensures smoother shots
- Better grip and shooting ergonomics
Cons:
- Lever drag system may take practice for beginners
- May feel oversized on compact rigs
Fast Retrieval | 💪 Heavy-Duty Construction | 🛡️ Adjustable Drag
3. Muzzy 1097 XD Bow Fishing Reel
Price: $79.99 | Review: 4.5
Features & Specs
- Hand Orientation : Ambidextrous
- Item Weight : 11.2 Ounces
- Special Feature : Elongated Hood
- Fishing Line Type : Braided
The Muzzy 1097 XD is a dependable spin-cast bowfishing reel built for smooth operation and durability. It features a stainless steel and brass internal system that holds up well against frequent use and tough conditions. Pre-spooled with 150 lb braided line, it’s ready for action right out of the box. The adjustable drag gives you control over retrieval tension, which is great when targeting larger fish.
Its universal mounting system makes it compatible with most bows. The line release is clean and consistent, with minimal tangling issues. The elongated hood design also improves line flow during shots. While not as fast as bottle reels, it’s perfect for anglers who prefer the simplicity of a spin-cast setup.
The reel feels solid and balanced in the hand, even after hours of fishing. Overall, the Muzzy XD offers strong performance at a great value.
Pros:
- Strong stainless steel foot – solid anchor
- Dual spool shaft bearings
- Automotive-style disc drag
- Reduced tangles with elongated hood
- Great for beginners
Cons:
- No anti-reverse feature
🚚 Fast Shipping | 📦 Easy Returns
4. Cajun Bowfishing Spin Doctor
Price: $49.99 | Review: 3.8
Features & Specs
- Hand Orientation : Ambidextrous
- Item Weight : 1.4 Pounds
- Special Feature : Anti Tangle
- Fishing Line Type : Braided
The Cajun Spin Doctor Bowfishing Reel is a tough, no-nonsense spin-cast reel made for serious bowfishing action. It’s designed with a dual-pickup system that ensures fast line engagement, even with heavy arrows. Built with stainless steel and aluminum components, it can take abuse in harsh conditions without wearing out quickly.
The reel features an adjustable drag system for better control during retrieval and is pre-spooled with 150 lb high-visibility braided line. Its anti-reverse mechanism helps prevent backlash and keeps your shots smooth. The extended hood improves line feeding, reducing tangles mid-shot.
Mounting is quick and simple with its universal reel seat. While it may take a few tries to fine-tune the drag, it performs well once dialed in. The reel has a solid, balanced feel and runs quietly. Overall, the Spin Doctor is a reliable upgrade for anyone ready to bowfish hard.
Pros:
- One-sided handle prevents tangling
- Longer hood design
- Smoother line feeding
Cons:
-
Line may twist.
🚚 Prime Delivery Available | ✅ Hassle-Free Mounting
5.MegaMouth 2.0 Bowfishing Reel
Price: $409.99 | Review: 5.0
Features & Specs
- Hand Orientation : Ambidextrous
- Item Weight : 1.76 lbs
- Special Feature : Quick Adjust Drag
- Fishing Line Type : Braided
The MegaMouth 2.0 isn’t just another bowfishing reel—it’s a purpose-built machine designed to dominate. Unlike standard spincast reels repurposed for bowfishing, the MegaMouth was engineered exclusively for bowfishing from the very first bolt. It’s a reel that doesn’t compete—it leads.
After years of hands-on development, brutal field testing, and feedback from real bowfishers, the MegaMouth 2.0 has emerged as a reel in a league of its own. With its zero-drag free-spool design, premium dual-metal gearing, high-speed 5:1 retrieve ratio, and 40 yards of ultra-strong 200 lb test line—pre-spooled and ready—the MegaMouth offers elite-level performance with unmatched smoothness and reliability. Whether you’re in it for competition or big-water hunting, this reel is built to handle the fight and keep coming back for more.
Pros:
- Fastest Retrieval and Strongest reel.
- Three solid axial pins engage more quickly and will not break
- Patented Toolless locking hex-set thru-tube torque rod
- Buttonless FreeWheel design.
Cons:
-
One of the most expensive reels on the market.
⭐ Rated highly by bowfishing pros
🚚 Fast Shipping | 📦 Easy Returns
Bowfishing Reel Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best One for You
Bowfishing is fast, intense, and requires the right gear—especially your reel. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned bowfisher, choosing the best bowfishing reel can make or break your success on the water. Here’s what to look for before making your purchase:
🌀 1. Types of Bowfishing Reels
There are three main types of bowfishing reels, each with its own pros and cons:
-
Bottle Reels (Retriever Style):
No drag on the shot, line feeds smoothly from a bottle. Great for beginners and serious anglers alike. Example: AMS Retriever Pro. -
Spincast Reels:
Traditional reel style mounted on a bow. Familiar feel for anglers, offers decent control. Example: Muzzy XD, Cajun Spin Doctor. -
Winch-Style Reels:
Lever-drag or crank-operated reels built for big fish and high control. Typically more advanced. Example: Cajun Winch Pro.
⚙️ 2. Line Strength & Capacity
Bowfishing reels need to handle heavy, fast-moving fish. Look for reels pre-spooled with 150–200 lb braided line and at least 30–40 yards of capacity. Stronger line reduces breakage and handles tough fights.
🔁 3. Retrieval Speed & Gear Ratio
The faster the gear ratio, the quicker you can retrieve and take another shot. A higher gear ratio (like 5:1) offers quick pickup, while lower ratios provide more torque for reeling in larger fish.
🛠️ 4. Durability & Materials
Choose reels made with stainless steel, brass, or aluminum components. These resist corrosion and stand up to muddy, wet, or saltwater conditions.
🎯 5. Ease of Use
-
No buttons to push? Look for bottle reels.
-
Used to fishing rods? Spincast may feel more natural.
-
Need drag control? Winch or spincast reels with adjustable drag are ideal.
✅ 6. Mounting Compatibility
Make sure the reel fits your bow. Most top reels use universal reel seats, but double-check for compatibility, especially with lever or winch styles.
🛡️ 7. Safety Features
Always use reels that include or support a safety slide system (like the AMS EverGlide). This prevents dangerous snapbacks and improves overall shooting safety.
Final Words
Bowfishing is a sport of accuracy, timing, and gear. The reel you choose can be the difference between a trophy fish and an empty boat. Whether you want speed, power, or reliability, our roundup of the best bowfishing reels includes something for every angler. So gear up, hit the water, and let the hunt begin.
Read More: Bowfishing Guide
