The 10 Best Bowfishing Bows of 2025 (Kits for Every Budget)

There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of bowfishing at night. The water is dark, the generator is humming, and your world is confined to the shifting beams of light scanning for the shadow of a carp or gar. When a target appears, you have only seconds to draw, aim, and release. In that moment, the last thing you want to worry about is your gear. A bow that’s too heavy, a reel that jams, or a rest that fails can ruin the entire trip.

But getting into bowfishing can be confusing. Can you use your deer hunting bow? How much draw weight do you actually need? The truth is, a dedicated bowfishing bow is one of the best investments you can make in the sport. They are built to be shot quickly, hundreds of times a night, and to withstand the wet, muddy, and chaotic environment of the water.

I’ve spent years on the water and have seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t. To save you the trouble of trial and error, I’ve done the deep dive, analyzing the most popular bowfishing bows on the market. This guide is built to cut through the marketing hype and give you an honest look at the best rigs, from budget-friendly beginner kits to professional-grade powerhouses.

Editor’s Picks: The Best Bowfishing Bows of 2025

Before we get into the full reviews, here are my top picks that deliver outstanding performance and value for every type of angler.

Category	Product	Why It’s a Top Pick
Best Overall	Cajun Bowfishing Sucker Punch Pro	A highly adjustable, performance-driven compound bow from a top brand that’s ready for any fish, right out of the box.
Best Value Kit	Lanneret Bowfishing Bow Kit	An impressively complete, all-in-one kit that provides everything a beginner needs to get on the water at an unbeatable price.
Best Recurve Bow	Cajun Bowfishing Fish Stick	The quintessential beginner bowfishing rig. It’s simple, durable, and its takedown design makes it incredibly portable.
The Powerhouse	Onieda Eagle Osprey	The legendary “Cadillac” of bowfishing. This lever-action bow offers a smooth draw and incredible power for serious anglers targeting trophy fish.

How to Choose the Best Bowfishing Bow: A Buyer’s Guide

A good bowfishing bow is a purpose-built tool. It’s not just a hunting bow painted blue. Here’s what you need to look for when choosing your rig.

Core Features to Compare

• Bow Type: Compound vs. Recurve vs. Lever Action
  • Recurve: These are simple, durable, and reliable. With no let-off, you get a consistent feel and can make quick “snap shots” at moving fish. They are great for beginners and are often more affordable.
  • Compound: Modern bowfishing compounds are designed for the sport. They typically have a constant draw weight (no let-off) or very high let-off modules, allowing for quick shots without a defined “back wall.” They are compact, powerful, and highly adjustable.
  • Lever Action: Bows like the Oneida Osprey are the best of both worlds. They offer the smooth, finger-friendly draw of a recurve with the power and speed of a compound. They are the premium choice for serious bowfishers.
• Draw Weight & Length This is the biggest difference from hunting. You do not need high draw weight. A typical bowfishing setup is 30-50 lbs. You’ll be shooting dozens, if not hundreds, of times in a night, often at awkward angles. A lower draw weight prevents fatigue and allows for faster shots. Most bowfishing bows have a very forgiving or infinite draw length to accommodate quick, instinctive shooting.
• The Reel: Spincast vs. Bottle
  • Spincast Reels: These look like standard fishing reels (e.g., Cajun or Muzzy reels). They are great for retrieving arrows quickly and fighting fish with the drag. The key is to always remember to push the release button before you shoot.
  • Bottle Reels: The AMS Retriever is the classic example. The line is spooled into a bottle and flies out with zero resistance. They are considered safer and more foolproof, as there’s no button to forget. Retrieval is slower, however.
• Durability and Materials Bowfishing is rough on gear. Your bow will get wet, muddy, and knocked around in a boat. Look for bows with stainless steel hardware, corrosion-resistant components, and durable finishes. High-grade aluminum risers and composite or fiberglass limbs are standard.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Your Hunting Bow: While you can convert a hunting bow, it’s often a bad idea. They typically have too much draw weight, a defined draw length that’s too long for snap shooting, and components that will rust and fail in a wet environment.
• Getting Too Much Draw Weight: It’s the most common beginner mistake. A 60 lb draw weight is exhausting and completely unnecessary for carp, gar, or even rays. Stick to the 30-50 lb range.
• Forgetting to Press the Button: If you use a spincast reel, you MUST press the button before every single shot. Forgetting will cause the arrow to snap back, which is extremely dangerous.

The Top 10 Bowfishing Bows: Ranked

I reviewed your provided list, filtering for performance, user reputation, and overall value to bring you the definitive top 10.

1. Cajun Bowfishing Sucker Punch Pro Bowfishing Bow

Best For: The serious bowfisher who wants a high-performance, fully adjustable compound bow from a top-tier brand.

My Rating: 4.9/5

Overview: The Cajun Sucker Punch Pro is a purpose-built killing machine. This bow is designed for performance, featuring a compact 31-inch axle-to-axle frame and highly adjustable draw modules that allow you to customize the draw length (17″ to 29.5″) and let-off. This means it can fit almost any shooter and be tuned for either fast snap-shooting or a more relaxed hold. The kit comes with high-quality components, including the excellent Cajun Winch Pro reel. It’s a step up from basic kits, offering the power and precision needed for chasing trophy fish.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Highly adjustable draw length and let-off	Premium price point compared to beginner kits
Compact, maneuverable, and powerful	Can be more complex for a true beginner to tune
Comes with excellent, high-quality accessories
Perfect for growing with an angler’s skill level

Real-World Insights: Users consistently praise the Sucker Punch for its smooth draw cycle and solid feel. Many reviewers note that the adjustability is its best feature, allowing them to set it up perfectly for their shooting style. It’s often described as a bow that “feels like it’s worth every penny” and is capable of taking on the biggest and toughest fish.

2. Onieda Eagle Osprey

Best For: The dedicated bowfisher who wants the absolute best in smooth-drawing power and performance.

My Rating: 4.8/5

Overview: The Oneida Eagle Osprey is legendary in the bowfishing world, and for good reason. It’s a lever-action bow, which combines the smooth, finger-friendly draw of a recurve with the powerful energy storage of a compound. This unique design allows for incredible “snap-shooting” ability with no set draw length, meaning you can pull back and let fly from any position. It’s incredibly durable, powerful, and surprisingly quiet. For anglers who spend hundreds of hours on the water, the Osprey’s performance and comfort are unmatched.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Silky smooth draw with no “back wall”	The most expensive bow on the list by a large margin
Incredible power and arrow speed	Heavier than many other bowfishing bows
Legendary durability and build quality	Overkill for the casual weekend angler
Allows for fast, instinctive “snap-shooting”

Real-World Insights: Owners of the Osprey are fiercely loyal. They describe the shooting experience as “addictive” and “effortless.” Many guides and tournament anglers use this bow because they can shoot it all night without fatigue and trust it to handle monster alligator gar and other trophy fish. It’s universally regarded as the “Cadillac” of the sport.

3. Cajun Bowfishing Fish Stick Bowfishing Bow

Best For: Beginners, young anglers, or anyone wanting a simple, reliable, and portable bowfishing rig.

My Rating: 4.7/5

Overview: The Cajun Fish Stick is arguably the most popular starter bow in bowfishing. It’s a simple, 45-lb takedown recurve bow that is nearly indestructible. The “takedown” design means the limbs can be removed from the riser for easy storage and transport, making it perfect for camping or stashing in a vehicle. The ready-to-fish kit includes a basic spincast reel, a roller rest, and a fiberglass arrow with a Piranha point. There are no complex parts to tune or break; you just screw it together and start shooting.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Simple, durable, and very easy to use	Included accessories are basic but functional
Takedown design makes it extremely portable	Recurve design can feel bulky in tight quarters
Excellent value for a complete starter kit	Fixed 45lb draw weight is not adjustable
Perfect for learning the fundamentals of the sport

Real-World Insights: Thousands of people have started their bowfishing journey with a Fish Stick. Reviewers call it a “workhorse” and “the perfect first bowfishing bow.” They love its simplicity and the fact that it can handle the abuse of being on a boat. While many upgrade the reel eventually, the bow itself is known to last for years.

4. AMS Bowfishing Water Moc Recurve Bowfishing Kit

Best For: Anglers who prefer the safety and simplicity of a bottle reel and a classic recurve feel.

My Rating: 4.6/5

Overview: This kit pairs a classic takedown recurve bow with AMS Bowfishing’s legendary Retriever TNT bottle reel. The Water Moc bow itself is a 58-inch recurve with a 45lb draw weight, providing plenty of power for most species. The star of the show is the reel, which is known for being virtually foolproof—with no button to push, it eliminates the risk of a dangerous snap-back. The kit also includes an excellent Tidal Wave arrow rest. This is a premium recurve kit focused on safety and reliability.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Comes with the ultra-reliable AMS Retriever reel	Slower arrow retrieval than with a spincast reel
Takedown design for easy storage	Fixed draw weight and length
Foolproof system is great for beginners and groups
Quality components designed to last

Real-World Insights: Users who choose this kit prioritize safety and simplicity above all else. It’s often recommended for charter captains and people taking youth groups out because the reel system is so safe. Reviewers praise the smoothness of the reel and the solid construction of the entire package, calling it a “no-worries” setup.

5. Cajun Bowfishing Shore Runner EVW Bowfishing Bow

Best For: Anglers who want a high-quality compound bow with premium, ready-to-fish accessories.

My Rating: 4.5/5

Overview: The Shore Runner is another stellar compound bow from Cajun, sitting just below the Sucker Punch in their lineup. This bow is built for performance with a 32-inch axle-to-axle length and a constant 50-lb draw weight that is easy for most adults to handle. The EVW package is the top-tier version, featuring the exceptional Winch Pro reel, a quality arrow, and a brush-style arrow rest. It’s a powerful, smooth-drawing bow that is ready for serious action right out of the box.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Comes with the premium Winch Pro reel	Not as adjustable as the Sucker Punch
Smooth draw cycle and solid back wall	Higher price than entry-level compound kits
Excellent balance of performance and handling
Durable construction from a trusted brand

Real-World Insights: This bow gets high marks for its out-of-the-box performance. Anglers love that they don’t have to upgrade any of the accessories, particularly praising the Winch Pro reel. It’s often described as being lightweight for a compound and having a very comfortable grip, making it enjoyable to shoot all night.

6. CenterPoint AVCT40KT Typhon Complete Compound Bow Fishing Kit

Best For: Shooters looking for an adjustable compound bow kit at a very reasonable price point.

My Rating: 4.4/5

Overview: The CenterPoint Typhon brings the adjustability of a modern compound bow to an affordable, all-inclusive package. The bow can be adjusted from 15-55 lbs in draw weight and 19-29 inches in draw length without a bow press, making it incredibly versatile for different-sized shooters. It comes fully equipped with a spincast reel, fiberglass arrow, and all necessary accessories. This level of adjustability is rare at this price, making it a fantastic option for families or those who want to fine-tune their setup.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Highly adjustable draw weight and length	Included accessories are functional but not premium
Very affordable for a compound bow kit	Can be more complicated than a simple recurve
Great for growing with a new or young angler
Comes complete and ready to shoot

Real-World Insights: Users are consistently surprised by the quality and features of this bow for the money. Parents love that they can set the draw weight low for their kids and increase it as they grow. While some recommend upgrading the arrow rest, the bow itself is praised as being durable, accurate, and a great value.

7. Lanneret Bowfishing Bow Kit

Best For: Beginners on a tight budget who want a complete, ready-to-shoot compound bow package.

My Rating: 4.2/5

Overview: The Lanneret Bowfishing Kit is a prime example of an accessible, all-in-one package. It features a compound bow with an adjustable draw weight (30-55 lbs) and comes with everything you need to start: a spincast reel and seat, arrow rest, fiberglass arrows, and even finger savers. The bow is compact and lightweight, making it easy to handle on a boat. While the components aren’t premium, they are perfectly functional for getting started and figuring out if the sport is right for you. It offers more features than a basic recurve at a similar price.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Incredibly low price for a complete compound kit	Accessories are very basic quality
Adjustable draw weight to fit different shooters	Not as durable as bows from major brands
Includes everything needed to get started
Lightweight and easy to maneuver

Real-World Insights: Reviewers praise this kit as an “unbeatable value” for someone wanting to try bowfishing. Many bought it as a low-risk entry into the sport and were happy with its performance on carp and other common fish. The common advice is to make sure all screws are tightened before use, but that it shoots surprisingly well for the price.

8. Motion Zeus Bowfishing Bow Kit

Best For: Newcomers looking for an alternative all-in-one kit with a unique look.

My Rating: 4.1/5

Overview: Similar to other Amazon-branded kits, the Motion Zeus package aims to provide a complete, turn-key solution for beginners. It includes a 35-40lb compound bow, a pre-spooled spincast reel, arrows, and the necessary rests and guards. Its main draw is its accessibility and affordability. For someone who doesn’t want to piece together a kit from different brands, this package gets you on the water immediately. It provides a modern compound bow feel without the high cost of premium brands.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Very affordable all-in-one package	Build quality is not on par with name brands
Comes fully equipped and ready to fish	Accessories are entry-level and may need upgrading
Good entry point for trying the sport
Lightweight design

Real-World Insights: This kit is seen as a good “tester” bow. Users who bought it were generally happy with it as a way to fish a few times a year or introduce a friend to the sport. Like similar kits, the advice is to check and tighten all components upon arrival. It’s considered a good value for what’s included in the box.

9. Archery Bowfishing Compound Bow Kit

Best For: Budget-conscious individuals looking for a basic compound bow to build upon.

My Rating: 3.9/5

Overview: This generic bowfishing kit provides the bare essentials for a compound bow setup. It typically features a bow with a fixed or narrowly adjustable draw weight and includes a reel, arrow, and rest. The main advantage here is the low cost of entry to get a compound bow platform. While it lacks the refinement and brand-name components of higher-end models, it’s a functional tool for casual bowfishing. It’s best seen as a starter bow that you can upgrade with a better reel or rest over time as your budget allows.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
Extremely low price point	Inconsistent quality control
Functional for casual or infrequent use	All components are very basic and may lack durability
Provides a compound bow shooting experience

Real-World Insights: Feedback on these generic kits is often mixed, but many users agree that “you get what you pay for.” Those who have positive experiences see it as a great value that got them on the water cheaply. Many recommend immediately upgrading the arrow rest for better reliability.

10. Archery Bow Set Left and Right Hand Compound Bow

Best For: Use as a hunting bow; not recommended for bowfishing.

My Rating: 2.5/5 (For Bowfishing)

Overview: This product appears to be a standard compound bow designed for hunting, not the specialized sport of bowfishing. While it is a complete bow set, it likely has features—like a longer draw length, a crisp let-off wall, and non-corrosion-resistant components—that make it ill-suited for the wet, fast-paced environment of bowfishing. Converting a hunting bow is possible but often requires changing modules, rests, and adding a reel, and the bow itself may not hold up to the abuse. It is much better to invest in a purpose-built bowfishing rig.

✅ What We Loved	❌ What to Watch Out For
May be a good value for entry-level deer hunting	Not designed for bowfishing
Highly adjustable	Components are not water or corrosion-resistant
	Draw cycle and let-off are not ideal for snap shooting
	Requires significant modification for bowfishing use

Real-World Insights: Reviews for this bow typically focus on its use for target practice and deer hunting. There is little to no feedback regarding its use for bowfishing, reinforcing that it is the wrong tool for the job.

Real more: The 10 Best Fishing Rod and Reel Combos of 2025 (Tested & Reviewed)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)