Preventing Arrow Snapback – Safety Systems

Bowfishing is an interesting and entertaining sport, which combines some of the features of hunting with those of fishing. Unlike an ordinary angler, the bowfisherman is as likely to be in motion, actively seeking out his finned quarry, as he is to be remaining in one place.

Whether you are poised on a fishing platform with your bow ready to hand, gazing down into the water through a pair of dark sunglasses, wading slowly through the shallows in a pair of rubber hip-boots, or gliding along quiet bayous where the dragonflies dance like crystal needles in the sunlight as you seek for a massive alligator gar you heard rolling a few minutes before, bowfishing combines nature and the excitement of the …show more content…
However, that is a possibility in bowfishing if you fail to take proper precautions against “snapback.” Snapback occurs because of the line which must be attached to your arrow – the drag of this line can literally cause your arrow to snap back into you, potentially spearing your face on its razor-sharp point and inflicting serious or mortal wounds.

Fortunately, systems are readily available to prevent snapback and keep you safe while you are firing at a food or game fish. Snapback usually occurs because of the line being tied to the back of the arrow by an inexperienced (or, occasionally, careless) bowfisherman. When this is done, the line can easily snag on the bowstring when you release the arrow, and the kinetic energy you have just given to the arrow whips it around at high speed, possibly driving it through flesh and bone.

Bowfishing arrows come with (or can be equipped with) safety slides, which mount on the side of the arrow and provide a place to attach the line safely. This will keep the line well clear of the bowstring and the main arc of the bow itself, both during drawing and release. When the arrow is fired with the line attached to the safety slide, it leaves the bow cleanly, darting out into the water to plunge into your trophy fish rather than