10 Best Bowfishing Reels 2025 in the United States

The MegaMouth® 2.0 Bowfishing Reel stands out significantly in the bowfishing reel category. It boasts a robust construction, featuring stainless steel and brass gears, which ensure its strength and durability, making it particularly suited for reeling in big fish. One of its most notable strengths is its fast retrieval rate of 28 inches per crank, which is the fastest in the industry, allowing for quick and efficient line management. Additionally, its buttonless FreeWheel design prevents accidental unreleased shots, enhancing safety and ease of use.

The reel's drag system can be adjusted mid-fight, providing flexibility during intense fishing moments. With 40 yards of premium 200# test line, it offers ample capacity for most bowfishing needs. The reel also features a patented toolless locking hex-set thru-tube torque rod and can easily convert from right to left hand orientation, adding to its user-friendliness.

Weighing 2.4 pounds, it is relatively lightweight considering its heavy-duty nature. However, some users might find the need to adjust the drag mid-fight challenging if they are not experienced. Also, while its weight is manageable, it might be slightly cumbersome for beginners who are not accustomed to handling heavier equipment. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MegaMouth® 2.0 Bowfishing Reel is an excellent choice for serious bowfishers looking for a top-performing reel that combines strength, speed, and ease of use.

The AMS Bowfishing Retriever Pro Combo Kit is designed for anyone interested in bowfishing, especially those who already have a spare hunting bow. The kit includes the Retriever Pro bottle reel filled with a generous 25 yards of 200-pound test braided Dacron line, which is known for its strength and reliability in bowfishing scenarios.

The Tidal Wave Arrow Rest is rugged and keeps your arrow steady even when targeting fast-moving fish, making it user-friendly and effective. Additionally, the kit comes with two durable fiberglass Chaos FX arrows, which feature heavy-duty barbs for secure catches and easy release mechanisms. Being made in the USA for over 40 years, AMS ensures high-quality, proven products.

It is important to note that this reel is designed for right-handed users only. The kit's ease of installation and inclusion of key components make it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced bowfishers alike. The durability of each component is commendable, though the lack of gear ratio information might leave some users curious about its performance specifics.

The Cajun Bowfishing Winch Pro Bowfishing Reel is tailored for bowfishing enthusiasts looking for a high-performance reel. It's designed with a fighting wheel brake, allowing you to brake and reel in simultaneously, which can be a great advantage when dealing with strong fish. The reel is built for durability with a rugged aluminum frame and an adjustable ceramic string guide that ensures smooth line feed and long-lasting use.

The reel supports one-handed operation, which can be beneficial when you're managing the bow and the catch at the same time. This makes it a user-friendly option even for those who are relatively new to bowfishing. With its universal fit, it offers both vertical and horizontal adjustments to accommodate different bow setups, making it quite versatile.

However, the reel is specifically designed for right-hand use, which might not suit left-handed users. The product is on the heavier side, weighing 1.2 pounds, which could affect balance or comfort during extended fishing sessions. It uses a monofilament line, a common choice for many bowfishing reels, but some may prefer alternative line options depending on their fishing conditions.

The Cajun Bowfishing Winch Pro is an excellent choice for those looking for a durable and innovative reel that enhances bowfishing performance with features like simultaneous braking and reeling. It's most beneficial for right-handed users who prioritize ease of use and adaptability across different bow types.