[NVhuntfish]

I have a compound bow that I want to set up with a reel and I was wonder what some of you guys recommend?

I have been handed down my fathers all recurve and reel that I'm still trying to get a fish with but would like to have another bow so my buddy can shoot too.

 

[NuffDaddy]

Welcome!!!
There are a few options when it comes to reels.
AMS retriever
Muzzy spinner
Zebco 808 spinner(I think...someone will have to back me up on this)
Or a plastic spool to hand wrap your line around.
I like the retriever because of the simplicity, but a lot of people like the spinners because of the speed of arrow retrieval...The plastic spool is just a cheap way out. It's all just personal preference.

 

[mattman]

Deff. a Retriever in my opinion. I would just check craigslist or garage sales for a cheap bow. anthing that shoots around 40# will do more than enough. I use to shoot with a 25# recurve and killed plenty of fish. But I deffently like shooting a 45# better. Compounds work great but for me I prefer the recurve, I got a bad shoulder and cant pull a compound. The only problem i find with a compound is there slower to shoot and hit the bottom alot harder. But if you crank down the poundage you should have no problem, with in the bows limits of course

 

[Hunt15]

A retriever is the only way to go if you're just starting out. I thought I was smart and bought a little $20 plastic spool, and I only had it for about a week before I switched to an AMS. Also, whatever you do, get an arrow with the safety slide. I didn't the first time and line got wrapped around my arrow rest and almost tore it off. I don't know anything about the pushbutton reels, they sound like their pretty nice as long as you remember to hit the button before you shoot.

 

[fr3db3ar]

I have a 808 on one bow and a retriever on the other. The retriever is slower to get in and hurts my elbow a bit. I like the fast retrieval of the spinner, especially for the missed shots (happens a lot )

Personal preference more than anything I think. Although I have yet to throw away an arrow with the retriever. I've lost at least 3 this season to the spinner.

 

[NVhuntfish]

I have an old spool for my recurve and I'm thinking about getting an ams for my compound. I'd like to have both options and see which one I like best. thanks everyone for your input

 

[NuffDaddy]

Anything is better than a spool. You wont turn back from the AMS.

 

[Bowfish Addict]

AMS all the way. Retriever is simple and with a muzzy closed face spinner if u shoot without pressing button u can mess reel up easly and the snap back can be very serious. They work great for arrow retrieval but for grass I wouldn't recommend muzzy. AMS HANDS DOWN

 

[Blitzline]

Everything is about personal preference and what works best for you. I see everyone is recommending retrievers. I personally hate them and will not use them again since I have gone to spinners. I love my muzzy reels they are tough and if you break a part you can get replacements. As for snapback I haven't had any arrows come back at the boat with a spinner. the line just breaks.

My best recommendation is to shoot them both if you can and decide from there

 

[mattman]

so did you figure out your set up yet?

 

[Garstick]

AMS is worth the money. Nothing to do but shoot and reel. I went cheap on an Academy Sports Zebco version ( for a back up bow) with the push button release. I purchased a few extra arrows because I know I'll get excited and forget to push the magic button before shooting. I hope it happens in shallow water so I can get the arrow back