One of the defining features of a bowfishing bow is the reel that allows you to catch and haul in fish. To hold a reel in place, you’ll need a reel mount/seat or a reel adapter for your bow. Reel adapters with straps are typically used for bows with inadequate bushings and bows without drilled holes for bowfishing reels. Reel mounts will be your most durable option because they will hold your bowfishing reel securely in place. This article will give an overview of factors to consider when buying a bowfishing reel mount and give product reviews of some of the most popular reel mounts on the market.
Factors to Consider
Stabilizer Bushings
First, you’ll need to check if your bowfishing bow comes with a front stabilizer bushing already installed. If your bow comes with one, then you can easily mount your reel. However, if not, you’ll need to drill holes in your bow to attach a reel mount.
Type of Reel
If you’re going to put a reel mount on your bow, make sure that it’s compatible with the type of reel you’re going to use. The most common reel types used for bowfishing are: spincast reels, Retriever/bottle reels, hybrid reels and basic drum reels. You can also find tape-on reels that are removable after every fishing trip and do not require a reel mount.
Threading
Reel mounts with a threaded end allow you to attach other accessories such as fishing rods and cameras. Although a threaded end is not a necessary feature, it gives you the versatility for extra attachments.
Product Reviews
Now, it’s time to take a look at some of the bowfishing reel mounts you’ll find available.
GPP Bowfishing Aluminum Spinning Reel Mount
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GPP’s bowfishing reel mount has a standard stud that can be attached to a bow’s front accessory hole. This reel mount accepts any type of reel, but closed face spinning reels are recommended. It’s made with an anodized aluminum construction that can withstand the harsh abuse that bowfishing tends to put on equipment. The GPP reel mount also features front treads so you can easily attach rods, cameras or other accessories.
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Cajun Archery Bowfishing Spinning Reel Mount
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This Cajun Archery reel mount is specifically designed for attaching a spin-casting reel to the stabilizer bushing of the bow. It also features a threaded end that allows you easily attach a fishing rod. To attach the reel mount onto a bow, you’ll need to use two wrenches or vice grips on each nut and tighten them at the same time. You’ll need to turn tighten them in opposite directions and make sure that the reel mount is kept straight as you do so. This Cajun Archery reel mount measures 10 x 2 x 4 inches and weighs 4.8 ounces.
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Cajun Archery Tournament Reel Mount
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The Cajun Archery Tournament reel mount is made with machined and anodized aluminum hoods to ensure that it holds up in even the toughest conditions. It has been designed to attach a spinning reel into a bow’s stabilizer bushing. This reel mount locks securely in place and also features a threaded end for a fishing rod attachment. The Cajun Archer Tournament reel mount is considered one of the heaviest-duty bowfishing mounts on the market. It measures 9.8 x 4 x 1.5 inches and weighs 6.4 ounces.
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Southland Archery Supply Aluminum Bowfishing Reel Seat
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SAS’s bowfishing reel seat is made with a high-quality CNC machined aluminum that’s built to last. It allows you to mount a reel your bow’s front stabilizer. It’s important to note that a reel is not included with this mount.
Southland Archery Supply is a trusted company in the hunting and archery industries. They make high-quality bows and accessories that that been tested in the field and proven to hold up in harsh outdoor conditions.
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Sinoart Aluminum Bowfishing Reel Seat
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SinoArt’s bowfishing reel seat is constructed with high-quality CNC machined aluminum that makes it one of the most durable reel mounts on the market.It has been designed for easy attachment to your bow’s front stabilizer. From there you can securely mount a spin-casting reel to your bow. SinoArt’s bowfishing reel seat also features a threaded end which allows you to attach other accessories, such as a fishing rod.
To help you attach the reel seat to your bow, SinoArt has also included a wrench. SinoArt’s bowfishing reel mount is recommended for bowfishers of all skill levels. Altogether it weighs 9.2 ounces.
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October Mountain Products Fin Finder Rock Solid Reel Seat
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OMP’s Fin Finder reel seat is made with a tournament grade aluminum construction that’s durable and designed for the water. It’s compatible with most bows and allows you to mount a bowfishing reel securely. The Fin Finder was designed for easy attachment to a standard stabilizer bushing of your bow’s riser. This October Mountain Products reel mount is recommended for spin-cast style reels.
The Fin Finder is made with 24 threads that measure 5/16 inches. It’s important to note that a reel is not included with this mount.
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SA Sports Gator Solid Aluminum Reel Mount
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SA Sports has made this reel mount with a solid aluminum construction that’s durable enough for harsh outdoor conditions. The Gator has been specifically designed to mount close faced reels onto bows with a stabilizer port. This reel mount measures 10 x 4 x 2 inches and weighs 9.6 ounces.
SA Sports is a company committed to manufactured hunting equipment that’s not only durable, but also affordable. The make anything from bows, bolts, arrows, optics and accessories such as reel mounts for bowfishing.
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Final Thoughts
Reel mounts are a great investment for your bowfishing bow because they keep your reel securely fastened to your bow and are capable of withstanding harsh bowfishing conditions. Be sure to find a reel mount that’s compatible for your bowfishing reel and remember that you’ll need to drill holes in your bow to attach a reel mount if your bow lacks a stabilizer bushing. Research various models of reel mounts to find the one most suitable for your bow and fishing needs.