Bowfishing Safety Slides: What They Are and How They Help

Fish arrow snap-back is something that occurs more frequently than a bowfisher would like, and can be deadly under the right circumstances. Those that are new to bowfishing may have no idea what a fish arrow snap-back is or the fact that there is something that can be done about it. This article explores all of that.

What is Fish Arrow Snap-back?

Snap-back can occur when the wrong type of reel is used, but the most dangerous form of snap-back is when the lines become tangled. Fish arrow snap-back is not something any bowfisher wants to experience, but it is an act that is experienced all too often in bowfishing, especially with beginners that aren’t familiar with safety slides and the proper way to bowfish. Arrow snap-back transpires when the fishing line gets wrapped into the bowstring of your bowfishing equipment. It is known to cause serious injury and death, in the worst cases.

What Does a Bowfishing Safety Slide Do?

The bowfishing safety slide is installed over the bowfishing arrow shaft as a safety feature during bowfishing. The fishing line is then tied to the safety slide. The slide and line remain forward of the bow and away from the bowfishing arrow rest when the bow is full drawn. When the arrow is released, it will move through the safety slide and the slide moves back to the shock pad as well as the stop screw sending your fishing line successfully to the fish without affecting the arrow’s flight.

At all times, the safety slide ensures that your bowfishing line is separated completely from your bowstring to prevent the awful snap-back that occurs when these two intertwine. This ensures your safety, and also prevents the arrow from going straight through the fish.

Safety Slide Features

• Prevents fish arrow snap-back hazard.
• Holds fishing line in place at full draw and during release.
• Prevents fishing line from entangling with the bowstring.
• Doesn’t affect the overall flight of the bowfishing arrow.
• Made from durable and extremely tough materials.
• Strong enough to handle 100+ pound fish (some reports of 300 pounds).
• Made with splines inside to eliminate problems with dirt and sand.
• Most suitable for 145fps or less arrow speeds.
• Easy installation, and slides down the arrow for reeling.

To ensure safety while bowfishing, it is recommended to have a bowfishing safety slide installed on all your bowfishing arrows and the bowfishing line should never be tied directly to the back end of your arrow, as this is one of the many reasons that the arrow snap-back occurs. Not only does having a safety slide installed on all of your bowfishing gear ensure that your arrow has near perfect release and flight, but it will prevent the deadly arrow snap-back guaranteeing your safety while bowfishing.