BOW_FISHIN ........BEST REEL ????

[redeemed]

I have 2 reels. 808 zebco   bear drum reel(stab. hole mount). which one would you use and why?

[ChuckC]

I have used both types and I preferr the Zebco style.  I think it allows smoother line escape and a better shot.   I am not a huge fan of the drum type or wound-on-bottle type reel systems.     However, that said, the choice is really up to you and your style of shooting.  Hint...don't be afraid to experiment a bit with mounting the reel.  I have taped the reels directly to bows and had good luck and it takes away a few ounces of weight.
Shoot straight
ChuckC

[Mike Orton]

Ya'll should look into the AMS Bottle reel.  I believe it to be a far better design, particularly the model used for big fish, that allows for the string to leave the bottle at the end of a run.  Tie onto a bouye or a fishing pole

[Tim Kosteczko]

i use an 808 and it worked like a gem the other day (see: carp were spawning)
i have 80 pound berkley "gorilla tough" braided line in it and it was as smooth as you could hope for

[Brian Halbleib]

I second the AMS bottle style.

-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com

[fireman_3311]

Out of the 2 listed, I'd pick the 808, but if ya have the spare cash, go get the AMS, you won't be sorry!!!

[BMOELLER]

I vote AMS but again thats only the second type I've ever used. I used to use the wind on type.

Hey Brad, Your last topic on Carpin got me drooling.  Grand Pass looks awesome..  can you wade through those pools?

[TRADITIONAL ONLY]

AMS all the way!

808's pick-up pins will fall out and catch the line as it leaves and after two times that it happens you wont get your line in cause you have not pins to wrap the line back on the drum inside...

drum reels have too much drag to shoot far or deep...

[CJ5]

I've never used the drum type, so I can't comment on them. The AMS works great. They are light, simple, and trouble free. Its hard to go wrong with them. This year, I'm trying a new rig with a Shakespear Synergy spincaster. The spincaster is a bit more trouble (fresh line and full spool always) and you have to be more mindfull of it (forget the button and most likely your arrow is gone    ). But, IMO the spincasters will definitely outshoot/outrange the AMS, with a smoother and faster retrieve.

[groundhawg]

another vote for the shakespeare synergy. of the 2 reels you mentioned i would go with the 808. the ams is good if your going after alligator gar but is generally slow and overkill for your average carp.

[TRADITIONAL ONLY]

i;; have to disagree about losin your arrow if you forget to push the button. (my experience falls only on a Zebco 808) usually it will just break a pick-up pin and just not go as far. the whole "itll come back and whack you across the head" dosent hold true if yu shoot 45+ pound bows...

[Doug Campbell]

Hmmm.... been shooting everything from string wrapped on a 1X4 to the AMS's for 35year and still seem to go back to the ol 808 when it comes down to havin fun. It's probably the speed and ease of use more than anything else. I've wore out or tore up a few shooting thousands upon thousands of shots but have never broken the pins out of one.

Ya gotta push that button on the back TO   :D  

May have to look at that Shakespeare sometime.

[TRADITIONAL ONLY]

well, actually, even if you DO push the button, sometimes the pins fall down and catch the string..

my dad had one on a compound, so thats probabbly why the pins broke....

[CJ5]

The 808 was the first spincaster I ever tried. I never broke a pin, just seemed to have alot of hang-ups and lost a couple of arrows because of it. I've never had one come back either. They either stop and drop, or the line breaks and the arrow is gone. I got frustrated with it and went back to the AMS. This year, the Synergy seems to be working much better.

[fireman_3311]

Originally posted by BMOELLER:
I vote AMS but again thats only the second type I've ever used. I used to use the wind on type.

Hey Brad, Your last topic on Carpin got me drooling.  Grand Pass looks awesome..  can you wade through those pools?

I'm sure you can wade them, I just walk the bank!

[On Fire aka Charlie]

I shoot a lot of fish and have already gone thru 2 808's this year.  Junk!  Decided to try the Synergy and it's a much better reel and cheaper.  The 150# spectra line is nice for longer shots too.

Charlie