Ideas for fishing arrows

[NeolithicMan]

Im looking for some ideas on how to make a good heavy fishin arrow for thumping big ol' carp out of 4 to 5 foot deep water. I have fiberglass arrows with big torpedo heads that fold out. I got to thinking "how can I make a wooden version?"
My first idea was to take a hollow reed or bamboo and stuff it with sawdust and glue.

My second idea was to make a shaft from osage orange or walnut or even ipe (pretty expensive arrow though) and possibly "cook" the arrow shaft in an oil filled pipe to soak into the wood, making it heavier and more water resistant.

My last idea was to glue a center strip of bone/antler slices into the shaft.

Again just looking for someone to stop me if I am about to make (pardon the pun) pointless arrows or if anyone has experience in this area and can steer me in the right direction.

[H Rhodes]

I am ashamed on this primitive forum to admit that all I have ever used is fiberglass fishing arrows, but it seems to me that you could sure use cane for the purpose just as easily.  I intend to give cane fishing arrows a try this summer.  I would cut them unusually long, if it was me.   I bet someone on here has been down this fishing arrow trail before and will be chiming in shortly. 

[Marc St Louis]

I was 13 or 14 the first time I shot a fish with an arrow, almost 50 years ago now, and all I used was a standard target arrow.  The fish I shot was a 3 or 4 pound Pike and the arrow went half way through which pretty well immobilized the fish.  He thrashed about a lot but couldn't go anywhere with an arrow through him so all I had to do was walk out and grab him.  Of course having to walk out into the water every time you shoot one is not very practical and somewhat annoying especially if the water is freezing cold.

[H Rhodes]

Shooting an alligator gar with an arrow only seems to ring the bell for the beginning of round 1!

[Marc St Louis]

Shooting an alligator gar with an arrow only seems to ring the bell for the beginning of round 1!

Maybe one of those would merit 2 or 3 arrows then

[bowtarist]

I'm working on the same thing. Gonna go w/ cane and possibly a toggle point. Gonna try some osier too. Ain't shootin no where near 4 or 5 feet. Maybe try piking at that depth. folks shoot fish 5 ft deep? have to shoot 4 foot under it.  I'm up for ideas too. check out Pappys gator arrows from last fall. post some pics too.  dp

[koan]

I have tried cane and bamboo and quickly discovered they are to light to penetrate large scale fish consistantly. The trick i used to improve penetration is a much oversized shaft in length & diameter, then fit as much coat hanger or big as can fit nail in the hollow tip end(just to add weight). I have used a modified trade point design(guthook the back) and it works well on average sized fish. Most times i use the cheapest store bought heads cuz its easier to remove fish. Had good luck with 3/8 oak dowels also. Just rub in alot of wax, heat gun to soak it in, then wax some more.... Brian

[NeolithicMan]

Thanks for the input guys. I am going with my fiberglass this up coming trip as I cant make any arrows right now. lots of projects I really need to finish.

hrhodes; I wish we had alligator gar around here, really cool looking fish, and bad@$$ scale armor from what I hear. would love to get ahold of a nice skull from one!

Marc St.Louis; I wouldnt have guess you were over 55 from your bow post pics without that cool little story you shared. All I am aloud to shoot here in NY is carp to my knowledge but I will be on my anually pike fishing trip when I go for the water archery trials. (hopefully one arrow is enough  )

Koan; My biggest worry was the arrows being to light and either bouncing off or not even making it to depth. thank you for you input and ideas I will keep them in mind

[Blaflair2]

Ipe is heavier than water. I'd go that route. Or use a real heavy point

[stickbender]

     The S.A. Indians use a reed, or bamboo type arrow, that is about four to five feet long.  As for Bamboo being too light, just use a heavy head, or weight the shaft interior.   I am assuming, you are tying a string for retrieval.   Yeah, Alligator gars are definitely tough.  I have had gigs that were pretty stout, bounce of 3-4 footers!

                                                                               Wayne

[Pat B]

Make a toggle type head from a hardwood. After shot through the fish the foreshaft toggle slips loose from the shaft, turns sideways and you haul the fish in.

[JEB]

FYI, osage does not make a good arrow for any shooting.  I made some and they were not a stable arrow, too much bend and too many week spots.  I even made some osage nocks to use on bamboo arrows and the nocks broke.  I even dipped them in super glue before using.

You need a heavy arrow to shoot fish and any arrow that is not going to break as the fish tend to roll and thrash around.  I would think that any arrow but the solid  fiberglass would break.

Have fun at any rate.  I haven't shot at fish since the late 60's and when I did it was always fun.

[Dan K]

Ocean Spray shoots are dense and indestructible. Seal them up and you're good to go.

[bowtarist]

Ocean Spray shoots are dense and indestructible. Seal them up and you're good to go.

There ya go then. I have a good supply of them OS shoots. Now I need to figure out a good toggle point set up.

[Dan K]

It'd be nice to see some pictures of the kinds of points you are all using for fishing. Especially natural or home made ones!