Salt, Mud, and Impact—Bowfishing Ain’t Easy on Gear
By midsummer, most serious bowfishers have already fired off hundreds of shots. Whether you’re prowling weedy flats under halogen lights or targeting armored gar in murky backwaters, bowfishing gear takes a beating that few other outdoor systems endure. Saltwater corrosion, hard rock impacts, and rough fish thrashing are just part of the game.
But for every bent barb or lost fish, there’s a way to prevent the next one. That’s why we sat down with the Innerloc® team—engineers, field testers, and weekend warriors alike—to assemble a field-tested guide to keeping your rig ready from June through August.
1. Start With a Clean Rig
Every successful outing begins before you hit the water. Innerloc’s tech team recommends a pre-trip check that takes 10–15 minutes max, and can prevent hours of frustration.
Pre-Trip Checklist:
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Arrow Shafts: Inspect for splintering, cracks, or bends. Fiberglass arrows are tough, but repeated impacts can compromise the shaft. Replace immediately if any fracture appears near the slide stop hole.
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Points: Ensure all bowfishing tips are tightly threaded and the barbs are not jammed or misaligned. For Grapid™ users, confirm the control stud rotates freely between “shoot” and “release” mode.
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Reel System: Clean and oil spinning or retriever reels. Check the line for sun damage, frays, or knots—especially where it anchors to the arrow.
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Nocks and Adapters: Confirm that nocks are seated securely and adapters show no rust or cross-thread wear.
As Innerloc staffer Brandon T. puts it: “Don’t let a two-dollar part cost you a fish-of-the-night shot.”
2. Upgrade to Unity™ Arrows for Summer Durability
If you’re still running generic fiberglass shafts, July is when the weaknesses show. Splintered arrows, cracked slide stop holes, and foggy tracking at night are all avoidable with the right arrow.
Why Unity™ Makes a Difference:
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Glow Max Finish: High-visibility coating helps you track shots at night or in stained water.
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Taper-Loc™ Technology: Stainless steel rear ferrules are crimped with a reverse taper, eliminating glue and preventing shaft separation even under hard impacts.
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Threaded Inserts: Make quick work of tip swaps in the field.
Unity™ arrows pair perfectly with Grapid™, Grapple™, or Gripper™ tips for high-volume summer bowfishing.
3. Fight Rust Before It Starts
Even the highest-grade stainless steel can suffer in brackish or saltwater if it’s left wet for long. The Innerloc shop team recommends rinsing gear as religiously as you clean your cooler.
Post-Trip Best Practices:
- Rinse all points and arrows in clean water, especially if fishing in coastal or brackish areas.
- Towel dry every component thoroughly. Do not store gear wet or in sealed containers that trap moisture.
- Apply a light coating of oil to threads and barb assemblies. Food-safe mineral oil works well for gear stored with bait coolers or fish tubs.
- Store arrows in a dry container—preferably indoors. Avoid leaving gear in the truck bed or a closed boat box where condensation builds.
Even our corrosion-resistant stainless steel, used in Grapid™, Grapple™, and Gripper™ tips, benefits from regular post-trip care.
4. Keep a Boat Kit for Repairs and Replacements
Most bowfishers only make this mistake once, until they’re fumbling for a tool mid-drift or digging in dry storage for a backup arrow.
What the Innerloc Team Packs:
- Spare barbs and O-rings
- Backup Unity™ arrows
- Replacement nocks and slide adapters
- Multi-tool or Allen key set
A smalll bottle of glue and anti-seize oil
Field Notes: Boat Setup Tips
Innerloc field staff and tournament shooters recommend these extras for serious summer runs:
- Mount LED deck lights with side shielding to reduce glare.
- Use Glow Max arrows to track hits faster.
- Keep your cooler ready with ice, especially if you’re able to shoot meat species.
Remember: No amount of maintenance matters if your rig isn’t comfortable and visible in real-time scenarios.
Final Shot
Bowfishing doesn’t stop in summer—it gets hotter, faster, and tougher. But your gear doesn’t have to fall apart with the season. With regular inspection, smart storage, and Innerloc-grade components, your arrows won’t just survive—they’ll thrive through high heat, deep mud, and wild fights.
