AMS Bowfishing Retriever Pro Reel - Made in The USA review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	AMS Bowfishing
Material	Stainless Steel
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Color	Black
Handle Material	Stainless Steel
Item Weight	0.2 Pounds
Fishing Line Type	Braided
Bearing Material	Stainless Steel

product features

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The AMERICAN MADE, AMS Retriever Pro is the original bottle-style bowfishing reel - the design that has proven itself over 40 years! It's durable, reliable and it performs! And, it’s simple to use. There are no buttons to push before the shot. Unlike most other reels, Retrievers are always ready to shoot. They’re always in free-spool mode. Just draw and shoot!
Zero Drag - The line is stacked in a bottle rather than wound on a drum or spool so there is no drag on the line when it’s shot. The line freely spools out of the bottle on the shot and on the retrieve just stacks right back in.
Heavy-Duty Construction - Retrievers can take the abuse of bowfishing and will stand the test of time! Machined brass gears, stainless steel hardware and lightweight, corrosion resistant housing ensure long life in fresh or saltwater.
Quick-Release Quiver Mount – The Retriever Pro Mounts to your bows sight holes. One t-screw controls 4-way movement of the reel and also allows for quick removal. An arrow quiver is also integrated into this mount.
The Retriever Pro retrieves 17” of line per crank and includes 25 yards of 200# test braided Dacron line. We also include an AMS patented, EverGlide Safety Slide with every reel for your arrows. MADE IN THE USA!

product description

The AMERICAN MADE, AMS Retriever Pro is the original bottle-style bowfishing reel - the design that has proven itself over 40 years! It's durable, reliable and it performs! And, it’s simple to use. There are no buttons to push before the shot. Unlike most other reels, Retrievers are always ready to shoot. They’re always in free-spool mode. Just draw and shoot! Zero Drag - The line is stacked in a bottle rather than wound on a drum or spool so there is no drag on the line when it’s shot. The line freely spools out of the bottle on the shot and on the retrieve just stacks right back in. Heavy-Duty Construction - Retrievers can take the abuse of bowfishing and will stand the test of time! Machined brass gears, stainless steel hardware and lightweight, corrosion resistant housing ensure long life in fresh or saltwater. Quick-Release Quiver Mount – The Retriever Pro Mounts to your bows sight holes. One t-screw controls 4-way movement of the reel and also allows for quick removal. An arrow quiver is also integrated into this mount. The Retriever Pro retrieves 17” of line per crank and includes 25 yards of 200# test braided Dacron line. We also include an AMS patented, EverGlide Safety Slide with every reel for your arrows. MADE IN THE USA!

product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 14.5 x 11.25 x 4 inches; 1.4 Pounds
Department ‏ : ‎ Mens
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ June 14, 2017
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ AMS Bowfishing
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0721SXC97

important information

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Questions about AMS Bowfishing Retriever Pro Reel - Made in The USA

When I fish are use my left hand to reel in a fish does that mean I need a left hand operation

Answer: Depends what hand you shoot your bow. If your bow is right handed (you pull back with your right hand and hold the grip with your left) then you need a right handed reel because that will fit on your bow. A left handed reel will not mount on a right handed bow

Answer: Hello: Yes,, they make either a right hand or left hand crank,,Tom

do u have to have a special rest or can you use a regular arrows rest

Answer: Due to the string and lack of fetching there are special arrow rests that should be used. There are a few styles that will work. The one that I carry on Double Reed Outdoors is the Muzzy 1080.

Answer: I shot a recurve I don't use a rest

Answer: I just use a whisker biscuit and it does just fine

Does the muzzy 1078 fishing line work in this reel? Its a thinner line

Answer: James,

Does this kit fit any style bow? I’m using a Bear compound bow.

Answer: I believe it will if your bow has mounts for sights etc.

Answer: As long as your bow has 2 holes in the riser where you would typically mount a sight it will work!

Is there any way to set up one of these to mount onto a left handed bow, but retrieve with the right hand? I am cross dominant.

Answer: I have the same problem

I saw some mention that this would fit a recurve. i have a blackhawk recurve, so no mounting brackets or anything, could i use this reel with my bow?

Answer: The reel will work on any bow or riser with holes in the side of the riser intended to mount sights. If those holes are not in the riser, you can purchase the Traditional Mount Bracket that allows you to strap it to your bow.

Answer: I put mine on a wooden riser but installed threaded inserts. If you can’t or don’t want to drill your riser you’d have to use wraps of some kind to temporarily attach.

Answer: -s on have no knowledge sorry this was purchased for grand-son.

Could this be used with a barnett whitetail hunter?

Answer: This reel will work with crossbows, however, you will need the M109 Sleek-Z X-Bow mount. The mount is designed to fit on quiver holes under the bow. If there is not a set of quiver holes, there may be a picatany rail on the crossbow in which case you will need the M109-PCT Picatinny Rail adapter. Looking at Barnetts website, it looks like the mount will fit under the bow where the quiver is pictured. Hope this helps. Thanks!

Answer: Should be. Just gotta have a place to mount the string bottle facing out. Maybe in front of trigger?

Answer: Hi: Yes it can. You need to purchase the cross-bow adapter or plate. Follow the directions. Works great,, Tom

Answer: was a gift so don't know sorry

I know it states that it is a left handed reel but I just want to verify before ordering because the picture is showing a right handed reel?

Answer: be sure to specify a left hand reel

Answer: This is a Left hand retriever.

If you have to replace the sight to install, how do you aim??

Answer: you look down the arrow and aim lower than the fish

Answer: Aim down the arrow and aim under the fish

Can a left handedbowfishing reel go with a left handed compound bow

Answer: Yes.

is this left or right handed

Answer: It is for left handed shooters

Answer: You need to choose when you order.

Will this fit on a barnett 78134 recruit tactical compound crossbow

Answer: Sorry I don’t have a clue and this was for my grandson and he doesn’t know if it would as he hasn’t tried it..

What color is the line?

Answer: PRESENTLY THEY ARE ORANGE

Answer: Orange

Does it fit all bows :)

Does it come with the line?

Answer: Hello Kelly: Yes, it comes with line,, I forget how much, but it is ready to mount and go,,Tom

Answer: Yes.

Answer: Yes it does

I use a bow and fishing arrow to shoot messenger lines over trees. I need a lot more line. Can the reel function with small diameter 50lb line?

Answer: Yes the reel can function with smaller diameter line. One thing to make sure of is that you have enough line to fill the bottle. If you have too little of line, the line could knot up in the bottle and cause the reel to operate incorrectly. You can also buy larger bottles and longer line on the AMS Bowfishing website.

Answer: Hi: I am using 25 yards of 200# test line. I do not see why it would not function with say 100 yds of 50# test. Should work fine. Tom R.

Answer: They make a bigger bottle to hold more line, thinner diameter line might not reel in correctly

Could this be used on a barnett 78134 recruit tactical compound crossbow?

Answer: No

Mounting hardware?

Answer: yes comes with mounting hardware to fit your amo holes in your riser on your compound bow.

What is the model for left hand bow?

Do u have it in left hand

Answer: Yes, there is a right and left hand option, however, I see Amazon selected one of the other resellers information and it's not displaying as right or left hand options. I will submit a correction to Amazon to fix this so Right or Left hand can be selected.

Does the kit come with any kind of Mount?

Answer: The reel mounts to the standard sight holes on bows. There is a packet of mounting hardware, which includes 2 sets of screws and a spacer if needed.

Does it come with an arrow?

Answer: The reel does not come with an arrow. You can look for our Retriever Pro Combo Kit which includes the reel, 2 arrows and an arrow rest if you would like an arrow with the reel. Otherwise, arrows are sold individually.

Answer: Sorry, the Retriever alone does not come with an arrow. You would need to order a Combo Kit to include arrows.

Answer: No...this item is the reel only.

Answer: No. This item is the reel only.

Answer: No, this is the reel only.

Answer: does not

Answer: Mine didn't

I have a muzzy vice bow. Will this reel be compatible with this bow?

Answer: This will mount to any bow. It mounts directly to the sight holes on the riser.

Answer: My assumption is if it is a compound bow it should fit. We have two different brands and they work. They all have the same pattern of holes for adding gadgets. I hope that helps. Good luck!

Will this fit on any standard compound bow ? I have a martin I’m not sure if the exact model. Thanks !

Answer: This reel mounts to the standard sight holes on a bow riser. It is adjustable up/down, forward/back so the trigger is accessible with the bow hand.

Answer: This is a universal fit reel. Should fit just about every bow out there just make sure you get correct side ie. left or right.

Answer: just be sure it has sight holes in the riser. thats how its mounted. Also if you have a right handed bow you need a RH reel. Left handed bow needs a LH reel.

Answer: Yes it will fit any standard bow with sight or quiver mount threads/holes.

Answer: Yes it will, it attaches to the standard sight holes

Answer: Hello: Yes it should. There is some room for adjustments. TR

Answer: yes it should

Can this be mounted on a hand crossbow?

Answer: I'm not sure what you mean be a hand crossbow, but this can be attached to a crossbow but it likely will need an crossbow adapter. Here is a link to the Sleek-X adapter.

Answer: Not w/ out some customization

Answer: No

Does it come with arrows

Answer: No this one doesn't come with arrows you would have to purchase the one that says kit or combo.

Answer: No it does not. The AMS retriever pro COMBO does come with 2 arrows/arrow rest and video

Answer: It comes with one.

Answer: no

Do they make something like this for a crossbow? If so, what model?

Answer: Check out the bow fishing for crossbows on Amazon. I bought a plate from a shop in Missouri that adapted to the bow fishing reel from Amazon, works great but I don't remember the shop,,, Good luck,, tom

Will this work on the barnett recruit

So if i pull wuth my right hand this one is for me or left hand ?

Answer: On a right hand bow you pull the string with your right hand. The right handed reel goes with a right handed bow.

Answer: Right

To use this with my compound bow, will I need to remove the sight? If so, will I have to re-sight my bow to go between fishing and hunting?

Answer: There is a normally a place on the outside of most sights to mount a quiver. You can likely mount the reel on that spot as well. The trigger is made of aluminum so that it can bend where it's needed for your bow hand. So it is likely possible to mount the reel over your sight so you don't have to take it off. Most bowfisher's do not use sights when bowfishing and learn to shot instinctively. Another thing is if you remove your sight from the bow, if the draw weight and length are the same, you shouldn't have to readjust the pins when you put it back on.

Answer: yes mount this reel to your sight holes. So remove your sight. Typically you look down your arrow for sighting in on fish. Remember if you have a left hand bow you need a left hand reel and vice versa.

Answer: You do not have to remove your sights but you would have to remove your quiver.

If I draw with my right and I reel in with my left hand, wouldn't that conflict with my shooting and reeling?

I have a barnett brotherhood with a picateny rail would it fit

Answer: Hi: Yes, it should as long as you get the cross bow kit. The picateny rail is on top and this mounts to the front and down, should work like a champ,, tom

Can this fit a cross bow

Answer: Yes,, I just mounted mine on a crossbow. Order the crossbow mount from AMS. It mounts up front, then the bow assembly mounts on it.. Makes for a good, solid unit.

Answer: No you need the one specifically made for crossbows.

does this fit on a genesis bow?

Answer: This reel fits on any bow with a screw in quiver/sight mount. No problems there.

Is this universal for most compound bows?

Answer: Yes it is universal for most (LEFT HANDED) bows,there is one available for right handed bows as well.

Answer: Yes, for the most part. Most if not all bows have the same size holes for a sight or quiver. My AMS has been on Bear, PSE, Bowtech, Barnett and fit perfect.

Answer: Absolutely!

what does it mean left hand or right hand? also does this fit a crossbow?

Answer: Left or right handed meaning which hand you pull back with. Example, since I'm left handed I pull the bow string back my left hand. And no this specific reel will not fit a cross bow. This one is made for a compound bow. Though ams does make them for crossbows I believe.

Answer: they have different models for the left or right handed because the reel has to be on the opposite side of the arrow. it can fit a crossbow but u have to purchase another mount for it seperately

Answer: The reel will be on left or right did depending if your left or right handed. And no I don't think this set up would work that well on a cross bow.

Answer: If you are a left handed shooter, this is for you. It is designed to fit the curves of a left handed shooters bow.

Answer: Yes...this fits a cross bow. If you reel right handed, buy the right handed and visa versa. Hope this helps!

how strong is the string? How large of a fish could a person take and reel in?

Answer: The string is super strong I've shot 90 pound catfish with it and had no problem with the line. You can't really reel a fish in with it I set my bow down and pull the line.

Answer: Hi Zachary: The fish line is strong. The package should tell you the weight it will handle,, such as 80lbs. You catch a fish close to the strength of the line you will be in for a battle,, Tom

How many yards are in the reel?

Answer: The small one holds 25 yards and u can buy a biger jug that holds 50 yards

Answer: 25 yards

Answer: 25 Yards

Answer: I couldn't really say, but there's plenty to bowfidh with. I can't see you running out of line.

Does this kit come with crossbow adapter? Thx.

Answer: No, this is the reel only. You would need to purchase the Sleek-X crossbow mount separately. There is also a crossbow kit available that includes the mount and 3 bolts. Do a search in Amazon for AMS Bowfishing crossbow and you should find all the options. Thank You!

Answer: Hi: No, unless it specifies the adapter is included. I had to buy my adapter separately. Tom

Does it fit on a Diamond iceman flx?

Answer: This reel will fit on any bow with sights holes in the riser, so yes, it will fit on that bow.

Does it come with bows

Answer: it doesn't come with an arrow or a bow

Answer: just the reel

Answer: No only reel hope that helps.

Will this mount to a recurve bow ?

Answer: This reel mounts to the sight holes on the side of a riser. If a recurve has those holes, then yes, it will mount to that. If it does not, there is a Traditional Mount Bracket available to allow you to mount it to a bow without the sight holes.

Answer: Yes

Does it mount on any bow

Answer: Yes it should be able to mount to your sight holes on the side of the riser. Almost all bows have them. Only bows that dont are old wood recurves, some do some dont.

Answer: Yes. However, it takes a special mount to use on a crossbow.

Answer: Hi Kyle: Yes, it should mount on any bow. Cross bows, you will need an additional mount, also from AMS. Have fun, Tom

If I hold the bow in my left hand and pull back with my right does that mean I need a right handed reel

Answer: Yes, that is correct. The hand you draw the bow with makes it right or left, so if you are drawing with your right hand, it's a right hand bow and you will need a right hand reel.

Answer: yes it does

Will it work on a crossbow with some miner alterations

Answer: The reel will work you just need the ams bowfishing sleek-x crossbow mount for the retriever reel and you should be golden.

Answer: No they actually make one that is for use on a crossbow but it's something we're out of at the moment.

Answer: The reel should work but I'm not sure how you would attach it to the cross bow. It will shoot the arrow and retrieve it yet the set up will not be the most user friendly I'd imagine.

Will it mount to a Pse deer hunter bow?

Answer: It should. You mount it to the screw holes typically used to mount the sights to your bow. It may require removing your sights to adequately mount the reel to your bow. Most people pick up a used bow specifically for bow fishing so they don't have to keep changing over from fishing to hunting.

Answer: It should mount to any compound bow but you may need extra parts with certain bows, you should contact AMS Bowfishing or your bow manufacturer to verify what you might need extra.

Answer: Hi, The reels mount to the sight mount holes ot eht quiver mount hole so they should fit any bow

Answer: Absolutely!

I have an old darton recurve, like real old would it mount to that?

Answer: If the bow has sight holes on the side of the riser, it can be mounted to the bow. If it doesn't you can either drill and tap your own holes or use our Tradition Mount which straps to the bow. I would expect most old compound bows would have sight holes, some recurve bows do not, especially older or wooden risers.

Answer: Hi? Not sure. I used mine on an old Barnett crossbow. But I had to buy an adapter plate. The 610 is I believe made for a standard up-right bow, such as yours. It might work and then it might not. Any hoot Good luck,, Tom

Is it really that fast with the 17" per revolution on the reel??

Is there a youtube for making your own mount, since this retrieve does not come with one. Or, does anybody have a idea on what's need to make my own.

Answer: Google mounts for the bow you are using. There are tons of them out there, I used a company out of Missouri, sorry I don't remember its name, but the plate they make worked just slick on an older wooden Barnett, tom

Can you mount a 610 AMS retriever to the kingfisher recurve?

Answer: Yes, the 610 Retriever can be mounted to any bow. The Kingfisher I believe has sight holes so it can be mounted directly to those or over the top of a sight if you prefer to use a sight. It can also be used on recurves or bows without sight holes with the purchase of our traditional mount kit that straps to the bow.

Answer: Yes you can

Product reviews of AMS Bowfishing Retriever Pro Reel - Made in The USA

bparmer : GREAT

was very happy with purchase.

Amazon Customer : Worth the money

Well made

Lauren Drew : Not crossbow friendly if you don't already have the mount.

Get ready to spend another 80-100 for a crossbow mount (piece of aluminum) for the rig.

Rob : Notting up is no good to me

Why i give a2 stars the string nots up i try 5yard itry 10yard same thing nots up thats no good for me i bowfish for 50 ponds and up u cant have that when u shoot a big fish. I would give it a 5stars if I could have it from notting up. I try 150 ponds same thing

ghostrider 97 : Five Stars

AAA

Ron Tetschner : Awesome.

Wouldn't use anything else, put one under my 150lb recurve crossbow, Awesome.

C. W. Rudolph : fishing reel

I bought this reel for bow fishing, but i have not had the chance to go yet. the reel is made well and was as expected when i received it. with what limited experience i have had with it, i would purchase it again, if i needed one. It would be a 5 star if i had a chance to use it.

darren suthoff : great product

Great product. Easy to install. easy to use. Shot 6 Gar on the first trip. performed great Would recommend for sure

Lauren Drew : Not crossbow friendly if you don't already have the mount.

Get ready to spend another 80-100 for a crossbow mount (piece of aluminum) for the rig.

KTR : Five Stars

Great nice quality,, see how it works in the spring,,

Edward B. : Five Stars

The mounted to my take down bow very easy, it's a simple well made product.

Ami Arthur : Five Stars

Great value and product!

Pam : gift to my husband

He is very excited to start using this as soon as the weather warms up. I bought this item as a Christmas gift.

Michael1015 : AMS Retriever

The retriever is a lot faster than the drum I used to have. It takes some getting used to though. It requires the right amount of pressure on the brake for it to reel. It is a little difficult to fight fish to the boat. Overall I'm happy with it.

Skyler A. : Five Stars

Easy to use fool proof design

Keith : Great!

Great! No problems!

deerslayer1134 : great purchase

I have heard bow fishing horror stories with awful equipment and hand reels that make for an awful time. Save yourself the trouble and get one of these bad boys.

Skyler A. : Five Stars

Easy to use fool proof design

Happy customer : Good Idea, but...

I tried one of these because of loosing 3 arrows with a spincast reel (black) and figured the cost of arrows would quickly pay for a retriever.

The retriever pro has very nice features, but it is very short range (not the 35 yds of line they claimed on the packaging), very loud to shoot, and not as accurate as the spincast reels I've used or seen used.

A friend has the regular retriever, and I have the Pro, and we both had regular nasty in bottle tangles from day one. Sometimes you're lucky enough for the arrow to be through a fish before it tangles, but then he's swimming around everywhere while you are dealing with the line... sometimes the tangle would get caught and snap the arrow back just as it pierced the carp, which would surely be impressive to do on purpose.

The good news is that I haven't yet lost an arrow with it. The bottle assembly is soft enough that when the line gets stuck on a tangle everything flexes while the arrow bounces back at you... where as spin cast reels can stop solidly enough for the arrow to just keep going after leaving the string. Also I never had the line just fall into a pile at my feet yet...

I can shoot almost twice as far with spincast, and noticeably more accurate... And when used with monkey wire I have yet to see one lose and arrow.

Does the Retriever/Pro work? Yes, but I would hesitate to call it drag free.
Is it safe? I think so. I never had the impression that the arrows would fly backwards fast enough to hurt me.
Do I recommend it? Sure, for short range work only and not for arrow speed or accuracy.

Hogkilla : Nice!

My wife got me this for my birthday. I love it it works great. Would definitely recommend it to any bow fisherman.

Zack D. : you can't beat it

I got this to replace my 808 it works flawless modified a little bit to get it to work on the bow it's simple I don't see why people are complaining on the reviews is perfect in my mind works great down here on the Red River

Kaleb E. : 4 Star

Nice reel, looks good and does what it’s supposed to. Just wondering on why it’s kind of hard to reel 70% of the time?

Joshua Spataro : !!!!

Great product

chris o. : Best product out there

reel is of the highest quality and really is the best product out there for bowfishing, this is my second Ams reel and the only reason i have 2 is because my wife liked mine so much she demanded her own! i have never had one tangle and never had an arrow fly back at me while using this reel. would recommend to anyone and everyone.

Skyler A. : Five Stars

Easy to use fool proof design

R. Elliott : Five Stars

Does what is said it will do

R. Elliott : Five Stars

Does what is said it will do

Amazon Customer : Great product

Great product

Amazon Customer : Return policy stinks.

I purchased this on 6/26 returned it on 6/28 because it was for a lefty not a righty. That was my fault. They said my return would take 5-7 days it’s been 9 days and still nothing.

deerslayer1134 : great purchase

I have heard bow fishing horror stories with awful equipment and hand reels that make for an awful time. Save yourself the trouble and get one of these bad boys.

Andrew Burt : Five Stars

Just what your looking for whether your a novice or pro.

KTR : Five Stars

Great nice quality,, see how it works in the spring,,

Amazon Customer : Nice gift for fishing

Gift for husband

RAMFAN : ... got this for my recurve bow and it works great ive shot it many times and its worked flawless

I got this for my recurve bow and it works great ive shot it many times and its worked flawless.It also looks good!

Thomas Serratore : As advertised

Works great

Ami Arthur : Five Stars

Great value and product!

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you