(My Bows) Help a newbie

[Dwesty]

I have a Cyclone Intermidiate made by Proline.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k169/Dwesty/b1.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k169/Dwesty/b2.jpg
And also a Black Bear II it has a big splinter to the bottom limb and was repaired (although I don't know how well)
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k169/Dwesty/b4.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k169/Dwesty/b5.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k169/Dwesty/b6.jpg

I want to set up one for bowfishing (which is legal in the NT) and was going to have a crack at some goats on an island, they havn't been hunted for more then a decade so should be able to get fairly close...

So my questions are:

How do I crank up the Cyclone intermediate, it's set on 30/45 pounds? (looks like I could tighten it with an allan key?)

and do you think the Black Bear II is ok to use? or should it be repaired or scrapped?

The splinter is about 15cm long and 4-5mm wide at the widest point, it looks like it has been bound with the stuff you do fishing rods with and glued.

[Friar Tuck]

The Cyclone looks as though it has a fair bit of adjustment in the limbs. You should be able to get the poundage up by just winding the limb bolts in using an allen key as you stated. Just be sure to give each limb bolt one turn at a time to bring them in fairly evenly.

I personally wouldn't use the Bear given the limb crack and the repair job. Make a good baton or something to club the fish with.

[NormGunston]

Dwesty- welcome to the site! I agree with the Good Friar. And that Proline is a classic!
If I were you, I'd: 1. install a cable guard on the Proline, 2. (If possible) take it to a shop and have it inspected (wheels, axles, string, cable and limb condition- if you're not confident of doing it yourself), 3. Get a matched set of arrows for it, 4. Tune it after installing a decent arrow rest, 5. Retire the Bear- could turn nasty on you!
There's a ton of info here on getting your bow set up to shoot its best if you do a search. If you're unsure of where to start, just ask. Best luck,
Ant. :wink:

[Dwesty]

Dwesty- welcome to the site! I agree with the Good Friar. And that Proline is a classic!
If I were you, I'd: 1. install a cable guard on the Proline, 2. (If possible) take it to a shop and have it inspected (wheels, axles, string, cable and limb condition- if you're not confident of doing it yourself), 3. Get a matched set of arrows for it, 4. Tune it after installing a decent arrow rest, 5. Retire the Bear- could turn nasty on you!
There's a ton of info here on getting your bow set up to shoot its best if you do a search. If you're unsure of where to start, just ask. Best luck,
Ant. :wink:

OK. So what exactly does a cable guard do?, an 'arrow rest' was reasonable self explanitory...what kind would be good for a stingy beginner? Also is getting a release aid important?

Any help getting it sorted would be great... I ordered a fish killing kit ( I mean "Bowfishing" kit) from Hoddywell. You might be able to give me some tips on using that, hopefully I'll get something a little bigger then "Jaws".

[NormGunston]

OK. So what exactly does a cable guard do?"
A cable guard moves the cables out of the path of the feathers/vanes as they travel past at the speed of light. You'll be wanting a cable slide, too.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/NormGunston/cableguard.jpg
an 'arrow rest' was reasonable self explan(a)itory...what kind would be good for a stingy beginner?
Stingy beginners who are planning to stalk the elusive killer fish wil be using fingers, not a release aid. I've used these kinds of rests, they're cheap, durable and do the job adequately:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/NormGunston/nap-centerest.jpg
Also, do you have a safety cable slide installed? If not, see this link: http://www.3riversarchery.com/Product.asp?c=7&s=55&p=0&i=5549
Also is getting a release aid important?
N/A
Any help getting it sorted would be great... I ordered a fish killing kit ( I mean "Bowfishing" kit) from Hoddywell. You might be able to give me some tips on using that,
Do you have the Hoddywell link? Safety: beware of arrow "snap-back"- where the line gets caught around the bowstring and causes the stingy archer to be penetrated instead of the man-mangling finned-freak (that's the reason I suggest getting the safety slide.) Shooting: aim lower (due to light refraction) and have fun!
hopefully I'll get something a little bigger then "Jaws".
Due to the regulations over here we cannot shoot fish any bigger than the max. size limit of (60cm). Therefore, I used trick photography to make the fish look smaller- don't be fooled!! :wink:
*Ring up one of the sponsors (or Hoddywell) and tell them about your gear and what you plan on doing- set you up.
Ant

[Dwesty]

This is what's in the Kit: (havn't got it yet only ordered it this week)

Lightning reel
River fish point
Safety slide
50ft of 80lb test line
Solid fiberglass fish arrow
Bowfishing booklet
5 minute epoxy glue

And I also got a spare arrow and heavy duty Garpoon point.

I found out that Alice Springs has an archery store... I've been here 9 years and never knew :shock:

They should be able to help me get my gear together.
I'll take my bow in and get it sorted... will keep you all in the loop though.

I am going to get me a barra! (erm well maybe not, the regs say no "spearfishing" for barra, but bow & arrow are under another section...will double check)

My big trip is on the 3rd-13 of October... can't wait!
Going to the Sir Edward Pellew group of Islands in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Hoddywell link: www.hoddywell.com.au/

Will see what is available at the local shop, what I want to pay for etc.
Hopefully will have a few shots on the weekend.

Regards!

D