Breaking News: Airgun Arrow Fishing is Now Legal in Utah
Thanks to the efforts of Utah Airguns, and the Airgun Sporting Association, and sportsmen of Utah advocating for the use of airgun arrow guns, as of December 2024 fishing with them is now legal for the 2025 season. Take a moment to read the official public notice from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. We will discuss the work of airgunner advocacy below in this article, but let's first go over how the Saber Tactical fishing kit came about.
When Saber Tactical set out to develop the Arrow Fishing Kit for the FX Impact, I knew this was going to be something special. Having had the chance to join Donny, Val, and Thayne of Saber Tactical for early prototype testing, I saw firsthand the out-of-the-box thinking and innovation that went into making this kit. Today, I’m diving deep into what makes this airgun accessory so unique and how it’s opening up new possibilities for hunting, fishing, and beyond.
A Look Back: From Prototype to Final Product
A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to be part of the prototype testing for this kit. Hanging out with Val and the Saber Tactical team out in Utah was an eye-opening experience. It was all about pushing boundaries, problem-solving, and testing limits. Picture this: launching heavy fiberglass arrows into the water at floating targets, experimenting with power settings, and figuring out the right balance between force and precision. Those early test sessions were invaluable in refining what would eventually become a polished, high-performance product.
What struck me most during the prototype phase was just how efficient this system could be. The FX Impact’s ability to fire these heavy arrows with minimal air usage was impressive. Even after relentless testing with tons of shots, the shot count was impressive. That’s a testament to the efficiency of the FX platform and the ingenuity behind Saber Tactical’s design.
Developing this kit wasn’t as simple as attaching a fiberglass arrow to an airgun. Saber Tactical had to solve multiple technical challenges. One of the key innovations lies in the specialized pellet probe. Unlike a standard probe, this one completely seals the barrel without covering the transfer port, ensuring maximum efficiency and precise arrow propulsion. It’s small details like these that define Saber Tactical’s approach to engineering.
What’s Inside the Kit?
The Saber Tactical Arrow Fishing Kit includes everything you need to transform your FX Impact into a versatile fishing tool:
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Custom Barrel: This specialized barrel is designed to work seamlessly with the FX Impact and the fishing arrows. It includes a precision-engineered brass fitting that ensures a perfect seal, preventing air loss and maximizing performance.
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Fiberglass Arrows: The kit comes with two heavy-duty arrows. Each arrow features a brass tip with a cone-shaped design that ensures a secure fit in the barrel. A clever C-clip prevents the arrow from slipping out of the barrel when aiming downward.
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Bow Fishing Arrowheads: The included arrow heads are equipped with barbs that penetrate the fish and prevent the arrow from pulling back out of the fish, ensuring a successful catch.
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Reel Mount: Saber Tactical’s design accommodates virtually any fishing reel. Whether you prefer a purpose-built bow fishing reel or want to repurpose your favorite salmon reel, this kit offers flexibility.
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Line Guide: A guide mounts over the barrel and bottle, keeping your fishing line secure and out of the way.
These components work together to create a system that’s not only functional but also incredibly fun to use.
Lessons Learned from the Field
If there’s one piece of advice I can give you when using this kit, it’s this: Always open the bail on your reel before firing if you are using an open bail style reel. During prototype testing, I learned this the hard way. Forgetting to open the bail resulted in several lost arrows as they will immediately snap off the retrieving line. Those arrows now rest at the bottom of a lake and I have to live with looks of disappointment from Val as he sat there and watched me launch his prototype arrows into the depths of the lake. Each one was an expensive reminder of how critical it is to prepare your gear properly.
Once you get the hang of it, the Arrow Fishing Kit is a blast to use. One of the first things I noticed was how much fun it was to shoot these arrows into the water even at milk jugs for practice. The fiberglass arrows are heavier than traditional hunting arrows, and their weight makes them perfect for piercing through water to hit fish below the surface. However, tuning your FX Impact for lower power settings is crucial to prevent over-penetration. You don’t want your arrow burying itself in the lakebed—or worse, disappearing into the mud, never to be retrieved.
Practical Applications
While this kit is marketed for fishing, its versatility doesn’t stop there. The Arrow Fishing Kit can be adapted for other applications, such as hunting larger game like alligators in states where it’s legal.
For example, Florida requires a retrieval device when hunting alligators, making the addition of a reel not just convenient but legally necessary. The heavy-duty design of the Arrow Fishing Kit makes it well-suited for these kinds of challenges. Paired with the power of the FX Impact, it’s a setup that’s hard to beat.
The reel mount is another standout feature. Its universal design allows you to use almost any reel, whether it’s a purpose-built bow fishing reel or a robust salmon reel from your tackle box. This adaptability ensures that the kit can meet the demands of various fishing and hunting scenarios.
Advocacy Through Innovation
One of the things I admire most about the airgun community is how it continues to push boundaries. The Saber Tactical Arrow Fishing Kit is a prime example of this spirit of innovation. But it’s not just about creating cool gear; it’s also about expanding opportunities for airgun enthusiasts to engage with the outdoors.
Organizations like the Airgun Sporting Association (ASA) play a critical role in advocating for airgun hunting laws across the United States. By working with state wildlife agencies and legislators, the ASA is helping to ensure that airguns are recognized as legitimate tools for hunting and fishing. This advocacy is essential for opening up new possibilities for outdoor recreation, whether it’s using an arrow airgun for alligator hunting in Florida or the newly approved fishing regulations in Utah employing innovative fishing kits like this one.
Thanks to these efforts, more states are updating their regulations to allow airguns for hunting game species and nuisance animals. This progress not only benefits seasoned hunters but also introduces a new generation to the joys of airgun sports. The Arrow Fishing Kit exemplifies how technology and advocacy can come together to create meaningful opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Tips for Success
If you’re planning to try out the Arrow Fishing Kit, here are a few tips to get the most out of your experience:
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Use a Purpose-Built Reel: While the kit can accommodate any reel, a bow fishing reel is designed specifically for the rigors of arrow fishing. Its robust construction and tangle-free design make it the best choice for this application.
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Tune Your Airgun: Adjust your FX Impact’s power settings to avoid over-penetrating targets. Lower velocities are ideal for fishing, as they reduce the risk of losing arrows.
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Practice First: Before heading to the water, practice shooting at a floating milk jug in an open body of water. This will help you get a feel for the system and improve accuracy.
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Secure Your Line: Double-check that your line is properly threaded through the guide and securely attached to the reel. A tangled or loose line can lead to frustrating lost arrows from snapping off.
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Respect Local Regulations: Always check your state’s hunting and fishing laws to ensure you’re in compliance. Regulations vary widely, so it’s important to do your homework.
A Versatile Tool for Outdoor Enthusiasts
The Saber Tactical Arrow Fishing Kit is more than just an accessory; it’s a gateway to new outdoor experiences. Whether you’re targeting invasive carp, testing your skills on alligators, or simply enjoying a day on the water, this kit offers a unique blend of fun and functionality.
Final Thoughts
The FX Impact paired with the Saber Tactical Arrow Fishing Kit is a combination that opens up a world of possibilities. From its efficient design to its practical applications, this kit is a testament to what can be achieved when creativity and engineering come together.
Thanks for joining me on this exploration of the Saber Tactical Arrow Fishing Kit. Until next time, happy airgunning!