[petey]

I use a compound and hunt just about every animal in North America with it, but I use a recurve to bow fish. I often find that I need to take quick snap shots and this is something you can't do so easy with a compound. Instinctive shooting is easy to pick-up and even easier when most shots are under 10 yards anyhow.

You don't get any "simplier" than with a recurve and there are benifits to using one over a compound. The only advantage I see with a compound would be energy and let-off to let you hold the bow longer. It's not like your deer hunting and have to wait for that perfect broadside shot, so I don't see the advantage of let-off. Keep in mind I hunt all animals on 2 and 4 feet with a compound so I'm not knocking it, just that a recurve suits me much better.

Lighter, make quick snap shots, 55 pound recurve will handle even the largest of carp, and less expensive. I'm sure you can find an old used recurve at a garage sale for $10-$50. Just be sure to check for twisted limbs before purchasing.

Once you connect with your first fish you'll be hooked. The first time I hit a HUGE carp and watched that arrow zip out across the water I was hooked. Suckers aren't as much fun as they don't give up as much of a fight. I never had the chance to hunt for gar though, so I have no experience in that.

I use a stabalizer reel holder and 12" rod with a Zebco 888 reel and tons of 20# test!