Fishtailing Arrows: What Archers Need To Know

Fishtailing is a problem in archery where the arrow veers off to one side in flight, often caused by incorrect arrow spine stiffness, arrow length, or nock position. It can also be caused by the archer's technique, such as a sloppy release or hand torque. To correct fishtailing, archers can adjust their equipment and shooting form through methods such as paper tuning, walk-back tuning, and checking for arrow contact with the bow using lipstick or powder.

Fishtailing can be caused by the archer's release and its effect on the string

Fishtailing is a phenomenon in archery where the nock of the arrow swings from side to side, resembling a fish tail. While there are multiple factors that can cause fishtailing, one of the main reasons is indeed the archer's release and its effect on the string.

The archer's release plays a crucial role in the smooth flight of the arrow. A “sloppy release” or an inconsistent release can cause the arrow to fishtail. This can happen when the archer does not release the string cleanly and follows through with the same motion each time. As a result, the arrow does not travel in a straight path and starts to fishtail.

To achieve a clean release, archers should focus on having a consistent nock position and maintaining proper form and technique. Any movement of the string during release, such as a roll or drag, can create the fishtail effect. Additionally, factors like centreshot setting and arrow spine match also contribute to fishtailing.

Using a release aid or mechanical release can help mitigate the issue of fishtailing. A release aid is a device that attaches to the bowstring and aids in drawing and releasing it. It provides a single point of contact on the string, reducing the deformity in the string at full draw. This consistency in release leads to more accurate and repeatable shots.

Different types of release aids include index finger releases, thumb/button releases, and hinge releases. Index finger releases are popular among hunters as they provide a wrist strap that keeps the device from falling and allows for command shooting. Thumb/button releases are handheld and preserve anchor points, which are important for shooting tight groups of arrows. Hinge releases are more complex as they rely on muscle tension in the forearms and back to activate the release, making them harder to learn but highly accurate.

In conclusion, fishtailing can be caused by the archer's release and its impact on the string. To correct this issue, archers should focus on improving their release technique, maintaining a consistent nock position, and considering the use of release aids to achieve a smoother and more accurate shot.

It can be caused by a sloppy release

Fishtailing is when the nock of the arrow swings out to the right, causing the arrows to hit the target to the left of the centre. This can be caused by a sloppy release.

A sloppy release can be the result of a number of factors. It could be that the archer is not using the correct technique, for example, not placing their fingers consistently on the string, or not keeping a consistent tension. It could also be due to poor shot execution, such as not following through with the same motion each time.

To improve the release, archers should focus on their entire body, not just their draw hand. They should also ensure they are using the correct technique, placing their fingers consistently, and keeping a consistent tension. Additionally, using the back muscles to pull the arrow and relaxing the bow hand and arm can help to improve accuracy.

A sloppy release can also be caused by a poorly set-up bow. For example, if the nocking point position is too low, this can cause the arrow to clip the rest or the arrow shelf on its way out, resulting in large up-and-down oscillations.

It can be caused by incorrect arrow spine match

Fishtailing is a phenomenon in archery where arrows wobble mid-flight, affecting their course and causing them to miss the target. One of the main causes of fishtailing is an incorrect arrow spine match.

Arrow spine refers to the stiffness of the arrow shaft. A correct spine match is crucial for a stable arrow flight. If the arrow is too stiff, it won't fly or hit the target correctly. Similarly, if it's too flexible, it will not perform as desired. The perfect spine number should allow the arrow to fly straight without bending or becoming stiffer.

To achieve the correct spine match, several factors need to be considered. Firstly, longer arrows require a higher spine number. Secondly, if you intend to shoot heavier arrow points, opt for a higher arrow spine. Additionally, using a spine selector tool can help you find the exact spine size suitable for your requirements.

It's important to note that the spine strength must be matched with the draw weight to ensure an accurate flight and prevent the "archer's paradox," which occurs when the arrow shaft can't flex enough to self-correct its path towards the target.

To summarise, incorrect arrow spine matching can lead to fishtailing. By understanding the factors that influence spine selection and making careful adjustments, archers can improve their accuracy and overall archery experience.

It can be caused by incorrect nocking point position

Fishtailing is a phenomenon in archery where arrows deviate from a straight flight path and start to oscillate or wobble in the air, resembling the movement of a fish's tail. This can result in inconsistent accuracy and reduced precision when shooting arrows. One of the causes of fishtailing is an incorrect nocking point position.

The nocking point position refers to the height of the nock on the bowstring. If the nocking point is too low, the arrow will leave the string "nock low", causing the nock or the vanes of the arrow to clip the arrow rest or the arrow shelf. This results in large up-and-down oscillations, known as porpoising.

To correct this issue, the nocking point locator should be roughly 1/2" above a right angle from the string to the arrow rest. This can be checked using a bow square or a piece of stiff paper to form a right angle with the string and touching the arrow rest.

Additionally, it is important to keep the arrow shelves clean and free of scuff marks. A clean shelf with a scuff mark from the vane hitting it is a clear sign of a clearance problem, which can be caused by nocking point height, centershot misplacement, or arrow spine issues.

By adjusting the nocking point position and ensuring proper clearance, archers can improve arrow flight and reduce fishtailing, leading to more consistent and accurate shots.

It can be caused by poor shot execution

Fishtailing is a phenomenon in archery that refers to the wobbling movement of an arrow during flight. It is characterised by the sideways motion of the arrow, which can cause it to impact the target at an angle. Poor shot execution is one of the main causes of fishtailing. This usually affects the course and wobbling of arrows.

A "sloppy release" is a term used to describe poor shot execution. It refers to the incorrect way of releasing an arrow, which can introduce horizontal movement and affect the stability of the arrow's flight. A clean release, on the other hand, allows for greater accuracy and reduces the likelihood of fishtailing. To achieve a clean release, it is important to pull back the bowstring smoothly and naturally, and then release the tension from the bowstring finger to allow the arrow to fly. This should be done in a way that is synchronised with the natural body flow.

Practising proper form and technique is essential to improving shot execution and reducing fishtailing. This includes ensuring that the brace height is appropriate and maintaining a consistent release and follow-through. Additionally, it is important to avoid releasing the arrows too quickly, as this can lead to a sloppy release.

Another factor that can contribute to poor shot execution is the use of incorrect equipment, such as arrows with solid plastic vanes. These vanes can slap against the shelf and riser of the bow, causing fishtailing. Synthetic feather vanes are recommended as they are more flexible and reduce the likelihood of contact with the bow.

Furthermore, issues with arrow spine matching can also lead to poor shot execution and fishtailing. The arrow spine refers to the stiffness or flexibility of the arrow shaft. If the arrow is too stiff or too flexible, it will not fly straight and may wobble in flight. It is important to select arrows with the appropriate spine rating for your specific bow setup, including factors such as draw weight and length.

In conclusion, poor shot execution is a common cause of fishtailing in archery. By improving shot execution through proper technique, equipment selection, and arrow spine matching, archers can reduce the occurrence of fishtailing and improve their overall accuracy.

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