Operation &Instruction Manual

AMS Retriever® Pro

Mounting Instructions

Diagram

Assembly

Adjustments

Big Game Retriever® Pro

Set-up

Assembly/Diagram

Adjustments

AMS Safety Slide®

Installation of AMS Safety Slide®

Tying Line to AMS Safety Slide®

BreakAway Arrow

Rigging Instructions

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Mounting InstructionsModel 610 & 611 AMS Retriever® Pro Reels

Loosen the thumb screw until the female base mount (Z102) detaches completely from the back of the quiver/clamp assembly. Keep the slab nut (Z100) in the back of the female base mount. Position the female base mount over the sight holes on your bow riser and secure with the 3/8” screws provided. Re-attach the assembly to the female base mount but do not tighten. Position the reel on the bow at the desired location by sliding it vertically through the clamp and quiver. When the AMS Retriever® is in the correct location, tighten the thumb screw completely.

The clamp and quiver allows the reel to move forward and back, up and down. Adjust the reel so your index finger easily reaches the trigger while holding the bow. If the Retriever is too far forward, reverse the female base mount on the bow riser. If more distance is needed between the bow riser and the bottle, remove the entire assembly, add the 3/16” spacer and reattach with the 7/8” screws provided.

Trigger GuardThe trigger guard is the long rubber tube on your trigger. Simply push the narrow end into a hole on your bow riser. If no hole is available, use a zip-tie to secure the end of the trigger guard to your bow riser. This feature protects your reel and prevents any excess line from getting behind your trigger. If excess line is able to get behind the trigger on the shot, damage to the reel or personal injury could result (See page 3).

Z102Z100

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QuiverTo insert an arrow into the quiver, align the arrow parallel to the slot in the side, push in one end and then the other. The arrow should be between the bottle and the bow riser.

Line RetainerUse the line retainer on every shot! Simply slip the line in the line retainer near the mouth of the reel and crank in any excess line.

Line ControlAlways pay attention to your line and keep it as tight as possible between your reel and AMS Safety Slide® brand arrow slide.

LineRetainer

Trigger Guard

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Mounting the AMS Retriever® to Traditional BowsUse our Traditional Mount Kit (M107) to mount any AMS Retriever® directly to your traditional bow without drilling! Simply position the mount on your bow with the pins pointing toward the bowstring. Stretch and pull the rubber straps around the bow, cross over the mount and hook the straps over the pins. Install your AMS Retriever® to the bracket using the 3/8” screws provided with your reel.

Installation of the AMS Retriever® to CrossbowsThe AMS Sleek-X Crossbow Mount can be used on crossbows that have standard quiver holes in the fore-grip (1 5/16” center to center). Once the block has been installed, add the handle and secure with the T-screw. To remove the handle for storage, simply loosen the T-screw and pull the handle off.

For big game bowfishing, add an AMS float to the threaded hole provided in the Sleek-X. A picatinny rail adapter is available for the Sleek-X if you have a picatinny rail on your crossbow. See part M109-PCT at amsbowfishing.com.

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Warning!Arrow Safety ~ Don’t shoot an arrow without an AMS Safety Slide® brand arrow slide system!

Each AMS Safety Slide® brand arrow slide is marked with our logo and patent number. US Pat. 6,517,453. - Beware of counterfeit products.

Arrow snapback can occur when bowfishing line is tied directly to the tail of an arrow. As the arrow is drawn back and shot, a trailing loop of line forms and has the potential to knot itself to the string, cable or arrow rest. This could cause the arrow to suddenly stop mid-flight and come back toward the archer. AMS Safety Slides® are the solution to this hazard.

After you have installed the AMS Safety Slide®, nock the arrow with the slide in front of the rest and the shock pad up. Tighten the line to the Retriever and use the line retainer (Z59) found on the side of the reel (See photo on page 3). As you draw back, the slide will stay in front of the riser. When you shoot, the slide glides to the tail of the arrow and stops at the shock pad. Recommended for arrow speeds of 145 fps or less.

Installing AMS Safety Slides®1. Remove the slide found on the reel. 2. The shock pad must be installed so it faces up and is in line with the bowstring

when nocked. It must not bump the arrow rest or bow upon release.3. Install the AMS Safety Slide® over the nock if possible. If not, remove nock and

install the slide onto the shaft with the rounded part toward the point.

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4. If an existing 1/8” hole is in line with the bowstring and nock, use it. If no hole is present, use a drill press and drill a 1/8” hole at least 1” from the end of the shaft and 1” from other holes.

5. Push the square bushing into the shock pad, aligning contours of both parts.6. Place shock pad assembly on the shaft with the square bushing nearest

the nock.7. Screw should self-thread into the hole. Do not thread the screw more than

once as it will weaken the hole. For added strength, add a small amount of glue to the screw threads. Do not over-tighten.

Tying Line to the Slide1. Thread the bowfishing line from the reel through the Safety Slide® on the

arrow following the groove in the slide. Pull about 5” of line through the slide and position the arrow vertically in front of you.

2. Holding both lines, make a loop in the line and hold it above the point.3. Now bring the entire arrow, starting at the point, through the loop. A knot

will form behind the arrow and extend 2 – 3” past it.

Visit our website at amsbowfishing.com to watch a step-by-step video on how to properly tie the line to our patented AMS Safety Slide® brand arrow slide.

Line Care and MaintenanceAMS Retrievers® work best when the line is wet. Toss your arrow by hand into the water to wet the line and remove any tangles. If it is twisted, reel the line in slowly, removing any twists as you go or hold the line a few feet from the arrow and let the arrow untwist freely. Inspect your line regularly for wear and replace or cut back as needed.

The AMS Retriever® should operate smoothly. If there is any binding or mis-feeding see adjustment instructions on page 15.

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Shooting1. Nock your arrow and place it in your arrow rest with the shock pad up.2. Always keep the AMS Safety Slide® in front of the arrow rest.3. Tighten the line between your AMS Retriever® and arrow and push it into

the line retainer (Z59) found on the front, outside edge of your reel.4. There are no buttons to push. Just draw, aim and shoot.5. To retrieve the arrow, pull the trigger lightly with the index finger of your

bow hand and crank the handle with the other.6. To retrieve fish, the most exciting way is by taking the line in hand over

hand. The AMS Retriever® is designed with zero drag. It does not have an adjustable fighting drag, but you can control line release using your trigger. With a little practice you can fight your fish by pumping your bow and taking up slack line on the down stroke.

AMS Tips • Check for any loose parts on your sight, quiver or rest and tighten.• Inspect the bowstring and cable. If either is frayed or has broken

strands, replace it before use. If the protective servings are loose or have come undone, either have the string re-served or replace it.

• Check the bow limbs for cracks or splits. If any limb appears damaged, DO NOT USE your bow. Take your bow to a qualified pro shop and have it looked at by a trained professional or call AMS Bowfishing directly for service options.

• Check your cam(s) and/or idler wheel for dents or gouges that can damage the bowstring. Do not use the bow until they are repaired or replaced.

• Check your arrows. Look for cracks or loose fibers in the shaft which can cause slivers and misguided arrows. Look at your AMS Safety Slide® and shock pad. Make sure the slide is moving freely on the shaft and that the shock pad is tight beneath the screw.

• Check line for frays and knots. Replace line that is badly frayed. Twisted line causes knots. Twists can be worked out by removing the arrow and pulling all the line from the bottle over an open area and slowly retrieving the line back into the reel.

• Make sure the trigger guard is securely attached to the bow riser.• Wear polarized sunglasses for day shooting. They reduce glare

dramatically on the water and make fish easier to see. Wear safety glasses at night.

• Wear sun protection.• Bring cell phone in case of emergency.• Gloves are also recommended.

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Big Game AMS Retriever® Pro, Model 611 Set-up

Your Big Game AMS Retriever® Pro comes set up and ready to use. However, you must learn how to re-rig the reel before you go out on the water.

1. Remove all the line from the bottle.2. Double back the line 2 feet from the end and feed the loop back into the reel. 3. Pull trigger and retrieve one turn. You should see line in the bottle.4. Reach through the bottle slit, pull out a small loop of line and secure it

under the black rubber collar. Keep it under the rubber collar at all times. Do not let it mix with the line in the bottle.

5. Pull the short line through the slot on the side of the reel and tie it to the float.6. Always keep the float line tight. It should lie over and in front of the gear

cover and handle so it clears all the moving parts. (See picture below).7. Snug up the float line by pulling on the loop under the rubber collar. Keep

the loop 1” or less in size while pulling line out of the mouth of the reel. The loop should be clearly visible, on top of the bottle neck and tight to the bottle where it remains until the target pulls it free.

8. While keeping the loop under the rubber collar, retrieve the remaining line into the bottle.

9. Do not push the loop back in the bottle. To avoid tangles it needs to be controlled and tucked under the rubber collar.

Adjust tension to float line here. Keep loop under rubber collar. Keep line to

float tight.

Practice this set-up and re-rig several times before you go out.

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Big Game AMS Retriever® Tips for Use

• ALWAYS make sure your Big Game AMS Retriever® Pro is rigged correctly. Keep the float line in front of the gear cover and handle. Keep the float line tight between the slot in the Retriever and the float.

• The loop under the black rubber collar should always be secure. It must never be allowed to mix with the line in the bottle. Tangles can result and your game can be lost if the loop of line gets tangled with the line inside the bottle. The loop should be clearly visible on top of the bottle neck and the line tight to the float.

• If you are using a large float at your feet, keep it and your line under control.• Use one wrap of electrical tape to secure the line from the AMS

Retriever® to the lower bow limb so the float line cannot become tangled with you, the bow or AMS Retriever® in any way. This also keeps your float line tight from the 1” loop on the bottle, around the gear cover and down to the bow limb.

• Be EXTREMELY careful when handling the float lines. Gloves are strongly recommended. A wounded shark or alligator can bolt and change directions without warning. Pull the line toward you with your hands, leaving the slack line in the water. This reduces the chance of tangling with it. Avoid pulling the line into the boat and forming a pile at your feet. NEVER wrap the line around your hands as a sudden surge from your prey could cause severe damage.

• Bowfishing for large game is different from archery hunting and general bowfishing.

• Use a regular bowfishing point or a big game bowfishing point for your initial shot along with a float for a tracking device. A regular bowfishing point will make a small entry hole and be less likely to rip out.

• Because a single arrow can rip out, we recommend a second secure shot. This will increase the drag on your prey, wearing it down faster and making it easier for you to pull him boat side.

• A final shot with a broadhead or a bang stick is recommended. Make sure your catch is subdued before bringing it into your boat.

• If you miss, retrieve the arrow and shoot again. If you hit the target, let it take all the line from the bottle and pull the float off the bow. Be sure to point the bow toward the fish or alligator until all the line is out of the bottle. Do not pull the trigger as the last remaining line leaves the reel. If the float does not come off by itself, pull it off by hand. Follow your float to your fish or alligator.

• For alligators we strongly recommend using our BreakAway arrow system.

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BreakAway Arrow Instructions

For a BreakAway arrow to function well, the line must be tied and utilized in a manner that allows the shaft to be pulled free from the point once the target is hit. The points are not glued to the shafts, but your line will be tied directly to the point and a ring that slides on the shaft. The ring makes the line trail the tail of the arrow for a more stable shot. A rubber collar keeps tension on the point and allows slack line to be stored to pull the arrow from the shaft after impact.

Removal of the arrow after impact minimizes arrow breakage and minimizes the effects of leverage created by the shaft on the impact hole. With the arrow intact, the leverage caused by a thrashing gator can be enough to work the point loose or enlarge the hole. Arrow damage cannot be averted all the time with large game, but this system is a great help.

Rigging BreakAway ArrowsFor strength, we suggest using the continuous 400# test line from your AMS Retriever® reel. You’ll need to start at the back of the arrow by tying the line to the ring and then work forward to the point, following these directions:

1. Remove packaging, including the black tape that secures the tip to the shaft. Clean any tape residue.

2. Measure in about 39” from the end of your line. (6”-7” more than the length of your arrow.)

3. At this point, tie your line to the ring loosely with a double knot. You’ll need to adjust any slack by adjusting the location of the final knot later. (FIG. 1)

4. Slide the ring and knot to the tail of the arrow.5. Form a 3” loop at the beginning of the line and tie off. 6. Feed the loop through the point and bring it over the tip of the arrow and

adjust so the line is tightly secured around the body of the point and under the barbs. (FIG. 2)

FIG. 1

FIG. 2

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7. Check that there is enough slack line between the point and the ring so you are able to pull the point free from the shaft upon impact. With this, check that you also have enough slack to tuck underneath the rubber collar. The rubber collar assists in holding the point on the shaft for missed shots. (FIG. 3)

8. Tuck the line underneath the rubber collar. Lift up on one side of the collar and tuck some line beneath it. Then roll the collar over the line so the line can be pulled and the tension on the point can be adjusted by pulling the loop.

9. Check the location of the ring at the tail of the arrow. It must be able to contact the screw when the line is tight.

10. Control excessive slack by minimizing the loop under the collar. Adjust the slack out by loosening the knot on the ring.

11. The ring must be able to contact the screw in the tail of the arrow when the rig is complete.

12. A small piece of electrical tape can be used around the point to help keep the point on the shaft should you miss a shot or pull up debris.

Practice this setup! Missed shots in shallow water may pull the point from the arrow, requiring you to re-rig in the field. You will likely need to rig a second or third arrow before bringing the gator into the boat safely.

Re-Rigging After a Missed Shot or Getting Ready for Another Gator• Install point to shaft.• Reinstall a loop of slack line beneath the rubber collar. Lift on one side

of the collar, tuck some line under and roll the collar over the line. Adjust the loop under the rubber collar by pulling the ring back to the screw at the tail of the arrow.

Shooting Instructions1. Nock an arrow and allow the ring to slide forward. When you draw, a loop will

form between the ring and the point. Always watch that this loop hangs clear from your bow, arrow rest and hand.

2. The line must always be out in front of the bow and arrow rest when shooting. 3. Never let it lay on, or behind the arrow rest as a tangling hazard could result.4. Draw and shoot. When you release, the arrow will move through the ring

until it is at the tail of the arrow.5. At any time after impact, give a firm tug to pull the arrow from the point. The

arrow can now slide free from the thrashing, rolling gator to minimize arrow damage and breakage.

FIG. 3

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Big Game AMS Retriever® Pro Assembly, Diagram and Parts List

Basically the assembly is the same as that of the AMS Retriever® Pro but there are slotted parts that allow the line to double back out of the bottle and be tied off to a float. The slotted parts are shaded in the diagram below. There is also a cut in the side of the bottle to pull the float line through and a rubber collar (Z112) where the float line tension is maintained. See instructions on page 8 for more details.

ITEM DESCRIPTION

Z1 6-32 x 3/16” screw

Z39 R/L Slotted line guide

Z40 R/L Slotted stripper

Z38R/L-600-1 Upper side plate

Z38R/L-600-2 Lower side plate

Z41 Trigger strap

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Retriever Parts List and Diagrams

ITEM DESCRIPTIONZ1 6-32 x 3/16” screwZ2 6-32 x 3/4” screwZ3 6-32 X 1” screwZ4 6-32 x 1 1/4” screwZ5 10-32 x 5/16” truss screwZ8 6-32 nyloc nutZ12 brass drive gearZ16 R/L mount plate-aluminumZ16-600 R/L mount plate-plasticZ17 pinion bearingZ18 R/L side plate-aluminumZ18-600 R/L side plate-plasticZ27 bottle capZ28 bottleZ29 gear coverZ30 line guideZ31 stripperZ32 alignment spacerZ33 TW tie off buttonZ35 rubber drive rollerZ36 handle assemblyZ37 R/L trigger assemblyZ45 trigger guardZ59-600 line retainerZ100 slab nutZ101 thumb screwZ102 female base mountZ103 male mount clampZ104 quiverZ105 10-24 x 2 3/4” screwZ106 10-24 nyloc nutZ109 o-ringZ7-300 trigger bushingZ71-300 line retainer bushing

Model 610 Retriever Pro

Model 310 Original Retriever

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AMS Retriever® Assembly

Tools needed: Flat screw driver, 5/16” box wrench & marine grease

1. Push Nyloc nuts (Z8) into the nut cages on the back side of the mount plate (Z16).

2. Place the pinion bearing (Z17) into mount plate, aligning small notch.3. Grease both ends of the rubber drive roller (Z35) and place the small end

into the pinion bearing. Excessive grease is not necessary.4. Place line guide (Z30) on the mount plate aligning the square edges to

mount plate edges5. To assemble gear cover: place gear cover (Z29) over brass drive gear

(Z12), add handle (Z36) and secure pieces together with the truss screw (Z5).

6. Locate the small snap above the center hole on the side plate. Place gear cover assembly over it and slide it downward toward the bottom of the reel until it snaps onto the side plate. The two holes in the gear cover snap over the posts on the side plate.

7. Add side plate assembly to mount plate assembly. Secure with 1” screws (Z3) at the bottom.

8. Add the line guide screw (Z3). If your line retainer (Z59) is a separate piece, add it to the back side of this screw with the slot facing forward. Secure with a Nyloc nut (Z8) but do not tighten completely as it will be adjusted later.

9. Add the trigger assembly (Z37) by slightly squeezing the mount and side plates together and pushing it onto the built-in trigger bushings.

10. Assemble stripper (Z31) and bottle cap (Z27) by squeezing the cap slightly.11. Push stripper/bottle cap assembly between the plates.12. Align the holes in the trigger with the stripper and plates. Add the 1 ¼”

trigger screw (Z4) through the trigger. Do not tighten yet as it will be adjusted later.

13. Add the 1” stripper screw (Z3) but do not tighten.14. IMPORTANT! Adjust the stripper and line guide before use. Follow the

adjustment instructions on the next page.

On 310 models, you will need to add the alignment spacers (Z32), add the side plate before adding the gear cover assembly and put the stripper in place before adding the trigger.

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AMS Retriever® Adjustments and Trouble Shooting Guide

• Tools needed: flat screw driver, 5/16” box wrench and marine grease• See diagrams on pages 12 and 13 to define parts

If the handle on your AMS Retriever® won’t turn freely or line is coming out in front of the bottle, the stripper (Z31), line guide (Z30) or both need to be adjusted. We recommend adjusting the line guide first:

1. Loosen the line guide screw (Z3) 1/2 turn.2. Push the line guide down completely so the handle won’t turn.3. Then push it back up slightly until the handle turns freely.4. Holding the line guide in this location, tighten the screw.

If the handle still won’t turn or line is coming out in front of the bottle, the stripper (Z31) needs to be adjusted.

1. The stripper is the cone shaped part between the bottle cap and the body of the Retriever. Loosen the trigger screw (Z4) and the stripper screw (Z3) one turn. Just enough to move the part by hand.

2. Slide the stripper/bottle cap assembly downward toward the base of the reel until it meets the rubber drive roller inside and the handle won’t turn at all.

3. Now push the stripper/bottle cap assembly up just enough so the handle starts to turn freely. You want the stripper as close to the rubber drive roller as possible without touching it. This is the proper location for the stripper. If it is too high, line will come out in front of the bottle. If it is too low, it will rub against the rubber drive roller and make the handle difficult to turn.

4. Holding the stripper/bottle cap assembly in place, tighten the lower stripper screw first. Then tighten the trigger screw using a wrench to hold the nut in place on the back side.

5. More than one attempt at this adjustment may be required. Test several times by pulling all the line out and retrieving. Any binding or misfeeding will require re-adjustment.

Trouble ShootingPulling the trigger back and trying to brake the fish while the fish is swimming away can cause your line to burn grooves in the rubber drive roller. These grooves can cause operational problems and premature wear to internal parts.

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Thank you for choosing AMS Bowfishing® for all your bowfishing needs. Some of the largest and most exciting fish have been taken with AMS Bowfishing® equipment! Enthusiasts around the world trust us for our attention to detail and passion for the hobby. We pride ourselves on our superior quality and thorough

knowledge of bowfishing.

Welcome to the AMS Bowfishing® Family!

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