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Beginner's Night Bowfishing in Lafitte, Louisiana
- Published Date: September 8, 2025
- Fishing
- $650 - $1,000 price range
Summary
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Night Shots and Catches
Father/Son trip a success!
First timers with their limit on reds and a bunch of bonus garfish
Redfish smackdown
Large groups welcome. Up to 6 passengers per boat
Louisiana Bowfishing Under the Stars
Exciting Night Bowfishing Louisiana
Lafitte Bowfishing Trips After Dark
Louisiana Night Bowfishing Adventures
Lafitte LA Night Bowfishing Action
Redfish for dinner
Father/Son trip a success!
First timers with their limit on reds and a bunch of bonus garfish
Redfish smackdown
Large groups welcome. Up to 6 passengers per boat
Louisiana Bowfishing Under the Stars
Exciting Night Bowfishing Louisiana
Lafitte Bowfishing Trips After Dark
Louisiana Night Bowfishing Adventures
Lafitte LA Night Bowfishing Action
Redfish for dinner
Father/Son trip a success!
First timers with their limit on reds and a bunch of bonus garfish
Redfish smackdown
Large groups welcome. Up to 6 passengers per boat
Night Bowfishing: Lafitte's Hidden Gem
Ready to try something totally different on the water? Captain Jason Toombs has you covered with his night bowfishing trips out of Lafitte, Louisiana. This ain't your grandpa's fishing - we're talking bows, arrows, and LED lights that turn the bayou into an underwater hunting ground. Perfect for newbies looking to get their feet wet in the world of bowfishing, this 4-hour private trip will have you stalking gar and redfish like a pro in no time.
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're gliding through the dark waters of Lafitte, powerful LED lights cutting through the surface to reveal the ghostly shapes of fish below. Captain Jason's at the helm, showing you the ropes of how to spot, aim, and fire at your targets. The specialized bows are fitted with AMS bottle reels, making it a breeze to reel in your catch. And the best part? You don't need to lug any gear - it's all provided. Just bring your Louisiana fishing license (grab one online or from a local shop), some bug spray (trust me, you'll want it), and a sense of adventure. When you're done, the captain will even clean and bag your fish, so you can head home with your catch ready for the fryer.
Bowfishing 101
Now, let's talk technique. Bowfishing is all about quick reflexes and a sharp eye. As you cruise along, you'll be scanning the water for movement. See a fish? Draw your bow, aim slightly below where you think the fish is (water refraction is tricky), and let that arrow fly! The AMS bottle reel means your arrow's always tethered, so retrieval's a cinch. It's way different from rod and reel fishing - more active, more exciting. You're not waiting for a bite; you're actively hunting. And with the LED lights, it's like fishing in a whole new world. The water comes alive at night, and you'll see all sorts of critters you'd miss during the day.
Why Folks Keep Coming Back
Look, I've been guiding folks around these waters for years, and there's something special about bowfishing that keeps people hooked. Maybe it's the thrill of the hunt, or the unique challenge of hitting a moving target in the water. Or maybe it's just the magic of being out on the bayou at night, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the glow of the lights. Whatever it is, I've seen first-timers turn into die-hard bowfishing fanatics after just one trip. It's a whole different ballgame from regular fishing, and once you try it, you might just find your new favorite way to spend a night on the water.
Fish in the Spotlight
Alright, let's talk targets. On this trip, you're mainly going after gar and redfish, but there's a whole cast of characters you might encounter. Here's the lowdown on what you could be arrowing:
Black Drum: These big boys can grow up to 40 inches or more. They're like the bulldogs of the bayou - stocky, powerful, and not afraid to put up a fight. Black drum love to root around in the mud for crabs and shrimp, so you'll often spot them with their tails up, heads down. They're most active in the cooler months, from October to April.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a Louisiana staple. They've got that distinctive black spot on their tail, which makes them easy to identify. Redfish are crafty - they'll use their downturned mouths to suck up prey from the bottom. You'll find them year-round, but they really start schooling up in the fall. Landing one of these with a bow is a real treat.
Channel Catfish: These whiskered critters are night owls, which makes them perfect for bowfishing. They're constantly on the move, searching for food along the bottom. Channel cats can grow pretty big, but most you'll see will be in the 2-4 pound range. They're quick, so you'll need to be on your toes to nail one.
Blue Catfish: The big cousins of channel cats, blue cats can grow to monster sizes. We're talking potential 100-pounders, though that's rare. They're more common in the deeper channels, but they'll venture into the shallows to feed at night. Hitting one of these with an arrow is like striking gold - they put up a heck of a fight.
Alligator Gar: Now we're talking prehistoric. These living fossils can grow over 8 feet long and weigh over 300 pounds. With their long, toothy snouts, they look like something out of Jurassic Park. Gar are air-breathers, so you'll often see them rolling on the surface. They're most active in the warmer months, and let me tell you, arrowing one of these giants is an experience you won't forget.
Time to Notch Your Bow
So, there you have it, folks. Night bowfishing with Captain Jason Toombs is more than just a fishing trip - it's an adventure you'll be talking about for years. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try something new or a complete beginner wanting to jump into the deep end, this trip's got something for everyone. You'll learn a new skill, experience the bayou like never before, and maybe even go home with some tasty fish for dinner. Spots are limited to just two guests per trip, so don't wait around. Grab your buddy, book your spot, and get ready for a night on the water you won't forget. The fish are waiting - are you ready to take your shot?
Learn more about the animals
Alligator Gar
Alligator gar are living fossils, looking like they swam straight out of the dinosaur era. These beasts can top 8 feet and 300 pounds, with a mouth full of needle-sharp teeth. They love backwaters, oxbows, and sluggish rivers. Late summer's the prime time when water levels drop and concentrate them. Gar are tough to hook – their bony mouths make traditional hook-sets tricky. Most folks target 'em with bow and arrow, but rod-and-reel fishing is gaining popularity. If you're using bait, try a whole shad or mullet on a rope-style leader. Patience is key – it can take a gar 10 minutes to fully swallow the bait. Local tip: look for them rolling at the surface on hot, still days. They're coming up for air, giving away their location.
Black Drum
Black drum are hefty fighters, typically weighing 5-30 pounds but can hit 90. They're found in brackish waters and estuaries, often around oyster beds and mudflats. These bottom-feeders use their strong jaws to crush shellfish, making a distinctive drumming sound while doing it. Spring's the prime time to target them when they school up to spawn. Anglers love 'em for the hard-pulling fight and tasty meat, especially from smaller fish under 15 pounds. To land one, use fresh crab or clam on a bottom rig. Fish slow and be patient – these guys can be stubborn. Pro tip: target areas with tidal creek openings, especially on a falling tide when they're ambushing prey. Just watch those oyster shells – they'll slice your line quick if you're not careful.
Blue Catfish
Blue cats are the giants of the catfish world, commonly hitting 30-50 pounds with some monsters pushing 100+. They love deep river channels and reservoir basins, often hanging near drop-offs or submerged timber. These big boys are opportunistic feeders, gulping down anything from shad to Asian carp. Anglers target them for the tremendous fight and bragging rights. Winter's actually a great time to chase trophy blues – they school up in deep holes. Fresh cut bait is key – try skipjack herring or gizzard shad if you can get 'em. Use heavy tackle and circle hooks to improve hook-ups on these hard-mouthed bruisers. Pro tip: locate schools of bait fish on your fish finder, then drop your bait just above them. The blues are likely lurking below, ready to ambush.
Channel Catfish
Channel cats are the bread and butter of catfishing, typically running 2-4 pounds but can hit 20+. They love deep holes in rivers and reservoirs, especially near structure. Unlike their muddy-water cousins, channels prefer clearer water. They'll eat just about anything, but cut bait or stinkbait are top choices. Summer nights are prime time – these guys feed actively after dark. Anglers dig 'em for the steady action and tasty fillets. To boost your odds, use a longer rod (7'+) for better casting and hook-setting leverage. Sharpen those hooks – channel cats have tough mouths. Local secret: after a good rain, fish the mouths of creeks feeding into the main river. The cats stack up there to ambush bait washed in by the current.
Redfish
Redfish are shallow water specialists, often cruising in just 1-4 feet of water. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and even tailing in water so skinny their backs are out. They average 28-33 inches but can push 50 pounds. That trademark black spot near the tail? It's not just for looks – it helps fool predators. These guys put up a mean fight and are delicious on the plate. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they school up. To catch 'em, try topwater lures early morning or late evening for explosive strikes. If that's not working, switch to a jig or live bait worked slowly along the bottom. Local trick: on calm days, look for their copper-colored backs pushing a wake in shallow water. Cast ahead of them and hang on tight!
