Get ready for a wild ride on the bayou! This 4-hour night bowfishing trip with Captain Jason Toombs is the real deal. You and three buddies will cruise Louisiana's murky waters, armed with bows and high-powered LED lights that'll make you feel like you're in a sci-fi movie. But instead of aliens, you'll be hunting down some of the gnarliest fish the South has to offer. It's not your average fishing trip – it's an adventure that'll have you hooked from the moment you step on board.
Picture this: it's pitch black out, but the water around you is lit up like a Christmas tree. That's the magic of those LED lights we've got rigged up. They turn the muddy bayou into a fish-spotting paradise. You'll be wielding a bow fitted with an AMS bottle reel – it's like the Cadillac of bowfishing gear. This bad boy lets you shoot and retrieve arrows faster than you can say "gator gar." Speaking of which, you'll be going after some monsters: gar, catfish, and other beasts that lurk in the Louisiana night. And the best part? At the end of the trip, we'll clean and bag your catch. No muss, no fuss – just bragging rights and dinner sorted.
Bowfishing at night is a whole different ballgame from your typical daytime angling. Those LED lights we use? They're not just for show. They penetrate the water, creating a window into the underwater world that's usually hidden from view. It's like having X-ray vision for fish. You'll be standing at the ready, bow in hand, scanning the illuminated water for any sign of movement. When you spot a fish, it's all about quick reflexes and steady aim. The AMS bottle reel is a game-changer here – it lets you shoot and retrieve your arrow in one smooth motion. No tangled lines, no lost arrows. Just pure, adrenaline-pumping action. And don't worry if you're new to this – Captain Jason and his crew will show you the ropes. Before you know it, you'll be nailing shots like a pro.
"I was in Louisiana for work and had a free night before flying home. Jason reached out and had an extra spot on his boat and let me jump on. I got my limit in reds right away and saw hundreds more. I was able to go after a few more species on my bucket list as well . Marcus his deck hand was also great and was awesome to talk with while fishing." - Mitch
Black Drum: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of the bayou. They can grow up to 90 pounds, and when they're big, they look like they're wearing a suit of armor. Black drum are bottom feeders, so you'll often spot them rooting around in the mud. They're most active at night, making them perfect targets for our bowfishing trips. The best time to go after these guys is in the spring when they gather in large schools to spawn.
Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy name fool you – these striped battlers are no joke. They've got a mouth full of human-like teeth that they use to crush crabs and barnacles. Sheepshead are masters of structure, hanging around pilings, rocks, and oyster beds. They're crafty and can be a challenge to spot, but when you do, it's incredibly satisfying. Winter and early spring are prime times for sheepshead.
Redfish: Ah, the redfish – Louisiana's pride and joy. These copper-colored beauties are known for their distinctive spot near the tail. They're ambush predators, often found cruising the shallows looking for an easy meal. Redfish put up a hell of a fight and are a favorite among bowfishers for their size and the challenge they present. You can target them year-round, but fall is particularly good when they school up in the marshes.
Blue Catfish: These whisker-faced monsters are the largest catfish species in North America, capable of growing over 100 pounds. They're bottom dwellers with a appetite for just about anything. At night, blue cats often come to shallower water to feed, making them prime targets for bowfishing. Late spring and early summer are excellent times to go after these behemoths.
Alligator Gar: Now we're talking prehistoric. Alligator gar look like they swam straight out of the Jurassic period, with their long, toothy snouts and armored scales. These giants can grow over 8 feet long and weigh more than 300 pounds. They're air-breathers, often coming to the surface to gulp air, which makes them easier to spot. Gar are most active in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. Landing one of these monsters is an experience you'll never forget.
Listen, this ain't your grandpa's fishing trip. It's a high-octane, arrow-slinging adventure that'll have you seeing Louisiana's waterways in a whole new light – literally. Whether you're a seasoned bowfisher or a complete newbie, Captain Jason and his crew will make sure you have a blast. You'll come away with stories to tell, fish in the cooler, and maybe even a new addiction. So round up your crew, grab your fishing license, and get ready for a night on the bayou you won't soon forget. The fish are waiting, the lights are bright, and the action is non-stop. Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers like a slippery gar. Book your spot now and get ready to experience Louisiana fishing like never before. The only question left is: are you ready to become a night stalker of the bayou?
August 2, 2024
Alligator gar are the prehistoric monsters of our rivers. These armored giants can top 6 feet long and 100 pounds. You'll find them in deep river bends and backwaters, especially during hot summer months. Bowfishing for gar at night is an adrenaline rush like no other. Our lights help spot their reflective eyes in murky water. They're tough to bring in - that armor plating means you need a perfect shot placement. Gar aren't just big, they're old too. Some can live over 50 years. That's why we practice catch-and-release to keep the population healthy. Still, they make for some incredible trophy photos with those menacing teeth. These fish are pure muscle and will test your gear to the limit. Once arrowed, be ready for a battle. They'll thrash and roll, trying to snap your line. My top gar tip: patience is key. Take your time lining up your shot. These fish spook easily, so a stealthy approach is crucial. When you do connect with a big one, it's a night you won't soon forget.
Alligator gar are real monsters of the bayou. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds. You'll find them lurking in deep river bends and backwaters, especially during hot, dry summers. They've got a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth, but don't worry - they're not aggressive to humans. Bowfishing for gar at night is a rush. Our powerful lights make it easier to spot their reflective eyes in murky water. They're tough to land, so aim for the front half of the body. Once you arrow one, get ready for a fight - these fish are pure muscle. Gar are a unique trophy that most folks never get a chance to target. Their armor-like scales and dinosaur looks make for some incredible photos. Just remember, it's catch-and-release only in Louisiana to protect the population. My top tip: be patient and wait for a clean shot. Gar can spook easily, so take your time lining up before releasing that arrow. It's all about precision to bring in these river monsters.
Sheepshead are the oddballs of inshore fishing, but man are they fun to catch. These striped fish have a mouthful of teeth that look just like human chompers. They use 'em to crush crabs and barnacles right off pilings and rocks. You'll find sheepshead around any hard structure in coastal waters - jetties, bridge pilings, oyster reefs. They're usually in 5-15 feet of water. Winter and early spring are prime time as they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. Their light bite and hard mouth make them tricky to hook. When you do connect, they put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Most run 2-4 pounds, but they can reach over 10. These fish are a real delicacy on the table. The meat is white, flaky and sweet - some folks call them "poor man's lobster." Here's my go-to sheepshead trick: use a small, sharp hook and keep tension on your line. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, set the hook hard. It takes practice, but there's nothing quite like outsmarting these crafty convict fish.
Redfish are one of Louisiana's most popular gamefish for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 5-10 pounds but can grow over 40. Look for them in shallow bays and marsh edges, often with their backs sticking out of the water as they feed. Sight fishing for reds is a blast. We use our lights to scan for their signature tail wakes or flashing sides in skinny water. They spook easy, so a stealthy approach is key. Reds are famous for their hard-pulling fights. When hooked, they'll make powerful runs trying to wrap you around any structure they can find. Landing a big bull red is always cause for celebration. Fall is prime time as reds school up to spawn. The action can be non-stop when you find a hungry group. These fish aren't just fun to catch - they're delicious too. Blackened redfish is a local favorite for good reason. My best tip: keep your bait moving. A slow retrieve that mimics a fleeing baitfish will often trigger an instinctive strike from a red. It's an exciting way to fish.
Blue catfish are the big boys of the cat family - they can grow over 100 pounds. You'll find them in deeper holes of rivers and lakes, often near structure or drop-offs. They're bottom feeders, but will come up to hit bait near the surface too. Night fishing is prime time for blues. They're more active after dark, using those whiskers to hunt by feel. We use bright lights to spot them cruising the shallows. It's a thrill to see a big one appear in the beam. Blues put up one heck of a fight when hooked. That forked tail gives them power, and they'll use every ounce trying to get back to the bottom. Landing a trophy-sized blue is an accomplishment any angler can be proud of. These cats make great eating too, especially the smaller ones under 10 pounds. The meat is firm and mild-tasting. Here's a local trick: use fresh-cut bait like shad or herring. The scent trail drives blues crazy. Let it sink to the bottom and be ready - when they hit, they hit hard.
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I was in Louisiana for work and had a free night before flying home. Jason reached out and had an extra spot on his boat and let me jump on. I got my limit in reds right away and saw hundreds more. I was able to go after a few more species on my bucket list as well . Marcus his deck hand was also great and was awesome to talk with while fishing.