Top-Rated Night Bowfishing in Louisiana

Published Date: September 8, 2025
Fishing

$650 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Ready for a unique night out on the water? Join Captain Jason Toombs for a 4-hour bowfishing adventure after dark in Louisiana. This trip is perfect for small groups looking to try something different. The boat's powerful LED lights help you spot fish like alligator gar, black drum, and catfish in the lake. You'll use special bows with reels that make it easy to shoot and retrieve your arrows. Don't worry about gear - everything's provided, including fish cleaning at the end. Remember your Louisiana fishing license, and feel free to bring some drinks (just skip the glass bottles and hard liquor). Whether you're a seasoned bowfisher or giving it a first shot, Captain Jason will make sure you have a great time hunting fish under the stars.

Night Shots and Big Catches

4 Alligator Gar and Black Drum fish caught in Lafitte

Louisiana Bowfishing Under the Stars

Exciting Night Bowfishing Louisiana

Lafitte Bowfishing Trips After Dark

Louisiana Night Bowfishing Adventures

Night Bowfishing: Louisiana's Hidden Gem

Get ready for a wild ride on the bayou after dark! Captain Jason Toombs is serving up a heart-pounding 4-hour night bowfishing adventure that'll have you hooked from the first shot. This ain't your grandpa's fishing trip - we're talking high-powered LED lights, specialized bows, and some of the gnarliest fish Louisiana's got to offer. Perfect for groups of up to four, whether you're bowfishing veterans or total newbies looking to try something different. So grab your buddies, leave the rod and reel at home, and get ready to experience fishing like never before.

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're gliding through the dark waters of a Louisiana lake, powerful lights cutting through the inky blackness. Suddenly, you spot movement - a massive gar breaks the surface. Your heart races as you draw back your bow, take aim, and let that arrow fly. That's the rush you're in for on this trip. Captain Jason's decked-out boat is equipped with state-of-the-art LED lighting systems that turn night into day, making it easier to spot those big boys lurking below. You'll be armed with specialized bows fitted with AMS bottle reels, designed for quick shots and smooth retrieval. No experience? No problem. The Captain's got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need to start sticking fish like a pro.

Bowfishing 101

Alright, let's break down how this works. Bowfishing is like archery meets fishing, with a splash of hunting thrown in for good measure. Instead of a traditional fishing line, you're shooting arrows attached to a reel. The key is to aim slightly below where you see the fish - that's because of something called refraction, which makes fish appear higher in the water than they actually are. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be addicted. The AMS bottle reels we use are top-notch, allowing for quick shots and easy retrieval of your arrow. And the best part? There's no catch and release here - every fish you stick is coming home with you, making for some epic photos and even better fish fries.

Target Species Breakdown

Alligator Gar: These prehistoric-looking monsters are the crown jewels of bowfishing. Growing up to 8 feet long and weighing over 300 pounds, alligator gar are like living fossils. They're most active at night, which is why our LED-lit night trips are perfect for targeting them. When you see one of these beasts surface, your adrenaline will spike through the roof. They're tough to bring in, but man, is it worth it when you do.

Black Drum: Don't let the name fool you - these fish are anything but dull. Black drum can grow to over 100 pounds, and they put up one heck of a fight. They tend to hang out near the bottom, so keep your eyes peeled for their distinctive shape in the lights. Smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are great eating, while the big ones make for an awesome trophy photo.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a Louisiana staple. They're known for their distinctive black spot near the tail, which makes them easier to identify in the water. Redfish love to cruise the shallows at night, making them perfect targets for bowfishing. They're also delicious, so be sure to save some for the grill.

Channel Catfish: These whiskered bottom-dwellers are a common sight on our trips. They might not be the biggest fish in the lake, but they're plentiful and make for great eating. Channel cats tend to be more active at night, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to stick a few.

Blue Catfish: The big cousins of channel cats, blue catfish can grow to enormous sizes. We're talking potential 100-pounders here, folks. They're less common than channel cats, but when you do spot one, it's a sight to behold. Landing a big blue cat with a bow is a true test of skill and strength.

Why Night Bowfishing Rules

Now, you might be wondering why we're doing this at night. Simple - that's when the big boys come out to play. Many of our target species are more active after dark, especially during the warmer months. Plus, there's something downright magical about being out on the water under the stars. The lack of other boats means we've got the lake to ourselves, and the powerful lights create an otherworldly atmosphere that's hard to describe until you've experienced it. It's like stepping into another world where you're the apex predator, armed with modern technology to level the playing field against these ancient fish.

What to Bring & What to Know

Alright, let's talk logistics. Captain Jason's got you covered on all the fishing gear - bows, arrows, reels, the works. He'll even clean and bag your catch at the end of the night. All you need to bring is a valid Louisiana fishing license (don't forget this!), some comfy clothes that can get a bit messy, and a good attitude. We provide bottled water to keep you hydrated, and if you want to bring some adult beverages, that's cool too. Just keep it reasonable, stick to cans or plastic (no glass), and leave the hard stuff at home. Safety first, folks - we want you having fun, not falling overboard.

Time to Get Your Shot On

Listen up, adventure seekers - this ain't your average fishing trip. It's a chance to test your skills, experience the thrill of the hunt, and come home with some epic stories (and hopefully a cooler full of fish). Whether you're a seasoned bowfisher or a curious first-timer, Captain Jason's got the know-how to make sure you have a blast. So round up your crew, book your spot, and get ready for a night on the water you won't forget. The fish are waiting, the lights are bright, and the arrows are flying. Don't miss your chance to be part of the action - book your Louisiana night bowfishing adventure today!

Learn more about the animals

Alligator Gar

Alligator gar are living fossils, unchanged for millions of years. These armored giants can top 8 feet and 300 pounds. You'll find them in backwaters, bayous, and slow-moving rivers across the South. They're most active in hot summer months when water levels are low. Gar fishing is all about patience - they're not aggressive feeders. Use strong tackle and wire leaders to handle those razor-sharp teeth. Fresh cut bait like carp or shad works best. Let it sit and wait for that slow, steady pull. When you hook up, be ready for some serious power. Gar don't jump, but they make long, bulldogging runs. For a real challenge, try sight-fishing with artificial lures. Cast beyond a surfacing gar and slowly retrieve past its nose. Just remember, in most places it's catch-and-release only for these prehistoric monsters.

Black Drum

Black drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, reaching up to 90 pounds. You'll find these bruisers in shallow, brackish waters around oyster beds and mudflats. They use those powerful jaws to crush shellfish, so fishing near oyster reefs is a good bet. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Smaller drum under 15 pounds make better eating - the big ones get tough and lose flavor. To catch one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a circle hook. Let it sit on the bottom and wait for that telltale thump. When you hook up, hang on tight - these guys put up a stubborn fight. For an extra edge, try chumming with crushed oyster shells to draw them in. Just be ready for some serious pulling when a big black drum takes the bait.

Blue Catfish

Blue cats are the giants of the catfish world, capable of topping 100 pounds. These big boys love deep holes in rivers and reservoirs, especially around channel edges and submerged structure. They're most active in cooler months, with fall and spring being prime times. Blues will eat just about anything, but fresh cut bait like shad or skipjack is hard to beat. Use heavy tackle - these bruisers can snap light line. Let your bait sit on the bottom and be patient. When a big blue takes it, you'll know. The fight is all about raw power, with long, steady runs that'll test your arms. For a shot at a real monster, try fishing at night near dam tailraces. Just be ready to hang on tight when that rod doubles over.

Channel Catfish

Channel cats are the perfect target for a relaxed night of fishing. These whiskered bottom-feeders average 2-4 pounds but can reach 20+. You'll find them in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, often lurking around structure like logs or rocks. They're most active at night, especially in summer. Channel cats aren't picky eaters - cut bait, stinkbait, or even hot dogs will do the trick. Rig up with a slip sinker and let your bait sit on the bottom. When you feel a bite, give them time to swallow before setting the hook. The fight is more steady pressure than acrobatics, but larger ones will give you a good tussle. For an extra edge, try chumming with soured grain to draw them in. Just watch out for those sharp spines when you're handling them.

Redfish

Redfish are a blast to catch in the Louisiana shallows. These copper-colored bulldogs average 5-10 pounds but can push 40. Look for them tailing in water so skinny their backs break the surface. They love hanging around oyster reefs, marsh grass, and manmade structures. Fall and spring are prime seasons as they move in and out of the bays. Redfish put up a great fight on light tackle, making long runs and bulldogging near the bottom. Their light, flaky meat is delicious too. To catch one, try a gold spoon or soft plastic under a popping cork. Work it with sharp jerks to mimic a fleeing baitfish. If you see a school pushing water, cast beyond them and drag your lure right through. Set the hook as soon as you feel that telltale thump.

About the Toombs Adventures

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: GatorTail

Maximum Cruising Speed: 32

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 40

Captain Jason Toombs' night bowfishing setup is perfect for an exciting weekend outing on Louisiana's lakes. His boat comes equipped with powerful LED lights that illuminate the water, making it easier to spot your targets in the dark. You and up to three friends can try your hand at this unique fishing style using specialized bows fitted with AMS bottle reels for smooth arrow retrieval. The 4-hour trip gives you plenty of time to hunt for alligator gar, black drum, catfish, and other local species. Don't worry about bringing gear - the captain provides everything you need. At the end of the night, he'll even clean and bag your catch. Remember to grab your Louisiana fishing license before the trip. While bottled water is provided, you're welcome to bring your own drinks (in moderation). Just skip the glass bottles and hard liquor. This nighttime adventure offers a fresh twist on traditional fishing that's sure to create some lasting memories.

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