5.0(1 Reviews)4 Hour Day Trip Bowfishing in Indiana
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Daytime bowfishing offers better quality fish than night tripsFourhour river excursion accommodates up to four guests maximumIndiana fishing license required for this specialized bowfishing experience
Day bowfishing in Indiana is a whole different game from the typical nighttime adventures most folks are used to. When you're out there with Broken Nock Bowfishing during daylight hours, you're getting into the real technical side of this sport. The fish are warier, your shots need to be more precise, and every opportunity counts. But here's the thing – the payoff is huge. Day trips consistently produce some of the biggest, healthiest fish you'll see all season. We're talking quality over quantity, though our groups still manage to put plenty of arrows in the water.
This top-rated 4-hour day trip puts you right in the heart of Indiana's best bowfishing waters, where the action starts as soon as we push off. You'll be working with our experienced crew who know exactly where these fish like to cruise during daylight hours. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – we're here to put you on fish while teaching you the finer points of daytime bowfishing. With a maximum of 4 anglers per trip, everyone gets plenty of shot opportunities and personalized instruction. The crew handles all the boat positioning and spotting, so you can concentrate on making those shots count. Don't forget to bring your Indiana fishing license – it's required for all participants. Pack some sunscreen and cold drinks, because you'll be out there soaking up both rays and fish.
Bowfishing during the day requires a completely different skill set than night shooting. Without the bright lights that draw fish close to the boat, you're relying on polarized sunglasses and sharp eyes to spot your targets cruising in deeper, clearer water. Your shots are typically going to be longer – sometimes 15 to 20 feet instead of the 6 to 8 foot shots you might get at night. The fish can see you coming, so boat positioning and stealth become critical. Our guides use trolling motor approaches and know how to read the water for the best angles. You'll learn how to lead your shots properly for fish that are actively swimming rather than sitting still. The gear is standard recurve or compound bows with bowfishing reels, but the technique is all about patience and precision shooting.
"All four of us had a great first time bow fishing with these guys. they put us on fish before it got dark even with less than optimal water/weather conditions the group still hauled in over 40 fish and had a great time doing it. atmosphere was great crew was great, the experience was great. we will be coming back." - Hunter
Shortnose Gar are some of the most exciting targets you'll encounter on these Indiana waters. These prehistoric fish cruise just under the surface, especially during warmer months, and their armored scales make them a real challenge to penetrate. They typically run 2 to 4 feet long and have this amazing ability to stay motionless for long periods before suddenly darting away. The key is getting a solid hit behind the head where the scales are thinner. Anglers love them because they fight hard and make for great photos with those rows of needle-sharp teeth.
Grass Carp are the giants of our target species, often weighing 20 to 40 pounds and providing the kind of fight that gets your adrenaline pumping. These fish are extremely wary during daylight hours, so spotting one is only half the battle. They prefer shallow, weedy areas where they can feed on vegetation, making them perfect for bowfishing. The best time to target them is during late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding near the surface. Their size and strength make them a customer favorite – landing one of these bruisers is definitely a trip highlight.
Common Carp are probably the most reliable target species we encounter. These fish are active year-round but really shine during daylight hours in spring when they're spawning in shallow water. They range from 5 to 15 pounds typically, and they're great for beginners because they're not as spooky as some other species. You'll often find them in muddy, shallow areas where they're stirring up the bottom while feeding. What makes them exciting is their numbers – where you find one, you'll usually find several more.
Smallmouth Buffalo are often mistaken for carp, but they're actually a native sucker species that can grow massive in Indiana waters. These fish can exceed 30 pounds and are incredibly strong fighters. They prefer deeper holes during the day but will cruise into shallower water to feed, especially during overcast conditions. Spring through early summer is prime time for targeting buffalo when they're most active. Anglers appreciate them because they're excellent eating and provide some of the most challenging shots due to their tendency to stay in slightly deeper water.
Longnose Gar are the speed demons of the bowfishing world. These fish can reach 4 to 5 feet in length and are lightning fast when spooked. They have this distinctive long, narrow snout filled with sharp teeth, making them look like something from the age of dinosaurs. During daylight hours, they often cruise near the surface in clearer water, but they require quick reflexes and accurate shooting. The best opportunities come when they're basking near the surface on sunny days. They're a favorite among experienced bowfishers because of the skill required to successfully arrow one.
This world-class day bowfishing experience offers something you won't find on every charter – the chance to target quality fish using techniques that separate the casual shooters from the serious bowfishers. Our first season offering day trips has already proven that Indiana's waters hold incredible opportunities for those willing to adapt their approach. With only 4 spots available per trip, these customer favorite excursions fill up fast, especially during prime spring and summer months. Whether you're a seasoned bowf
Jump aboard the Uncle Jay Custom, a 20-foot powerhouse built for serious bowfishing action on Indiana's rivers. Twin 40HP Gator Tail engines push this sleek rig up to 30 MPH, getting you to the best fishing spots fast and quiet. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out and line up those perfect shots. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks ice-cold during those hot Indiana afternoons when the fish are moving in the shallows. This custom boat handles like a dream in river conditions - shallow water, tight turns, whatever the day throws at you. Day bowfishing is all about patience and precision since your shots are longer and the fish are more cautious, but that's what makes landing a trophy so rewarding. Don't forget your Indiana fishing license and sunscreen for this 4-hour adventure.
Ctenopharyngodon IdellaGrass Carp are the tanks of Indiana waters - these Asian imports commonly hit 40-60 pounds and fight like freight trains. They're plant eaters with big silvery scales that cruise shallow bays and weedy areas of lakes and slow rivers. Spring and fall are money times when they move into the shallows to feed heavily. What draws people to target them is the sheer size and that aerial show when hooked - they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times. The fight can last 20 minutes easy with a big one. They're spooky as heck though, so stay quiet and still. During summer heat, fish early morning or evening when they're most active. My go-to trick? Chum with sweet corn first, then use cherry tomatoes or fresh watermelon chunks on a small circle hook. They inspect everything twice before committing.
Cyprinus CarpioCommon Carp are the golden bruisers that'll test your tackle and patience. These stocky fish average 10-20 pounds but 30-pounders aren't rare in our waters. They're bottom feeders that love muddy lake bottoms, quiet river bends, and weedy areas where they root around constantly. Spring and fall are peak times when they school up in shallows to spawn. What makes them popular is their never-quit attitude - they thrash hard and make long runs that'll wear you out. Plus they're actually good eating if prepared right. During summer they drop to 8-12 feet deep, winter they slow down but still bite. They spook easy, so ditch any shiny gear and keep movements minimal. Pro tip: use a hair rig with sweet corn or boilies - it hides the hook from these smart fish who've seen every trick in the book.
Lepisosteus OsseusLongnose Gar are living torpedoes with that needle nose and prehistoric attitude. Most run 2-4 feet long, but 6-footers cruise our waters. They're ambush hunters that hang motionless in shallow cover - backwaters, weedy lake edges, and quiet river bends. Night fishing is prime time since they're naturally nocturnal. What hooks people is the challenge and the fight - they're explosive when they hit and jump like crazy. Their narrow snout makes them tricky to land though. You can't use regular hooks because their mouth is too skinny. The trick is using rope flies or unbraided nylon that tangles in their teeth. Summer evenings when they surface near vegetation is money time. Here's the deal: run your lure parallel to weedlines real slow. They'll follow it like a shadow, then strike fast. Keep steady pressure but don't horse them - that narrow jaw tears easy.
Lepisosteus PlatostomusThe Shortnose Gar is Indiana's most primitive fighter - they've been around since the dinosaurs. These armored fish average 16-24 inches but can push 35 inches. You'll find them in quiet backwaters, oxbow lakes, and slow sections of rivers where they lie motionless like floating logs. They're ambush predators with cone-shaped teeth and that prehistoric look that gets everyone excited. Summer's prime time when they surface to gulp air - you can actually hear them rolling at dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their patience and sudden strikes. When you spot one near the surface, cast your lure close but don't move it. They'll drift up like a stick, study it forever, then BAM - lightning fast strike. Here's the key: keep that bait dead still until they commit. The second it twitches before they're ready, game over.
Ictiobus BubalusSmallmouth Buffalo are the sleeper hits of bowfishing - copper-colored bulldogs that can surprise you with their size. They typically run 16-24 inches but I've seen 35-inchers that'll make your day. These guys are bottom feeders hanging around vegetation in rivers, lakes, and backwaters where they munch algae and decaying matter. They're hardy fish that love fast current but also cruise shallow weedy areas during warmer months. What's cool is they can live 40+ years, so you might be shooting a fish older than you are. Spring through fall they're most active in the shallows. People love targeting them because they're challenging shots and the meat is surprisingly firm and tasty. Here's something weird that works: some old-timers swear by baits with hot sauce or chili powder. Smallmouths have a thing for spicy stuff - sounds crazy but I've seen it work when corn and doughballs fail.
5.0 out of 5.0All four of us had a great first time bow fishing with these guys. they put us on fish before it got dark even with less than opti...
Hunter Parnell, Thank you! I aplricate yall trusting me with your trip for this special occasion! 💪...
Southern Indiana