5.0(1 Reviews)Lake Fishing Charter for Carp & Buffalo
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
4hour nighttime lake fishing targeting carp and buffalo speciesExpert local guides provide equipment and instruction for all levelsSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests per charter
When you're looking for consistent action on Ohio's productive waters, this 4-hour night fishing charter in Hillsboro delivers exactly what serious anglers want. Matt and his crew have dialed in the perfect setup for targeting some of the region's most challenging freshwater species. You'll spend your evening under powerful LED lights that illuminate the water and bring the fish right to you. Whether you're new to bowfishing or you've been working these waters for years, this trip gives you the guidance and equipment to make it count. The boat handles up to four anglers comfortably, so bring your crew and get ready for steady action on species that'll test your skills.
This isn't your typical casting and waiting kind of fishing. You'll be bowfishing under lights, which means active hunting for visible targets in the shallows and along structure. The crew sets up high-powered lighting systems that penetrate the water column and draw fish into shooting range. You'll see grass carp cruising just below the surface, buffalo moving through in small groups, and common carp working the bottom structure. The boat positioning is key here – Matt knows exactly where to set up for consistent opportunities. Equipment is all provided, including compound bows, arrows, reels, and safety gear. If you've never drawn a bow before, don't worry. The crew walks you through proper form, aiming techniques, and how to account for light refraction in the water. The action picks up as the evening progresses and fish become more active under the lights.
Bowfishing requires a completely different approach than traditional angling. You're using specialized compound bows with heavy draw weights, fishing reels mounted directly to the bow, and barbed arrows designed to penetrate and hold fish. The lighting setup creates underwater visibility that lets you spot fish movements and feeding behavior. Successful shots require understanding how light bends in water – your target is always slightly different from where it appears. The crew teaches proper stance, draw technique, and follow-through that keeps your shots accurate. You'll learn to read fish behavior under lights, recognizing when carp are moving into range versus just passing through. The boat features elevated shooting platforms that give you clear sight lines and stable footing. Safety protocols are strictly followed since you're working with powerful equipment in close quarters. Retrieval techniques are just as important as the shot itself – these fish are strong and you need proper form to bring them to the boat successfully.
"Matt will put you on the fish and keep u and your party safe while doing so .." - Willie
Grass Carp are the prize targets on these night trips, often reaching 20-30 pounds and providing the kind of fight that'll test your equipment. These fish move into the shallows during evening hours to feed on vegetation, making them perfect bowfishing targets. They're incredibly strong once arrowed, often making several powerful runs before you can bring them to the boat. The best action typically happens in late spring through early fall when water temperatures keep them active. Grass carp are exciting because they're large, visible targets that require precise shot placement and strong follow-through to land successfully.
Common Carp are abundant in these waters and provide consistent opportunities throughout the night. They range from smaller 5-8 pound fish up to hefty 15+ pound specimens that cruise the shallows looking for food. These fish are smart and can be spooky under lights, so timing your shot when they're in optimal position is crucial. They're most active during warmer months and often feed in groups, meaning multiple opportunities once you locate a school. Common carp are perfect for beginners because they're numerous and forgiving if your first few shots aren't perfect.
Bigmouth Buffalo and Smallmouth Buffalo offer some of the strongest fights you'll encounter on these trips. Buffalo can exceed 20 pounds and have incredible stamina once hooked. They tend to move through the area in small groups, often following consistent routes along structure and drop-offs. Spring and early summer provide the best buffalo action as they move shallow for spawning activities. These fish are exciting targets because they're less common than carp but significantly more powerful, often requiring teamwork to bring to the boat.
Goldfish might surprise you with their size and fight in these waters. While many people think of small aquarium fish, wild goldfish in Ohio lakes often reach several pounds and provide fun action between shots at larger species. They're most visible under lights during warmer months and often school in areas with good cover. Goldfish are great confidence builders for new bowfishers since they're typically easier to hit and handle than the larger carp species.
This top-rated night fishing experience fills up quickly, especially during peak season when fish activity is at its highest. The combination of expert guidance, proven techniques, and productive waters makes this a customer favorite among both local anglers and visitors to the Hillsboro area. You're getting access to specialized equipment, years of local knowledge, and the kind of hands-on instruction that turns a good trip into a great one. The crew's commitment to safety and success means you'll spend your time focused on the fishing instead of worrying about logistics. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly when you secure your dates. Whether you're looking to try something completely new or add another dimension to your fishing skills, this bowfishing charter delivers the kind of action and learning experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
This custom-built 22-foot deck boat is your ticket to some serious carp and buffalo action on Hillsboro's waters. Built fresh in 2024 by Train View Customs, she's rigged with dual 40hp Pro Drive surface drives that'll get you to the hot spots fast – hitting 30 knots when you need to cover water quickly. The spacious deck layout gives all four anglers plenty of room to work, whether you're bow fishing under the lights or casting from different angles. With seating for up to 10, there's no crowding issues, just clean shooting lanes and room to move around the catch. The shallow-running surface drives are perfect for getting into those back bays where the big grass carp like to cruise, and the stable platform means steady shots even when the fish are rolling. Your gear's all provided, but the boat's setup lets you bring your own bow if you prefer. Night fishing means LED lighting systems to spot those muddy swirls and dorsal fins cutting the surface.
Ictiobus CyprinellusBigmouth Buffalo are something special – these native fish can live over 100 years and reach impressive sizes up to 50+ pounds. They're filter feeders with upward-facing mouths, cruising near the surface eating plankton and small crustaceans. You'll spot them in our shallow areas and backwaters, especially at night when they're most active. What makes them exciting is they're perfect bowfishing targets since they swim near the surface, but you can also catch them on regular tackle. Spring spawning runs bring the best action in floodplain areas. These fish are getting scarce, so every encounter feels special. They're strong fighters and excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Unlike carp, they lack the serrated dorsal spine – that's how you tell them apart in low light. My advice: use heavily scented baits like stink bait or small nymphs, and when you hook one, take your time reeling – their weight can snap your line if you rush it.
Cyprinus CarpioCommon Carp are the workhorses of our lakes, running 15-30 inches and 4-30 pounds with their golden-bronze coloring and barbels under the jaw. These bottom feeders love our muddy lake bottoms, especially areas 8-12 feet deep during summer. Spring and fall bring them shallow to feed aggressively – that's prime time for targeting them. They're tough fighters that don't quit, which is why folks love the challenge. You'll catch them year-round, but focus on early afternoon in winter and sunrise/sunset in summer. Common Carp aren't native here but they're everywhere now, and they make decent table fare when prepared right. Corn is my reliable standby bait, but bread works great too. Here's the key – use a hair rig setup to keep hook-shy fish from seeing the hardware. These fish spook at shiny gear, so keep your equipment matte and your movements minimal.
Carassius AuratusGoldfish might surprise you – these aren't just pet store fish anymore. Wild ones can reach over a foot long and pack on some real size in our lakes and ponds. They're golden-orange with forked tails and love slow-moving water with plenty of vegetation. Since they're not native, they've adapted well to our Ohio waters and can handle cold temperatures better than most people think. What's fun about targeting them is they're always hungry and will hit almost anything – bread, corn, small worms work great. They're more active during warmer months but feed year-round. Guests enjoy them because they're willing biters, great for beginners or when other fish are being stubborn. Fair warning though – these fish aren't good eating, so it's catch and release or use them for bait. My trick is tossing some bread in the water first to get them stirred up, then drop your line right in the feeding frenzy.
Ctenopharyngodon IdellaGrass Carp are the heavyweights around here, often hitting 65-80 pounds with their thick, silvery bodies and olive-green backs. These Asian natives are pure herbivores, which makes them tricky since they're picky about what they'll bite. You'll find them in our slower-moving waters and lake areas with good vegetation. They prefer warmer months when they're most active, though they can handle cold water too. What makes them special is the fight – these fish go airborne when hooked and battle hard to the end. They're tough to fool since they spook easily at any sudden movement or noise. My go-to trick is using sweet corn for chum first, then switching to cherry tomatoes or fresh grass on a small circle hook. Stay patient and still – these fish will test your skills, but landing one is worth the challenge.
Ictiobus BubalusSmallmouth Buffalo are stocky fighters that average 16-24 inches but can push 35 inches in our better waters. They're bottom feeders with smaller, downward-facing mouths compared to their bigmouth cousins, and they love our vegetated areas where they munch on algae and invertebrates. You'll find them year-round, but they're most cooperative during warmer months in shallow, weedy spots. What draws folks to them is the solid fight they put up and their excellent eating quality – firm, tasty meat that's popular with commercial fishermen too. They're also called "razor backs" due to the sharp spines along their dorsal fin. These fish can be finicky biters, often just mouthing the bait before committing. Here's my trick that works surprisingly well: add some hot sauce to your dough balls or corn – they seem to love that spicy kick. Watch your rod tip closely and wait for a solid pull before setting the hook, as they tend to nibble first.
5.0 out of 5.0Matt will put you on the fish and keep u and your party safe while doing so ..
Southern Ohio