Half Day Bowfishing Trip in Carrabelle, Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
3hour evening bowfishing trip departing at 6:00 PM daily.Expert Captain Shawn provides instruction and local knowledge aboard reliable vessel.Small group experience accommodating maximum 2 guests in Gulf inshore waters.
Looking for something completely different from your usual fishing trips? Captain Harvey Fishing Charters offers a top-rated bowfishing adventure that'll have you combining archery skills with fishing know-how in the pristine waters around Carrabelle, Florida. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel experience – we're talking bow and arrow action targeting some serious fish in the Gulf's inshore waters. Captain Shawn takes just 2 guests at a time on his reliable 26' Carver Cabin Cruiser, ensuring you get personalized attention and plenty of shooting opportunities during this 3-hour evening trip.
Your bowfishing adventure kicks off at 6:00 PM from 407 Marine Street, perfectly timed to take advantage of the golden hour when fish are most active in the shallows. Captain Shawn knows these Carrabelle waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you over the best spots where grouper, snapper, and sea bass cruise within bow range. The evening departure isn't just for show – this timing puts you on the water when visibility is perfect and fish behavior is predictable. You'll be working the inshore structure and grass flats where these species feel comfortable in the shallower depths. Don't worry if you've never drawn a bow on fish before – Captain Shawn provides expert instruction that'll have you nocking arrows and taking aim like a pro. The intimate 2-person capacity means you're not fighting for space or waiting your turn when that perfect shot presents itself.
Bowfishing is a whole different beast from conventional angling, and Captain Shawn has all the specialized equipment you'll need. We're talking heavy-draw bows designed specifically for the water, arrows with barbed points that won't let your catch slip away, and retrieval lines that can handle the fight of a big grouper. The technique involves sight fishing – you're literally watching for your target, leading the shot to account for light refraction in the water, and making quick, accurate shots when the opportunity presents itself. Captain Shawn will teach you how to read the water, spot fish movement, and adjust your aim for that perfect shot. The 26' Carver gives you a stable platform to work from, with plenty of deck space to move around and get the right angle. This isn't about luck or waiting for fish to bite – it's active hunting that keeps your adrenaline pumping for the full three hours.
Red Grouper are the crown jewel of this bowfishing experience, and Carrabelle's inshore waters hold some beautiful specimens. These chunky bottom-dwellers love hanging around structure and ledges, making them perfect bow targets when they venture into the shallows during evening hours. Red grouper typically run 15-25 pounds in these waters, and they're surprisingly curious fish that will often hold still long enough for you to line up that perfect shot. The meat is world-class table fare, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of taking one with a bow.
Red Snapper bring serious fight to your bowfishing adventure, and Captain Shawn knows exactly where to find them around Carrabelle's inshore structure. These fish are smart and spooky, so you'll need to be on your A-game when one swims into range. They typically show up in schools, which means if you spot one, there are probably more nearby. Red snapper have excellent eyesight and quick reflexes, making them a challenging but rewarding bow target. When you connect with a good red, expect a strong initial run that'll test your arrow setup and retrieval skills.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they make up for it with numbers and accessibility. These colorful little fighters are often the first fish beginners connect with because they're less wary and tend to cruise in predictable patterns around grass beds and sandy areas. Lane snapper are perfect for building confidence with the bow – they give you multiple opportunities to practice your form and shot timing. Plus, they're fantastic eating despite their smaller size, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for a fish fry.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of this trip, capable of reaching impressive sizes in Carrabelle's productive waters. These powerful fish prefer rocky bottom and structure, but they'll move into bowfishing range during the right conditions. Captain Shawn knows their seasonal patterns and can put you on fish when they're most accessible. A big gag grouper is every bowfisher's dream shot – they're large enough targets to build confidence, but strong enough to provide a real challenge once you've made the connection. These fish can exceed 30 pounds, making them trophy-worthy catches that'll have you talking for years.
Black Sea Bass round out your target species list with their aggressive nature and cooperative behavior around structure. These fish are excellent for bowfishing because they tend to hover in predictable spots and aren't as spooky as some other species. They're especially active during the evening hours when this trip runs, making them reliable targets for both beginners and experienced bowfishers. Black sea bass have distinctive coloring that makes them easy to identify underwater, and they typically travel in small groups around rocky areas and artificial reefs.
This customer favorite bowfishing trip fills up fast, especially during prime fishing months when the inshore bite is hot around Carrabelle. Captain Shawn's personalized approach and proven track record make this a trending experience among anglers looking for something beyond the typical charter boat routine. The 3-hour format is perfect for getting a real taste of bowfishing without committing to a full day, and the evening timing means you can still enjoy your morning on the beach or exploring historic Carrabelle. With space for just 2 guests, you're guaranteed individual attention and plenty of shooting opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a new challenge
Jump aboard this classic 26' Carver Cabin Cruiser and get ready for some serious bowfishing action in Carrabelle's productive inshore waters. This 1986 workhorse has been completely updated with a powerful 2025 MerCruiser 350hp engine that'll get you to the fish quickly and quietly. The spacious layout easily handles 2 anglers with plenty of room to draw your bow without bumping elbows. Up on the flybridge, you'll have excellent sight fishing vantage points to spot your targets cruising the shallows. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps you on the most productive spots. Between shots, grab a cold drink from the icebox or take a break in the comfortable cabin. Captain Shawn knows these Gulf waters inside and out, positioning the boat perfectly for clean shots at redfish, flounder, and other species that patrol these fertile flats after dark.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are perfect starter fish that pack more fight than their size suggests. Around Carrabelle, these chunky little fighters typically run 1-4 pounds and love hanging around jetties, pilings, and shallow reefs in 20-60 feet. Late spring through summer is when they're most active inshore, making them great targets for half-day trips. What folks love about Black Sea Bass is they're aggressive biters that'll hit just about anything - squid strips, shrimp, small jigs, or cut bait. They make excellent table fare too, with sweet white meat similar to grouper. Once hooked, they put up a surprising fight with strong pulls and head shakes. Here's a tip: use a two-hook bottom rig and keep your bait moving slightly. They're curious fish, and a little movement often triggers strikes when they're being picky.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are some of the strongest fish you'll tangle with around Carrabelle's offshore structure. These gray, marbled-looking groupers typically run 15-30 pounds and love deep ledges, wrecks, and rocky drop-offs in 60-200+ feet. They're most active during cooler months when they move inshore to spawn, making winter through early spring prime time. What sets Gags apart is their incredible fight - they'll try to bulldoze straight back to their cave the moment they feel the hook. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling. Live pinfish, mullet, or large pieces of cut bait work best. Here's the secret: once you hook up, keep that rod tip low and reel like your life depends on it. Don't give them an inch or they'll find a hole to hide in.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snapper are perfect for folks wanting steady action around Carrabelle's coral patches and sandy bottom areas. These smaller snappers usually run 10-14 inches and make great table fare with their sweet, mild meat. You'll find them in 20-100 feet over mixed bottom - they love areas where sand meets hard structure or coral heads. Spring through fall is prime time, especially March to September during their spawning season when they're most aggressive. What's nice about Lanes is they're not as spooky as other snappers, so they'll readily hit shrimp, small pieces of cut bait, or squid. They put up a scrappy fight for their size and often show up as bonus fish when targeting other species. Pro tip: use smaller hooks and lighter tackle - they have smaller mouths than their Red Snapper cousins.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are some of the most reliable fighters you'll find around Carrabelle's reefs and rocky bottoms. These rusty-red beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds on deeper structure. They love hanging around ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 20-100 feet of water. What makes them special is that meaty, white flesh - absolutely delicious with a slight shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. They'll hit live pinfish, cut bait, or fresh shrimp pretty aggressively, but once hooked, they're going to try dragging you straight back to their rocky hideout. Here's the key: keep your drag locked tight from the start and don't give them any slack, or they'll wrap you up in the structure below.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the gold standard for Gulf fishing, and around Carrabelle we find them on offshore structure in 60-200+ feet. These pink-to-red beauties average 2-8 pounds but can hit 15+ on the right day. They're most active May through October when water temps are right, and they love hanging around ledges, artificial reefs, and wrecks. What draws folks back is that incredible table fare - firm, white, sweet meat that's hard to beat. Plus they fight like crazy once hooked, making powerful runs toward structure. Fresh cut bait like cigar minnows or live pinfish work best, but here's a local trick: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them mouth it for a second, then drive it home hard. They're notorious for spitting hooks if you rush it.
Carrabelle