Weeki Wachee Overnight Bow Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
18hour overnight camping adventure on private islandBow fishing under stars with expert guide includedHot breakfast and complete gear provided for groups
Picture this: you're standing on a secluded island as the sun sets over Weeki Wachee's pristine waters, bow in hand, waiting for that perfect shot at a cruising ray or garfish. This isn't your typical fishing trip – it's an 18-hour bow fishing and camping adventure that combines the best of both worlds. Starting at 5:00 PM, you'll spend the night targeting some of Florida's most exciting species under the stars, then wake up to the sound of waves lapping the shore. With space for up to 3 guests, this top-rated experience with Carpe Noctum Outfitters & Lodge delivers everything you need for a world-class bow fishing expedition that'll have you planning your return before you even pack up camp.
This adventure kicks off in the late afternoon when the fish start getting active and the lighting is perfect for bow fishing. Your guide will get you set up on a secluded island where you'll make camp for the night – no crowds, no distractions, just you and some of the best bow fishing waters in Florida. The package covers all the essentials: parking, your experienced guide, the vessel to get you there, tent setup, all bow fishing gear, hot breakfast to fuel you up, plenty of water, and a cooler to keep your catches fresh. The evening hours are prime time for stalking shallow-water species, and as darkness falls, you'll switch to lights for night fishing. There's something magical about drawing back your bow with the stars overhead, waiting for that perfect shot at a cruising cobia or jack crevalle. Come morning, you'll wake up right on the water – no better alarm clock than the sound of fish jumping and waves rolling in.
Bow fishing is all about stealth, patience, and making that one perfect shot count. Your guide provides top-quality compound bows rigged with fishing reels and barbed arrows designed specifically for saltwater species. The setup includes bright LED lights for night fishing – these illuminate the water so you can spot fish movement and get a clear shot. You'll learn to account for light refraction in the water, which makes fish appear higher than they actually are. The key technique here is waiting for fish to come into the shallows where they're easier to spot and target. During the day, polarized sunglasses help cut through surface glare to spot rays gliding over sand flats or sheepshead hanging around structure. Night fishing opens up a whole different world – garfish become active near the surface, and you'll often see catfish and rays moving through the lit-up water. Your guide will position you in the best spots based on tide, wind, and fish movement patterns.
Barracuda are absolute customer favorites for bow fishing around Weeki Wachee. These silver missiles can reach 3-4 feet and are most active during dawn and dusk when they cruise the shallows hunting baitfish. What makes them exciting is their aggressive nature and the fact that they'll often come right up to investigate your lights at night. Cobia are another prized target – these chocolate-brown fish can grow massive, with 30-40 pounders not uncommon in these waters. Spring through fall is prime time for cobia, and they're known for their curious behavior, often swimming right up to boats and lights. Jack Crevalle bring serious fight to bow fishing. These powerful, silver-sided bruisers travel in schools and can weigh 15-20 pounds. When you spot a school moving through, the action gets fast and furious.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that show up in good numbers during warmer months. They're smaller but incredibly fast, making them a challenging and rewarding target for bow fishing. Pompano might be the best eating fish you'll target – these silver, disc-shaped fish love sandy bottoms and are most active during incoming tides. Flounder are masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy or muddy bottoms, but experienced guides know how to spot their outline in the lights. Sheepshead are year-round residents around any kind of structure, recognizable by their black stripes and human-like teeth. They're excellent table fare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Catfish become incredibly active at night, especially the big gafftop cats that cruise shallow flats. Garfish are bow fishing classics – these long, skinny fish with needle-like teeth are abundant and love to surface near lights, making them perfect targets for beginners. Rays are perhaps the most exciting bow fishing target. Southern stingrays and Atlantic rays glide gracefully over sand flats, and spotting a big ray moving through your lights gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. Blue crabs round out the target list – while not technically fish, they're fun to spot with lights and make excellent bait or a tasty addition to your breakfast.
This overnight bow fishing adventure combines the best of Florida's saltwater fishing with the adventure of island camping. You're getting 18 hours of guided fishing, all gear, meals, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime. The intimate group size means personalized instruction and plenty of opportunities for everyone to get shots. Whether you're new to bow fishing or a seasoned archer looking for a new challenge, this trip delivers the full package. Weeki Wachee's clear waters and diverse fish populations make it one of Florida's premier bow fishing destinations, and Carpe Noctum's local expertise ensures you'll be fishing the most productive spots at the right times. Don't wait – these overnight adventures fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons. Book now and get ready for a bow fishing experience that'll have you hooked on this amazing sport.
Crystal River