Weeki Wachee River Night Bowfishing Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
Private 46 hour bowfishing adventure on Weeki Wachee RiverTarget Barracuda, Cobia, and Black Drum in Florida backwatersGeneratorfree tours maintain peaceful fishing environment
When the sun starts dropping behind the cypress trees along Weeki Wachee River, that's when the real action begins. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel fishing trip – we're talking about bow fishing and gigging in some of Central Florida's most pristine backwaters. Starting at 5:00 PM, you'll spend 4 to 6 hours hunting fish with a bow and arrow while exploring hidden creeks, shallow flats, and mysterious swamplands that most anglers never get to see. Our generator-free approach means you'll experience the river the way it was meant to be – quiet, wild, and absolutely loaded with fish.
This top-rated bowfishing adventure takes you deep into Central Florida's backwater paradise where crystal-clear springs meet brackish creeks. We keep our groups small – just 3 guests max – so you get personalized instruction and plenty of shots at fish. The Weeki Wachee system is famous for its gin-clear water and abundant fish populations, making it perfect for sight fishing with a bow. You'll be standing on our specialized platform, scanning the shallows for fish moving through turtle grass beds and around oyster bars. The late afternoon start gives us perfect lighting conditions as we transition into evening, when predator fish become more active and easier to spot. Don't worry if you've never shot a bowfishing rig before – we'll get you dialed in on technique and arrow placement before we start hunting.
We provide all the specialized bowfishing equipment you'll need, including compound bows rigged with heavy-draw weights, barbed arrows, and retrieval reels. The key to successful bowfishing is understanding light refraction – fish aren't where they appear to be in the water. We'll teach you to aim low and lead moving targets, adjusting for different depths and angles. Gigging is a whole different skill set that requires stealth and quick reflexes. You'll use a multi-pronged spear to target flounder and other bottom fish, often working by spotlight as darkness falls. The Weeki Wachee's shallow flats and grass beds create perfect ambush zones where big fish cruise looking for baitfish. Our boats are rigged with elevated shooting platforms and LED lighting systems that illuminate fish without spooking them. The generator-free setup means we rely on battery-powered lights, keeping noise to a minimum so we can get closer to our targets.
Black Drum are the bread and butter of this fishery, with fish ranging from 5 to 30 pounds cruising the shallow flats year-round. These copper-colored bruisers love to root around oyster bars and grass beds, making them perfect bow targets when they're tailing in skinny water. Spring through fall offers the best action, and landing a big drum on a bow is like wrestling a truck tire – they pull hard and don't give up easy. Their thick scales make good arrow penetration crucial.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the flats, often reaching 4 to 6 feet in length with razor-sharp teeth. These ambush predators hang around structure and drop-offs, waiting to blast baitfish. Summer months bring the biggest 'cuda into the shallows, and they're probably the most challenging target you'll encounter. Their lightning-fast reflexes mean you need perfect arrow placement and quick reflexes. When you stick a big barracuda, be ready for some serious acrobatics.
Crevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the bunch, rarely exceeding 20 inches but fighting way above their weight class. These silver torpedoes travel in schools and aren't shy about shallow water. They're active hunters that cruise grass flats looking for shrimp and small fish. Fall and winter months see the biggest concentrations, and they're excellent targets for beginning bowfishers since they're aggressive and not easily spooked.
Cobia are the holy grail of bowfishing – these brown sharks lookalikes can reach 40+ pounds and are absolute freight trains when arrowed. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you close-range shots. Spring migration brings the biggest fish through the Weeki Wachee system, usually April through June. Cobia have incredible stamina and will test your equipment and your patience.
Ladyfish might be the most fun fish you'll encounter, jumping and tail-walking when arrowed. These silver acrobats school up in huge numbers, especially during cooler months. They're perfect practice targets since they're plentiful and forgiving if your aim is slightly off. Don't let their smaller size fool you – a big ladyfish will put on quite a show.
This world-class bowfishing experience combines the best of Central Florida's coastal fishing with the excitement of archery hunting. The Weeki Wachee River system offers some of the clearest water and most diverse fish populations in the state, making every shot count. Whether you're looking to try something completely different or you're a seasoned bowhunter wanting to expand your skills, this trip delivers memories that last a lifetime. Our customer-favorite evening schedule means you'll experience the magic hour when fish are most active and the Florida wilderness comes alive. Book now with Carpe Noctum Outfitters & Lodge and discover why bowfishing the Weeki Wachee is trending among serious anglers who want more than just another fishing trip.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds on average, though we've seen monsters pushing 90 pounds in these waters. They're called drums for good reason - you'll hear their distinctive croaking sounds when they school up during spring spawning season. These fish love our shallow muddy flats and oyster bars where they cruise around crushing crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring gives you the best shot when they group up, but they scatter afterward and get trickier to find. What makes them special is that raw power - once hooked, they'll use every ounce of muscle to get back to the bottom. Here's a local tip: when you spot one tailing in the shallows, get your shot ready fast because they spook easily and won't give you a second chance.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the prize fish of our area - dark brown submarines that average around 30-40 pounds but can push 60 or more. They're loners, cruising solo around structure like markers, wrecks, and grass edges, usually in that 10-30 foot range. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving through and actively feeding. What makes cobia special is the whole package - they fight hard with deep runs and head shakes, plus they're absolutely fantastic eating with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf. Most folks sight-cast to them when they're cruising near the surface, but they'll also hold tight to bottom structure. Local trick: when you spot one, don't get too excited and make noise. Cobia are curious but spooky, so stay calm, make a good cast ahead of them, and work your bait slowly. Rush the shot and they'll disappear.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our waters - pure muscle packed into 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds of nonstop aggression. These brassy-colored bruisers travel in schools and you'll know when you find them. Look for birds diving and baitfish getting hammered at the surface. They hang around grass flats, sandy bottoms, and structure where they can corner prey. Year-round fishing is solid, but summer months when bait is thick really gets them fired up. Guests love jacks because they fight dirty - no fancy jumps, just pure pulling power that'll test your drag and your arms. They're not great eating, but the fun factor is off the charts. Here's a guide secret: when you find a feeding school, cast past them and burn your lure back fast. Jacks are bullies who can't resist chasing anything that looks like it's trying to escape.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the wolves of our flats, patrolling alone or in small packs with those unmistakable torpedo-shaped bodies. Most run 2-4 feet long, but the big girls can stretch past 5 feet and really test your gear. They lurk around structure like mangroves, grass edges, and drop-offs, usually in that 3-10 foot range where they can ambush prey. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are up and baitfish are thick. What makes them special is that lightning-fast strike and the initial run - they'll peel line like few fish can. Just remember, they've got a mouth full of razors and limited stamina, so get them to the boat quick. Here's the key: when sight-casting to a cuda, cast well past them and retrieve fast right through their strike zone. They can't resist chasing down what looks like fleeing baitfish.
Elops SaurusLadyfish are the acrobats of our local waters, earning the nickname "poor man's tarpon" for good reason. These silver rockets typically run 2-3 feet long and maybe 3-5 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them cruising the shallows near mangroves and grass flats, especially where fresh water mixes with salt. They're here year-round, which makes them perfect targets when other species get finicky. What guests love most is the show - once you stick one, get ready for jumps, runs, and plenty of head-shaking. They're not much for the dinner table, but they make excellent bait for bigger predators. Pro tip: use a heavy leader because those small teeth are razor sharp, and they'll thrash around trying to cut you off. Watch for nervous water and baitfish getting pushed around - that's usually ladyfish working underneath.
Crystal River