Bowfishing Party Boat in Arizona | 4 Hour Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour guided bowfishing charter targeting carp and catfishEquipment, instruction, and drinking water included for beginnersMultiple Phoenixarea lakes available with yearround fishing opportunities
Looking for something different on the water around Phoenix? This 4-hour bowfishing charter is hands down one of the most exciting ways to spend your day targeting carp, gizzard shad, tilapia, and catfish in Arizona's desert lakes. At $675 for up to two shooters, you'll get everything you need - quality bows, life vests, drinking water, and a knowledgeable guide who knows these waters like the back of their hand. Never held a bow before? No worries. We've got you covered with solid instruction that'll have you shooting straight in no time. The best part? You can add extra shooters for $100 each, and if you're having too much fun to call it quits, tack on additional hours for $150 each. Multiple boats mean your group can spread out and maximize your opportunities on some of the most productive bowfishing waters in the Southwest.
Your day starts with a quick safety briefing and bow setup. Don't worry if you've never shot a bow or pulled back a string - our guides excel at getting first-timers comfortable and confident fast. The Phoenix area offers several prime locations where carp and other rough fish congregate year-round, thanks to Arizona's consistent climate and abundant shallow water habitat. You'll be working from a stable platform with clear sightlines into water that's perfect for spotting fish. The magic happens when you learn to account for light refraction - that moment when everything clicks and you start connecting with your targets consistently. Arizona's desert lakes provide crystal-clear visibility most days, making it easier to spot cruising carp and actively feeding shad. Your guide will position the boat in prime areas where fish activity is highest, often near structure, shallow flats, or areas with good current flow.
We provide top-quality bowfishing equipment designed specifically for shooting fish in Arizona waters. Your setup includes a recurve bow with proper draw weight, bowfishing arrows with sharp points, and a retriever reel system that makes landing fish simple. Safety gear includes properly fitted life vests for all shooters. The bow setup is straightforward - no complicated sights or releases like traditional archery. You'll be shooting instinctively, which most people pick up faster than they expect. Our arrows are designed to penetrate and hold onto fish without causing unnecessary damage. The retriever system lets you bring in your catch smoothly without losing arrows or fish. Local regulations determine which species you can legally target, and your guide stays current on all rules to keep your trip compliant. Arizona's bowfishing regulations are designed to help manage rough fish populations while providing great sport for anglers.
Common carp are the bread and butter of Arizona bowfishing, and for good reason. These hardy fish thrive in our desert lakes and can reach impressive sizes - we're talking 10 to 20-pound fish that provide serious action when you connect. Carp are most active during warmer months but remain catchable year-round in Phoenix area waters. They're smart fish that spook easily, so stealth and accuracy matter. What makes carp exciting is their size and the challenge they present. A well-placed shot on a big carp creates immediate excitement as these fish are strong and don't give up easily. American gizzard shad offer a different experience entirely. These schooling fish move in groups and provide fast-paced action when you locate them. Shad are smaller than carp but make up for it in numbers and activity level. They're excellent for building confidence and practicing your shooting technique. Both species are abundant in Phoenix area waters, and your guide knows the seasonal patterns that put you on the most fish.
Common carp in Arizona waters are true fighters that'll test your equipment and skills. These fish average 8-15 pounds but can push 20-plus in the right waters. Spring through fall offers the best action as carp become more active in warming water temperatures. They're often found cruising shallow flats, feeding near structure, or basking just under the surface on sunny days. Carp have excellent eyesight and will bolt at the first sign of danger, making shot placement critical. What bowfishers love about carp is the combination of size, challenge, and availability - you can target them almost any time of year around Phoenix. American gizzard shad provide completely different action. These silver-sided fish school heavily and move constantly through the water column. Shad typically run 1-3 pounds but what they lack in individual size they make up for in sheer numbers. Summer months bring the best shad action as schools move into shallower areas where shooting opportunities increase. Gizzard shad are perfect for beginners because they're abundant and less spooky than carp, allowing multiple shooting opportunities to dial in your technique.
This bowfishing charter offers something you won't find in traditional angling - immediate visual feedback and fast-paced action that keeps everyone engaged. At $675 for a 4-hour trip covering two shooters, you're getting professional instruction, quality gear, local knowledge, and access to Arizona's best bowfishing waters. The option to extend your trip or add shooters means you can customize the experience to fit your group perfectly. Arizona's year-round fishing season means you can book this adventure any time, though spring through fall typically offers the most active fish behavior. Whether you're looking for a unique date idea, planning a bachelor party, or just want to try something completely different on the water, this bowfishing charter delivers an authentic Arizona fishing experience you'll be talking about long after you're back on dry land. Don't forget about the optional 1.5-hour hands-on class if you want extra preparation time before your main trip.
Dorosoma CepedianumGizzard shad are the silver bullets of Arizona lakes - sleek, shimmery fish that cruise in massive schools. They typically run 8-14 inches with that classic herring shape and distinctive black spot behind the gills. You'll find them in open water and along muddy bottoms where they filter-feed on plankton. They school tight, especially during cooler months, making for fast-paced bowfishing action. What guests love about shad is the volume - when you find a school, you can shoot dozens. They're also perfect for beginners since they're abundant and forgiving targets. The real payoff is using them as bait for bigger fish later. Local secret: watch for surface activity at dawn and dusk when schools push baitfish up - that's your cue to get ready for some rapid-fire shooting.
Cyprinus CarpioCommon carp are the heavy hitters of Arizona waters - stocky, golden-brown fish that'll give you a serious workout. Most run 15-30 inches and 10-20 pounds, but we've seen monsters push 40+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with those distinctive whiskers, cruising shallow flats and drop-offs in our lakes year-round. Spring and fall are prime time when they school up in the shallows to spawn - that's when bowfishing gets hot. What makes carp special is their fight; they're incredibly strong and don't quit easy. Plus, they're invasive here, so you're helping the ecosystem while having fun. Pro tip: look for muddy water or carp "tailing" in shallow areas - that cloudy water means they're feeding and makes for easier shots.
Phoenix, AZ