Day Bowfishing Trip (Great Lakes or Inland)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Day bowfishing trip targeting 14 different Michigan fish speciesSmall group experience accommodating up to 2 guests maximumGreat Lakes and inland waters provide diverse fishing opportunities
Looking for a completely different way to fish Michigan's waters? Bowfishing flips everything you know about angling on its head. Instead of waiting for fish to bite, you're actively hunting them in shallow water with bow and arrow. Force Feed'n Charter Fishing runs these day trips for folks who want to try something new without staying up all night. Whether we hit the Great Lakes shorelines or cruise Michigan's inland waters, you'll be targeting species most anglers never even think about catching.
This isn't your typical casting-and-waiting fishing trip. We're moving constantly, scanning the water for fish cruising in the shallows or hanging around structure. You'll spend most of your time standing, bow in hand, waiting for that perfect shot opportunity. The boat stays in motion as we work promising areas - weed beds, drop-offs, and shallow flats where rough fish like to feed. Michigan's diverse waters give us options, so if one spot isn't producing, we'll move until we find active fish. With just two anglers per trip, you get plenty of shooting opportunities and personalized instruction. Don't worry if you've never drawn a bow - we'll get you set up with proper form and shooting technique before the first arrow flies.
We provide all the bowfishing equipment - specialized bows, arrows with barbed points, and retrieval systems. The arrows are attached to the bow with heavy line, so you won't lose your shot fish or expensive gear. Polarized sunglasses are absolutely essential for cutting through surface glare and spotting fish below. The key technique is remembering that water bends light, making fish appear higher than they actually are. Aim low and slightly forward if the fish is moving. Most shots happen within 10-15 feet, so you don't need tournament-level accuracy. Quick target acquisition and smooth follow-through matter more than perfect form. We'll position the boat to give you the best angles, usually keeping the sun behind us to maximize visibility into the water.
Cisco are one of Michigan's native species that most anglers never get to see up close. These silvery fish typically run 12-16 inches and school up in cooler water near the Great Lakes. They're surprisingly fast and make challenging targets, but their schooling behavior means where you find one, there are usually more. Spring and fall give us the best cisco action when they move into shallower water for feeding.
Brown Bullhead might not win any beauty contests, but they're perfect bowfishing targets. These catfish relatives hang out in muddy or weedy areas, often sitting motionless on the bottom. They average 8-12 inches but can push 14-16 inches in good habitat. Summer months are prime time when they're active in shallow water, especially around dawn and dusk. They're easier targets for beginners since they don't spook as easily as other species.
Common Carp are the heavyweight champions of Michigan bowfishing. These bruisers can weigh 15-20 pounds or more, giving you a real fight even with an arrow through them. They love shallow, weedy areas and can be spotted tailing in just a couple feet of water. Carp are smart and spook easily, so you usually only get one good shot before they disappear. Late spring through early fall provides consistent carp action, especially on warm, sunny days.
Bowfin are living dinosaurs that have been around for millions of years. These prehistoric predators can reach 20+ inches and have a mouth full of sharp teeth. They're aggressive fighters that will thrash and roll once arrowed, making for exciting battles. Bowfin prefer weedy areas and can breathe air, so they're often found in shallow backwaters. They're most active during warmer months and provide some of the most challenging shots due to their quick movements.
Burbot are the only freshwater cod and look like something from another planet with their barbeled chin and mottled brown coloring. They're typically bottom dwellers but can be found in shallow water during spawning runs in winter and early spring. Most run 16-20 inches, and their unusual appearance makes them a trophy for many bowfishers. They're slower-moving targets but can be tricky to spot against muddy or rocky bottoms.
Day bowfishing gives you all the action of night shoots without staying up until 2 AM. Michigan's waters hold more rough fish species than most states, giving us incredible variety throughout the season. Whether you're a traditional angler looking to try something new or someone who's always wanted to learn archery, this trip combines both skills in one package. The personal attention you get with just two guests means you'll leave confident in your bowfishing abilities and probably planning your next trip before we even get back to the dock. Book your day bowfishing adventure with Force Feed'n Charter Fishing and discover why this sport is taking off across the Midwest.
This nimble motorboat cuts through Michigan's waters with ease, designed specifically for bowfishing adventures. Perfect for a duo of anglers ready to target everything from carp and catfish to the prized longnose gar lurking in shallow bays. The compact setup keeps you mobile and quiet, letting you navigate tight spots where fish gather. Whether you're working the Great Lakes shorelines or exploring inland waters, this boat puts you right where the action is. Engine power means covering more water and chasing schools when they move. Built for stability when drawing your bow, with clear sight lines all around. From bullheads to burbot, fourteen different species are fair game on Michigan waters – just grab your gear and let's go hunting with arrows instead of hooks.
Amia CalvaBowfin are prehistoric-looking fighters that females can reach 30 inches and males typically 18-24 inches. These olive-green fish with rounded tails love weedy areas - marshes, backwaters, and vegetation-heavy bays where other fish can't handle the low oxygen. They're active year-round but really turn on during warm weather and feed heavily at night. What makes them special is the fight - they're absolute bulldogs that'll give you everything they've got. Plus, you're basically catching a living fossil that's been around since dinosaur times. They're not great eating due to all the bones, but the experience is worth it. Best tip: use cut bait and fish it near thick weeds. Keep your hands clear when handling - those teeth are sharp and they're not afraid to use them!
Ameiurus NebulosusBrown bullheads are mud-colored catfish that typically reach 8-12 inches, though some hit 20 inches in the right waters. You'll find them in muddy-bottom ponds, slow streams, and marshy areas where they bottom-feed using their whisker-like barbels to detect food. They're most active in warm weather and at night, making them perfect for our daytime trips when water temps climb. Guests enjoy targeting them because they're scrappy fighters and not too picky about bait. Fair warning - they're bony and not the best table fare, but they're fun to catch. My go-to setup is a slip sinker rig with worms or chicken liver on a size 6-8 hook, dropped right to the muddy bottom. They'll grab just about anything.
Cyprinus CarpioCommon carp are golden-bronze fighters that average 15-30 inches and 4-30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 40+ pounds. These stocky fish love shallow bays and muddy areas of lakes and slow rivers, especially around vegetation. Spring and fall are best when they move shallow to feed aggressively before and after spawning. What draws people to carp is their incredible fight - they'll run hard and don't give up easy. They're not native here but they're everywhere now, so there's no limit guilt. While some folks eat them, most enjoy the challenge and release them. Here's the key: they spook easily, so keep movement minimal and avoid shiny gear. Corn, bread, or boilies work great on a hair rig to keep them from seeing the hook.
Lota LotaBurbot look like a cross between an eel and catfish, with that single barbel under their chin and mottled yellow-black coloring. They typically run 16 inches but can get much bigger - some reach 47 inches and over 25 pounds. These cold-water lovers hang out on muddy, rocky, or sandy bottoms in deeper lakes and slow rivers. Winter is prime time when they're most active under the ice while other fish slow down. What's cool about targeting them is they're our only freshwater cod, and they actually spawn in the dead of winter. They're excellent eating too - firm, white meat. They're not picky eaters or lure-shy, so cut bait from perch or pike works great. Try a glow lure and recharge it every 15-20 minutes to keep them interested in the depths.
Coregonus ArtediCisco are schooling fish that run 10-15 inches and weigh 1-2 pounds, with silver sides and a distinctive gray stripe. They're found throughout the Great Lakes and connected waters, staying in mid-water depths during summer but coming shallow in late fall for spawning. Winter ice fishing is prime time when they school up near the surface - you can use light tackle with small jigs or spoons. What makes them appealing is their excellent table fare and the challenge of finding the schools. They're often mistaken for lake whitefish, but cisco have a more pointed snout and protruding lower jaw. Pro tip: when ice fishing, don't go too deep right away - they often suspend just under the ice in winter.
Saginaw Bay, MI