Night Bowfishing Adventures with Full Draw
Private Trip
River Fishing
4hour night bowfishing adventures targeting carp, catfish, and drumCaptain Dom guides up to 6 guests on river tripsValid NJ or PA fishing license required for participation
When the sun goes down and most anglers are calling it quits, that's when the real action starts. Captain Dom knows these New Jersey and Pennsylvania waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why night bowfishing is hands down the most exciting way to target some serious fish. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel setup – we're talking bow and arrow precision combined with the stealth and strategy that makes every shot count. Pack your drinks and snacks for this 4-hour adventure, but leave the beer at home since we keep things alcohol-free on board. Don't forget your NJ or PA fishing license – you'll definitely need it for this top-rated experience.
Your night starts when Captain Dom fires up the boat's lighting system, transforming the dark river into your personal hunting ground. These aren't just any lights – they're specifically designed to penetrate the water and reveal fish that would otherwise stay hidden in the shadows. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in these waters: common carp cruising the shallows, massive grass carp that'll test your aim, and those hard-fighting catfish that every angler dreams about. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 people, so bring your fishing buddies or make this a family outing. Captain Dom provides all the bowfishing gear you'll need, from compound bows to specialized arrows with retrieval lines. The setup is perfect for beginners and experienced bowfishers alike – Dom will have you dialed in and making accurate shots faster than you'd expect.
Bowfishing is all about reading the water and understanding fish behavior, especially at night. Captain Dom will teach you how to account for light refraction – that fish isn't exactly where it appears to be, and knowing how to adjust your aim is crucial for success. The arrows are attached to heavy-duty lines that allow you to retrieve your catch, but the real skill comes in the shot placement and timing. These rivers offer perfect conditions for bowfishing with their shallow flats and abundant structure where carp and catfish love to feed. You'll learn to spot the subtle movements and shadows that give away a fish's location, and Dom will position the boat to give everyone clear shots. The lighting setup creates an almost surreal environment where you can see fish behavior that's impossible to observe during daylight hours. Channel catfish and blue cats become active feeders at night, while carp move into surprisingly shallow water to root around for food.
Blue catfish in these waters are absolute monsters, often reaching 20-30 pounds and providing the kind of fight that'll have you talking about it for months. They're most active during warm summer nights when they move into shallower areas to feed, making them perfect targets for bowfishing. What makes blues special is their incredible power – once you arrow one, you'll feel every ounce of their strength as they try to find deep water or structure to wrap your line around. Flathead catfish are the ultimate prize for many bowfishers, known for their massive heads and aggressive nature. These fish can exceed 40 pounds in Pennsylvania and New Jersey waters, and they're ambush predators that hold tight to cover during the day but venture out at night. They're solitary hunters, so when you spot one, it's usually a quality fish worth taking the shot. Common carp might not get the respect they deserve, but they're incredibly challenging targets that'll push your archery skills to the limit. They're constantly moving, highly aware of their surroundings, and surprisingly fast when spooked. These fish can reach impressive sizes – 15 to 25 pounds is common – and they're available year-round, making them reliable targets when other species are less active. Shad runs bring massive schools of these silver bullets into the rivers, creating some of the most fast-paced bowfishing action you'll find anywhere. They move in large groups, giving you multiple target opportunities, but their speed and erratic movement patterns make them challenging shots that'll keep you on your toes all night.
Captain Dom's 4-hour night bowfishing trips offer something completely different from traditional angling – this is active, engaging fishing that combines skill, precision, and the unique challenge of hunting fish with a bow. Whether you're looking to try something new or you're already hooked on bowfishing, these New Jersey and Pennsylvania waters provide world-class opportunities for multiple species in a single trip. The boat's lighting system and Dom's expertise create the perfect conditions for success, and the 6-person capacity makes this ideal for groups looking for a customer favorite experience. Remember to bring your refreshments and snacks to keep your energy up throughout the night, and make sure your fishing license is current. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's a chance to master a completely different approach to targeting fish while experiencing some of the best night action these rivers have to offer. Book your spot with Full Draw Bowfishing and discover why so many anglers consider this the best trip they've ever taken on the water.
Cyprinus CarpioCommon carp are tough, golden-colored fighters that average 15-31 inches and 4-30 pounds, but big ones push 40+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with barbels like catfish and love shallow, weedy areas in lakes and slow rivers. Spring and fall are prime time when they school up in the shallows to spawn. Summer finds them deeper, around 8-12 feet. Bowfishers love them because they're plentiful, fight hard, and you're actually helping the ecosystem - they're invasive here and tear up aquatic vegetation. They spook easily, so quiet approaches work best. Look for muddy water or bubbles where they're rooting around the bottom. They often cruise just under the surface on calm mornings and evenings.
Pylodictis OlivarisFlatheads are the bulldogs of the catfish world, reaching 3-4 feet and over 100 pounds. You can tell them apart by their flat heads and olive-yellow coloring with black spots. Unlike other cats, these guys prefer live prey - they want to see it wiggle. They hang out in deep pools, slow rivers, and muddy areas during the day. Night bowfishing is perfect timing since they come up to hunt after sunset. People love targeting them because the meat quality is superior to other catfish - cleaner taste and firmer texture. They put up a serious fight too. Local trick: they're territorial around structure like fallen trees and rock piles, so focus your shots near cover in 6-12 feet of water.
Alosa SapidissimaAmerican shad are silver, school fish that run 20-24 inches and up to 12 pounds. These anadromous fish spend most of their time in saltwater but hit our rivers hard during spring spawning runs, especially April and May. They're prized for their delicate, flavorful meat and their roe is considered a delicacy. Shad swim in tight schools and stick near shore to avoid heavy current when heading upstream. During bowfishing season, you'll spot them in deeper river pools and near structure. They're not huge fighters, but the numbers make up for it. The key is timing - hit them during their spawning migration when water temps hit the mid-60s. Focus on areas within 30 feet of the bank where current breaks.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the largest catfish in North America, averaging 25-46 inches and can hit 80+ pounds. They're easy to spot with their slate-blue bodies and squared-off anal fins. These opportunistic feeders love deep holes near tidal creeks and muddy bottoms. Night bowfishing works great since they're active after dark, cruising shallow water looking for baitfish. What makes them popular is their strong fight and excellent table fare. Unlike channel cats, blues can handle brackish water, so you'll find them where rivers meet the tide. Pro tip: look for them scavenging under feeding striped bass schools - they clean up the scraps that fall to the bottom. Fresh cut bait works best.
Trenton, NJ