Family Bowfishing Grand Isle Louisiana
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Allinclusive family bowfishing with gear and lodging providedTarget sheepshead, redfish, black drum, and alligator garExpert Captain Blake Morris guides 12hour Grand Isle adventures
Ready to introduce your family to something totally different on the water? Captain Blake Morris runs a top-rated bowfishing operation out of Grand Isle that's perfect for parents wanting to share Louisiana's backwaters with their kids. This isn't your typical fishing charter – we're talking bow and arrow meets shallow water stalking, where you'll sight-fish for some of the Gulf Coast's most challenging species. The adventure runs Thursday through Saturday, giving you a solid 12-hour experience that includes everything from gear to lodging at a comfortable waterfront camp. Plus, Captain Blake serves up authentic Cajun meals that'll fuel you between shots. It's hands-on fishing that gets everyone involved, and trust me, once your family tries bowfishing these marshes, regular rod-and-reel trips will feel tame.
This Grand Isle bowfishing adventure puts you right in the heart of Louisiana's most productive inshore waters, where Captain Blake has been guiding families for years. You'll start early, heading out on his shallow-draft boat that's rigged specifically for bowfishing – think elevated platforms, underwater lights, and plenty of shooting space. The whole setup is designed so parents and kids can work together safely while targeting fish in skinny water. Captain Blake provides all the bows, arrows, and safety gear, plus he'll spend time getting everyone comfortable with their equipment before the action starts. The beauty of bowfishing here is that you're sight-fishing the entire time – no waiting around hoping something bites your bait. When you spot a fish cruising the shallows, you draw, aim, and release. It's active, engaging, and perfect for keeping younger anglers focused. The camp lodging means you're not rushing back to shore, giving your family time to really soak up the marsh experience and swap stories between fishing sessions.
Bowfishing might look simple, but there's definitely technique involved, and Captain Blake knows how to teach families the fundamentals quickly. You'll be using compound bows set up with bowfishing reels and heavy-duty arrows designed specifically for underwater shots. The key thing to understand is refraction – fish appear higher in the water than they actually are, so you'll need to aim low and lead moving targets. Captain Blake starts everyone with close, stationary shots to build confidence before moving on to longer range or moving fish. The boat's elevated platform gives you a perfect vantage point for spotting fish, while the underwater lighting system helps illuminate your targets during low-light periods. Safety is huge with multiple people shooting from the same boat, so Captain Blake maintains strict shooting zones and communication protocols. Kids typically pick up the aiming adjustment faster than adults, which makes this a great equalizer for family competition. The arrows are attached to the reel with heavy line, so even if you miss, everything stays connected to the boat. It's a completely different skill set from traditional fishing, and that's exactly what makes it so engaging for families looking to try something new together.
Sheepshead are absolutely perfect for bowfishing families because they're abundant in Grand Isle's shallow waters and relatively easy to spot with their distinctive black stripes. These fish hang around structure like pilings, rocks, and oyster beds, often in just a few feet of water where they're clearly visible from the boat's platform. Sheepshead typically run 2-4 pounds in these waters, making them manageable for younger shooters while still providing plenty of challenge. They're most active during warmer months when they move into the shallows to feed, and their habit of slowly picking around structure gives shooters time to line up good shots. What families love about targeting sheepshead is that they're predictable – once Captain Blake positions the boat near productive structure, you'll usually see multiple fish working the area.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana bowfishing, and Grand Isle's grass flats hold some beautiful specimens that cruise the shallows like copper-colored submarines. These fish can range from smaller 18-inch slot fish up to massive 30+ pound bulls that'll test your equipment and shooting skills. Reds are most active during spring and fall months when they move into skinny water to feed on crabs and shrimp. The best redfish bowfishing happens on calm days when you can spot their backs or tails breaking the surface as they root around in the grass. What makes redfish so exciting for families is their size and fight – even after a good arrow shot, these fish will pull drag and test your retrieval skills. Captain Blake knows the seasonal patterns and can position your family over schools of feeding reds when conditions align.
Black Drum offer bowfishing families a chance at some serious size, with fish commonly reaching 20-40 pounds in Grand Isle's waters. These bottom-feeders love shallow oyster reefs and grass beds where they use their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish. Black drum are most active during spring spawning runs and fall feeding periods, when they move into water shallow enough for good bowfishing opportunities. They're relatively slow-moving targets, which makes them perfect for families still learning to judge distance and refraction. The excitement comes from their sheer size – landing a big black drum requires teamwork between shooter and boat crew, making it a true family effort. Captain Blake knows the specific reefs and flats where drum congregate seasonally.
Alligator Gar represent the ultimate bowfishing challenge and the species that creates the most lasting memories for families. These prehistoric fish can reach impressive sizes in Louisiana's coastal waters, with fish over 6 feet not uncommon in Grand Isle's deeper bayous and cuts. Gar are most active during summer months when they cruise near the surface, often showing their long snouts as they breathe air. What makes gar so special for bowfishing families is their ancient appearance and the skill required to penetrate their armored scales. A good gar shot requires heavy equipment and precise placement, usually behind the head or in the soft belly area. The fight is spectacular – gar are known for their jumping ability and can put on quite a show when arrowe
Captain Blake's motorboat cuts through Grand Isle's shallow waters with everything you need for a successful bowfishing trip. The GPS keeps us on track while the fish finder reveals where Sheepshead, Redfish, and Black Drum are holding in the marsh. Built for Louisiana's inshore waters, this boat gets you into the prime spots where the action happens. With room to move around and draw your bow, you'll have clear shots at Alligator Gar cruising the surface. The shallow draft lets us work the flats and backwaters where these fish feed. Whether you're new to bowfishing or bringing the kids for their first time, this setup handles the brackish waters around Grand Isle perfectly. Captain Blake knows these waters inside and out, positioning the boat for the best shooting opportunities while keeping everyone safe and comfortable during your 12-hour adventure.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator Gar are prehistoric monsters that can stretch 4-6 feet and weigh over 100 pounds. These ancient fish patrol Louisiana's rivers, bayous, and backwaters with their armor-like scales and razor-sharp teeth. They're tough to pattern but late summer during hot, dry spells brings them to deep bends near shallow pools. What makes them special is their ability to breathe air, so you'll see them roll on the surface. Bowfishing families get fired up targeting these dinosaurs because they're the ultimate trophy - pure muscle and prehistoric power. Since they're catch-and-release only, it's all about the experience. Key tip: look for them rolling in the early morning or evening, and remember they can gulp air so don't be surprised when that "log" suddenly comes to life.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Louisiana's brackish waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. You'll find them cruising muddy flats, oyster beds, and around structure where they use those powerful jaws to crush shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear their signature drumming sounds echoing underwater. These fish are built tough with grey-black coloring and can handle everything from fresh creek mouths to deep saltwater. Families love targeting them because they're great fighters and smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare. Pro tip: use fresh crab for bait since it stays on the hook better than shrimp and doesn't get picked off by catfish as much.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana legends with their copper-red backs and signature black eyespots near the tail. Most slot fish run 20-28 inches, but we see bulls pushing 40+ inches in deeper water. These fish love super shallow flats, often feeding in water so skinny their backs stick out. You'll find them around grass beds, oyster reefs, and muddy bottoms year-round, but fall and spring offer the best action. Families go crazy for redfish because they fight hard, hit topwater lures with explosive strikes, and the slot-sized ones are perfect for the dinner table with mild, flaky meat. Here's what works: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast your bait well ahead of where they're heading and let it sit - these fish spook easily but will absolutely crush a well-placed offering.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Grand Isle with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we see 20-pounders around bridges, docks, and oil platforms where they feed on barnacles and crabs. These crafty fish are notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble and steal your shrimp before you know it. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they gather in huge schools. Guests love the challenge because sheepshead require skill and patience, plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters with sweet, white meat. My trick: get your bait right against the structure and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they've got those powerful jaws for crushing shells.
Grand Isle, LA