Jet Boat & Bow Fishing Combo Trip-Ramsey Minnesota
Private Trip
River Fishing
Bass fishing for 2-4 hours before sunset on Rum RiverBow fishing targets carp, dogfish, and bullheads after darkSmall group experience with maximum capacity of two guests
Picture this: you're cruising the Rum River in a jet boat, rod in hand, chasing smallmouth bass as the sun starts to sink. Then, as darkness falls, you switch gears completely and grab a bow to target rough fish under LED lights. That's exactly what you get with Steffen's top-rated combo trip. This isn't your average fishing charter – it's a full day adventure that lets you experience two completely different styles of angling on one of Minnesota's most productive waterways. Most folks have never tried bow fishing, and this trip gives you the perfect chance to learn from a seasoned guide while still getting your traditional fishing fix.
Your adventure kicks off 2-4 hours before sunset with conventional bass fishing along the Rum River's best structure. We'll cover serious water in the jet boat, hitting fallen trees, rock piles, and current breaks where smallmouth love to ambush baitfish. The shallow draft lets us get into spots bigger boats can't reach, and that's where the real action happens. As twilight approaches, we'll switch modes completely. Out come the bows, and the LED lighting system transforms the boat into a bow fishing machine. You'll be amazed how different the river looks at night – carp and other rough fish become active in the shallows, and spotting them in the lights becomes part of the hunt. Don't worry if you've never drawn a bow on a fish before; most guests pick it up quick with some coaching. The whole experience runs 4-8 hours depending on what you're after and how the bite is treating us.
For the bass portion, we're talking spinning rods with 10-12 pound test, perfect for working plastics around cover without getting hung up constantly. Tube jigs and soft plastics are money makers on the Rum River – the smallmouth here see plenty of pressure, so finesse presentations often outfish the flashy stuff. The jet boat's quiet operation lets us sneak up on productive water without spooking fish. When we transition to bow fishing, everything changes. We'll rig you up with a recurve bow, safety slide, and barbed arrows connected to the boat with heavy line. The LED array illuminates about 30 feet around the boat, and positioning becomes everything. Rough fish like carp and dogfish cruise shallow flats and backwaters at night, often in just 2-3 feet of water. The key is learning to compensate for refraction – fish aren't exactly where they appear to be. Most beginners aim too high at first, but once you connect on your first carp, the addiction starts.
Black bullheads might not win beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters that love the Rum River's muddy bottom structure. These whiskered bottom dwellers typically run 8-14 inches and peak during warmer months when they move into shallow spawning areas. What makes them fun targets for bow fishing is their predictable behavior – they'll cruise the same flats night after night, often in groups. You'll spot their dark silhouettes moving slowly along the bottom, and they don't spook as easily as other species when the lights hit them.
Common carp are the bread and butter of Minnesota bow fishing, and the Rum River holds some real tanks. These golden bulldozers can push 15-25 pounds and provide explosive action when arrowed. Spring and early summer are prime time when they move shallow to spawn, often in water so thin their backs are showing. Carp are smart fish that will test every knot and connection you've got. They're also great table fare when taken from clean water and prepared right – despite what some folks think, properly cleaned carp rivals any freshwater fish.
Picked dogfish, what locals call bowfin, are prehistoric fighters that'll give you a battle you won't forget. These living fossils can breathe air and survive in conditions that would kill other fish. They average 18-24 inches but can stretch past 30, with massive heads and razor-sharp teeth. Dogfish are most active during low-light periods, making them perfect bow fishing targets. When you arrow one, be ready for a fight – they'll jump, roll, and generally raise hell until they're in the boat. Their ancient lineage and aggressive nature make them one of the most rewarding species to target with traditional archery gear.
This combo trip delivers two completely different fishing experiences in one adventure, and there's nothing else quite like it on the Rum River. Whether you're a bass fishing veteran looking to try something new or a bow hunter wanting to stay sharp during fishing season, this trip hits different. The 2-person capacity keeps things personal and ensures everyone gets plenty of shots. Steffen knows these waters inside and out, and his jet boat opens up miles of river that most anglers never see. Don't sleep on this one – combo trips fill up fast, especially during prime bow fishing season. Book your dates now and get ready for a day on the water that combines the best of traditional angling with the excitement of bow fishing Minnesota's rough fish population.
Ameiurus MelasBlack bullheads are perfect bow fishing targets on the Rum River - these smaller catfish run 8-14 inches and 1-2 pounds, but they're scrappy fighters that'll give you a good workout. They're nocturnal bottom feeders, so our evening bow trips are prime time to spot them cruising shallow areas near downed trees and muddy banks. Unlike channel cats, bullheads have squared-off tails and can handle the river's murkier sections just fine. What makes them fun is they're active night hunters with those whisker-like barbels constantly searching for food. Fair warning - watch those dorsal spines when handling them, they pack a mild sting. Pro tip: look for them in the slower back eddies where debris collects, especially during spring and fall when they're most active in the shallows.
Cyprinus CarpioThese golden bruisers are what bow fishing dreams are made of - we're talking 15-30 inch fish averaging 10-20 pounds that'll test your aim and your arrow retrieval skills. Carp love the Rum River's slower sections, especially around fallen timber and muddy flats where they root around for food. Spring and fall are money times when they move shallow to feed aggressively, making perfect bow shots in 3-6 feet of water. Summer finds them a bit deeper, around 8-12 feet, but still catchable. What guests love is the size and fight - these fish are pure muscle and won't give up easy once arrowed. They spook easily, so stealth is key. Here's the local trick: look for muddy water trails where they've been feeding - that's your target zone. Patient shooters always outperform the rushed ones with carp.
Squalus AcanthiasI think there might be some confusion here - picked dogfish are actually saltwater sharks found in ocean environments, not something we'd encounter on our freshwater Rum River trips in Minnesota. Our "dogfish" targets are likely referring to bowfin or another local rough fish species. If you're looking for an aggressive, hard-fighting rough fish on our bow trips, we've got plenty of options like gar, buffalo, and redhorse suckers that'll give you that same excitement. These freshwater fighters are what make our evening bow sessions so action-packed. I'd be happy to discuss the actual species we target on the Rum River - they're just as challenging and fun to shoot, plus they're actually swimming in our local waters where we can get you on them consistently.
Ramsey, MN