4.9(9 Reviews)Captain Ike's Tampa Bay Bowfishing - Night Hunting
4.9(9 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Night bowfishing targeting stingrays, sheepshead, flounder, and cobiaPurposebuilt charter with highintensity lights and included gearSmall group experience for 2 guests in Tampa Bay
There's something special about prowling Tampa Bay's shallow waters after dark, bow in hand, waiting for that perfect shot. Captain Ike's half-day bowfishing trips give you the chance to target some of Florida's most exciting inshore species using one of the oldest hunting techniques around. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel fishing – it's an active, skill-based pursuit that gets your adrenaline pumping as you draw back and release arrows at prime targets like cobia, sheepshead, stingrays, and more swimming just beneath the surface.
Captain Ike runs a purpose-built bowfishing rig equipped with high-intensity LED lighting systems that turn night into day on the water. These powerful lights penetrate several feet down, illuminating fish as they cruise the grass flats and sandy bottoms of Tampa Bay. The boat's setup is designed specifically for bowfishing, giving you clear shooting lanes and stable footing when you're lining up shots. All your bowfishing gear comes included – compound bows, arrows, and safety equipment – plus your fishing license is covered. Cold drinks stay ice-cold in the onboard cooler, keeping you refreshed during the action. The captain asks for details about your group's age range, gender mix, and whether shooters are right- or left-handed so he can match everyone with the proper bow setup. With a maximum of two guests, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of shooting opportunities throughout the trip.
Bowfishing combines archery skills with fish-reading ability, and Tampa Bay's diverse inshore habitat provides the perfect classroom. You'll be shooting compound bows fitted with specialized arrows attached to heavy-duty line and retrieval reels. The key is learning to compensate for light refraction – fish appear higher in the water column than they actually are, so you aim low and lead moving targets. Captain Ike works the shallow grass flats, sandy potholes, and channel edges where target species feed and cruise. The bay's relatively calm inshore waters and abundant structure create ideal bowfishing conditions, especially during the warmer months when fish are most active in the shallows. Water depths typically range from two to six feet, giving you clear sight lines while keeping the boat in prime fish-holding areas.
"Trip was so much fun Ike was a great charter he was able to get us on the fish even with bad weather conditions the day before making visibility hard. 10/10 experience 100% recommend it was so much fun!!" - Jacob
"One of the best experiences ever. The boys had a blast. My best friend comes from Ohio every year and always wanted to go🥰. Ike was very thorough and patient with the kids. He got them up to speed fast and we smoked a bunch of sting ray and fish. So much fun. I would recommend this for any novice, angler, or experienced angler. Absolute blast 💥" - Dustin
"Capt Ike was awesome! This was an amazing charter, and we got to shoot lots of fish. It was just me and my boyfriend and we had a blast. We will definitely be back! This was the best bowfishing charter I've been on for sure." - Lucy
Southern Stingrays are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay bowfishing, and for good reason. These flat, diamond-shaped fish can span three to four feet across and often weigh 30-75 pounds or more. They're most active during warmer months from May through October, gliding over sandy bottoms and grass flats as they hunt for crabs and shellfish. Rays make excellent targets because they move predictably and their large size gives you a generous target area. The fight after a successful shot is something else – these powerful fish will test your retrieval skills and get your heart racing as you work them back to the boat.
Sheepshead are one of the more challenging and rewarding bowfishing targets in the bay. These black-and-white striped fish typically run 2-5 pounds and are notorious for their wariness and quick movements. They're most abundant around structure like docks, pilings, and oyster bars from late fall through early spring. Sheepshead require precise shot placement and quick reflexes since they spook easily and dart away fast. Landing one with a bow is a real accomplishment that separates the beginners from the experienced shooters.
Cobia are the premium target species for Tampa Bay bowfishing enthusiasts. These brown, shark-like fish can reach 20-50 pounds and are incredibly strong fighters. Peak cobia season runs from March through May and again in fall, when they cruise the flats looking for crabs and baitfish. Cobia are curious fish that will often approach the boat lights, giving you shot opportunities at truly trophy-sized targets. Their powerful runs after being arrowed create some of the most exciting moments you'll experience bowfishing.
Black Drum are hefty, bronze-colored fish that frequent Tampa Bay's grass flats and oyster bars year-round, with peak activity during cooler months. These fish can weigh anywhere from 5-30 pounds and are known for their dogged, bulldogging fights. They're often found in small schools, so connecting with one drum often leads to multiple shot opportunities. Black drum make excellent eating and provide consistent action when other species are less active.
Crevalle Jack are the speed demons of Tampa Bay bowfishing. These silver, fast-moving fish typically weigh 3-8 pounds and travel in schools around bait concentrations. They're most active during summer months and provide exciting targets due to their quick movements and aggressive nature. Jacks require lead shots and fast reflexes, making them perfect for shooters looking to test their skills on moving targets.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Tampa Bay, ranging from 5-30 pounds with giants pushing 90 pounds. These gray-black fish get their name from the drumming sounds they make - you'll actually hear them underwater sometimes. They love hanging around oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and dock pilings where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Once they get bigger, the meat gets tough and loses flavor. My local tip: use fresh blue crab on a carolina rig and fish right on the bottom near structure. These fish are picky but worth the wait.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these chocolate-colored fish cruise Tampa Bay's shallows looking like trouble. Most run 20-50 pounds, but 100-pounders swim our waters. They're loners, usually found around structure like channel markers, wrecks, or floating debris. Spring and summer are prime when they move into shallow water for spawning. What makes them special is the incredible table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish. Guests get fired up when they spot one cruising near the surface since it's pure sight fishing. The fight is bulldogging power with long runs. Here's my tip: when you see one, get ahead of where it's swimming and drop a bucktail jig right in its path - they rarely pass up an easy meal.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of Tampa Bay - all muscle and attitude packed into 3-5 pound packages, though big ones hit 20+ pounds. These brassy-green fighters travel in schools and love chasing baitfish in shallow seagrass beds and around structure. You'll often find them by watching for diving birds since they push prey to the surface. Spring through fall they're most active in our warmer waters. Guests love their powerful runs and never-quit fighting spirit. They're not great table fare, but the battle makes up for it. The cool thing is schools will sometimes approach our boats out of curiosity. Local trick: when you see them busting bait, cast past the school and retrieve fast - they can't resist the chase.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Tampa Bay with their distinctive black and white stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds, but 20-pounders swim around our deeper structures. These fish live around anything with barnacles - docks, bridge pilings, and jetties are prime spots. They're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans. Spring months from February through April are best when they spawn in large groups. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them excellent table fare despite being tricky to clean. What makes them fun is their finicky nature - they'll steal your bait all day if you're not quick on the hook set. My advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp and set hard the moment you feel weight.
Hypanus AmericanusSouthern stingrays are perfect for bowfishing - they glide across sandy flats like underwater flying carpets. Females grow much larger than males, reaching nearly 6 feet and 50 pounds, while males max out around 26 inches. You'll spot them buried in sand or cruising grass beds in shallow water throughout Tampa Bay. They're most active at night when they forage for crabs and small fish by flapping their wings to uncover prey. Guests love the challenge since these rays are smart and will bolt once they sense danger. The key is a clean, quick shot since they're surprisingly fast when spooked. Pro tip: look for the telltale puff of sand they kick up when feeding - that's your window for the perfect shot.
4.9 out of 5.0Trip was so much fun Ike was a great charter he was able to get us on the fish even with bad weather conditions the day before mak...
Jacob Erickson, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. thanks aga...
One of the best experiences ever. The boys had a blast. My best friend comes from Ohio every year and always wanted to go🥰. Ike w...
Grace Anderson, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Captain Ike was amazing to work with. Very communicative and flexible. Nice boat, clean and safe. Will definitely call on him agai...
Capt Ike was awesome! This was an amazing charter, and we got to shoot lots of fish. It was just me and my boyfriend and we had a ...
He’s a honest and genuine guy. He did what he could so we could have the best time possible and even after a dull night he found a...
We had a blast!! Best captain in Tampa
Kyle Schwartz, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
We had an amazing time. As hunters from Wy it was pretty cool.
Dianna Lehn, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. Greatly appreciate...
We had a blast 2nd time with Ike he is so kind and patient and always finds some action, nor better!
Virgil Imhoff, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
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