5.0(7 Reviews)Night Bowfishing in Lafitte's Backwaters
5.0(7 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Private 4-hour night bowfishing adventure targeting gar and redfishPowerful LED lights and professional equipment included for experienced anglersCatch cleaned and bagged by Captain Jason Toombs
Captain Jason Toombs knows these Louisiana waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why night bowfishing in Lafitte is some of the best action you'll find anywhere along the Gulf Coast. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel fishing trip – we're talking about a completely different kind of hunting where precision meets instinct under powerful LED lights. You'll be targeting gar, redfish, and catfish in the shallow marshes and bayous that make this area legendary among serious bowfishers. With all equipment provided and your catch cleaned at the end of the night, this 4-hour private charter is built for experienced anglers who want to test their skills with a bow instead of a hook.
Your night starts when the sun goes down and the marsh comes alive in a whole different way. Captain Jason runs a top-rated operation that focuses on putting you in the right spots where fish are actively moving and feeding. The boat is rigged with high-powered LED lighting systems that cut through the dark water, revealing fish that would be impossible to spot during daylight hours. You'll be standing on a stable platform, bow in hand, waiting for that perfect moment when a big gar or red drum slides into range. The anticipation builds as you scan the illuminated water, and when you spot your target, everything else fades away. This is bowfishing at its finest – part hunting, part fishing, and completely addictive. The trip accommodates just two anglers, so you're getting personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to draw your bow.
Every bow on Captain Jason's boat comes equipped with AMS bottle reels, which are the gold standard for bowfishing retrieval systems. These reels let you shoot and retrieve arrows quickly without tangling or losing gear in the process. The bows are set up specifically for the species you'll be targeting – not too heavy for quick shots, but with enough power to penetrate tough scales and deliver clean hits. Captain Jason will walk you through the fundamentals if you need a refresher: aiming low to account for water refraction, leading moving targets, and knowing when to hold your shot. The LED lights create shadows and reflections that can fool inexperienced eyes, but with a good guide calling out fish positions and coaching your shots, you'll start connecting with targets faster than you'd expect. Remember to bring bug spray – the mosquitoes in these marshes don't mess around, especially during warmer months.
"If you love bowfishing or are looking to try it out, I highly recommend Capt. Jason. Even though the water conditions did not want to cooperate, that didn't stop Jason and Tom from putting us on fish and giving us our best shots. Not only did I land my first ever catfish, I got to see and learn about the beauty of the Bayou." - Mary
"Amazing experience!!! 1st time bowfishing and it was an absolute blast. We didn't know what we were doing or how to spot the fish but Captain Jason made sure to give us on site training and helped us see the fish. The boat was very nice, captain is very knowledgeable, and made us feel welcomed and safe the entire time. Will definitely be booking with Toombs again!!! I highly recommend this bowfishing service!!!" - Jorge
"Had a blast. Kids wanted to experience bowfishing at night. Captain Jason was extremely patient with the kids teaching them how to use the bows and reels. They didn't hit much, but the trip is all they talk about. They can't wait to go again to get their "revenge"." - Mallie
Alligator Gar are the crown jewel of Louisiana bowfishing, and Lafitte's backwaters hold some genuine monsters. These prehistoric-looking fish can stretch over six feet and weigh upwards of 100 pounds, though most shots you'll get are on fish in the 20-40 pound range. Gar are most active during warmer months and tend to cruise just below the surface, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes them so exciting is their size and the challenge they present – you need to hit them in just the right spot for a clean harvest, and their thick scales can turn a poorly placed arrow. When you connect with a big gar, you'll know it immediately. They're incredibly strong and will test every component of your bowfishing setup.
Redfish in these Louisiana marshes are aggressive feeders that often cruise the shallows in search of crabs and baitfish. Most reds you'll encounter on a bowfishing trip run between 15-30 pounds, with their distinctive copper-bronze coloration making them easier to spot under the lights. They're year-round residents in these waters, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding before and after spawning seasons. Redfish are prized not just for the fight they put up, but because they're absolutely delicious on the table. Captain Jason will clean and bag whatever you harvest, so you're taking home some of the best eating fish the Gulf Coast has to offer.
Channel Catfish and Blue Catfish might not be the most glamorous targets, but they're incredibly fun to shoot and provide steady action throughout the night. These fish are opportunistic feeders that patrol the bottom and mid-water column, often coming up to investigate the commotion from your lights. Channel cats typically run 5-15 pounds in these waters, while blue cats can get significantly larger – 20-40 pound fish aren't uncommon. What makes catfish exciting for bowfishing is their unpredictability. They'll suddenly appear in your light cone, cruise around for a few seconds, then disappear just as quickly. You need to be ready to draw and shoot on short notice, making every encounter a test of your reflexes and accuracy.
Black Drum are another excellent target species
Your night bowfishing adventure launches aboard a 20' GatorTail center console that's built for serious anglers who know their way around a bow. This shallow-water machine cuts through Louisiana's backwaters with ease, getting you into prime gar and redfish territory when the sun goes down. The center console design gives you plenty of room to move and draw your bow, while the GPS keeps you on track through the maze of marshes and channels around Lafitte. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's enough room to spread out without crowding each other's shots. The boat's low-profile hull lets Captain Jason slide into skinny water where the big fish cruise at night, and the stable platform gives you the solid footing you need for accurate shots when those LED lights pick up movement below the surface.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator gar are prehistoric monsters that can stretch 4-6 feet and weigh over 100 pounds - they're the ultimate bowfishing trophy. These armored giants cruise shallow backwaters, bayous, and river bends where they surface to gulp air. Late summer during hot, dry spells brings the best opportunities when water levels drop and concentrate them in deeper holes. What draws people is the pure adrenaline rush of seeing something that big and primitive. Their bone-like scales make penetration tough, so shot placement is critical. Fair warning - it's catch and release only in Louisiana, so this is purely for the experience. My tip: watch for them rolling on the surface early morning or late evening, and aim for the soft spot just behind the gills for best arrow penetration.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running 5-30 pounds on average but capable of hitting 90 pounds. These dark, powerful fish love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds around Lafitte's marshes. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spring spawning season - that's when they school up and become prime targets. Their crushing jaws destroy oysters and crabs, making them tough fighters once arrowed. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: look for them tailing in super shallow water during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on the flats.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the giants of the catfish world, commonly hitting 20-40 pounds in our Louisiana waters. These slate-blue fighters prefer deeper channels and holes near tidal creeks where fresh and brackish water mix. Summer and fall are prime time when they move into shallower areas to feed aggressively. What sets them apart is their size and stamina - they'll give you a battle that'll test your equipment and skills. They're also excellent eating, especially the smaller ones. The key to success is finding them in 8-15 feet of water near drop-offs and channel edges. Look for them cruising just off the main current where baitfish get swept along - that's where the big blues wait to ambush their next meal.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are steady fighters that'll test your bowfishing skills, typically running 2-10 pounds with some monsters pushing 20-plus. These whiskered bottom-dwellers love hanging around structure like old pilings, creek mouths, and deep holes with muddy bottoms. They're most active during warmer months and feed heavily at night, making them perfect for our LED-lit trips. What guests love is their predictable behavior and excellent eating - sweet, firm meat that's hard to beat. The slippery, scaleless body makes them tricky to handle once you arrow one. My advice: aim just behind the head for a clean shot, and always bring gloves because those sharp pectoral fins will cut you if you're not careful.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our Louisiana marshes, averaging 20-30 inches with that signature black spot near the tail. These copper-colored bruisers love cruising 1-4 feet of water around grass beds, oyster reefs, and muddy bottoms. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially during moving tides when they're hunting actively. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and incredible fight - they'll make powerful runs and never give up easy. The meat is outstanding too, mild and sweet. Here's a local secret: watch for nervous water and small baitfish scattering - redfish often push shrimp and crabs to the surface while feeding, making perfect bowfishing opportunities.
5.0 out of 5.0If you love bowfishing or are looking to try it out, I highly recommend Capt. Jason. Even though the water conditions did not want...
Amazing experience!!! 1st time bowfishing and it was an absolute blast. We didn’t know what we were doing or how to spot the fish ...
Had a blast. Kids wanted to experience bowfishing at night. Captain Jason was extremely patient with the kids teaching them how to...
Our trip was so much fun! We can’t wait to do it again!
All your going to want and need is Capt. Jason. After you catch em' he can teach you to cook them too ! 10/10 highly recommended A...
Great captain and awesome boat Put me on a lot of fish.
We had an amazing trip with Toombs Adventures. My girlfriend’s first trip ever Bowfishing and now she’s addicted! Thanks to Captai...
Lafitte, LA