Night Bowfishing Adventure in Lafitte Waters
Captain Jason Toombs runs one of Louisiana's top-rated night bowfishing operations right out of Lafitte, where the bayou comes alive after dark. This isn't your typical hook-and-line fishing trip – we're talking bow and arrow action targeting some serious fish under powerful LED lighting. If you've got bowfishing experience and want to test your skills in some of the best waters Louisiana has to offer, this 4-hour private charter is built for anglers who know what they're doing and want that focused challenge.
What to Expect on the Water
When you step aboard Captain Jason's boat, you'll immediately notice this setup is dialed in for serious bowfishing. The LED lighting system transforms the dark bayou into a hunting ground where gar, redfish, and catfish become visible targets moving through the water column. You'll be working with bows equipped with AMS bottle reels – these are game-changers for quick arrow recovery and keeping your shots coming. The beauty of night bowfishing in Lafitte is that fish behavior changes completely after sunset. Predators like gar become more active in the shallows, while redfish cruise the grass flats looking for baitfish. Captain Jason knows these patterns inside and out, positioning the boat where your best shots are waiting. Since this is a private 2-person charter, you'll get personalized instruction and prime shooting opportunities without fighting crowds. The trip wraps up with your catch cleaned and bagged – no mess, just the satisfaction of a successful night on the water.
Bowfishing Gear and Technique
The AMS bottle reel system we use is the gold standard for bowfishing because it eliminates the chaos of loose line on deck. When you shoot, the line feeds out smoothly, and retrieval is fast and controlled – crucial when you're working multiple fish in low light. Our LED light arrays penetrate several feet into the water, creating that perfect contrast where fish silhouettes pop against the bottom. The key technique here is understanding refraction – where you see the fish isn't exactly where it is, especially in deeper water. Experienced bowfishers know to aim low and lead moving targets, but Captain Jason will fine-tune your shots based on conditions each night. Water clarity in the bayou varies with tides and weather, so we adjust lighting angles and boat positioning accordingly. The bows are set up with appropriate draw weights for clean kills on species ranging from 2-pound catfish to massive gar pushing 40 pounds. Safety is paramount with multiple people shooting from a moving platform, so we establish clear zones and communication before the first arrow flies.
What Anglers Are Saying
"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
"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 And he takes out the disabled hes ADA Friendly and will do everything in his power to give you the trip of a lifetime , and he takes out veterans too !!! Ask him about a Swamp tour as well !" - Devin
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black drum are one of the most rewarding targets for experienced bowfishers in Lafitte waters. These chunky fighters typically run 5-15 pounds and love cruising shallow oyster reefs at night, making them perfect bow targets. They're most active during warmer months from April through October, and their dark coloration makes them easy to spot against light-colored bottoms. What makes black drum special is their willingness to stay in the lights – they don't spook as easily as some species, giving you time to set up that perfect shot.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana bowfishing, and Lafitte's marsh system holds some serious bulls. These copper-colored beauties range from slot-size fish around 20 inches to oversized bulls pushing 35+ inches and 20+ pounds. Prime time for reds is late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding in skinny water. Their behavior changes dramatically at night – they become less wary and will cruise right under the lights chasing bait. The challenge with reds is their speed and wariness, making them a true test of bowfishing skill.
Channel catfish might not win beauty contests, but they're fantastic for building confidence and putting meat in the cooler. These whiskered fighters typically run 2-8 pounds in our waters and are active year-round, though they really turn on during summer nights. They're often found in deeper cuts and along structure, making them easier targets for newer bowfishers. Channel cats are excellent table fare when cleaned properly, and their predictable behavior makes them perfect for dialing in your shooting accuracy.
Blue catfish represent the heavy hitters of the catfish world, with specimens regularly exceeding 15 pounds in Louisiana waters. These monsters prefer deeper water and main river channels, but they'll move shallow to feed at night. Blues are most active during cooler months from November through March, when their metabolism kicks into high gear. Landing a blue cat on bow and arrow is a legitimate trophy, as these fish have serious pulling power and will test your equipment to the limit
5.0(7 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Lafitte, LA
Private 4
