5.0(2 Reviews)Night Bowfishing for Gar and Drum in Louisiana
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 4hour night bowfishing adventure for up to four anglersTarget alligator gar and black drum using specialized LED lightingAll equipment, fish cleaning, and bagging services included
Captain Jason Toombs has been guiding night bowfishing trips across Louisiana's productive lakes for years, and he knows exactly where to find the big ones when the sun goes down. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel fishing – we're talking bow and arrow action under high-powered LED lights that turn murky Louisiana water crystal clear. You'll be hunting alligator gar, black drum, catfish, and whatever else swims into our light spread during this 4-hour private charter built for up to four anglers.
When darkness falls, Louisiana's lakes come alive in a completely different way. Captain Jason fires up the LED light system that transforms his boat into a floating hunting platform, and suddenly you can see everything moving below the surface. The setup is pretty sweet – specialized bowfishing bows equipped with AMS bottle reels that make arrow retrieval a breeze, even when you stick a big drum or gar. Jason provides all the gear, so whether you've never held a bow or you're a seasoned archer, you'll be ready to take shots at quality fish. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and positions the boat perfectly for clean shots. When the trip wraps up, he'll clean and bag your catch so you can take home some fresh Louisiana fish. Just make sure you've got your Louisiana fishing license sorted beforehand – you can snag one online if needed. Jason keeps bottled water on board, and if you want to bring a few beers to sip between shots, that's totally fine. Just leave the glass bottles and hard stuff at home.
Bowfishing might look simple, but there's definitely technique involved, especially when you're shooting at moving targets in varying depths. The bows Jason provides are set up specifically for this style of fishing – heavier draw weights than hunting bows, with barbed points that hold fish securely once you connect. Those AMS bottle reels are game-changers because they let you shoot, fight the fish, and retrieve your arrow without dealing with tangled line all over the boat deck. The high-powered LED lights create an underwater stage where gar cruise slowly near the surface and drum move in schools looking for easy meals. You'll need to account for light refraction when aiming – fish appear higher in the water than they actually are. Jason coaches his anglers through proper form and shot placement, so even first-timers usually connect with fish during the trip. The key is staying patient and waiting for the right shot rather than rushing arrows at every fish that swims by. When you do stick a good one, especially an alligator gar, you'll understand why this style of fishing has become so popular across the South.
"I was in Louisiana for work and had a free night before flying home. Jason reached out and had an extra spot on his boat and let me jump on. I got my limit in reds right away and saw hundreds more. I was able to go after a few more species on my bucket list as well . Marcus his deck hand was also great and was awesome to talk with while fishing." - Mitch
"What an experience for us! Jason made the trip so good. There was some challenging weather conditions with changing water levels and blowing wind but Jason put us on the fish. His boat control in the wind was amazing. We'd go again, and highly recommend Jason. Great trip!" - Matthew
Alligator gar are the crown jewel of Louisiana bowfishing, and these prehistoric beasts put on quite a show under the lights. They cruise just below the surface like submarines, sometimes reaching 6 feet or longer, and their armor-plated bodies make them incredibly tough fighters once you stick them. Spring through fall offers the best gar action, with peak activity happening during warmer months when they're actively feeding. What makes gar so exciting is their size and the challenge they present – they're smart fish that can be spooky around lights, so getting a clean shot on a big one takes patience and skill.
Black drum show up in Louisiana lakes year-round and provide steady bowfishing action for groups looking to put multiple fish in the boat. These chunky fighters typically run 5 to 20 pounds and travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Drum have a habit of rooting around shallow structure and grass beds after dark, making them perfect targets for bowfishing. They fight hard when arrowed and taste excellent on the table, which is why many anglers target them specifically during night trips.
Blue catfish might surprise some people as bowfishing targets, but Louisiana's lakes hold some real monsters that cruise shallow water at night. These whisker fish can exceed 30 pounds and provide incredible fights when stuck with an arrow. Summer months bring the best catfish bowfishing opportunities as they move into shallower areas to feed. What's really cool about shooting cats is they often travel in groups, so one good spot might produce multiple fish for the boat.
Sheepshead make for challenging but rewarding bowfishing targets with their distinctive black stripes and wary nature around lights. These structure-loving fish typically weigh 2 to 8 pounds and require precise shots due to their skittish behavior. They're most active during spring and fall transitions when water temperatures are moderate. Anglers love targeting sheepshead because they're excellent table fare and their cautious nature makes every successful shot feel like an accomplishment.
Redfish occasionally show up during these lake bowfishing trips, especially in areas with saltwater influence. These copper-colored fighters are absolute bulldogs when arrowed and can provide some of the most exciting action of the night. Reds typically range from 5 to 15 pounds in Louisiana lakes and are most active during spring and fall months. Their aggressive nature and hard-fighting ability make them a favorite target for experienced bowfishers looking for something special.
Your night bowfishing adventure starts aboard Captain Jason's 20-foot GatorTail center console, a solid fishing platform built for Louisiana's lake waters. This motorboat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably while you hunt gar and drum under high-powered LED lights. The center console design gives everyone clear shooting lanes and easy movement around the deck when fish appear in the lights. GPS keeps you on productive spots throughout the night, while the boat's shallow-water capabilities let you access prime bowfishing areas where big alligator gar and black drum cruise. The setup works perfectly for this specialized fishing style - stable enough for accurate shots, spacious enough for multiple hunters, and equipped to handle the unique demands of night fishing with bows and arrows.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator gar are living dinosaurs that can hit 6 feet and 100+ pounds with those prehistoric armor scales and razor teeth. They're the ultimate trophy fish, lurking in deeper holes during the day and cruising shallow water at night. You'll find them in bayous, backwaters, and lake channels from 3-15 feet deep. Late summer in hot weather brings the best bowfishing when they surface more often. What draws people to gar is their prehistoric look and the challenge - they're tough to arrow with that thick scale armor. These fish are catch-and-release only in Louisiana, so it's all about the experience and photos. They're surprisingly passive around people despite looking fierce. The key to a clean shot is waiting for them to surface and staying calm - they'll roll slowly, giving you a good window. Aim just behind the head for the best anchor point, and remember that heavy arrow is your friend with these armored giants.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Louisiana's lakes, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some giants hitting 90. These gray-black bruisers get their name from the drumming sounds they make - you can actually hear them underwater sometimes. They're built like tanks with powerful jaws that crush oysters and crabs all day. You'll find them cruising muddy flats and around any structure in 2-10 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. What makes them fun is the stubborn fight they put up - they'll use that heavy body to pull drag for minutes. Smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but the big boys get tough and stringy. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - they've got soft mouths and will tear off if you get too aggressive.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue catfish are the monsters of Louisiana lakes, growing massive - we're talking 40-80 pounds and 3-4 feet long. These slate-blue bruisers are eating machines that'll take anything from cut bait to live shrimp. They love deep holes and channels during the day, especially around submerged timber and drop-offs in 10-25 feet of water. Night fishing is prime time when they move shallow to feed. What makes them exciting is the sheer size and power - a big blue cat will test every bit of your gear and stamina. The meat is fantastic, white and flaky with a mild taste. They're opportunistic feeders, so bowfishing works great when you catch them cruising shallow after dark. Here's what I've learned: look for them under schools of baitfish or around creek mouths where current brings food. Fresh cut bait on the bottom is deadly, but be patient - they'll mouth it before committing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana's signature shallow water fighters, averaging 20-30 inches with that distinctive copper-red color and black eyespot near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so skinny their backs stick out. You'll spot them cruising muddy flats, around oyster reefs, and in marsh ponds from 6 inches to 4 feet deep. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they're fattening up. What makes reds special is that explosive strike in shallow water - they'll blow up on topwater baits and then make blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent with a mild, sweet flavor that grills perfectly. These fish are sight fishing gold under our LED lights since they cruise so shallow. My trick: when you see one, lead them by a few feet and drop your bait right in their path - they're curious and will usually investigate.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are Louisiana's "convict fish" with those black and white stripes, but what really gets people talking are their human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though you might luck into a 20-pounder. They're structure junkies - any dock, piling, or submerged timber will hold them. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavy on barnacles and small crabs. These fish make great table fare with sweet white meat, but they're notorious bait thieves. They'll nibble and pick at your bait trying to steal it clean off the hook. The fight isn't flashy, but they're smart and will try to wrap you around structure. Here's the key: soon as you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard. They've got those crushing teeth, so once they grab it, you better react fast or they'll spit it out.
5.0 out of 5.0I was in Louisiana for work and had a free night before flying home. Jason reached out and had an extra spot on his boat and let m...
What an experience for us! Jason made the trip so good. There was some challenging weather conditions with changing water levels a...
Lafitte, LA