Night Bowfishing for Redfish in Louisiana
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour night bowfishing trip with specialized LEDequipped boatTarget alligator gar, black drum, and catfish using provided bow equipmentAll gear, fish cleaning, and bottled water included for groups
There's something special about night bowfishing in Louisiana waters that gets your blood pumping. Captain Jason Toombs runs this top-rated 4-hour private trip for up to six anglers, combining the stealth of archery with the rush of fishing under the cover of darkness. Armed with high-powered LED lights that cut through the murky lake water, you'll spot fish moving below before drawing back your bow for that perfect shot. This isn't your typical hook-and-line fishing – it's pure hunting instinct meets water sport, and it's becoming the customer favorite way to target some of Louisiana's toughest fighters.
Captain Jason's setup is built for serious bowfishing action. The boat comes rigged with commercial-grade LED lighting systems that illuminate the water column, making it easy to spot fish movement even in the darkest conditions. You'll be shooting specialized bows equipped with AMS bottle reels – these aren't your backyard archery bows. The bottle reel system keeps your line organized and allows for quick arrow retrieval, so you're not fumbling around in the dark when a big gar swims into your light cone. The whole operation runs smooth, with Captain Jason positioning the boat in prime spots where fish are actively feeding. He knows these Louisiana waters like the back of his hand and can read the conditions to put you on fish consistently. All your gear is provided, from bows to arrows to safety equipment. At the end of the night, Captain Jason handles the fish cleaning and bagging, so you head home with fillets ready for the freezer. Just bring your valid Louisiana fishing license and you're set.
Bowfishing requires a different mindset than rod and reel fishing. You're not waiting for a bite – you're actively hunting, scanning the lit water for movement and shadows. The specialized bows used on this trip are designed specifically for water work, with heavier draw weights and quick-release systems. AMS bottle reels are the gold standard in bowfishing because they eliminate the line tangles that can ruin a shot opportunity. When you spot a fish, you've got to account for light refraction – the fish isn't exactly where it appears to be. Captain Jason will coach you through proper aiming techniques, teaching you to aim low and lead moving targets. The key is staying ready and keeping your movements smooth. Fish can spook easily under the lights, so patience and stealth are just as important as a good shot. Louisiana's lake systems provide perfect bowfishing conditions with their shallow flats and abundant rough fish populations. The murky water that might frustrate other types of fishing actually works in your favor here – fish feel secure in the low visibility until your lights reveal them.
Black drum are one of the most satisfying targets you'll encounter on this trip. These powerful fish can reach impressive sizes in Louisiana waters, with specimens over 30 pounds not uncommon in the lake systems. They're bottom feeders by nature, but at night they'll move into shallower water to forage, making them perfect bowfishing targets. Black drum fight hard when arrowed, and their thick, muscular bodies make for excellent eating when properly prepared. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're most active in the shallows.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Louisiana bowfishing, and night trips offer some of the best opportunities to target these bronze beauties. Redfish patrol the shallows after dark, hunting for crabs and baitfish in water that's often less than three feet deep. A good Louisiana red will go 20-30 inches and fight like nothing else when you put an arrow in them. Their copper-colored sides make them easy to identify under the lights, and they're known for making powerful runs that test your equipment. Redfish are available year-round in Louisiana, but fall and winter months often produce the biggest specimens.
Channel catfish might surprise you with how aggressive they can be under bowfishing lights. These whiskered fighters often cruise just under the surface at night, making them perfect targets for bow shots. Louisiana's lake systems hold some monster channel cats, with fish over 15 pounds fairly common. They're excellent table fare and one of the easier species for beginning bowfishers to target successfully. Channel cats are most active during warmer months but can be found year-round in deeper lake areas.
Blue catfish represent the heavyweight division of Louisiana bowfishing. These giants can exceed 40 pounds in the state's river systems and connected lakes. They're more challenging targets than channel cats, often staying deeper and moving more deliberately. When you connect with a big blue cat, you'll know it immediately – they have the power to test your equipment and your patience. Blues are most active during spring spawning periods and fall feeding times when they move into shallower areas.
Alligator gar are the apex predators that make Louisiana bowfishing legendary. These prehistoric fish can reach massive sizes – specimens over 6 feet long and 100 pounds are taken regularly in Louisiana waters. Gar are ambush predators that often suspend just below the surface, making them ideal bowfishing targets. Their armor-like scales and powerful jaws make them formidable opponents that require heavy equipment and proper shot placement. Seeing a big gar under your lights is a heart-stopping moment that every serious bowfisher dreams about. Summer months are prime time for gar activity, especially during warm, calm nights.
This world-class night bowfishing experience fills up fast, especially during peak seasons when fish activity is at its highest. Captain Jason's reputation for putting clients on fish has made this one of Louisiana's most sought-after bowfishing charters. The combination of his local knowledge, top-notch equipment, and professional fish cleaning service creates a complete package that's hard to beat. Whether you're a bowfishing veteran looking for trophy-class fish or a newcomer wanting to try something completely different, this trip delivers the goods. The private boat setup means you're not
Captain Jason's 20-foot GatorTail center console is built for Louisiana's night bowfishing action. This shallow-draft boat cuts through lake waters with ease, getting you into prime spots where redfish, alligator gar, and black drum cruise after dark. High-powered LED lighting rigs illuminate the water around the boat, giving you clear shots at fish moving below the surface. The center console design keeps tackle organized and provides 360-degree fishing access for up to four bowfishers. GPS navigation helps locate productive areas and gets you back to the launch safely. With specialized bow setups and AMS reels ready to go, you'll spend more time shooting and less time rigging. The stable platform handles night conditions well, letting you focus on spotting fish and making accurate shots in Louisiana's productive waters.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator gar are living dinosaurs that can stretch 4-6 feet and weigh over 100 pounds. These prehistoric beasts cruise shallow backwaters, bayous, and river bends where they ambush prey with lightning-fast strikes. Their armor-like scales and razor teeth make them look fierce, but they're actually pretty docile around people. Late summer during hot, dry spells is peak season when they surface more often. What draws folks to them is their ancient appearance and sheer size - landing one is a bucket-list experience. Note that bowfishing is catch-and-kill only in Louisiana. Best spots are quiet backwaters where you can spot them rolling on the surface during calm evenings.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Louisiana waters, running 5-30 pounds with monsters hitting 90+. These gray-black bruisers love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that's how they got their name. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up in brackish areas. They're built like tanks and fight hard, but stick to keeper-sized fish under 15 pounds for eating - the big ones get tough and stringy. Pro tip: use fresh crab for bait since it won't get stolen by other fish, and keep it right on the bottom where they feed.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the giants of the catfish world, averaging 25-45 inches and often topping 50 pounds in Louisiana waters. These slate-blue monsters prefer deeper river channels and holes near tidal creeks where they follow baitfish. They're opportunistic feeders that'll crush everything from crawfish to skipjack. What sets them apart is their size and fight - they'll test your gear and endurance. Best fishing happens during warm months when they're most active. They're excellent eating and plentiful enough that limits aren't usually an issue. My secret: use fresh-cut skipjack or shad and let it sink to the bottom near drop-offs. The blood trail draws them in from a distance.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are workhorses in our Louisiana lakes and rivers, typically running 2-10 pounds with some bruisers pushing 20+. These whisker-faced fighters love deeper holes, creek channels, and structure like fallen trees. They're most active at night and during cloudy weather when they use those sensitive barbels to hunt. What makes them fun is they'll hit just about anything - from stinkbait to cut shad. They fight surprisingly hard for their size and make excellent eating. Summer nights are prime time when they move shallow to feed. Here's the trick: let your bait sit on the bottom and wait for that telltale tap-tap before setting the hook. They'll mouth it first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Louisiana's gold standard, running 20-40 inches with that signature copper-red back and black spot near the tail. These beauties love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Look for them on grass flats, around oyster reefs, and in back bayous where the water's 1-4 feet deep. They hit hard and fight dirty, making long runs in skinny water. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter are prime when they school up. Great table fare with mild, flaky meat. My go-to trick: watch for nervous water and tailing fish - they'll be rooting around in the mud, completely focused on feeding.
Lafitte, LA