5.0(1 Reviews)Night Bowfishing in Lafitte Louisiana
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4-hour night bowfishing trip targeting gar and redfishAll equipment provided including specialized bows and LED lighting systemsFish cleaning and bagging service ensures catch ready for transport
Captain Jason Toombs runs one of Louisiana's top-rated night bowfishing charters, and this 4-hour private trip puts you right in the heart of some seriously productive waters around Lafitte. If you've never pulled back a bow on a fish before, don't sweat it - Jason's been teaching beginners for years and knows exactly how to get you connected with your first shot. This isn't your typical rod-and-reel fishing trip. We're talking about a completely different kind of rush when you're standing on the bow, watching fish cruise through crystal-clear LED-lit water, waiting for that perfect moment to draw and release.
Once the sun drops and those LED lights fire up, the whole game changes out here in Lafitte's backwaters. You'll be amazed at how much life shows up in that bright cone of light cutting through the dark water. Captain Jason sets up his boat with high-powered LED arrays that turn night into day below the surface, and suddenly you're seeing gar, redfish, and catfish cruising around like they own the place. The boat stays positioned perfectly while Jason talks you through reading the water, understanding refraction, and timing your shots. This is hands-on learning at its finest - no classroom stuff, just real-time coaching as fish swim right underneath you. The whole setup is designed for beginners, so even if you've never touched a bow in your life, Jason will have you shooting straight and true within the first hour.
Every piece of bowfishing equipment comes included, and Jason runs quality gear that makes the learning curve way easier. We're talking specialized bowfishing bows rigged with AMS bottle reels that keep your arrows organized and ready for the next shot. These aren't your hunting bows - they're built specifically for shooting fish, with lower draw weights that let you hold your aim longer and more forgiving setups that still pack enough punch to stick a big gar or drum. The AMS reels are game-changers too, especially for beginners. Instead of dealing with loose line everywhere, your arrow stays connected and retrieval is as simple as cranking the handle. Jason will walk you through proper stance, aiming low to account for light refraction, and timing your shot when fish are moving steady rather than darting around. The key is staying relaxed and letting the fish come to you rather than rushing shots at every shadow that moves through the light.
"My husband and I had a blast bow fishing with Captain Jason. It was our first time bow fishing and Jason did a great job teaching us how to use the bow. Captain Jason is fun and down to earth. Not only would we recommend is charters but we would book with him again." - Brittany
Alligator Gar are the absolute kings of Louisiana bowfishing, and Lafitte's waters hold some world-class specimens. These prehistoric-looking fish can stretch over six feet and weigh upwards of 100 pounds, making them the trophy shot every bowfisher dreams about. Gar are most active during warmer months from April through October, and they love cruising shallow flats and marsh edges where Jason typically sets up. What makes them so exciting is their size and the challenge they present - hitting a big gar requires patience, accuracy, and a solid arrow placement. They're tough fish with thick scales, so when you stick one, you know you've accomplished something special. Plus, they actually make excellent table fare when prepared right, contrary to what some folks think.
Redfish are Louisiana legends for good reason, and they're perfect targets for beginning bowfishers. These copper-colored bruisers typically run between 15-30 inches in these waters and they're incredibly predictable once you understand their patterns. Reds cruise the shallows year-round, but they're most active during spring and fall transitions when water temperatures are in that sweet spot. What guests love about targeting redfish is how they move - steady, confident, and usually in small groups that give you multiple shot opportunities. They're also one of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for blackening or frying. Jason knows exactly where these fish stage up around Lafitte's marsh systems, and his light setup brings them right to the boat.
Black Drum might not get the same press as redfish, but they're fantastic bowfishing targets that really test your skills. These deep-bodied fish can get massive - we're talking 20-40 pounders that cruise around like underwater bulldozers. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, making them perfect cold-weather targets when other species slow down. Black drum have this deliberate way of moving that gives beginners time to line up their shots, but they're also incredibly strong once arrowed. The fight is completely different from anything you'll experience with rod and reel - there's something primal about being directly connected to a big drum through your arrow and line.
Channel Catfish and Blue Catfish round out the target list, and both species offer consistent action throughout the year. Channels typically run smaller, in the 2-8 pound range, making them ideal confidence builders for first-time bowfishers. Blues can get significantly larger, with 15-25 pounders being common in these waters. Both species are extremely light-sensitive, so they show up quickly once Jason fires up the LEDs. Catfish are excellent for learning proper shooting form because they tend to hold steady in the light, giving you time to focus on fundamentals rather than rushing shots. They're also some of the best eating fish you'll take home, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for a fish fry.
This private 4-hour night bowfishing trip with Captain Jason represents some of the best value fishing Louisiana has to offer. You get personalized instruction, top-quality equipment, fish cleaning and ba
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator gar are prehistoric beasts that'll give you a real Louisiana adventure. These armored dinosaurs stretch 4-6 feet and can hit 100+ pounds, with long snouts full of needle-sharp teeth. They cruise shallow backwaters, bayous, and river bends around Lafitte, especially near structure or drop-offs. Late summer during hot, dry spells is prime time when they're most active near the surface. What makes them special is their ancient look and the challenge they present - it's like shooting a living fossil. Their ganoid scales are like armor plating, so shot placement is critical. Under our LED lights, they look like logs drifting just under the surface until they move. Remember, these are catch-and-release only in Louisiana - it's illegal to keep them. For the best shot, wait until they're positioned perfectly broadside and aim for the thickest part of the body. Those scales will deflect arrows if you don't hit them square.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers have crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs, which is exactly where you'll find them. They love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and brackish water around Lafitte's marshes. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear their signature drumming sounds underwater. What makes them fun to target is their bulldogging fight and decent table fare if you keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The bigger fish get tough and stringy. For bowfishing at night, look for them cruising the shallows near structure. Pro tip: these fish have thick, armor-like scales, so make sure your arrows are razor sharp and aim for the thicker body section just behind the head for better penetration.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the giants of the catfish world, and we've got some monsters in Louisiana waters. These slate-blue bruisers can hit 40-80 pounds and fight like they mean it. They prefer deeper channels and holes in our river systems, especially around tidal creeks where they follow the water movement. Late summer and fall are when they're most active in our area. What gets folks excited about blue cats is their sheer size and power - landing a big one is a real accomplishment. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. At night under the lights, they cruise the bottom looking for anything they can swallow - they're opportunistic feeders. The trick with blues is to look in the deepest holes you can find with muddy bottoms. They like to stage in these spots between feeding runs. When bowfishing them, aim behind the head since their skull is thick and bony.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are reliable fighters that'll keep your bow busy during night trips around Lafitte's backwaters. These slick, whisker-faced fish typically run 2-10 pounds, though some reach 20+ pounds. They hang out in deeper holes, around old structure, and love muddy bottoms where they scavenge for crawfish, insects, and whatever else they can find. Warm summer nights are when they're most active and easier to spot. What makes them popular with guests is their willingness to bite and their excellent eating quality - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat fried up. Under our LED lights, you'll see them moving along the bottom or cruising mid-water. Since they're covered in slime and have sharp pectoral fins, handle them carefully once you get them in the boat. Here's a local trick: look for them around any kind of structure or drop-offs where the current slows down - that's where they ambush food.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Louisiana's shallow water fishing, running 20-40 inches with those signature black spots near the tail. Around Lafitte, they cruise super shallow flats - sometimes with their backs out of the water - feeding around oyster bars, grass beds, and muddy bottoms. Fall and spring are peak times when they're most active in our marshes. What guests love about reds is their aggressive strikes and strong runs once hooked. Plus, they make excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. During our night bowfishing trips, they show up well under the LED lights as they patrol the shallows looking for crabs and baitfish. The key with reds is patience - they spook easily in shallow water, so when you spot one, take your time, lead them slightly, and aim for the front third of the body. Their scales are tough, so a clean shot placement is crucial for a good stick.
5.0 out of 5.0My husband and I had a blast bow fishing with Captain Jason. It was our first time bow fishing and Jason did a great job teaching ...
Lafitte, LA