San Antonio Bowfishing at Braunig & Calaveras
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target Carp, Tilapia, and longnose Gar on Texas lakesEquipment provided for 4-hour guided bowfishing adventureSmall group experience accommodates up to 3 guests
Looking for something different from your typical fishing trip? This 4-hour bowfishing adventure on Victor Braunig and Calaveras Lakes puts you right in the action, combining precision shooting with the excitement of sight fishing. You'll be cruising San Antonio's hottest bowfishing waters, targeting three of the most rewarding species in Texas - Carp, Tilapia, and the mighty Longnose Gar. With all gear provided and space for up to 3 anglers, this trip delivers pure adrenaline without the hassle of bringing your own equipment.
This isn't your grandfather's quiet fishing trip - bowfishing is all about quick reflexes and steady aim. You'll spend your time scanning the water from the boat, watching for movement and shadows that signal fish below. Both Braunig and Calaveras are shallow, warm-water lakes that create perfect conditions for sight fishing these species. The water clarity varies throughout the year, but experienced guides know exactly where to position the boat for optimal shots. Expect plenty of action as these lakes are loaded with rough fish that provide non-stop opportunities. The 4-hour timeframe gives you enough time to get comfortable with your bow, dial in your aim, and rack up some serious numbers. Most first-timers are surprised by how addictive bowfishing becomes once you nail your first solid shot.
Your guide provides everything you need - recurve bows, bowfishing arrows, and all the tackle. The arrows are attached to heavy line that's tied to the bow, so you won't lose your shot even on the biggest fish. Most setups use 40-50 pound draw weight bows, which gives you enough power to penetrate fish while staying manageable for beginners. The key technique is aiming low - water refraction makes fish appear higher than they actually are. Your guide will coach you on proper form and help you adjust for different shooting angles. Polarized sunglasses are a must for cutting through surface glare and spotting fish. The boat moves slowly and quietly, often using an electric trolling motor to avoid spooking fish in shallow areas. When you see a target, draw quickly but aim carefully - you usually only get one shot before the fish bolts.
Mozambique Tilapia are probably the most fun species you'll encounter on this trip. These African natives have absolutely exploded in both lakes and provide fantastic target practice. They're aggressive feeders that often school up in shallow water, especially around structure and vegetation. Tilapia typically run 1-3 pounds and fight surprisingly hard for their size. They're also excellent table fare, so you can take home a cooler full of fillets. Best part? There's no bag limit on these invasive species, so you can shoot as many as you can hit. Spring through fall offers the hottest action when they're spawning and feeding heavily in the shallows.
Common Carp are the heavyweights of this fishery and will test your shooting skills and equipment. These bronze bulldozers can push 20+ pounds and provide the most challenging shots. Carp are incredibly wary and will disappear at the first sign of danger, so stealth and accuracy are critical. They love to cruise shallow flats and muddy areas where they root around for food, often giving away their location by stirring up clouds of sediment. When you arrow a big carp, be ready for a serious fight - they'll peel line and thrash like crazy. Many bowfishers consider carp the ultimate trophy because they're so difficult to approach and arrow cleanly. Summer months are prime time when they move shallow to spawn and feed.
Longnose Gar are hands down the coolest species you'll target on this adventure. These prehistoric predators look like something from the dinosaur age with their long snouts full of needle-sharp teeth and armor-like scales. Gar can reach 4-5 feet long and often cruise just under the surface, making them visible from a good distance. They're ambush predators that move slowly until they strike, giving you time to set up your shot. The challenge with gar is their thick, bony scales - you need a clean shot to penetrate effectively. They're most active during spring spawning runs when they move into shallow backwaters. Landing a big gar is a badge of honor among bowfishers, and the photos always impress your buddies back home.
This top-rated bowfishing experience gives you everything needed for an action-packed day on two of San Antonio's most productive lakes. With professional gear, expert guidance, and some of the best rough fish populations in Texas, you're guaranteed shots at multiple species. The small group size means personalized instruction and plenty of shooting opportunities for everyone. Just grab your fishing license beforehand and come ready for a completely different style of fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for something new or a beginner wanting to try bowfishing, this 4-hour adventure delivers the goods. Book now and discover why bowfishing is becoming the hottest trend in San Antonio fishing.
Your bowfishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious target hunting on San Antonio's premier lakes. This 3-person vessel comes loaded with a wireless trolling motor that keeps things whisper-quiet when you're stalking carp and gar in the shallows. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of tilapia, while GPS navigation keeps you positioned over the best fishing spots on Braunig and Calaveras Lakes. The boat's stable platform gives you the steady shooting stance you need for accurate bow shots, whether you're drawing down on a cruising longnose gar or waiting for carp to surface. With all the fishing gear provided, you just need to bring your license and get ready to put some serious targets in the cooler during your 4-hour lake session.
Cyprinus CarpioThese golden-bronze bruisers are some of the strongest fighters you'll find in freshwater. Most range 15-30 inches and weigh 4-30 pounds, but don't be surprised if we spot some real tanks pushing 40+ pounds. Carp love the muddy bottoms and shallow flats where they root around for food, especially during spring and fall when they school up heavy. Summer finds them in slightly deeper water, around 8-12 feet. What guests love most is their raw power - these fish will test your equipment and your patience with long, bulldogging runs. They're also great eating despite what some folks think. The secret is staying quiet and keeping a low profile since carp are easily spooked. Look for muddy water or bubbles rising up - that's usually carp feeding on the bottom.
Lepisosteus OsseusThese prehistoric-looking fish are true ambush predators with that distinctive needle-nose snout. Most run 28-48 inches, but we've spotted some real monsters pushing 6 feet in these waters. They cruise the shallows around vegetation and structure, especially at dawn and dusk when they're most active. Gar are built like torpedoes and fight like freight trains - once you arrow one, you're in for a wild ride. They're tough to land because of their bony scales and narrow mouth, but that's what makes them such a challenge. The trick with gar is patience - they'll lay motionless near cover, then explode when they strike. Aim just behind the head for the best shot. These ancient fish have been around since the dinosaurs, making every encounter feel special.
Oreochromis MossambicusThese hardy little fighters average 1-2 pounds and run about 12 inches, though we've seen some push 6 pounds. They're an invasive species here in Texas, so you're doing the lakes a favor while having fun. Tilapia love the shallow, warm waters around structure and vegetation where they build their spawning beds. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active and aggressive. What makes them great targets is how scrappy they fight for their size - they'll give you a solid battle on light tackle. Since they spook easily in clear water, the key is to keep your shots a bit farther out and work the arrow in slowly. These fish are also excellent eating with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Calliham, TX