Night Bowfishing on St. Johns River
Shared Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Night bowfishing trip targets Tilapia, Gar, Catfish, and BowfinCustom 24' flat bottom boat equipped with LED lights and gearSkilled anglers enjoy 4hour guided trips starting at 8PM
Captain Eugene Nieratko knows what serious bowfishers are after – clear shots, solid action, and the kind of night fishing that gets your heart pumping. His 4-hour shared trip on the St. Johns River in Astor brings together skilled anglers ready to put their aim to the test under bright LED lights. This isn't your typical cast-and-wait fishing experience. You'll be standing at the ready, bow in hand, scanning the water for targets as they cruise through the light beams. The St. Johns River system around Astor offers some of Florida's most productive bowfishing waters, and Captain Eugene's local knowledge puts you right where the action happens.
Your night starts at 8PM when you step aboard Captain Eugene's custom-built 24' flat bottom bass boat. This rig was designed specifically for bowfishing – stable, spacious, and equipped with high-powered LED lighting systems that penetrate the water and reveal your targets below. The 140 HP Suzuki motor gets you to the prime spots quickly and quietly. You'll share the boat with up to 2 other skilled anglers, creating a focused group dynamic where everyone's watching for opportunities. The captain provides top-grade bows and arrows, so you can concentrate on your shot placement rather than gear worries. The flat bottom design keeps the boat steady when you draw back for a shot, and the open deck layout gives everyone room to move and position for the best angles. Night bowfishing requires patience mixed with quick reflexes – fish appear suddenly in the lights, and you've got seconds to assess the shot and release.
Captain Eugene runs a well-equipped operation with compound bows set up for different draw weights and shooting styles. The arrows are fitted with barbed points and attached to heavy-duty fishing line, so you can retrieve your catch and your gear. The LED light arrays are positioned to minimize glare while maximizing underwater visibility – you'll see fish clearly at depths up to 8 feet in the clear St. Johns waters. Shooting technique matters big time in bowfishing. You're dealing with light refraction, so fish aren't exactly where they appear to be. Experienced bowfishers know to aim low and lead moving targets, but Captain Eugene helps fine-tune your accuracy throughout the night. The key is staying ready – fish move through the light zones unpredictably, and the best shots often happen when you're set up and waiting rather than scrambling to get positioned.
Brown Bullhead catfish are one of the most rewarding targets for bowfishers on the St. Johns River. These chunky bottom-dwellers typically run 1-3 pounds and show up well under the lights as they cruise along the sandy bottom looking for food. They're most active during the warmer months and tend to move into the shallows after dark. What makes them exciting is their unpredictable movement patterns – they'll hold steady for a few seconds, then dart quickly to a new spot. Getting a clean shot requires reading their behavior and anticipating where they're headed next.
Alligator Gar represent the trophy catch on any St. Johns bowfishing trip. These prehistoric-looking fish can stretch 4-6 feet and weigh 30+ pounds in these waters. They're ambush predators that often sit motionless near structure, making them challenging to spot but excellent targets once located. Peak activity happens during summer nights when water temperatures are highest. Landing a big gar creates an adrenaline rush that keeps bowfishers coming back – the fight doesn't end when your arrow hits home, as these powerful fish can put up a serious battle even when securely hooked.
Common Carp provide consistent action throughout the night and make excellent practice targets for improving your shooting skills. These 5-15 pound fish are often found in small groups, feeding actively in the shallows. They're most abundant during spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Carp offer great shot opportunities because they tend to feed with their heads down, moving slowly and predictably. Successfully arrowing multiple carp in a night builds confidence and helps dial in your accuracy for the more challenging species.
Bowfin are the wild cards of St. Johns River bowfishing. These native fish are incredibly tough and resilient, often weighing 3-8 pounds with an aggressive attitude that shows in their fighting ability. They're year-round residents but most active during late spring and summer nights. Bowfin have a primitive lung that allows them to gulp air, so you'll sometimes see them surface near the lights. They're prized by serious bowfishers because they're challenging to spot, quick to react, and put up an outstanding fight once arrowed. A successful bowfin shot represents skill and timing coming together perfectly.
Captain Eugene's night bowfishing trips fill up fast with serious anglers who know quality when they see it. This 4-hour adventure delivers the kind of focused, skill-based fishing that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The St. Johns River around Astor offers world-class bowfishing opportunities, and having a local captain who knows the productive areas makes all the difference. Whether you're looking to land your personal best gar or just want a night of steady action with mixed species, this trip delivers the goods. The custom boat, professional gear, and Captain Eugene's local expertise create the perfect setup for a successful bowfishing experience. Book now and get ready for the kind of night fishing that challenges your skills and rewards your accuracy with solid catches.
This custom 24-footer is built for serious bowfishing action on the St. Johns River. The flat bottom design keeps you stable while drawing your bow, and the 140 HP Suzuki gets you to the best spots fast. Bright LED lights cut through the dark water so you can spot gar, tilapia, and catfish cruising below. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly without spooking fish, while GPS keeps you on productive water all night. With room for 6 anglers and gear storage for bows and arrows, this boat is designed by bowfishers for bowfishers. The wide deck gives everyone space to shoot safely, and the shallow draft opens up backwater areas where big fish hide.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator Gar are the giants of our night trips - these prehistoric beasts can stretch 4-6 feet and weigh over 100 pounds. They cruise the deeper bends of the St. Johns, especially near shallow feeding areas where they ambush prey. Late summer's your best bet when hot, dry weather pushes them into predictable spots. What guests love is the pure challenge - landing one of these armored dinosaurs is a trophy moment you'll never forget. Their bone-like scales and razor teeth make them look dangerous, but they're actually pretty mellow around people. They can breathe air too, so don't be surprised if you see one surface. Pro tip: focus on the deeper river bends adjacent to shallow pools during low-light periods. Remember, these are catch-and-release only - it's illegal to keep them, but the bragging rights last forever.
Amia CalvaBowfin are prehistoric fighters that'll give you a battle you won't forget. These olive-green "living fossils" typically run 18-30 inches, with females getting bigger. They love the St. Johns' weedy backwaters and vegetation-heavy areas where other fish can't handle the low oxygen. Night fishing is perfect since they're most active after dark. What makes bowfin special is their incredible fight - they're pure aggression and stamina rolled into one package. Plus, you're literally shooting a fish that survived since the dinosaurs. They can breathe air and water, so they thrive in tough conditions. Here's the key: look for them in marshy areas with thick cover where they ambush prey. Males have a distinctive yellow spot near their tail. Fair warning - keep your hands clear when handling them. Those rows of teeth aren't just for show.
Ameiurus NebulosusBrown Bullheads are mud-brown catfish that typically run 8-12 inches, though some hit 20 inches in the right conditions. These bottom feeders love the St. Johns' slow-moving, murky sections where they hunt with their sensitive barbels. They're most active at night during warmer months, especially February through summer. What makes them fun targets is their scrappy fight - they'll put up a solid battle for their size. While they're bony and not the best eating, bowfishers enjoy them for the challenge and action they provide. Here's a local trick: look for them around muddy bottom areas near vegetation where the water's a bit stagnant. They school up, so once you spot one, there's usually more nearby. Their yellowish barbels and lack of scales make them easy to identify under the lights.
Cyprinus CarpioCommon Carp are golden-brown fighters that average 15-30 inches and pack serious muscle. These bottom feeders thrive in the St. Johns' slower sections, especially around vegetation and muddy areas. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallow to feed aggressively before spreading to deeper water in summer. Guests love carp because they fight like freight trains - they'll test your gear and your patience with powerful runs. While not great table fare, they're perfect for bowfishing practice due to their size and abundance. Water temps between 73-80°F get them most active. Local tip: watch for them "mudding" in shallow areas where they're rooting around for food. They spook easily, so keep movements smooth and avoid anything shiny that might reflect light. Once you connect, hang on - these fish don't quit.
Volusia