Expert-Guided Night Bowfishing in Astor, FL

Published Date: October 11, 2025
Fishing

Volusia
$450 - $600 price range

Summary

Ready for a night on the water? Captain Eugene Nieratko's got you covered with this 4-hour bowfishing trip on the St. Johns River. Perfect for beginners, you'll learn the ropes as you hunt for tilapia, gar, catfish, and bowfin under the glow of night lights. The 24-foot custom boat has plenty of room for up to six people, and it's decked out with all the gear you'll need. Captain Eugene's patient, one-on-one coaching will have you nailing your technique in no time. As you glide through the calm waters, you'll get clear shots at fish and might even land your first catch. It's a laid-back way to try out bowfishing and soak in the Florida nightlife on the river. The trip kicks off at 8 PM, so get ready for some after-dark action in Astor.

Expert-Guided Night Bowfishing in Astor, FL

Night Shots and Big Catches

Fresh tilapia catch from a night bowfishing trip

Three fishing rods with a scenic FL backdrop

Night bowfishing catch — tilapia, gar, and stingray haul in Volusia County

Night bowfishing on St. Johns River

Tilapia and gar haul from Volusia night bowfishing

Night Bowfishing for Beginners in Astor, FL

Ready to try something totally different on the water? Captain Eugene's night bowfishing trip is perfect if you've never shot a bow before or just want to learn the ropes of this unique fishing style. We'll cruise the St. Johns River after dark, using powerful lights to spot fish near the surface. It's a laid-back trip where you'll get plenty of shots at tilapia, gar, and other species – all while learning proper technique and having a blast.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up at the dock in Astor around 7:30 PM to load up and go over some basics. Once it's good and dark, we'll head out on my 24-foot custom flatbottom. This boat is built for bowfishing with a raised shooting deck, generator, and bright LED lights that light up the water like daytime. I'll show you how to use the specialized bows and arrows, then we'll start slow-cruising the shallows and looking for fish. When we spot one, I'll position the boat for a clear shot. Don't worry if you miss at first – there's plenty of action, and you'll be sticking fish in no time with a little practice. We'll be out for about 4 hours total, giving you tons of chances to perfect your aim.

Bowfishing 101

Bowfishing is all about quick reactions and instinct shooting. We use special bows with reels attached that let you reel in your fish after a hit. The arrows have barbed tips to help hold onto your catch. The key is to aim low – light refraction in the water means the fish isn't quite where it looks. I'll teach you how to judge depth and lead moving targets. We'll also cover boat safety, since you'll be moving around the deck at night. Don't sweat it if you've never held a bow – I've taught complete newbies who were sticking fish left and right by the end of the night. It's addictive once you get the hang of it!

Target Species Breakdown

Brown Bullhead: These whiskered bottom-feeders are perfect targets for beginners. They often hang out in shallow water at night, making for easier shots. Bullheads average 1-2 pounds but can get up to 5 pounds. They're not the prettiest fish, but they put up a decent fight and are satisfying to arrow as your first bowfishing catch.

Alligator Gar: Now we're talking! Gator gar are the prize catch of Florida bowfishing. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow over 6 feet long and top 100 pounds. They often cruise near the surface at night, giving us great shot opportunities. Landing a big gar is a real rush – they're powerful and will test your gear and skills. We see them year-round, but summer nights are prime time.

Common Carp: Carp are invasive here, so there's no limit on how many you can take. They school up in the shallows to feed at night, sometimes with their backs out of the water. Carp average 5-15 pounds but can get much bigger. They're wary and spook easily, so a stealthy approach is key. Carp are a blast to shoot and great eating if you know how to clean them right.

Bowfin: Also called mudfish, these aggressive predators are a bowfisherman's favorite. They have a prehistoric look with long, eel-like bodies and powerful jaws. Bowfin average 2-5 pounds but can reach 10+. They're ambush predators, often holding still in vegetation which makes for challenging shots. Hooking one is like setting off a bomb – they go crazy when hit and will test your arrow setup.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Night bowfishing hooks people fast. It's so different from regular fishing – more active and exciting. You're constantly on the move, scanning the water, and taking shots. The night setting adds to the adventure, with the glow of the lights and the mystery of what might appear. Plus, it's a great group activity. I've had families, bachelor parties, and corporate groups out who had an absolute blast. Even if you don't land a monster, the action is non-stop, and you'll go home with some wild stories.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a unique Florida fishing experience, this night bowfishing trip is hard to beat. It's perfect for beginners, but even experienced anglers get hooked on this style of fishing. We provide all the gear, so you just need to show up ready for some fun. Remember, we're limited to 6 people per trip to ensure everyone gets plenty of shooting time. Summer and early fall are my favorite seasons, but we run year-round as long as the weather cooperates. Don't miss out on this chance to try something totally different – book your Volusia Night Bowfishing Charter today!

Learn more about the animals

Alligator Gar

Alligator Gar are prehistoric-looking monsters, often reaching 4-6 feet long and well over 100 pounds. You'll find them in the slow-moving parts of rivers, bayous, and backwaters. They're most active in late summer when it's hot and dry. Look for them in deep river bends next to shallow pools. Folks love bowfishing for Alligator Gar because of their massive size and dinosaur-like appearance. It's a real rush when you spot one of these giants. They can breathe air, so you'll often see them rolling at the surface. For bait, we use common carp or mullet on a big treble hook under a large, bright bobber. Remember, it's catch-and-release only for these fish. A local trick: wait for the gar to completely swallow your bait before setting the hook. It takes patience, but it's worth it when you hook into one of these prehistoric beasts.

Bowfin

Bowfin are prehistoric-looking fish, usually 18-24 inches long, with a mean streak. You'll find them in swampy areas, backwaters, and slow-moving rivers with lots of vegetation. They're most active at night, which makes them perfect for our night bowfishing trips. Anglers love targeting Bowfin because they fight like crazy – it's like hooking into a living fossil. These fish can breathe air, so you might spot them rolling at the surface. They've got a mouthful of sharp teeth, so watch your fingers when handling them. For bait, try cut bluegill or other small fish. Here's a local tip: when bowfishing, aim slightly low to account for light refraction in the water. Landing a Bowfin is a real thrill – just be ready for a battle when that arrow hits home.

Brown Bullhead

Brown Bullheads are bottom-dwelling catfish, typically 8-14 inches long. You'll find them in muddy ponds, slow-moving rivers, and swamps. They're most active at night, so that's when we target them. These fish love warm water, so late spring through summer is prime time. Folks enjoy catching Brown Bullheads because they put up a good fight for their size. They've got a unique look with those whisker-like barbels, which help them find food in murky water. To catch one, use a simple bottom rig with a small hook and nightcrawler or chicken liver. Let it sit on the bottom in 3-6 feet of water near vegetation. Just be careful of their sharp spines when handling them. They're not the prettiest fish, but they're fun to catch and can make for a tasty meal if you know how to prepare them right.

Common Carp

Common Carp are stocky, golden-bronze fish that usually run 15-30 inches and 4-30 pounds. You'll find them in lakes, slow rivers, and ponds, often near the bottom in 8-12 feet of water. They're most active in spring and fall, especially in the shallows. Anglers love targeting carp for their strong fight – they don't tire easily and can really test your skills. Look for them feeding in areas with insects or near aquatic plants. A simple but effective setup is a hair rig with corn or boilies as bait. Here's a local tip: carp spook easily, so approach quietly and avoid shiny gear. Let your bait sit still and be patient. When you feel that telltale run, hold on tight – you're in for a battle with one of freshwater's hardest-fighting fish.

About the Volusia Bowfishing Tours

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Susuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 140

Step aboard our 24' custom-built flat bottom bass boat, designed for night bowfishing on the St. Johns River. This spacious vessel comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests, making it perfect for small groups or families looking to try their hand at this unique fishing method. Powered by a reliable 140 HP Suzuki motor, the boat glides smoothly through the calm waters, allowing for steady shots at your targets. The deck is outfitted with bright lights that illuminate the water, helping you spot fish with ease. We've equipped the boat with professional-grade bows, arrows, and all necessary safety gear, so you can focus on honing your technique without worry. The flat bottom design provides excellent stability, giving beginners a solid platform to learn and practice their bowfishing skills. As night falls, you'll appreciate the ample space to move around and take aim at various fish species. Captain Eugene has customized this boat to create an ideal learning environment for newcomers to bowfishing, ensuring a comfortable and productive experience on the water.

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