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Family Night Bowfishing on St. Johns River
- Published Date: October 11, 2025
- Fishing
- Volusia
- $450 - $600 price range
Summary
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Night Shots and Big Catches
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
Gar lineup from a Florida night bowfishing trip
Fresh tilapia catch from a night bowfishing trip
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
Gar lineup from a Florida night bowfishing trip
Fresh tilapia catch from a night bowfishing trip
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
Gar lineup from a Florida night bowfishing trip
Night Bowfishing Adventure for Families in Astor
Ready for a family outing like no other? Captain Eugene Nieratko's night bowfishing charter on the St. Johns River is the perfect blend of excitement, skill-building, and quality time together. This 4-hour private trip kicks off at 8 PM, giving you and your crew a chance to experience the river's nocturnal side while trying your hand at a unique fishing method. Whether you're local to Astor or visiting Florida, this trip offers a fresh twist on family fun that'll have everyone talking long after you're back on dry land.
What to Expect on the Water
As the sun sets, you'll hop aboard Captain Eugene's 24-foot custom flat bottom bass boat, a vessel designed specifically for bowfishing success. The 140 HP Suzuki motor will zip you to prime fishing spots, where powerful lights illuminate the water's surface. These aren't just any lights – they're specially rigged to help you spot fish swimming near the surface. You'll be armed with quality bows and arrows, perfect for beginners and experienced archers alike. The calm waters of the St. Johns River provide an ideal setting for families, offering a stable platform and plenty of opportunities to see and shoot at fish. Don't worry if you've never done this before – Captain Eugene's got years of experience and will show you the ropes, ensuring everyone from kids to grandparents can join in on the action.
Bowfishing 101
Bowfishing is like archery meets angling, and it's a blast for all ages. Instead of a rod and reel, you'll use a bow fitted with a special reel that's attached to your arrow. When you spot a fish, you'll draw back, aim slightly below (due to light refraction in the water), and let fly. The arrow is connected to a line, so once you make a hit, you can reel in your catch. It's a bit different from regular fishing – you're actively hunting for your targets rather than waiting for a bite. The best part? You don't need to be an expert marksman to have fun. Captain Eugene will teach you how to spot fish, judge distances, and make accurate shots. By the end of the night, you'll be surprised at how quickly you pick up this addictive sport.
Top Catches This Season
Astor's stretch of the St. Johns River is teeming with bowfishing targets. You'll be on the lookout for several species that are perfect for this method:
Tilapia: These invasive fish are everywhere, and removing them actually helps the ecosystem. They hang out near the surface at night, making them prime targets for bowfishing. Tilapia can grow to a decent size, and they're known for their tenacity – landing one is always a thrill.
Gar: With their long, toothy snouts, gar look like something from prehistoric times. They're fast swimmers but often float near the surface, giving you a great shot at them. Landing a big gar is a real accomplishment and will definitely be a highlight of your trip.
Catfish: While not as common a target, catfish can be bowfished when they come to the surface at night. They put up a great fight and can grow to impressive sizes in the St. Johns River.
Bowfin: These aggressive predators are a favorite among bowfishers. They're quick and can be challenging to hit, but that just makes it more satisfying when you do. Bowfin have a prehistoric look to them, with a long dorsal fin running most of their body length.
Why Families Keep Coming Back
Night bowfishing isn't just about catching fish – it's about creating memories. Families love this trip because it offers something for everyone. Kids get a kick out of staying up late and the excitement of shooting arrows into the water. Parents appreciate the safety measures and the chance to teach their kids a new skill. And everyone enjoys the unique perspective of being on the river at night, seeing familiar landscapes transformed by darkness and spotlights. It's a chance to work together, cheer each other on, and share in the excitement of each catch. Plus, let's be honest – there's something undeniably cool about wielding a bow and arrow to catch your dinner!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Brown Bullhead: These whiskered bottom-dwellers might not be the prettiest fish in the river, but they're a blast to catch. Brown bullheads tend to feed at night, making them perfect targets for your nighttime adventure. They average 1-2 pounds but can grow larger. What makes them fun is their tendency to put up a scrappy fight once hooked. Plus, if you're into fish fries, bullheads make for some tasty eating.
Alligator Gar: Now we're talking about a fish that'll get your heart racing. Alligator gar can grow over 6 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds. They're prehistoric-looking creatures with long, tooth-filled snouts that give them their name. These monsters often float near the surface, making them prime bowfishing targets. Landing a big gar is a true test of skill and strength – it's an experience you won't forget.
Common Carp: Carp are the bread and butter of bowfishing. They're plentiful, can grow to impressive sizes, and are considered invasive in many areas, so removing them actually helps the ecosystem. Carp often feed in shallow water, stirring up mud as they go. This behavior makes them easier to spot and target. A 20-pounder isn't uncommon, and the fight they put up is legendary.
Bowfin: Also known as mudfish, bowfin are aggressive predators that put up one heck of a fight. They can breathe air, which means you'll often see them gulping at the surface – perfect for bowfishing. Bowfin haven't changed much in millions of years, giving you the chance to catch a living fossil. They're fast, strong, and can grow up to 10 pounds or more. Landing a bowfin is always exciting, and they're abundant in the St. Johns River system.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Eugene's night bowfishing charter isn't just a fishing trip – it's a full-on adventure that your family will be talking about for years to come. You'll learn a new skill, experience the river in a whole new light (literally), and have the chance to land some impressive fish. With room for up to 6 people, it's perfect for families or a group of friends looking for something different. Remember, the boat is equipped with everything you need, so all you have to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a snack or two. Night bowfishing trips are gaining popularity fast, so don't wait to book your spot. Get ready to notch up your family outing game and create some unforgettable memories on the St. Johns River!
Learn more about the animals
Alligator Gar
Alligator gar are the prehistoric giants of the St. Johns. They can grow over 6 feet long and pack a mean set of teeth. You'll find them in deep river bends and backwaters, especially during hot, dry spells in late summer. These fish are a bowfisher's dream - big targets that put up an impressive fight. We catch them using specialized heavy-duty gear. Gar are tough to hook conventionally, but their armor-like scales make them perfect for bowfishing. While we can't keep them, the thrill of landing one of these ancient beasts is unforgettable. Look for them near the surface on calm nights - their distinctive snouts often break the water as they gulp air. Remember, patience is key with gar. They're wary, so we'll take our time to set up the perfect shot.
Bowfin
Bowfin are living fossils, basically unchanged since dinosaur times. They average 18-30 inches and love our swampy, vegetated areas. These fish are mean fighters - pound for pound, some of the toughest in the river. Bowfin thrive in low-oxygen waters where other fish struggle, thanks to their ability to gulp air. We usually find them prowling the shallows at night, perfect for our bowfishing trips. Look for their long, wavy dorsal fin breaking the surface. Bowfin aren't known for good eating, but the challenge of landing one keeps anglers coming back. They've got a mouthful of sharp teeth, so we handle them carefully. When you're ready to shoot, aim slightly low - bowfin can make quick, darting movements that'll throw off your aim if you're not prepared.
Brown Bullhead
These muddy-colored catfish are common in the St. Johns, typically 20-30 inches long. They love warm, slow-moving water with soft bottoms. You'll find them in swampy areas, ditches, and murky parts of the river. Brown bullheads are most active at night, making them perfect for our evening trips. They put up a decent fight for their size, and some folks enjoy eating them (though they can be bony). To catch one, use a bottom rig with worms or chicken liver. Let it sink right to the muddy bottom - that's where they feed. Just watch out for their sharp spines when handling them. These whiskered fish might not win any beauty contests, but they're fun to catch and a neat part of our local ecosystem.
Common Carp
Carp are the bulldozers of the St. Johns, averaging 15-30 inches and often topping 20 pounds. These golden-bronze fish love slow-moving, warm waters and hang out near the bottom in 8-12 feet depths. Spring and fall are prime times, when they move into the shallows to feed aggressively. Carp put up a heck of a fight, making them a favorite for bowfishing. They're not the prettiest fish, but they'll test your skills and strength. To increase your chances, look for muddy water where they're stirring up the bottom. Carp spook easily, so we'll use our lights carefully and keep movement on the boat to a minimum. Once you spot one, take your time lining up your shot - accuracy is key with these wary fish.
About the Volusia Bowfishing Tours
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Susuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 140
