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St. Johns River Night Bowfishing Adventure

  • Published Date: October 11, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Volusia
  • $450 - $600 price range

Summary

Get ready for an action-packed night on the St. Johns River with Captain Eugene Nieratko's bowfishing charter. Starting at 8 PM, you and up to five friends will cruise the scenic waters near Astor, Florida on a custom 24-foot flat bottom boat. The bright deck lights illuminate the water, making it easier to spot and target fish like Tilapia, Gar, Catfish, and Bowfin. Don't worry if you're new to bowfishing - Captain Eugene provides all the gear and know-how to keep things fun and productive. He'll guide you through the basics and share local insights as you try your hand at this unique fishing method. The stable boat design ensures a comfortable experience, even for first-timers. With a 4-hour trip, you'll have plenty of time to hone your skills and hopefully land some impressive catches. It's a great way to experience Florida's waterways from a different perspective and enjoy some nighttime adventure.
St. Johns River Night Bowfishing Adventure

Night Shots and Big Catches

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Three fishing rods with a scenic FL backdrop

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

Solitary angler fishing in Florida

Night bowfishing on St. Johns River

Two anglers fishing in FL

Tilapia and gar haul from Volusia night bowfishing

Scenic view of coastal Florida landscape

Gar lineup from a Florida night bowfishing trip

Fishing in FL

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

Solitary angler fishing in Florida

Night bowfishing on St. Johns River

Two anglers fishing in FL

Tilapia and gar haul from Volusia night bowfishing

Scenic view of coastal Florida landscape

Gar lineup from a Florida night bowfishing trip

Fishing in FL

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

Solitary angler fishing in Florida

Night bowfishing on St. Johns River

Two anglers fishing in FL

Tilapia and gar haul from Volusia night bowfishing

Scenic view of coastal Florida landscape

Gar lineup from a Florida night bowfishing trip

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Night Bowfishing Adventure on St. Johns River

Ready for a unique fishing experience that'll get your heart racing? Hop aboard Captain Eugene Nieratko's custom-built 24' flat bottom bass boat for a night of bowfishing action on the St. Johns River. This 4-hour private charter kicks off at 8 PM, perfect for those who love the thrill of the hunt after dark. With space for up to 6 guests, it's an ideal outing for friends, family, or even a team-building event with a twist. Get ready to nock arrows and aim for some of Florida's most exciting rough fish species!

What to Expect on the Water

As the sun sets over Astor, Florida, Captain Eugene fires up the 140 HP Suzuki motor, and we're off to the prime bowfishing spots. The boat's custom design means a stable platform for shooting, crucial when you're trying to nail that perfect shot. Don't worry if you're new to this - the Captain's got you covered with all the gear you need, from bows and arrows to the bright deck lights that illuminate the water's surface. These lights are key, revealing the silhouettes of fish just below the surface. You'll be targeting a mix of species including Tilapia, Gar, Catfish, and Bowfin. The action is usually steady, so be prepared for a workout as you draw, aim, and release throughout the night. And hey, even if you miss a few, the stories of "the one that got away" are half the fun!

Bowfishing 101

If you've never tried bowfishing before, you're in for a treat. It's like archery meets angling, with a dash of hunting thrown in for good measure. The technique is pretty straightforward - you spot a fish, draw your bow, and let fly. But here's the catch (pun intended): water refraction means the fish isn't exactly where it appears to be. You'll need to aim low to hit your target. Captain Eugene will give you the rundown on how to adjust your aim based on the fish's depth and movement. The arrows are specially designed for water use, connected to a reel on your bow. So even if you miss, just reel it back in and try again. It's all about quick reflexes and a good eye, skills that improve with every shot you take. By the end of the night, you'll be nocking arrows like a pro!

Top Catches This Season

While we can't guarantee what you'll shoot on any given night (that's fishing for ya), the St. Johns River is teeming with rough fish that make for great bowfishing targets. Tilapia are a common catch, often hanging out in schools near the surface. They're not just fun to shoot, but tasty too if you're into keeping your catch. Gar are another favorite - these prehistoric-looking fish can grow to impressive sizes, and landing one is always a thrill. Catfish, especially the larger ones, provide a real challenge as they often hug the bottom. And let's not forget about Bowfin, also known as mudfish. These aggressive fighters are a blast to target and can really test your skills. Remember, bowfishing is all about conservation too - we're helping to manage populations of non-game fish, which in turn helps the gamefish thrive.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Brown Bullhead: These whiskered bottom-dwellers are a staple of the St. Johns River. They're not the biggest fish you'll target, usually ranging from 1-2 pounds, but they're plentiful and make for good eating if you're into catfish. Brown Bullheads tend to be more active at night, which makes them perfect for our bowfishing trips. They often hang out in slower-moving parts of the river, near submerged logs or vegetation. Spot their whisker-like barbels reflecting in the light, and you've found your target!

Alligator Gar: Now we're talking about a fish that'll really get your blood pumping. Alligator Gar are the largest gar species in North America, and they're a prized target for bowfishers. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow over 6 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds! They're often found near the surface, gulping air with their distinctive snouts. Alligator Gar are most active in warmer months, so summer trips offer the best chance at these monsters. Landing one of these is a real trophy and a story you'll be telling for years.

Common Carp: Imported from Europe in the 1800s, Common Carp have become a staple target for bowfishers across the country. In the St. Johns, they can grow to impressive sizes, with 20-pounders not uncommon. Carp often feed in shallow water, stirring up mud as they go, which makes them easier to spot. They're known for their strength and can put up a good fight once arrowed. Spring is typically the best time for carp, as they move into shallower areas to spawn.

Bowfin: Also known as mudfish or grinnel, Bowfin are a unique species that's been around since the age of dinosaurs. They're aggressive predators and can grow up to 10 pounds or more. Bowfin are air-breathers, often coming to the surface to gulp air, which makes them prime targets for bowfishing. They're most active in warmer months and prefer areas with lots of vegetation. Bowfin are known for their powerful runs once arrowed, so be ready for a fight!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something addictive about bowfishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the unique challenge of combining archery skills with fishing knowledge. Or perhaps it's the adrenaline rush of spotting a fish, drawing your bow, and making that perfect shot. For many, it's the camaraderie of spending a night on the water with friends, swapping stories and friendly competition. Captain Eugene's trips are designed to cater to all skill levels, so whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned bowfisher, you're guaranteed a good time. Plus, the St. Johns River offers a diverse range of species and beautiful scenery, making each trip a new adventure. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of bringing home a cooler full of fish that you shot yourself!

Time to Book Your Spot

So, are you ready to trade in your rod and reel for a bow and arrow? Captain Eugene's Volusia Night Bowfishing Charter is waiting to introduce you to the exciting world of night bowfishing on the St. Johns River. Whether you're looking for a unique way to spend an evening, wanting to hone your bowfishing skills, or just after a new fishing challenge, this trip has got you covered. Remember, the boat can accommodate up to 6 people, so grab your fishing buddies and make it a group adventure. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendar and commit when you're ready. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind Florida fishing experience - book your spot now and get ready for a night of non-stop action on the water!

Learn more about the animals

Alligator Gar

Alligator gar are the giants of our night trips, often stretching 4-6 feet and weighing over 100 pounds. These prehistoric-looking fish have long, toothy snouts that'll make you look twice. They hang out in the slower parts of the St. Johns, usually in deeper holes near shallow flats. Summer's prime time for gar, especially on hot, dry nights. Folks love targeting them for the pure thrill - they're tough to spot and even tougher to land. When you do connect, it's like fighting a gator on the end of your line. My local trick? Look for their telltale bubbles on the surface, then place your shot just behind the head. Remember, it's catch-and-release only for these big boys.

Alligator Gar

Bowfin

Bowfin are the living fossils of the St. Johns, looking pretty much the same as they did millions of years ago. They average 18-24 inches but can hit 30+ inches and over 10 pounds. You'll find 'em in weedy, swampy areas with low oxygen - they can actually breathe air. Bowfin are most active at night, making them perfect for our trips. They're known for their aggressive fight, often jumping and thrashing when hooked. Anglers love 'em for the pure sport, not so much for eating. Look for their snakelike bodies near vegetation edges. My tip? Aim just behind the head - these fish are tough and can take a hit.

Bowfin

Brown Bullhead

These muddy-colored catfish are real bottom-dwellers, typically 8-12 inches long. You'll find 'em in the slow, murky spots of the St. Johns, especially where there's lots of vegetation. They're most active at night, which makes 'em perfect for our bowfishing trips. Brown bullheads put up a decent fight for their size, and some folks swear by their taste. They'll eat just about anything, but chicken liver or nightcrawlers work great if you're rod fishing. My tip? Look for them near submerged logs or in the weedy shallows. They're not the prettiest fish, but landing one of these prehistoric-looking critters is always a fun surprise on a night out.

Brown Bullhead

Common Carp

Common carp are the bulldozers of the St. Johns, averaging 15-30 inches and 10-20 pounds. These golden-olive fish love slow, weedy areas and you'll often see them tailing in the shallows. Spring and fall are your best bet, when they're feeding aggressively in 2-8 feet of water. Carp give an impressive fight, making long runs and testing your gear. They're not known for eating quality, but the challenge of hooking one keeps anglers coming back. If you're using a rod, try corn or boilies on a hair rig. For bowfishing, patience is key - wait for them to settle before taking your shot. These fish spook easily, so keep movements slow and quiet.

Common Carp

About the Volusia Bowfishing Tours

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Susuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 140

Ready for a unique night out on the water? Captain Eugene's custom 24-foot flat bottom boat is primed for an evening of bowfishing action on the St. Johns River. With space for up to 6 guests, you'll cruise the scenic waterways of Astor, Florida under bright deck lights in search of Tilapia, Gar, Catfish, and Bowfin. The 140 HP Suzuki motor ensures a smooth ride, while the boat's stable design lets you focus on nailing those shots. No need to bring gear - Captain Eugene provides all the bows, arrows, and lights you'll need for a safe, fun, and productive 4-hour trip. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced bowfisher, you're in for an entertaining and informative night. The adventure kicks off at 8 PM, perfect timing to experience the river's nocturnal side. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so come ready to make some unforgettable catches!
Volusia Bowfishing Tours

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Book your family-friendly bowfishing adventure with Volusia Bowfishing Tours in Volusia County, FL today and experience an unforgettable night on the water with a top-rated local guide. Don’t wait—reserve your bowfishing charter now and see why we’re a favorite for anglers across Central Florida! 

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