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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Susuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 140