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Volusia Night Bowfishing: Skilled Angler's Dream
- Published Date: October 11, 2025
- Fishing
- Volusia
- $450 - $600 price range
Summary
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Nighttime Bullseyes
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 on St. Johns River
Get ready for a high-octane night of bowfishing on the St. Johns River in Astor, Florida. This 4-hour trip with Captain Eugene Nieratko is tailor-made for skilled archers looking to test their mettle against some of Florida's most challenging fish. You'll be shooting from a tricked-out 24' custom flat bottom, decked out with enough LED firepower to turn night into day. If you've got a steady hand and a sharp eye, this is the trip that'll put them to the test.
What's the Deal?
Kicking off at 8 PM, this shared trip is all about action. You and up to five other bowfishing buffs will cruise the St. Johns, hunting for Tilapia, Gar, Catfish, and Bowfin. Captain Eugene's boat is a bowfisher's dream - a 24-footer with a 140 HP Suzuki that'll get you on the fish fast. The LED setup is no joke; it'll light up the water like it's high noon. You'll be using top-notch bows and arrows, so no excuses if you miss! This isn't a leisurely cruise - it's four hours of non-stop shooting, perfect for those who live for the thrill of the hunt.
Bowfishing 101
If you're new to bowfishing, here's the skinny: it's like archery meets fishing, with a dash of hunting thrown in. You'll be standing on the boat's edge, bow at the ready. When a fish swims into view, you've got seconds to aim, factor in refraction (yeah, that's a thing), and let fly. It's all about quick reflexes and sharp instincts. The arrows are attached to reels on the bows, so once you hit your target, you reel 'em in. It's not easy - the fish are fast, and the water can play tricks on your eyes. But man, when you nail that first shot, you'll be hooked for life.
Target Species
Brown Bullhead: These whiskered bottom-feeders might not win any beauty contests, but they put up a solid fight. Averaging 1-2 pounds, they're most active at night, making them perfect targets for our trip. They love hanging out in weedy areas, so keep your eyes peeled when we cruise past vegetation.
Alligator Gar: Now we're talking! These prehistoric-looking beasts can grow over 6 feet long and top 100 pounds. They're like living fossils with armor-plated scales that'll test your arrow's penetration. Gar often surface to gulp air, giving you a perfect shot opportunity. Landing one of these monsters is a real trophy.
Common Carp: These golden giants are bowfishing favorites. They can grow up to 30 pounds or more and are known for their powerful runs once arrowed. Carp often feed in shallow water, stirring up mud clouds that give away their position. They're most active in warmer months, making summer nights prime time for carp action.
Bowfin: Don't let their size fool you - Bowfin are pound-for-pound one of the toughest fish you'll ever arrow. These living fossils have been around since the dinosaurs and fight like it. They love warm, weedy waters and can breathe air, so you might spot them gulping at the surface. Hit one of these, and you're in for a battle royale.
Why Bowfishers Can't Get Enough
Ask any bowfishing junkie why they keep coming back, and you'll get the same answer: it's addictive. There's something primal about stalking fish with a bow that gets the adrenaline pumping like nothing else. It's not just about the catch - it's about the hunt, the skill, and the rush of nailing that perfect shot. Plus, you're doing the ecosystem a solid by helping control invasive species like carp and tilapia. It's a win-win: you have a blast, and the local waterways benefit.
Gear Up and Ship Out
Ready to notch your bow and join the night crew? Here's what you need to know: Captain Eugene's got you covered with all the specialized gear - bows, arrows, and lights. Just bring yourself, some snacks (trust me, you'll work up an appetite), and clothes you don't mind getting a bit wet and fishy. A hat and polarized sunglasses can help cut the glare from the lights. Oh, and maybe pack some coffee - once you start, you won't want to stop when the four hours are up.
Time to Lock In Your Spot
If you're itching to let some arrows fly and fill the boat with fish, don't sleep on booking this trip. Bowfishing is catching on fast, and spots with top-notch guides like Captain Eugene fill up quick, especially during peak seasons. Remember, this isn't your average fishing trip - it's an all-out aquatic archery adventure. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills, test your reflexes, or just experience the rush of bowfishing under the stars, this is your chance. The St. Johns River is calling, and the fish are waiting. So grab your spot, gather your crew, and get ready for a night of non-stop action on the water. Just be warned: regular fishing might seem a bit tame after this!
Learn more about the animals
Alligator Gar
These prehistoric-looking fish are the biggest gar species, often reaching 4-6 feet and 100+ pounds. You'll spot them in the St. Johns, usually in slow-moving, warm waters. Late summer is prime time, when they're in deep river bends next to shallow pools. Alligator gar are a bowfishing favorite - they're challenging to hit and put up a heck of a fight. Their armor-like scales and long, toothy snouts make them look like swimming dinosaurs. To increase your odds, focus on areas where smaller fish gather. These gar are ambush predators, so they're often lurking nearby. Remember, it's catch-and-release only for alligator gar in Florida. If you're lucky enough to arrow one, you'll have a story (and maybe a photo) to brag about for years.
Bowfin
Bowfin are living fossils, looking much the same as they did millions of years ago. They usually run 18-24 inches long and put up one heck of a fight. You'll find them in weedy, swampy areas of the St. Johns, especially where the water's low in oxygen. They're most active at night, which makes them perfect for our bowfishing trips. What makes bowfin exciting is their aggressive nature - they'll attack just about anything. They're not considered good eating, but they're a blast to catch. Look for them in areas with lots of vegetation. If you're using a rod, try a bluegill as bait with the fins trimmed off. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke! Bowfin can breathe air, so don't be surprised if you see one gulping at the surface.
Brown Bullhead
These mud-colored catfish are a staple in our local waters, typically 8-14 inches long. You'll find them lurking near the bottom of murky ponds, slow-moving rivers, and swampy areas. They're most active at night, especially in warm weather. Brown bullheads aren't picky eaters - they'll go for worms, chicken liver, or even bread. What makes them fun to target is their fight - for their size, they put up a good scrap. Plus, their whisker-like barbels make them look pretty unique. If you're aiming to land one, try fishing near submerged logs or vegetation. My local tip? Use a lantern to attract insects, which in turn attract the bullheads. Just watch out for those sharp spines on their fins when you're handling them!
Common Carp
Carp are the bulldozers of our local waters, typically weighing 15-30 pounds. You'll find them in calm areas of the St. Johns, often rooting around in the mud for food. They're most active in spring and fall, especially in shallow waters. Carp fishing is all about the fight - these fish pull like freight trains and don't tire easily. They're not known for being pretty, but they're smart and challenging to catch. Most folks here target them for sport, not eating. If you're after a big one, try fishing at dawn or dusk in summer. My go-to trick is using sweet corn as bait - thread a few kernels onto a hair rig and let it sit on the bottom. Just be patient - carp are easily spooked, so minimal movement is key once you're set up.
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
