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Expert-Guided Family Bowfishing in Tampa Bay
- Published Date: September 7, 2025
- Fishing
- Tampa
- $600 price range
Summary
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Night Shots on the Bay
Tampa Bowfishing Charters • Night bowfishing crew
Tampa bowfishing • Gar catch • Night action
Tampa bowfishing • Southern stingray and sheepshea
Tampa bowfishing • Sheepshead catch
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Florida bowfishing • Longnose gar
Florida bowfishing • Tilapia catch
Florida bowfishing • Longnose gar landed
Tampa Bowfishing Charters • Night bowfishing crew
Tampa bowfishing • Gar catch • Night action
Tampa bowfishing • Southern stingray and sheepshea
Tampa bowfishing • Sheepshead catch
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Florida bowfishing • Longnose gar
Florida bowfishing • Tilapia catch
Florida bowfishing • Longnose gar landed
Tampa Bowfishing Charters • Night bowfishing crew
Tampa bowfishing • Gar catch • Night action
Tampa bowfishing • Southern stingray and sheepshea
Tampa bowfishing • Sheepshead catch
Night Lights & Bowfishing: Family Fun in Tampa Bay
Get ready for a night of excitement on the water with Captain Ike's family-friendly bowfishing adventure in Tampa Bay. This 4-hour trip is perfect for folks of all ages looking to try something different. As the sun sets and the deck lights come on, you'll be amazed at how many fish you can spot in the shallow waters. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced shooter, Captain Ike's got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need for a successful outing.
What's the Deal with Night Bowfishing?
Picture this: you're gliding through Tampa Bay's calm waters after dark, the deck of the boat lit up like a floating Christmas tree. Those lights aren't just for show – they're your secret weapon for spotting fish. As you cruise along, keep your eyes peeled for the shimmer of scales or the distinctive shape of a ray gliding by. When you spot your target, it's time to take aim and let that arrow fly. Don't worry if you're new to this – Captain Ike's got a knack for helping even the greenest beginners feel like pros in no time. And for those of you who've done this before, you know the drill – there's plenty of action to keep you on your toes all night long.
Gear Up and Get Ready
Forget about lugging your own equipment – Captain Ike's got everything sorted. You'll be shooting with top-notch bows that are adjusted just right for each person in your group. Kids get lighter bows that are easier to handle, while adults can choose setups based on their strength and experience. The arrows are tethered, so no worries about losing them in the drink. And those bright lights on the boat? They're not just for finding fish – they make it a whole lot easier (and safer) to move around the deck. Captain Ike's also got all the licenses covered, so you can focus on having a good time without sweating the legal stuff. Just bring yourself, some comfy clothes, and maybe a snack or two for when you need to refuel between shots.
Why Families Keep Coming Back
There's something special about spending an evening out on Tampa Bay with your loved ones, taking turns trying to land the big one. It's not just about the fish – it's about the laughs, the high-fives, and those "did you see that?" moments. Parents love watching their kids light up when they hit their first target, and kids get a kick out of sometimes outscoring the grown-ups. Plus, it's a chance to unplug from screens and really connect with each other. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the bragging rights that come with bringing home a photo of your catch to show off at school or work the next day.
Tampa Bay's Bowfishing All-Stars
Black Drum: These bruisers are a favorite target for bowfishers in Tampa Bay. They can grow to over 50 pounds, but the ones you'll be after are usually in the 5-15 pound range. Black drum love hanging out near structures like docks and bridges, so keep your eyes peeled when you're cruising past these spots. They're most active at night, making them perfect for your evening adventure.
Southern Stingray: Spotting one of these graceful creatures gliding across the sandy bottom is a real treat. They can get huge – up to 5 feet across – but don't worry, the ones you'll be targeting are typically smaller. Stingrays are masters of camouflage, often burying themselves in the sand with just their eyes poking out. It takes a sharp eye to spot them, but when you do, it's game on!
Sheepshead: These striped fish are known for their human-like teeth (yep, you read that right) and their uncanny ability to steal bait from hooks. But with a bow, you've got the upper hand. They love hanging around structures like pilings and oyster beds. Sheepshead are crafty and quick, so nailing one with an arrow is definitely something to be proud of.
Crevalle Jack: These guys are the speed demons of Tampa Bay. When you spot a school of jacks, get ready for some fast-paced action. They're known for their powerful runs and can put up quite a fight. Crevalle jacks often hunt in schools, so if you see one, there's a good chance more are nearby.
Cobia: Landing a cobia is like hitting the jackpot in the bowfishing world. These fish can grow over 100 pounds and are known for their strength and tasty meat. They're often found near big structures or following large rays. Spotting a cobia is exciting, but hitting one? That's a story you'll be telling for years.
Ready to Give it a Shot?
If you're looking for a unique way to spend an evening in Tampa Bay, Captain Ike's bowfishing trip is hard to beat. It's safe, it's exciting, and it's something the whole family can enjoy together. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to try something new, this trip offers a perfect mix of adventure and quality time. So why not round up the crew and book your spot? The fish are waiting, the lights are ready, and Captain Ike's got everything else covered. Get ready for a night of laughs, thrills, and maybe even a new family tradition in the making. Don't let this opportunity slip away – hook your reservation now and get ready for some unforgettable Tampa Bay bowfishing action!
Learn more about the animals
Black Drum
Black Drum are hefty fish, typically 5-30 pounds but can reach 90. You'll find them in Tampa Bay's brackish waters, especially around oyster beds and mudflats. They're bottom-feeders with strong jaws, crushing shellfish and crabs. Spring's the prime time to target them as they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and good eating, though stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds for the best flavor. They make a distinctive drumming sound, which can help you locate them. For bait, fresh crabs or clams work well. My local tip: use a heavy sinker to keep your bait on the bottom where these guys feed. Be patient - their bite can be subtle, but once hooked, they'll give you a real workout.
Cobia
Cobia are one of Tampa Bay's prized catches, often mistaken for sharks with their long, sleek bodies. They typically run 20-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them near structures like buoys, wrecks, and even big rays they follow. Spring and early summer are prime, as cobia migrate through our waters. Anglers love 'em for their hard fight and excellent table fare. They're usually loners, which makes spotting one extra exciting. To land a cobia, try sight-fishing with live eels or big jigs. Here's my local trick: always keep a ready rod with a bucktail jig when you're out. Cobia often appear out of nowhere, and you'll want to be ready to cast quickly. Once hooked, hang on tight – these fish can make blistering runs and even jump.
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of Tampa Bay. These powerful fish usually run 3-5 pounds, but can hit 60. Look for them in both shallow flats and deeper waters, often chasing bait to the surface. They're easy to spot when they're feeding – just look for the birds diving. Jacks are known for their explosive strikes and hard-fighting nature, making them a blast to catch. They're not great eating, so we usually release them. Spring and summer are prime times to find big schools. To hook one, cast silver spoons or topwater plugs into the frenzy and retrieve fast. Here's a local tip: if you smell something like watermelon on the water, there's probably a school of jacks feeding nearby. It's weird, but true!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, those striped "convict fish," are a Tampa Bay favorite. They usually run 1-8 pounds, but can hit 20. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and oyster beds. They're famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crunch barnacles and crabs. Spring's the hot time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love 'em for their tasty white meat and the challenge – they're notorious bait stealers. To catch one, get your bait right up against pilings or structure. Use small hooks and light tackle. Here's my local trick: scrape some barnacles off a piling to create a chum slick. It'll bring the sheepshead right to you. Just be ready for a quick, subtle bite and set that hook fast!
Southern Stingray
Southern Stingrays are flat, kite-shaped creatures you'll spot gliding across Tampa Bay's sandy bottoms. Females can grow up to 5 feet wide, while males are smaller. They're most active at night, which makes our evening trips perfect for spotting them. These rays love hanging out in shallow, warm waters, often burying themselves in the sand. While they have a venomous barb, they're generally docile unless stepped on. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their unique shape and strong pull when hooked. They're not typically eaten, so we practice catch-and-release. To land one, use live bait like small fish on the bottom. Here's a pro tip: look for their wing tips breaking the surface as they feed in shallow water. It's a dead giveaway and makes for an exciting sight-fishing experience.
About the Tampa Bowfishing Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
