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Top-Rated Night Bowfishing in Tampa Bay
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Tampa
- $525 price range
- Updated Date: November 7, 2025
Summary
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Night Shots and Catches
Night Bowfishing in Tampa: Stingrays to Sheepshead
Get ready for a wild night on Tampa Bay with Captain Ike's half-day bowfishing adventure. This ain't your typical fishing trip - we're talking high-powered lights, specialized gear, and the thrill of the hunt as you target some of Florida's most exciting shallow-water species. Whether you're a seasoned bowfisher or just looking to try something new, this trip delivers non-stop action under the stars.
Trip Overview
Hop aboard Capt. Ike's tricked-out bowfishing boat for a 4-hour night mission in Tampa's rich inshore waters. We've got space for two shooters, so bring your buddy or significant other for a unique date night. The boat's decked out with intense LED floodlights that light up the shallows, making it easier to spot and shoot your targets. All the specialized bowfishing gear is provided, along with your fishing license, so you just need to show up ready to have a blast. We keep it chill with cold drinks in the cooler, but food's on you if you want to bring snacks. Fair warning - once you start arrowing fish, you might forget all about eating!
How Bowfishing Works
If you've never been bowfishing before, you're in for a treat. We use specialized bows fitted with reels that let you shoot and retrieve arrows attached to strong fishing line. As we cruise the flats, keep your eyes peeled for fish cruising in the lit-up shallows. When you spot one, draw your bow and let fly! It takes some practice to account for refraction in the water, but that's part of the fun. We'll be targeting a mix of species like stingrays, sheepshead, and even the occasional cobia if we're lucky. The beauty of bowfishing is you're always active - no waiting around for bites here. Just non-stop action as we move from spot to spot, picking off fish and having a blast.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Trip was so much fun Ike was a great charter he was able to get us on the fish even with bad weather conditions the day before making visibility hard. 10/10 experience 100% recommend it was so much fun!!" - Jacob
"We had an amazing time. As hunters from Wy it was pretty cool." - Dianna
Target Species Breakdown
Southern Stingray: These broad, flat rays are perfect bowfishing targets. They often feed in shallow water at night, stirring up the bottom as they go. Spotting their wings breaking the surface is a rush, and their size (up to 5 feet across) makes for an exciting fight once you connect. Just watch out for that barbed tail!
Sheepshead: Don't let those teeth fool you - sheepshead are more sheep than shark. These striped beauties love structure and put up a great fight for their size. They're crafty and quick, making them a fun challenge for bowfishers. The 'convict fish' nickname comes from their black and white stripes, and they're excellent eating if you want to take some home for the grill.
Cobia: While less common, cobia are the jackpot of inshore bowfishing. These curious fish often swim right up to the boat, giving you a perfect shot. They grow big (40+ pounds isn't uncommon) and fight like crazy. Cobia tend to show up more in warmer months, so cross your fingers for a chance at one of these bruisers.
Black Drum: Another hard-fighting inshore species, black drum can grow to over 50 pounds. They often feed in very shallow water at night, making them great bowfishing targets. Look for their distinctive barbels as they root around the bottom. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are great eating, while the big ones make for an epic photo before release.
Crevalle Jack: These are the speed demons of inshore waters. Jacks hunt in packs, so when you see one, be ready for more. They're incredibly strong for their size and will give your gear a workout. While not the best eating, the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Watching a school of jacks explode on bait in the lights is a sight you won't forget.
Book Your Night Hunt
Ready to experience the adrenaline rush of night bowfishing in Tampa Bay? Captain Ike knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish. Whether you're a bow hunting pro looking to test your skills on the water, or just want to try something completely different, this trip delivers. Remember to let us know your shooting hand and any other details that'll help us set you up for success. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your adventure. Get ready for a night of non-stop action, plenty of laughs, and some seriously cool fish. Book now and we'll see you on the water!
Customer Reviews
Fish Fun with Ike
Jacob Erickson
April 14, 2025
Wyoming Hunters Awed
We had an amazing time. As hunters from Wy it was pretty cool.
Dianna Lehn
March 14, 2025
Learn more about the animals
Black Drum
Black Drum are the big cousins of redfish, often weighing 5-30 pounds but can hit 90. They're dark-colored with powerful jaws for crushing oysters and shellfish. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, especially around oyster beds and muddy flats. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their strong fight and good eating, though I'd release the big ones over 15 pounds - the meat gets tough. To land one, use live bait like crabs or clams on the bottom. A 7- or 9-weight fly rod works well too. My tip? When fly fishing, go with weighted black flies that sink fast, like a Redfish Worm or Clouser Minnow. Present it right on the bottom and you'll be in business. Just watch out for that drumming sound they make - it's how they got their name!
Cobia
Cobia are those shark-lookalikes with a single dorsal fin, often mistaken for their cousins. They're solitary fish, averaging 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll find them around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and summer are prime as they migrate and spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their size, fight, and excellent eating. To catch one, sight fishing is key - look for them just below the surface. Use bucktail jigs in the 4-8 oz range, or live bait like eels. My local trick? Keep an eye out for rays - cobia often follow them around looking for an easy meal. When you spot one, cast well ahead and retrieve quickly. And be ready for a battle - these guys don't give up easy!
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of the ocean - powerful fighters that'll test your gear. They average 3-5 pounds but can hit 60. Look for them inshore around flats and grass beds, or offshore near reefs and floating mats. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, you've found a bunch. Spring and summer are prime, especially when baitfish are thick. Anglers love 'em for their hard-charging fight, though they're not great eating. To catch one, watch for birds diving - that's a dead giveaway. Use fast-moving lures like silver spoons or topwater plugs. My local tip? Cast past the school and retrieve quickly - these guys love the chase. And hold on tight when you hook up - they'll make your reel sing!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are those striped "convict fish" with human-like teeth - perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. They typically run 1-8 pounds but can hit 20. You'll find them around any structure - docks, bridges, reefs - munching on barnacles. Early spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love 'em for the tasty white meat, though they're tricky to clean. To catch one, get as close to the structure as you can without spooking them. Use light tackle and natural bait like fiddler crabs or shrimp. Here's the trick: they're notorious bait stealers, so set the hook fast and hard when you feel that nibble. My local tip? Scrape some barnacles off the pilings to create a chum slick - it'll bring 'em right to you. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Southern Stingray
Southern Stingrays are those kite-shaped creatures you'll spot gliding across the sandy bottom. Females can reach almost 6 feet across and 50 pounds - way bigger than the males. They love hanging out in shallow bays, beaches, and estuaries. You'll often find them buried in sand, only their eyes sticking out. These guys have a venomous barb on the tail, so watch your step! But they're actually pretty chill around humans. To target them, use live bait like pinfish. Cast near structure and slowly reel in, pausing every so often. They're strong fighters, so go with a heavy braided line, at least 150-pound test. Pier fishing works great since you can see them coming. My local trick? Scrape some barnacles off pilings to create a chum slick - it'll bring them right to you. Just be careful handling them and you'll have a blast.
Trip was so much fun Ike was a great charter he was able to get us on the fish even with bad weather conditions the day before making visibility hard. 10/10 experience 100% recommend it was so much fun!!