Top-Rated Night Bowfishing in Tampa Bay

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Tampa
$600 price range

Summary

Get ready for a unique night fishing adventure in Tampa Bay! Captain Ike takes you out on a purpose-built boat equipped with powerful lights to spot fish in the shallows. You'll be bowfishing for stingrays, sheepshead, flounder, cobia, and more under the stars. It's a whole different way to experience Tampa's rich marine life. The boat has everything you need – bowfishing gear, fishing licenses, and even a cooler for your drinks. Whether you're new to bowfishing or an experienced archer, the captain will help you line up great shots. It's smart to let them know your group's details (ages, gender mix, and if you shoot right- or left-handed) so they can set you up with the right gear. Remember, this is an active trip – you'll be on your feet, scanning the water, and ready to draw your bow when fish appear. The night air, glowing lights on the water, and the thrill of the hunt make for an unforgettable outing on Tampa Bay.

Night Shots on the Water

Longnose Gar, a freshwater fish, in Tampa, Florida

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Sheepshead fish caught while fishing in Florida

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Longnose Gar, 45-inch fish caught while fishing in FL

Florida bowfishing • Longnose gar

Night Bowfishing: Tampa Bay's Hidden Thrill

Ready for a fishing trip that's way off the beaten path? Captain Ike's night bowfishing charters in Tampa Bay are where it's at. Picture this: you're gliding through shallow waters under a starry sky, high-powered lights illuminating the depths below. Suddenly, a massive stingray glides into view. You draw your bow, take aim, and... well, you'll have to book the trip to find out what happens next. This isn't your grandpa's fishing trip - it's an adrenaline-pumping adventure that'll have you hooked from the first shot.

What's the Deal?

Forget about sitting around waiting for a bite. On this trip, you're the hunter, not the gatherer. Captain Ike's custom-rigged boat is decked out with bright lights that turn the water crystal clear, even in the dead of night. You'll be stalking the shallows for some of Tampa's most interesting fish - we're talking stingrays as big as your coffee table, chunky sheepshead, and if you're lucky, maybe even a cobia. The best part? No experience needed. Whether you're a bow hunting pro or you've never held a bow in your life, Captain Ike will get you dialed in and shooting like a pro in no time.

How We Roll

Night bowfishing is all about stealth and precision. We'll cruise the flats, using those high-powered lights to spot our targets. When a fish comes into range, it's go time. You'll be using specialized bowfishing gear - think a sturdy bow rigged with a reel and arrow designed for piercing through water. Don't worry if you're not Annie Oakley - Captain Ike will give you the rundown on technique, from proper stance to how to account for refraction in the water. And hey, if you miss your first few shots, no sweat. There's plenty of fish in the sea, and we've got all night to get you on the board.

Straight from the Shooters

"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

Fish in Our Sights

Black Drum: These bruisers are like the drum majors of Tampa Bay. They can grow to over 100 pounds, but we usually target the "puppy drums" in the 5-30 pound range. Black drum love to hang out near structure and oyster beds, making them perfect targets for night bowfishing. They put up a great fight and are a blast to arrow.

Southern Stingray: Talk about a prehistoric-looking creature! Southern stingrays can reach wingspans of up to 5 feet, making them an impressive target. They glide along the bottom, often burying themselves in the sand. Spotting and shooting one of these bad boys is a real rush - just watch out for that barbed tail!

Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you - sheepshead are no pushovers. These striped battlers are known for their strong fights and delicious meat. They love structure, so we'll be targeting them around pilings and reefs. Shooting a sheepshead takes skill, as they're quick to spook and can turn on a dime.

Crevalle Jack: If you're looking for a real challenge, crevalle jacks are your fish. These speedsters are like the cheetahs of the sea, known for blistering runs that'll test your gear and your arms. Spotting a school of jacks cruising through the lights is a sight you won't soon forget.

Cobia: The holy grail of Tampa Bay bowfishing. Cobia are migratory fish that show up in the warmer months, and they can grow to over 100 pounds. They're curious creatures, often following rays or sharks, which makes them perfect for bowfishing. Landing a cobia is the stuff of bragging rights - these fish are prized for both their fight and their tasty fillets.

Time to Notch Your Arrow

Look, we could go on all day about the rush of night bowfishing in Tampa Bay, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. Whether you're a seasoned bowhunter looking for a new challenge or just someone who wants to try something completely different, Captain Ike's got you covered. With all the gear provided and cold drinks on board, all you need to bring is a sense of adventure and maybe a camera to capture your epic shots. Spots fill up fast, especially during prime season, so don't wait. Get in touch with Tampa Bowfishing Charters and book your night of aquatic archery today. Trust us, it's an experience you'll be telling stories about for years to come.

Customer Reviews

Fish Fun Despite Fog

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 Erickson

April 14, 2025

Wyoming Hunters Wow

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

Cobia are sleek, powerful fish that can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. They're loners, so spotting one is always exciting. Spring and early summer are prime time as they migrate and spawn. Cobia put up an incredible fight and taste amazing, making them a favorite target. Look for them near the surface, often mistaken for sharks due to their single dorsal fin. To land one, try sight fishing with bucktail jigs in the 4-8 oz range. Color doesn't matter much, but presentation is key. Cast ahead of the fish and retrieve quickly to trigger their predatory instincts. These bruisers will test your gear and skills, but the reward is worth it.

Cobia

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of Tampa Bay, packing a punch in a compact package. Most run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but they can hit 60 pounds in deeper water. Look for them in seagrass beds, flats, and around structures, often betrayed by feeding birds. These golden bruisers are here year-round but really fire up in warmer months. Jacks are prized for their aggressive strikes and stamina – they'll test your arms and your gear. To hook up, watch for surface commotion and cast silver spoons or topwater lures into the fray. Retrieve fast, these guys love a chase. Pro tip: if you smell watermelon, you're in the right spot. Jacks give off that scent when feeding heavily.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convicts of Tampa Bay, sporting distinctive black and white stripes. They typically run 1-8 pounds, but can reach up to 20 pounds if you're lucky. You'll find them around barnacle-covered structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. Spring is prime time as they form large spawning groups. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their crafty nature and excellent table fare. They're notorious bait stealers with those human-like teeth, so setting the hook fast is key. For best results, use light tackle and natural baits like fiddler crabs or shrimp. Get as close to the structure as you can without spooking them. Patience is your friend here – wait for that telltale nibble before setting the hook hard.

Southern Stingray

Southern stingrays are kite-shaped bottom-dwellers, common in Tampa's shallow waters. Females can grow up to 5 feet across, while males top out around 2 feet. You'll spot them gliding over sandy flats or hiding beneath a thin layer of sand. They're most active at night, making them perfect for our bowfishing trips. Stingrays put up a good fight and are an exciting target, especially in clear, shallow water. Watch for their distinctive diamond shape and whip-like tail. When you see one, aim just behind the eyes for the best shot. Remember, they've got that venomous barb, so handle with care if you land one. It's all about patience and a keen eye with these guys.

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