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Top-Rated Night Bowfishing in Tampa Bay
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Tampa
- $600 price range
- Updated Date: September 7, 2025
Summary
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Night Shots and Big Catches
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 Bowfishing: Tampa Bay's Hidden Gem
Ready for a twist on your typical fishing trip? Grab your bow and join Captain Ike for an unforgettable night of bowfishing in the rich waters of Tampa Bay. This half-day adventure puts you right in the action, targeting a variety of species under the stars. Whether you're a seasoned bowfisher or trying it for the first time, you're in for a treat as we light up the shallows and hunt for some of Florida's most exciting inshore species.
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're gliding through Tampa's inshore waters on a decked-out bowfishing boat, powerful lights illuminating the shallows beneath you. As fish dart in and out of view, you draw your bow, waiting for the perfect shot. That's the thrill of night bowfishing with Tampa Bowfishing Charters. This 4-hour trip is all about combining the skill of archery with the excitement of fishing, giving you a unique way to experience Tampa Bay after dark. Captain Ike's got you covered with all the gear you need, from bows and arrows to fishing licenses, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a snack or two.
Bowfishing 101
If you've never been bowfishing before, don't sweat it. It's like regular fishing, but way cooler. Instead of a rod and reel, you're armed with a specialized bow and arrow. The boat's high-intensity lights do more than just help you see – they actually attract fish to the surface, making them easier targets. You'll be aiming for species like stingrays, sheepshead, and if you're lucky, even some cobia. The key is to aim slightly below where you see the fish (due to light refraction in the water) and let that arrow fly. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be hooked. Captain Ike's there to give you pointers and make sure you're set up for success, whether you're right or left-handed.
What Folks 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
Fish in the Spotlight
Black Drum: These bruisers are a favorite among bowfishers. They can grow to over 100 pounds, though the ones you'll target are usually in the 5-30 pound range. Black drum hang out near structure and often travel in schools, making them a prime target for night bowfishing. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring, and put up a heck of a fight when arrowed.
Southern Stingray: Gliding across the sandy bottom, stingrays are like the ghosts of the shallows. They can span up to 5 feet across and are a real test of your bowfishing skills. Stingrays are around all year but are more common in warmer months. Spotting and hitting these flat, camouflaged targets is a rush – just watch out for that barbed tail!
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are sometimes called "convict fish." They're crafty creatures, known for stealing bait from regular fishing hooks, but they can't outsmart a well-placed arrow. Sheepshead are most abundant in cooler months and love hanging around structure like bridges and pilings. They're not huge, usually 2-8 pounds, but they're a blast to target.
Crevalle Jack: These guys are the speedsters of inshore waters. Crevalle jacks move fast and fight hard, making them an exciting bowfishing target. They show up in big schools, especially in the warmer months, and can weigh anywhere from 2 to 20 pounds. When a school of jacks comes through, get ready for some rapid-fire action!
Cobia: Landing a cobia on a bowfishing trip is like hitting the jackpot. These powerful fish can grow over 100 pounds and are known for their strong runs. Cobia are migratory, typically showing up in Tampa Bay waters in spring and fall. They often hang around structures or even sharks and rays, so keep your eyes peeled for these prized catches.
Lock in Your spot
Night bowfishing in Tampa Bay isn't just fishing – it's an adventure you'll be talking about for years. Whether you're looking to try something new or you're a bow hunter wanting to test your skills on the water, this trip's got something for everyone. With only room for two on the boat, you're guaranteed a personalized experience with plenty of shots at fish. Remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so check your calendar and get ready to notch your belt with some Tampa Bay bowfishing action. Give Captain Ike a shout, and let's get you out on the water for a night you won't forget!
Customer Reviews
Ike Hooks Fish Fun
Jacob Erickson
April 14, 2025
Wyomings Wild Ride
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 hefty fighters, typically weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach up to 90. They're common in Tampa's brackish waters and estuaries, hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats. Look for them in spring when they school up to spawn, making some wild drumming sounds underwater. Anglers love 'em for their strong pull and tasty meat, though I'd recommend keeping the smaller ones under 15 pounds for better eating. They're bottom-feeders, so use live bait like crabs or clams. My go-to trick is using a bucktail jig, working it slowly along the bottom. Just remember, these guys have powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish, so use sturdy gear. Black Drum aren't the prettiest fish out there, but they'll give you a run for your money and make for a good fish fry.
Cobia
Cobia are the prize fighters of Tampa Bay. These sleek, brown battlers can hit 100 pounds, though 20-40 is more common. They're often mistaken for sharks cruising near the surface. Look for them around markers, wrecks, and even following big rays in spring and summer. Cobia are prized for both their powerful fights and excellent table fare. They're curious fish, so sight-fishing is a blast – cast a live eel or big jig right in front of them. My local tip: always have a ready rod with a bucktail jig when you're out. Cobia often show up unexpectedly, and you'll want to be ready. These fish aren't super common, but when you hook one, you're in for a treat. Just be ready for some acrobatics at the boat – they're known for their last-ditch efforts to shake free.
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of Tampa Bay. These golden-sided bruisers usually run 3-5 pounds but can hit 60. You'll find them busting up bait schools in the bay and along the beaches, especially in warmer months. Look for diving birds – that's often a dead giveaway. Anglers love Jacks for their aggressive strikes and bulldog fights. They'll hit just about anything that moves, from topwater plugs to spoons. My go-to trick is to cast past the school and rip your lure through it fast. These guys love the chase, so don't be shy about a quick retrieve. Fair warning though, they're not great eating, so most folks release them. But if you want a fish that'll make your drag scream and your arms burn, Crevalle Jacks are hard to beat.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are a Tampa Bay favorite, known for their funky human-like teeth and convict stripes. These crafty fish typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. Spring's the hot time to target them as they gather to spawn. Anglers dig 'em for their tricky bite and sweet, white meat. To catch 'em, you've got to outsmart 'em. They're notorious bait stealers, so use small hooks and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or oysters. My top tip: when you feel that telltale nibble, wait a beat before setting the hook hard. It takes some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be hooked on sheepshead fishing. Just watch out for those fins when you're handling them – they're sharp!
Southern Stingray
Southern Stingrays are flat-out cool to target. These kite-shaped bottom-dwellers can get big, with females reaching up to 5 feet across and 50 pounds. You'll find them cruising Tampa's sandy flats and seagrass beds, often in just a few feet of water. They're active year-round, but warmer months are prime time. Folks love bowfishing for rays because of the challenge - they're quick and can disappear in a blink. Plus, there's something prehistoric about their look. When you're out, keep an eye for their wing tips breaking the surface. A local trick: use the boat's lights to spot their eyes glowing at night. Just remember, they've got that venomous barb on the tail, so handle with care if you land one. It's all about the stealthy approach and a quick, accurate shot.
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!!