Premier Bowfishing in Missouri | All-Out Charters

Published Date: September 26, 2025
Fishing

Missouri
$350 - $600 price range

Summary

Get ready for a fun morning of bowfishing in Missouri with Capt. Steven! This 6-hour trip is great for newcomers who want to try their hand at this unique fishing style. You'll be targeting Common Carp, Longnose Gar, Freshwater Drum, and Shad in prime spots around the area. Don't worry about gear – we've got you covered with all the equipment you'll need. Capt. Steven will show you the ropes, teaching you how to aim, shoot, and reel in your catch. It's a hands-on experience that's as educational as it is exciting. Remember to bring some snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray to stay comfortable on the water. With a max of 2 guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one guidance to hone your skills. Keep in mind that deposits can't be refunded, so lock in your spot when you're ready for this unique fishing adventure!

Premier Bowfishing in Missouri | All-Out Charters

Bowfishing Action Shots

Paddlefish: the river’s hidden treasure.

Freshwater giants await.

Snag, reel, repeat. Paddlefish style!

Adventure starts where the paddlefish swim.

Bowfishing Bonanza: Carp & Gar Adventure in Missouri

Ready to try something totally different on the water? Capt. Steven's got you covered with this 6-hour bowfishing trip that'll have you hooked from the start. Whether you're a total newbie or just looking to sharpen your skills, this is the perfect chance to get in on the action. We'll be going after some of Missouri's most exciting rough fish species, and trust me, there's nothing quite like the rush of drawing back that bow and letting an arrow fly.

What's the Deal with Bowfishing?

Alright, let's break it down. Bowfishing is like archery meets angling, and it's a blast. We'll cruise the calm Missouri waters in the morning, keeping our eyes peeled for fish near the surface. When we spot one, you'll draw your bow, aim just below the fish (thanks, refraction), and let it rip. It's fast-paced, exciting, and honestly, pretty addictive. Don't sweat it if you've never done this before - Capt. Steven's got all the gear you need and he'll show you the ropes. By the end of the day, you'll be nailing shots like a pro.

Gearing Up for Success

Now, about the gear - we've got you covered. You'll be using specialized bowfishing bows that are way easier to handle than your typical hunting bow. They're set up with reels that'll help you reel in your catch after you've made your shot. The arrows? They're heavy-duty with barbed tips to make sure your fish doesn't slip away. Safety's a big deal out here, so we'll go over all the dos and don'ts before we start slinging arrows. Just remember to bring some grub, slap on that sunscreen, and don't forget the bug spray - those Missouri mosquitoes can be no joke!

Target Species

Common Carp: These guys are the bread and butter of bowfishing. They're big, they're plentiful, and man, can they put up a fight. Carp often cruise near the surface, making them perfect targets. They can grow up to 30 pounds or more, so when you connect with one, hold on tight! Spring and early summer are prime time for carp, when they're up shallow spawning.

Longnose Gar: Talk about a prehistoric-looking fish! Gar are long, toothy, and covered in armor-like scales. They love to bask near the surface, which makes them great bowfishing targets. They're quick, though, so you'll need to lead your shots. Gar fishing heats up in the summer when water temps rise. Landing one of these bad boys is always a highlight of the trip.

Freshwater Drum: Also known as "sheepshead," these silvery fish can give you a run for your money. They're not always easy to spot, but when you do see one, it's game on. Drum can grow pretty big, sometimes over 20 pounds. They're most active in the warmer months and put up a solid fight when arrowed.

Shad: These smaller fish might not be the main target, but they're fun to go after when you're honing your skills. Shad move in schools, so if you see one, there's probably more nearby. They're quick and can test your reflexes. Plus, they're great practice for hitting moving targets.

Why Bowfishers Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, once you've tried bowfishing, regular fishing might never be the same. It's active, it's challenging, and every shot gets your heart racing. You're not just sitting around waiting for a bite - you're constantly on the move, scanning the water, and ready to spring into action. And the best part? You're helping to control invasive species like carp, so you can feel good about your catch. It's conservation and excitement all rolled into one awesome package.

Time to Notch Your Bow

Alright, folks, if you're itching to try something new on the water, this is your chance. Capt. Steven's Extended Half Day Beginner-Friendly Bowfishing Trip is the perfect way to dip your toes (or arrows) into this awesome sport. You'll learn new skills, have a ton of laughs, and probably walk away with some epic fish stories to tell. Just remember, that deposit's non-refundable, so when you book, you're locked and loaded for an adventure. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around. Grab your spot now and get ready to experience Missouri fishing in a whole new way. See you on the water!

Learn more about the animals

Common Carp

Common Carp are a bowfisher's dream - big, plentiful, and fun to target. These golden-yellow fish average 15-30 inches but can grow much larger, with some monsters hitting 40+ pounds. You'll find them in warm, shallow waters of lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. Carp love muddy bottoms where they root around for food, often leaving visible bubbles or mud trails. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they move into the shallows to feed and spawn. Carp put up a heck of a fight, making them a blast to shoot. They're wary though, so stealth is key. A local trick: look for "carp clouds" - muddy water where they're actively feeding. Aim slightly low to account for refraction. While some folks eat carp, most bowfishers target them for population control and the pure excitement of the hunt.

Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum are a fun target for bowfishing, averaging 10-14 inches but can grow much larger. They're bottom-dwellers, preferring clear shallow waters with some vegetation. You'll find them in lakes and rivers across Missouri year-round, but summer's when they're most active. Drums get their nickname "thunder pumper" from the grunting noise males make during breeding season. They put up a decent fight for their size, making them enjoyable to catch. When bowfishing, look for them in depths of 3-6 feet near structure. A local tip: target areas with a mix of sand and gravel bottoms, as Drums love feeding on mollusks there. Their big molar-like teeth crush shells easily. While not known for taste, some folks enjoy eating smaller Drums. It's a great species for beginners to practice their aim and technique.

Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar are prehistoric-looking fish that'll test your bowfishing skills. They average 2-4 feet long, with a narrow, toothy snout that's hard to miss. You'll find them in clear, shallow areas of rivers and lakes, often hanging motionless near the surface. Gar are most active at night, but you can spot them sunning themselves during the day. They're ambush predators, so look for them around vegetation or structure. Gar put up a strong fight when hit, making for an exciting catch. Their tough, armored scales can be tricky to penetrate, so aim for the soft spots behind the head or near the gills. A local tip: use a heavy arrow with a specialized gar point for better penetration. While some folks eat gar, most bowfish them for the unique challenge and to help control populations in some areas.

Shad

Shad might be small, but they're a blast for bowfishing. These silvery fish usually run 12-20 inches long. You'll find them schooling in rivers and lakes, often near the surface. Spring's the prime time when they swim upstream to spawn. Shad are lightning-fast swimmers, darting around in flashes of silver. That makes them a real challenge to hit, perfect for sharpening your skills. Look for them in calm areas just off the main current. They're not prized for eating, but they make great cut bait for other species. A local tip: target areas where streams enter larger bodies of water. Shad often congregate there to feed on plankton brought in by the flow. Their quick movements and schooling behavior make for exciting, fast-paced action that'll keep you on your toes all day.

About the Toruk "Last Shadow"

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Ready for some bowfishing action in Missouri? Join Capt. Steven for a laid-back 6-hour trip that's perfect if you're new to the sport. We'll head out on calm waters to target Common Carp, Longnose Gar, Freshwater Drum, and Shad. Don't worry about gear - we've got you covered with all the equipment you'll need. Our friendly guide will show you the ropes, sharing tips and tricks to help you land some impressive catches. This hands-on experience is a great way to learn a unique fishing technique while enjoying the outdoors. Remember to pack some snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray for a comfortable day on the water. With room for two guests, it's an ideal outing to share with a friend or family member. Just keep in mind that deposits can't be refunded, so lock in your spot when you're ready for this cool Missouri fishing adventure!

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