Premier Bowfishing in Missouri | All-Out Charters

Extended Half Day Bowfishing Adventure in Missouri

Looking for something different from your typical fishing trip? Captain Steven's extended half-day bowfishing adventure puts you right in the action on Missouri's prime waters. This 6-hour guided experience is built specifically for beginners who want to try their hand at one of the fastest-growing outdoor sports. You'll spend your morning learning the ropes while targeting some of Missouri's most abundant rough fish species. With all gear provided and expert instruction included, this top-rated trip takes the guesswork out of getting started in bowfishing.

What to Expect on the Water

Your bowfishing adventure kicks off in the early morning when the water is calm and fish are most active in the shallows. Captain Steven knows Missouri's waterways like the back of his hand and will position you in prime spots where Common Carp, Longnose Gar, Freshwater Drum, and Shad are feeding and cruising. The beauty of bowfishing is that it's visual – you're actually seeing your targets before you shoot, which makes it perfect for newcomers to the sport. The boat moves quietly through backwater areas and shallow flats where these fish concentrate. You'll learn to read the water, spot fish movement, and understand how refraction affects your aim. The 6-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunities to practice your technique and dial in your shots. Since this is designed as a customer favorite for beginners, Captain Steven takes his time explaining everything from proper stance to arrow retrieval. Pack your own food since meals aren't included, and don't forget sunscreen and bug spray – you'll be spending quality time in Missouri's beautiful but sometimes buggy backwaters.

Bowfishing Basics & Gear

Bowfishing combines archery skills with fishing knowledge, but don't worry if you've never drawn a bow before. All equipment is provided, including specialized bowfishing bows, arrows with barbed tips, and retrieval reels. The bows used for this sport are typically set at lower draw weights than hunting bows, making them manageable for beginners and allowing for quick follow-up shots. You'll learn how water refracts light and makes fish appear in different positions than they actually are – this is probably the biggest challenge new bowfishers face. Captain Steven will teach you to aim low and adjust for depth and distance. The arrows are attached to the bow with heavy fishing line and a retrieval system, so you won't lose your gear when you connect with a fish. Missouri's shallow, clear waters provide excellent visibility for spotting targets, and the calm morning conditions make it easier to see fish movement and practice your accuracy. The technique is all about patience, observation, and quick reflexes once you spot a good target.

Target Species You'll Hunt

Common Carp are the bread and butter of Missouri bowfishing and for good reason. These hardy fish can grow massive – we're talking 20 to 40 pounds in many of our waters. They love to cruise shallow flats and muddy areas where they root around for food, making them perfect targets for bowfishing. Carp are most active in the early morning and late evening, which is why this trip starts early. They're considered invasive in many Missouri waterways, so you're actually helping the ecosystem while having a blast. The fight these fish put up after being arrowed is something else – they'll make powerful runs and test your retrieval skills.

Longnose Gar are prehistoric-looking fish that seem like they belong in a museum rather than Missouri waters. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach 4 to 6 feet long and are covered in hard, diamond-shaped scales. They're ambush hunters that lie motionless near the surface before striking at prey with lightning speed. Gar are most active during warmer months and can often be spotted cruising just under the surface or lying in shallow, weedy areas. Landing a big gar is a real trophy moment – their armored scales and long, tooth-filled snouts make them look like something from another era.

Freshwater Drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters that will test your bowfishing skills. These native Missouri fish are bottom feeders that often move into shallow water to feed, especially during their spring spawning runs. They typically run 2 to 10 pounds and have a distinctive humped back profile. Drum are actually good eating if you know how to prepare them, and they're an important part of Missouri's native fish community. They're most active during warmer months and can be found in both rivers and lakes throughout the state.

Shad are smaller targets but they make up for their size in numbers. These silvery baitfish often school in massive groups, especially during their spawning runs in spring. American Gizzard Shad and Threadfin Shad are both common in Missouri waters. While they might only run 1 to 3 pounds, hitting a shad requires precision and quick reflexes since they're constantly on the move. They're an important food source for game fish, so their abundance is actually a good sign for the overall health of the fishery.

Time to Book Your Spot

This world-class bowfishing experience fills up quickly, especially during prime season when water temperatures are perfect and fish are most active. Captain Steven's beginner-friendly approach has made this a trending choice for folks looking to try something new on Missouri's waters. The 2-person capacity keeps things intimate and ensures you get plenty of personal instruction. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Whether you're a complete newcomer to bowfishing or someone who's tried it a few times and wants to improve your technique, this extended half-day trip gives you the time and guidance to really get the hang of this exciting sport. Book your adventure today and discover why bowfishing is becoming Missouri's hottest outdoor activity.