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Top-Rated Bowfishing in Mid Missouri | All-Out
- Published Date: September 26, 2025
- Fishing
- Missouri
- $350 - $600 price range
Summary
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Bow and Arrow Catches
Ancient rivers, legendary catches.
Eyes on the prize—paddlefish!
Cast a line, snag a legend.
Paddlefish thrills, river chills.
Paddlefish: the river’s hidden treasure.
Freshwater giants await.
Snag, reel, repeat. Paddlefish style!
Adventure starts where the paddlefish swim.
Spoonbill hunting season is open!
Paddlefish: big, bold, and prehistoric.
Ancient rivers, legendary catches.
Eyes on the prize—paddlefish!
Cast a line, snag a legend.
Paddlefish thrills, river chills.
Paddlefish: the river’s hidden treasure.
Freshwater giants await.
Snag, reel, repeat. Paddlefish style!
Adventure starts where the paddlefish swim.
Spoonbill hunting season is open!
Paddlefish: big, bold, and prehistoric.
Ancient rivers, legendary catches.
Eyes on the prize—paddlefish!
Cast a line, snag a legend.
Paddlefish thrills, river chills.
Bowfishing Bonanza: Mid-Missouri's Hidden Gems
Get ready to notch your bow and reel in some monsters on this action-packed 6-hour bowfishing trip in the heart of Missouri. Capt. Steven's got the inside scoop on where the big ones are hiding, and he's itching to put you on fish. Whether you're a seasoned bowfisher or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll be chasing after some of Missouri's most wanted: Common Carp, Longnose Gar, Freshwater Drum, and Shad. Trust me, once you stick your first fish, you'll be hooked for life!
Trip Overview
Rise and shine, anglers! We're hitting the water early to take advantage of that prime morning bite. Capt. Steven's been running these waters for years, and he knows exactly where those fish like to hang out. You'll be using top-notch bowfishing gear (all provided, so no need to lug your own), and the captain will show you the ropes if you're new to the game. This isn't your grandpa's fishing trip – it's fast-paced, exciting, and downright addictive. Just remember to bring some grub, slap on that sunscreen, and don't forget the bug spray. We'll be out there for 6 solid hours, giving you plenty of time to perfect your aim and land some impressive catches.
Bow and Arrow Basics
If you've never tried bowfishing before, don't sweat it. It's like archery meets fishing, with a splash of adrenaline thrown in for good measure. We use specially designed bows equipped with a reel and arrow. The arrow's connected to a sturdy line, so when you hit your target, you can reel it in. Capt. Steven will give you the lowdown on proper form, how to account for refraction in the water (trust me, it's trickier than it looks), and the best spots to aim for different species. We'll be cruising the shallows and backwaters where these fish like to hang out, using powerful lights to spot them. It's a bit like hunting, but on the water – and let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the rush of drawing back that bow and letting an arrow fly at a big ol' carp!
Target Species
Common Carp: These bugle-mouthed bottom feeders are the bread and butter of bowfishing in Missouri. They can grow to impressive sizes, with some topping 30 pounds or more. Carp are invasive here, so there's no limit on how many you can take – and believe me, you'll be doing the ecosystem a favor. They're most active in the warmer months and love to cruise the shallows, making them perfect targets for bowfishing.
Longnose Gar: Now here's a fish that'll really get your heart pumping. Gar are like living fossils, with long, toothy snouts and a tough, armored hide. They can grow over 4 feet long and put up one heck of a fight. Gar love warm water and are most active in late spring and summer. Hitting one of these prehistoric-looking critters is a real badge of honor in the bowfishing world.
Freshwater Drum: Also known as sheepshead, these silver-sided fighters are abundant in Missouri waters. They've got a distinctive croaking sound that gives them their "drum" nickname. Drum can grow pretty big, with some pushing 20 pounds or more. They're active year-round but really turn on in the warmer months. Landing one of these with a bow is no easy feat – they're quick and can change direction on a dime.
Shad: These might be smaller than our other targets, but don't underestimate the challenge. Shad are lightning-fast and travel in schools, making for some exciting rapid-fire action. They're most abundant in the warmer months and provide a great opportunity to hone your skills. Plus, they're excellent bait fish, so anything we arrow can be put to good use.
Why Bowfishers Keep Coming Back
Let me tell you, once you've experienced the thrill of bowfishing, regular fishing just doesn't quite cut it anymore. There's something about the combination of stalking, spotting, and the quick-draw action that gets the adrenaline pumping like nothing else. And the best part? It's a win-win. You're having a blast while also helping to control invasive species like carp. Plus, with Capt. Steven at the helm, you're in for some top-notch entertainment. The guy's got more fish stories than Carter's got liver pills, and he'll keep you laughing between shots.
Time to Notch Your Arrow
Alright, folks, if you're itching to try something new or just want to scratch that bowfishing itch, this is the trip for you. Capt. Steven's Extended Half Day Guided Bowfishing Trip is the real deal – no fish tales here. You'll be targeting some of Missouri's most wanted roughfish, learning new skills, and making memories that'll last a lifetime. And hey, you might even go home with some serious bragging rights. Just remember, that deposit's non-refundable, so when you're ready to pull the trigger on this adventure, make sure you're all in. Trust me, once you're out there on the water, arrow nocked and fish in sight, you'll be glad you did. So what are you waiting for? Book your spot now and get ready for some bow-slinging, arrow-flinging fun!
Learn more about the animals
Common Carp
Carp are chunky fighters, usually 15-30 inches long and 4-30 pounds. They love warm, shallow waters - look for them in lakes, ponds, and slow rivers. Spring and fall are best, when they're in the shallows feeding hard. Carp put up an impressive battle, which is why anglers love 'em. They're not too picky, but corn, bread, or boilies work well as bait. Use a hair rig to avoid spooking these wary fish. A 9-foot rod with 7-8 weight line is good for most carp. Fish early mornings or evenings in summer, midday in cooler months. My local trick: chum the area with corn or breadcrumbs a day before fishing to draw them in. Just remember, carp spook easy, so keep quiet and avoid sudden movements.
Freshwater Drum
These fish are bottom-dwellers, usually hanging out in 10-20 feet of water. They're not picky eaters, chowing down on snails, clams, and small fish. Most drums we catch run 1-8 pounds, but they can get much bigger - the record is over 50 pounds! They're known for making grunting noises, which is pretty cool to hear. Drums put up a decent fight when hooked, especially the bigger ones. Spring and fall are prime time for catching them. Look for them near rocky areas or along drop-offs. A simple setup with a medium-heavy rod, 10-20 pound line, and natural bait like nightcrawlers or crayfish tails works great. My top tip: fish near the bottom with a slip sinker rig, and be patient - drums often take the bait slowly.
Longnose Gar
These prehistoric-looking fish are a blast to target. Longnose gar typically run 28-48 inches, but can reach 6 feet and 50+ pounds. They're ambush predators, often found in freshwater lakes, rivers, and backwaters. Look for them near vegetation or structures where they can hide. Gar are most active at night, so early mornings or evenings are prime time. They're known for their hard fights and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Don't use regular hooks - their narrow, bony mouths make it tough to set them. Instead, try using a frayed nylon rope as bait. The gar's teeth get tangled in it. Sight fishing works well; cast parallel to weed edges where gar like to lurk. My top tip: use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs from their sharp teeth. Be patient when they hit - wait until they've fully taken the bait before setting it.
Shad
Shad are sleek, silver fish that usually run 20-24 inches long. They're schooling fish, so where you find one, you'll likely find more. In spring, they head upstream to spawn, which is prime time for catching them. Look for shad in coastal rivers and tributaries, often in areas with strong currents. They're not the biggest fighters, but their delicate flavor makes them popular for eating. The roe is considered a delicacy by many. When fishing for shad, use light tackle - a long, lightweight spinning rod works well. Small, bright lures like shad darts or tiny jigs are effective. My go-to tip: cast upstream and let your lure drift naturally with the current. Shad often hang out near the shore to avoid strong currents, so focus your casts within 30 feet of the bank.
About the Toruk "Last Shadow"
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
