Top-Rated Night Bowfishing in Mid Missouri

Published Date: September 26, 2025
Fishing

Missouri
$350 - $600 price range

Summary

Ready for a unique night out in Mid Missouri? Join Capt. Steven for a 4-hour evening bowfishing trip that'll have you shooting for carp, gar, drum, and shad under the stars. Whether you're new to bowfishing or an old hand, this trip's got you covered with all the gear you need. Just bring some snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray, and you're set. As you cruise the local waters, Capt. Steven will show you the best spots to find fish. The darkness adds an extra challenge, but that's part of the fun. You might even land a big one – some of these fish can get pretty impressive. It's a great way to spend an evening outdoors, trying something different. Capt. Steven knows these waters well and he'll make sure you have a good time. Just keep in mind, the deposit's non-refundable, so once you're in, you're in. If you're looking for a cool way to spend an evening, this could be your ticket.

Top-Rated Night Bowfishing in Mid Missouri

Night Shots and Big Catches

Paddlefish: the river’s hidden treasure.

Freshwater giants await.

Snag, reel, repeat. Paddlefish style!

Adventure starts where the paddlefish swim.

Night Bowfishing Blast in Mid Missouri

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping evening on the water with Capt. Steven's guided bowfishing trip in Mid Missouri. This 4-hour adventure under the stars is perfect for anyone looking to try something different. Whether you're a seasoned bowfisher or it's your first time, you're in for a wild ride as we hunt for some of Missouri's most exciting rough fish species.

Trip Overview

As the sun sets over the Show-Me State, we'll hit the water armed with bows and arrows, ready to take on the night. Capt. Steven knows all the prime spots where carp, gar, and other rough fish come out to play after dark. We'll use specialized boats equipped with bright lights to spot fish near the surface. It's a unique mix of hunting and fishing that'll keep you on your toes the whole time. No experience? No problem. Capt. Steven will show you the ropes and have you shooting like a pro in no time. Just remember to bring some snacks, bug spray, and a can-do attitude – we'll take care of the rest.

Bowfishing Basics

Bowfishing is all about quick reflexes and good aim. We use special bows rigged with heavy-duty fishing line instead of regular bowstrings. The arrows are designed to pierce through water and have barbs to help secure the fish. As we cruise along, you'll stand at the ready on the boat's front deck. When a fish appears in the lights, it's go time – draw, aim, and let that arrow fly! It's way different from regular fishing or bow hunting, and that's what makes it so darn fun. Don't worry if you miss at first; even the pros whiff sometimes. Half the fun is in the attempt, and trust me, you'll be hooked after your first successful shot.

Why Anglers Dig Night Bowfishing

There's something special about being out on the water at night. The world gets real quiet, except for the hum of the boat and the splash of fish. It's like you're in your own little world. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the rush of spotting a big carp, taking aim, and hearing that satisfying "thunk" as your arrow hits home. It's addictive, I'm telling you. Plus, you're doing the ecosystem a solid by helping control invasive species populations. It's a win-win – you have a blast and Mother Nature thanks you for it.

Species You'll Want to Arrow

Common Carp: These chunky fighters are the bread and butter of bowfishing. They can grow to impressive sizes, sometimes over 30 pounds! Carp love shallow, warm waters and are often found near the surface at night, making them perfect targets. They're known for their powerful runs once arrowed, so hang on tight!

Longnose Gar: With their prehistoric look and toothy grin, gar are a favorite among bowfishers. They're ambush predators that often hang motionless near the surface, which makes them great targets if you can spot them. Gar have tough, armored scales, so accuracy is key. Landing one of these bad boys will give you some serious bragging rights.

Freshwater Drum: Also known as "sheepshead," these silver-sided fish can put up a good fight. They tend to school up, so where there's one, there's often more. Drum have a distinctive croaking sound that gives them their name, and they can reach sizes of 10-15 pounds in our waters.

Shad: While smaller than our other targets, shad can be a fun challenge due to their quick movements. They often travel in large schools near the surface, creating exciting rapid-fire shooting opportunities. It's a great way to hone your skills and rack up some numbers.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're looking for a fishing trip that's off the beaten path, this is it. Capt. Steven's nighttime bowfishing adventure is the real deal. You'll get hands-on experience with a unique fishing method, enjoy the peacefulness of being on the water at night, and hopefully stick a few impressive fish while you're at it. It's the kind of trip that'll have you telling stories for weeks after. So why wait? Grab a buddy, book your spot, and get ready for a night of bowfishing action you won't forget. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak summer months. Don't miss out on your chance to arrow some giants under the Missouri moonlight!

Learn more about the animals

Common Carp

Common Carp are a staple of our bowfishing trips. These golden-yellow fish are hefty, averaging 15-30 inches and 4-30 pounds. You'll spot them in shallow, warm waters like lakes and slow-moving rivers. They're most active in fall and spring when they come to the shallows to feed and spawn. Carp are known for their strength and fighting spirit. They'll thrash around and don't tire easily, making for an exciting catch. While some consider them a nuisance, many anglers enjoy the challenge they provide. To improve your odds, focus on water temps between 73-80°F for the bigger fish. They're bottom feeders, so look for them in 8-12 foot depths during summer. One local trick: use a hair rig with corn or boilies as bait. Carp can be hook-shy, so this setup helps conceal the hook and entice bites.

Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum are a fun target on our bowfishing trips. These silver-scaled fish typically run 10-14 inches long and weigh 1-8 pounds, though they can get much bigger. You'll find them near the bottom in clear, shallow waters with some vegetation. They're most active in summer, but we can catch them year-round. Drums got their name from the grunting noise males make during spawning season. They're not known for putting up much of a fight, but their abundance makes them a great species for beginners to practice on. Plus, they have these neat "lucky stones" in their heads that some folks collect. When targeting drums, I like to use natural baits like crayfish tails or nightcrawlers. Drop your line near structure on the bottom and be ready - these opportunistic feeders will often grab bait quickly. It's not uncommon for skilled anglers to land 50+ in a single outing!

Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar are one of the more unique species we target. With their long, narrow snouts and torpedo-shaped bodies, they're easy to spot. Adults typically range from 28-48 inches, but can grow up to 6 feet and 55 pounds. You'll find these primitive-looking fish in freshwater bodies like streams, lakes, and backwaters. They're most active at night, often hiding among vegetation before ambushing prey. Gar are known for their fighting ability, making them a thrilling catch for experienced anglers. When bowfishing for gar, aim for clear shots near the surface. They're often found in shallow waters, especially during warmer months. One trick I've learned: instead of hooks, use unbraided nylon line. Their teeth get tangled in the fibers, making them easier to land. Just remember, it's catch-and-keep with bowfishing - so only target what you plan to use.

Shad

Shad are an interesting target on our bowfishing trips. These silvery fish with dark shoulder spots typically grow 20-24 inches long and weigh up to 12 pounds. You'll find them in coastal waters and rivers, often swimming in schools. While they spend most of their adult life in the ocean, shad migrate into freshwater to spawn. April and May are prime months to catch them as they move upstream. Look for them near shore, where they try to avoid strong currents. Shad are prized for their delicate, flavorful meat. Their roe is even considered a delicacy in some areas. When targeting shad, use a lightweight rod and small, bright lures. A local tip: try flies in white or yellow with red heads - these seem to attract them best.

About the Toruk "Last Shadow"

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Get ready for an awesome evening of bowfishing action with Captain Steven in Mid Missouri! As the sun sets, you'll hit the water for 4 hours of targeting fish like Common Carp, Longnose Gar, Freshwater Drum, and Shad under the starry sky. Whether you're new to bowfishing or have some experience, this trip is perfect for you. All the gear you need is provided, so just bring some snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. Captain Steven knows all the prime spots to find fish, and he'll show you the ropes of night fishing. It's a unique way to spend an evening outdoors and maybe land some impressive catches. With room for 2 guests, you can bring a friend along to share in the fun. Book your spot now for this cool nighttime fishing adventure - just keep in mind the deposit is non-refundable. Get ready to experience the excitement of bowfishing Missouri-style!

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