Expert Bowfishing Charters in Tampa Bay | G&A

Bowfishing Charters In Tampa Bay | 4 Hour Charter Trip

Tampa Bay's shallow flats offer some of the best bowfishing action you'll find anywhere in Florida. Captain Mike with G&A Outdoors runs these top-rated charters using lightweight Vader carbon fiber bows paired with smooth AMS bottle reels that won't wear you out after a few shots. This isn't your typical rushed charter - Mike's all about making sure you have a blast, even if that means staying out longer than planned. With crystal clear waters and plenty of hungry fish cruising the shallows, you're looking at four hours of pure bow-and-arrow action that'll have you hooked from the first shot.

What to Expect on the Water

Your Tampa Bay bowfishing adventure kicks off in the productive flats where fish love to feed in shallow water. Captain Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand, positioning you over the best spots where drum, stingrays, and other target species cruise within perfect bow range. The boat stays comfortable for up to four guests, giving everyone plenty of room to draw and shoot without bumping elbows. You'll be using those lightweight Vader carbon fiber setups that make all the difference - smooth draws, consistent shots, and your arms won't feel like jelly after an hour. The AMS bottle reels keep your arrows organized and ready to go, so you can focus on what matters: putting arrows on fish. Mike's laid-back approach means you're not watching the clock. If the fish are biting and everyone's having fun, he's happy to extend the trip because your good time comes first.

Bow Setup & Shooting Tips

The Vader carbon fiber bows G&A Outdoors provides are game-changers for bowfishing. They're light enough that you won't get tired after repeated shots, but pack enough punch to drive arrows through water and into fish cleanly. The AMS bottle reels are smooth operators - they let you shoot fast without tangled line or missed opportunities when multiple fish show up at once. Mike will get you dialed in with proper form and aiming techniques, accounting for light refraction that makes fish appear higher in the water than they actually are. The key is staying ready and shooting instinctively when you see a good target. These shallow Tampa Bay flats are perfect for beginners since fish often cruise in just a few feet of water, making shots more forgiving than deeper water bowfishing. You'll learn to read the water, spot fish movement, and develop that quick-draw technique that separates successful bowfishermen from those who go home empty-handed.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Mike...on top of just being a really cool guy...will put you on the fish. Highly recommend you spend a few hours with him!" - Bryan. "Boat was immaculately clean, Mike was friendly, professional, and went out of his way to ensure that we had ample opportunity to catch some fish as conditions weren't perfect out for them. Even with less opportunity, we had a blast on our trip and if we decide to go on another charter, it will be with Captain Mike, the bow fishing experience really set itself apart from other charters. We spent the trip completely comfortable (as comfortable as you can be on a fishing boat) and Mike was talkative with us, but also quiet when we were focused on looking for fish. I don't think we could have asked for a better guide to match whatever your vibe may be for enjoying some late-night fishing." - Randall. "Captain Mike goes above and beyond to give everyone a memorable and unique experience! Just finished our third happy trip with him!" - Donald.

Target Species Breakdown

Black Drum are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay bowfishing, and these copper-colored fighters make perfect targets in the shallows. They cruise the flats year-round but really stack up during cooler months when they move into skinny water to feed. Most fish you'll encounter run 15 to 30 pounds, giving you a solid target that won't disappear with one blink. Black drum have that distinctive humpbacked profile that's easy to spot, and they're not as spooky as some species, often giving you multiple shot opportunities. They're excellent eating too, so you're getting sport and supper in one package.

Striped Mojarra might be smaller than drum, but don't underestimate these silver speedsters. They travel in schools through Tampa Bay's grass flats, creating exciting opportunities for multiple shots when you find them. These fish love warmer months and often feed actively during low-light periods when bowfishing really shines. Their bright silver sides catch available light, making them easier to spot than you'd expect. While they're not trophy-sized, mojarra are fantastic for beginners learning shot placement and timing.

Spadefish bring something different to Tampa Bay bowfishing with their distinctive diamond-shaped bodies and schooling behavior. You'll often find them around structure or cruising open flats in groups during summer months. They're curious fish that sometimes approach the boat, giving you close-range opportunities that are hard to miss. Spadefish have excellent table fare, and their unique shape makes them satisfying targets that photograph well for those trophy shots.

Southern Stingrays are the ultimate bowfishing challenge in Tampa Bay waters. These flat fighters can reach impressive sizes, with some specimens pushing 40 pounds or more. They're most active during warmer months, often burying themselves in sand where you'll spot them by their distinctive outline or the puff of sediment when they move. Stingrays require good shot placement and strong equipment to handle their power, making them perfect targets for experienced bowfishermen looking to test their skills. The fight is memorable, and the sense of accomplishment when you arrow a big ray is hard to beat.

Sheepshead round out Tampa Bay's bowfishing lineup with their black and white stripes making them easy to identify in clear water. These structure-loving fish often hang around dock pilings, bridges, and oyster bars where they