Buckeye's Elite Ohio River Night Bowfishing

Published Date: September 16, 2025
Fishing

Southern Ohio
$500 - $600 price range

Summary

Get ready for a unique night of fishing on the Ohio River with this 4-hour bowfishing charter. We'll head out after dark when the water's calm and use special lights to spot carp and gar. It's a different way to fish that's fun whether you're new to it or have some experience. The guides at Buckeye Bowfishing know all the good spots and will show you how to use the gear. You'll be amazed at how many fish you can see and shoot at night. It's pretty much non-stop action once we get going. The boat can take up to 4 people, so bring some friends along. Everything you need is provided - just come ready to have a good time and maybe land some big ones. Remember, we're targeting invasive species like Asian carp, so you're helping the river ecosystem too. It's a great way to spend an evening outdoors and try something different on the water.

Buckeye's Elite Ohio River Night Bowfishing

Night Shots and Big Catches

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Bowfishing carp and gar in Ohio lakes

Night fishing carp action in Ohio

Buckeye Bowfishing carp catch in Ohio

Night Bowfishing for Carp & Gar on the Ohio River

Ready for a different kind of fishing adventure? Grab your bow and join us for a night of action-packed bowfishing on the Ohio River. This 4-hour trip is perfect whether you're new to bowfishing or looking to sharpen your skills. We'll be targeting some of Ohio's most challenging freshwater fish, including various carp species and the prehistoric-looking gar. With our expert guides, top-notch gear, and the cover of darkness, you're in for a unique fishing experience you won't forget.

Trip Overview

As the sun sets over the Ohio River, our adventure begins. We'll cruise the calm waters, using powerful lights to spot fish near the surface. This isn't your typical cast-and-wait fishing trip – bowfishing is all about quick reflexes and good aim. You'll be amazed at how many fish you can spot and shoot at in just a few hours. Our local guides know all the hotspots and will help you improve your technique throughout the night. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned bowfisher, you'll find plenty of action and excitement on this trip. Just remember, what happens on the bowfishing boat, stays on the bowfishing boat – unless you land a monster, then we definitely want you to brag about it!

Bowfishing Basics

If you've never tried bowfishing before, don't worry – we've got you covered. We provide all the specialized gear you'll need, including bows equipped with reels, arrows, and safety slides. The technique is pretty straightforward: spot a fish, draw your bow, and let the arrow fly. The arrow is attached to a line, so once you hit a fish, you can reel it in. It's like archery and fishing had a baby, and it's a blast! We'll go over all the safety protocols and give you plenty of tips to improve your aim. The Ohio River's murky waters actually work in our favor, as the fish can't see us coming. As the night wears on, you'll be amazed at how quickly your skills improve. Just be warned – bowfishing can be addictive!

Top Catches This Season

The Ohio River is teeming with some impressive fish, and our recent trips have been hauling in some real beauties. We've seen anglers nailing 30+ pound grass carp, which put up one heck of a fight. Asian carp have been practically jumping into the boat (okay, not quite, but they're abundant and make for great target practice). One lucky bowfisher even landed a 5-foot alligator gar last month – talk about a prehistoric prize! The key to success is patience and a quick draw. Remember, it's not just about the size of the fish, but the thrill of the hunt and the stories you'll take home.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Grass Carp: These vegetarian giants can grow up to 80 pounds and are a favorite target for bowfishers. They're often found near the surface, making them perfect for night bowfishing. Grass carp are known for their powerful runs, so be ready for a workout when you hook one. The best time to target them is during the warmer months when they're most active.

Alligator Gar: With their long, toothy snouts and armored scales, alligator gar look like they swam straight out of the Jurassic period. These apex predators can grow over 7 feet long and weigh over 300 pounds, though most we encounter are in the 3-5 foot range. They're typically more active at night, making our trips ideal for spotting them. Landing an alligator gar is a true trophy experience – just watch those teeth!

Bigmouth Buffalo: Don't let the name fool you; these fish are no pushovers. Bigmouth buffalo can weigh up to 80 pounds and put up a solid fight. They're often found in slower-moving parts of the river and are most active at night. These fish are known for their longevity – some can live up to 100 years! Catching one of these old-timers is like reeling in a piece of river history.

Smallmouth Buffalo: Smaller than their bigmouth cousins but no less fun to catch, smallmouth buffalo typically weigh between 15-30 pounds. They're quick and agile, making them a challenging target for bowfishers. These fish are most active in the warmer months and tend to school together, so where there's one, there's often more.

Longnose Gar: With their long, narrow snouts full of needle-like teeth, longnose gar are unmistakable. They're ambush predators that often lurk near the surface, making them perfect for bowfishing. While not as large as alligator gar, they can still reach lengths of up to 6 feet. Gar are known for their bony mouths, which can make them tricky to arrow – but that's part of the challenge!

What to Expect on the Water

Our night bowfishing trips are all about action, laughs, and maybe a few fish tales. We'll start by getting you fitted with the right gear and giving you a quick safety rundown. Then it's off to the races – or should I say, off to the fishes! We'll cruise along the river, using our high-powered lights to spot fish near the surface. When we see activity, it's time to nock an arrow and take your shot. Don't be discouraged if you miss at first – even experienced bowfishers whiff now and then. The key is to keep at it and have fun. Between shots, your guide will share local knowledge about the river, the fish, and maybe a few colorful stories from past trips. As the night goes on, you'll likely see your skills improve, and with any luck, you'll have a few good-sized fish to show for it by the end of the trip.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something addictive about bowfishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the adrenaline rush of spotting a big fish and taking the shot. Or perhaps it's the satisfaction of improving your aim and landing more catches each trip. For many, it's the unique experience of being out on the water at night, seeing the river in a whole new light (literally). Our regulars often tell us it's a combination of all these things, plus the camaraderie that develops on the boat. Whether you're high-fiving over a great shot or laughing about a spectacular miss, bowfishing trips tend to create lasting memories and friendships. Plus, let's be honest – there's a certain bragging rights that come with telling your buddies you arrowed a 40-pound carp over the weekend.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to try something new or looking to scratch that bowfishing itch, now's the time to lock in your spot. Our night bowfishing charters on the Ohio River are popular and tend to fill up fast, especially during peak season. Remember, we provide all the gear you need, so all you have to bring is a good attitude and maybe a snack or two. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete newbie, our expert guides will ensure you have a great time out on the water. So round up your fishing buddies, or make it a unique family outing, and get ready for a night of non-stop action. Just be warned – once you try bowfishing, regular fishing might seem a bit tame in comparison! Book your charter today and get ready to experience the Ohio River like never before. Trust us, your Instagram feed will thank you.

Learn more about the animals

Alligator Gar

Alligator Gar are prehistoric-looking monsters, often stretching 4-6 feet long and weighing over 100 pounds. You'll find them lurking in the deeper bends and backwaters of the Ohio River. These ambush predators are most active in late summer when it's hot and dry. Night bowfishing is perfect for spotting their reflective eyes at the surface. Anglers love targeting them for their impressive size and the thrill of the hunt. They're tough fighters, so be ready for a battle. If you're using rod and reel, try rigging up a 5/0 treble hook with some carp or shad as bait. Float it under a big, bright bobber. Here's a local tip: focus on areas where shallow pools meet deeper water – that's where these big boys like to hang out.

Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo are often mistaken for carp, but these hefty fish are a whole different ballgame. They typically run 20-30 inches long and can live over a century. You'll spot them in the shallower, slower parts of the Ohio River, especially in backwaters and floodplains. They're filter feeders, so they're usually near the surface. Night bowfishing is ideal for targeting them. Anglers enjoy going after Bigmouth Buffalo because they put up a good fight and can grow to impressive sizes. They're most active at night, which adds to the challenge. If you're using a rod and reel, try a small nymph or heavily scented bait – they're not big on live bait. Here's a tip: once hooked, reel them in slowly. These fish are heavy, and a sudden jerk could snap your line.

Grass Carp

Grass Carp are hefty freshwater fish, often hitting 65-80 pounds. They're plant-eaters, so you'll find them in calm, weedy areas of the Ohio River. These silver-green fish with their big scales put up a serious fight when hooked. Night bowfishing is prime time for spotting them near the surface. They're skittish, so stealth is key. Aim for areas with lots of aquatic vegetation, especially in summer when they're feeding heavily. Grass Carp are popular targets because they're challenging to catch and help control invasive plants. For the best shot, use cherry tomatoes or even fresh-cut grass as bait - they're suckers for veggie treats. Remember, patience is crucial. These fish spook easily, so keep movements slow and quiet when you're on the water.

Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar are prehistoric-looking predators, typically 2-4 feet long with a distinctive narrow snout. You'll spot them in the calmer areas of the Ohio River, often lurking near vegetation. They're most active at night, making them perfect for our bowfishing trips. Anglers love targeting Longnose Gar for their unique appearance and the challenge they present. These fish are tough fighters and can even breathe air, so they're known for their endurance. When bowfishing, look for them near the surface in weedy areas. If you're using a rod and reel, here's a local tip: skip the traditional hook and use an unbraided nylon tail instead. Their narrow, toothy mouths will get tangled in the fibers. Sightfishing works well - let your lure run parallel to the fish to trigger their predatory instincts.

Smallmouth Buffalo

Smallmouth Buffalo are stocky fish, usually 16-24 inches long, but can grow much bigger. You'll find them in the faster-moving sections of the Ohio River, often near vegetation. They're most active at night, making them perfect for our bowfishing trips. These fish are popular targets because they're challenging to catch and put up a good fight. Plus, they're known for their tasty, firm meat. When bowfishing, look for them near the surface in areas with plenty of plant life. If you're using a rod and reel, here's a local tip: try baits with a bit of spice, like doughballs mixed with chili powder. Smallmouth Buffalo are nibblers, so be patient and wait for a strong pull before setting the hook. They're hardy fish, so you're in for an exciting tussle once you've got one on the line.

About the Buckeye Bowfishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 10

Manufacturer Name: Pro Drive Surface Drives

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 40

Get ready for an action-packed night on the Ohio River with our 4-hour bowfishing charter. We'll hit the water after dark, when carp and gar are most active. Our experienced guides will show you the ropes and provide all the gear you need, whether you're new to bowfishing or have some experience under your belt. As we cruise along, powerful lights illuminate the water, making it easier to spot your targets. You'll have plenty of chances to take aim at grass carp, Asian carp, common carp, and gar throughout the trip. The calm evening atmosphere adds to the unique experience of night fishing. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great outing for friends or family looking to try something different on the water. Just remember, the deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're ready for an evening of bow-wielding fun before you book!

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