Night Bowfishing
On the rivers and creeks of Maryland. Deck lights on, water glowing, bow in hand — the most fun most people have never heard of.
Hunting fish with a bow
Bowfishing is exactly what it sounds like: you stand on an elevated deck with a bow rigged to a reel, and you shoot fish. At night, with banks of lights throwing the shallows into daylight, you can see everything moving beneath you.
We run the tidal rivers and creeks where invasive species have taken hold — northern snakehead, common carp and catfish. They are aggressive, they are big, and taking them out is genuinely good for the water. Which means nobody has to feel precious about a good night.
Most of our guests have never picked up a bow. That is the fun part. The gear is forgiving, the shots are close, and by the second hour people are calling their own targets.
At a glance
- Season
- March, April and May
- Time on water
- 4 – 5 hours, after dark
- Typical launch
- Around sunset
- Group size
- Up to 4 shooters
- Experience needed
- None at all
- Fishing licence
- Not needed
- Target species
- Snakehead, carp, catfish
- Rates
- On request
- Deposit
- Required to hold a date
Limited nights available each week — weekends book first.
Check Available NightsWhat we bring
- Bowfishing bows, reels and arrows sized to each shooter
- The boat, fuel and the full lighting rig
- Elevated shooting deck with room to move
- On-the-water coaching from the first shot
- Life jackets and all required safety equipment
- Fish handling and cleanup — we deal with the catch
What you bring
- Closed-toe shoes with grip, and a change of socks
- Warm layers — spring nights on the water are cold
- A waterproof outer layer in case it turns
- Food, drinks and a cooler if you want one
- A phone or camera — the lit-up water photographs beautifully
No fishing licence to buy and no permits to chase — turn up and get on the boat.
What a night looks like
Meet at the ramp
We meet around sunset, load up, and run through the gear and safety while there is still light to see by.
Lights on
As it gets dark the rig comes on and the shallows light up. First shots usually come within minutes of getting settled.
Work the banks
We move slowly along grass lines and creek mouths, picking apart the shallows. Everyone rotates through the good spots.
Back in by late
Photos, a count of the night, and we handle the fish. You drive home with sore shoulders and a story.
“You haven’t experienced Maryland fishing… until you’ve seen it lit up at night.”
On the water after dark
Before you book
I have never shot a bow. Is that a problem?
Not at all — it is most of who we take out. Bowfishing gear is heavy and simple, the shots are close, and you aim instinctively rather than using sights. We spend the first stretch of the night getting everyone comfortable, and almost everybody connects.
How many people can come?
Four shooters is the sweet spot, so everyone gets real time on the deck rather than standing around. If you have a bigger group, get in touch — we can look at running two nights back to back.
Do we keep the fish?
You are welcome to. Snakehead in particular is excellent eating — firm, white and mild. If you would rather not take any home, we take care of disposal properly. Nothing gets left in the water.
Do I need a fishing licence?
No. You do not need a fishing licence for a bowfishing trip with us — you are covered while you are on the boat, so there is nothing to buy and nothing to apply for beforehand. Just book the night and turn up.
What happens if the weather turns?
Wind and heavy rain kill visibility, which kills bowfishing. If conditions will not give you a fair shot we will call it early and move you to another night rather than take your money for a bad trip.
Is it safe for teenagers?
Yes, and they tend to love it. We set expectations about bow handling before we leave the ramp and there is always an adult on the deck. Talk to us about ages when you book and we will plan around it.
Request a night
Send this over and Steve will come back with available nights, what it costs and anything you need to sort out beforehand.
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Call or text
(443) 992-1955 -
Response time
Within 24 hours, usually sooner
Waterfowl season runs October to January
Same boat, same captain, very different morning. Blinds, layouts and field spreads across the Chesapeake for ducks and geese.