Orange, TX Elite Night Bowfishing | Stick & Stack

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Texas
$320 - $400 price range

Summary

Head out for a night of bowfishing action in the shallow waters around Orange, TX. This 6-hour trip runs from March through early November, kicking off 30 minutes before dark. You'll be aboard an 18ft Grizzly Tracker Jon Boat, equipped with high-powered lights to spot your targets - mainly gar and carp. It's a hands-on experience perfect for skilled shooters looking to test their aim under the night sky. Your guide knows these waters well and will put you on the fish. The trip is set up for two guests at $320, but you can bring up to two more friends at $160 each. Keep in mind, this isn't for beginners - it's designed for experienced bowfishers who want to sharpen their skills. The shallow waters and nocturnal setting add an extra challenge to the hunt. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're ready for a full night of bow-slinging action before you book.

Orange, TX Elite Night Bowfishing | Stick & Stack

Night Shots and Big Catches

Longnose gar, 32 inch fish caught while fishing in TX

A solitary angler fishing in an orange location

Texas Night Bowfishing: Aim True After Dark

Ready to test your skills under the stars? Our Texas Night Bowfishing trip near Orange is tailor-made for sharpshooters looking to up their game. We'll hit the flats when the sun dips low, armed with high-powered lights and steady aim. It's six hours of non-stop action, stalking big gar and carp in their nocturnal playground. This ain't your average fishing trip – it's a hunt on the water, where quick reflexes and keen eyes are your best tools. Perfect for seasoned bowfishers itching to notch their belts with some impressive catches.

Night Owl's Delight

We kick off this adventure just as the day winds down, usually around 7:30 PM. Our stomping grounds? The shallow waters around Orange, TX – a bowfisher's paradise when the lights come on. You'll be perched on an 18ft Grizzly Tracker Jon Boat, decked out with enough juice to light up the night. It's you, your bow, and whatever scaly targets decide to cruise by. We keep it intimate with just 2-4 guests max, so there's plenty of elbow room for everyone to get their shots in. Fair warning: once you've tried bowfishing under a Texas night sky, regular fishing might not cut it anymore.

Aim, Draw, Release

Bowfishing's all about quick thinking and even quicker shooting. We use specialized bows rigged with heavy-duty line and barbed arrows. When a fish swims into view, you've got seconds to factor in refraction, aim, and let fly. It's a whole different ballgame from daytime fishing – the powerful lights create stark shadows and glare on the water's surface. You'll need to train your eyes to spot the telltale shine of scales or the flick of a tail. Most shots happen within 10-15 yards, but don't let that fool you – it's still a challenge to connect. We'll be targeting the shallows where gar and carp like to feed, always on the move to find the hot spots.

Target Species

Spotted Gar: These prehistoric-looking fish are a bowfisher's dream. They often hang motionless near the surface, but don't be fooled – they can bolt in a flash. Spotted gar average 2-3 feet long and put up a good fight when arrowed. They're most active in the warmer months, making summer nights prime time for gar action.

Grass Carp: Nicknamed "freshwater torpedoes," grass carp can grow to impressive sizes. They're wary and quick, presenting a real challenge for bowfishers. These fish often feed near the surface, especially at night. Landing a big grass carp is a true test of skill – they can easily top 20-30 pounds.

Alligator Gar: The crown jewel of Texas bowfishing. These monsters can exceed 7 feet and 200 pounds, though fish that size are rare catches. Alligator gar are ambush predators, often lurking in deeper holes but coming to shallows to feed. Hitting one of these is the bowfishing equivalent of bagging a trophy buck.

Common Carp: The workhorses of the bowfishing world. Common carp are plentiful, can grow quite large, and offer consistent action throughout the night. They're often found rooting in shallow areas, stirring up mud as they feed. A 20-pounder isn't uncommon, and they'll give you a workout when you're reeling them in.

Gear Up and Ship Out

We provide all the specialized gear you'll need – bows, arrows, reels, and safety equipment. Just bring yourself, some snacks, and clothes you don't mind getting a bit messy. Closed-toe shoes are a must on the boat. A light jacket isn't a bad idea, as it can get cool on the water at night, even in Texas. Don't forget your fishing license – it's required for bowfishing. If you've got your own favorite bow setup, feel free to bring it along, but let us know ahead of time so we can make sure it's compatible with our boat setup.

Book Your Nocturnal Adventure

If you're itching to try your hand at some serious night bowfishing, this is your ticket. It's $320 for two anglers, with room for two more at $160 a pop. Remember, this trip's geared towards folks who know their way around a bow – if you're new to the sport, we've got other options to get you started. The season runs from March through early November, so there's plenty of time to get out on the water. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendar before you book. Ready to light up the night and arrow some big ones? Give us a shout, and let's get you set up for a bowfishing trip you won't forget.

Learn more about the animals

Alligator Gar

Alligator gar are the kings of Texas waters - prehistoric beasts that can top 6 feet and 200 pounds. These armored giants lurk in slow-moving rivers, backwaters, and bayous. Look for them near deep bends and in pools adjacent to shallows. Late summer's your best bet, when hot, dry weather concentrates them. Anglers chase 'gators for the thrill of battling a living fossil. Bowfishing's popular, but rod-and-reel tactics work too. If you're using bait, try carp or shad on a big treble hook under a bright bobber. Patience is crucial - these fish are wary. Once hooked, be ready for a drawn-out fight. Remember, it's catch-and-release only for alligator gar in Texas. They're slow-growing and vital to the ecosystem. Pro tip: Focus on transitional areas between deep and shallow water, especially during low-light hours when they're most active.

Common Carp

Common carp are the bulldozers of the fish world - hefty, hard-fighting, and always stirring things up. These golden-bronze bruisers average 15-30 inches but can top 40 pounds. You'll find them in just about any slow-moving or still water, from ponds to big rivers. They love warm, shallow areas with soft bottoms where they can root around for food. Spring and fall are prime times when they move shallow to feed aggressively. Carp fishing's all about the challenge - they're smart, strong, and spook easily. For bowfishing, look for them in the shallows on calm nights. If you're using rod and reel, try a hair rig with corn or boilies as bait. Use a 9-foot rod with 8-10 weight line for bigger fish. The key is stealth - no shiny gear, and minimal movement. Once hooked, hang on tight - these fish don't give up easy!

Grass Carp

Grass carp are like underwater lawnmowers - big, powerful, and always hungry for plants. These silver-sided fish can grow huge, often hitting 65-80 pounds. You'll spot them in slow-moving waters with lots of vegetation, especially in lakes and backwaters. They're most active in warm weather, from late spring through early fall. Grass carp are prized for their size and the challenge they present. These fish fight hard and can even go airborne when hooked. Bowfishing's a popular way to target them, but if you're using rod and reel, patience is key. They're picky eaters, so try chumming with sweet corn to draw them in. For bait, cherry tomatoes or watermelon chunks can work wonders. Use a medium-sized rod with a sensitive tip to detect their subtle bites. And whatever you do, move slowly and quietly - these fish spook easy.

Spotted Gar

Spotted gar are prehistoric-looking predators that'll give you a run for your money. These long, slender fish average 20-30 inches but can reach over 40. You'll find them lurking in calm, vegetated areas of lakes and rivers, often near fallen trees. They're ambush hunters, so look for them holding still in muddy bottoms. Spring and early summer are prime times as they move shallow to spawn. Anglers love 'em for their unique looks and strong fights. At night, they become more active, making them perfect targets for bowfishing. If you're using rod and reel, try a 6-foot spinning setup with braided line. These guys have bony mouths, so a strong hookset is key. Live bait like shiners works well, but they'll hit lures too. Just be ready for some serious action when they decide to bite!

About the 1860 Grizzly Tracker

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 90

Ready for a unique nighttime adventure? Join us for some serious bowfishing action in the shallow waters around Orange, TX. We'll set out 30 minutes before dark, usually around 7:30 PM, aboard our 18ft Grizzly Tracker Jon Boat. This 6-hour trip is perfect for skilled anglers looking to test their aim under the stars. With high-powered lights illuminating the water, we'll be on the hunt for gar and carp. Our experienced guide knows all the best spots to find these elusive fish. The base rate covers two guests, but we can accommodate up to four total if you want to bring friends along. Just remember, this isn't your typical relaxing fishing trip - it's an active, hands-on experience that requires good shooting skills. Available from March through early November, it's a great way to spend an evening doing something different. Don't forget, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed before booking.

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