Get ready for a wild night on Lake Ray Hubbard with our guaranteed bowfishing adventure! We're talking non-stop action as we cruise the shallows, armed with state-of-the-art Sucker Puncher bows and lit up like a Christmas tree with Swamp Eye Outrigger LEDs. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned bowfisher, I'll make sure you're nailing carp, gar, and buffalo fish like a pro. And if lady luck isn't on our side? No worries - we'll get you back out there on the house!
Picture this: You're standing on the bow of a decked-out bowfishing boat, arrow nocked and ready to fly. The water's inky black, but our lights cut through like a laser, revealing the shadowy forms of big, ugly fish just below the surface. That's when the adrenaline really starts pumping! We'll spend about 4-6 hours on the water, targeting some of Lake Ray Hubbard's most prolific rough fish. The basic package covers two shooters, but we can accommodate up to six if you want to bring the whole crew. And hey, don't let the kids miss out - they're always welcome, and there's nothing quite like seeing a youngster's face light up when they stick their first fish!
If you've never tried bowfishing before, don't sweat it. We use top-of-the-line Sucker Puncher bows that are easy to draw and aim, even for beginners. These aren't your standard hunting bows - they're specially designed for quick shots at close range. The arrows are heavy-duty fiberglass with barbed tips that'll hold onto even the slipperiest carp. As for the boat, we're running a custom rig with a raised shooting deck and enough Swamp Eye Outrigger LEDs to light up half the lake. It's like fishing in broad daylight, except way cooler. I'll give you the full rundown on technique when we hit the water, but the basics are simple: spot the fish, draw, and let 'er rip!
"Few guys from work wanted to get together and bowfish. We have a great time and can not wait to book out next trip." - Landon
"Coming from WI, we had no idea what to expect, lakes were not calm, but still got some fish. Great time, and Brandon and his mate were awesome!" - Tim
Alligator Gar: These prehistoric-looking monsters are the crown jewel of Texas bowfishing. Growing up to 8 feet long and weighing over 300 pounds, alligator gar are like living fossils. They love warm, shallow water and often cruise near the surface, making them perfect bowfishing targets. Spring and early summer are prime time for big gar, when they move into the shallows to spawn. Landing one of these toothy giants is an unforgettable rush - it's like hooking into a swimming log with an attitude!
Common Carp: The bread and butter of bowfishing, carp are abundant in Lake Ray Hubbard and can grow to impressive sizes. These golden-scaled invaders from Europe are considered rough fish, so there's no limit on how many you can take. Carp often feed in shallow, muddy areas, stirring up silt as they go. This makes them easy to spot with our lights. They're wily and can spook easily, so a quick, accurate shot is key. Carp are most active in the warmer months, making late spring through early fall the best time to target them.
Black Buffalo: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't tiny fish. Black buffalo can top 30 pounds and put up one heck of a fight. They're part of the sucker family and have a distinctive humpbacked appearance. Buffalo tend to school up, so where you find one, you'll often find many. They prefer clearer water than carp, so we often spot them around structure like submerged logs or near drop-offs. Spring is the prime time for buffalo, as they move into shallower water to spawn.
Look, I could go on all day about how awesome this trip is, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Whether you're looking to try something new, want to introduce the kids to an exciting outdoor activity, or just need a good excuse to stay up late and shoot some fish, this is the trip for you. Remember, we're so confident you'll stick a fish that we'll take you out again for free if you don't! Spots fill up fast, especially on weekends and during the prime summer months, so don't wait. Give us a call or book online to reserve your night of bowfishing madness on Lake Ray Hubbard. Trust me, once you've felt the thrill of sticking a big ol' carp under the lights, you'll be hooked for life!
November 12, 2023
Coming from WI, we had no idea what to expect, lakes were not calm, but still got some fish. Great time, and Brandon and his mate were awesome!
March 21, 2024
Alligator gar are the prehistoric monsters of Lake Ray Hubbard. These fish can grow over 6 feet long and top 100 pounds, with armor-like scales and a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth. They're usually found in deep river bends and backwaters, especially during hot, dry weather in late summer. Gar can breathe air, so you might spot them rolling on the surface. They're not aggressive to humans, but put up an incredible fight when hooked. Bowfishing for gar at night is a real rush - their eyes reflect our lights, making them easier to spot. My tip: aim slightly below and in front of the gar to account for refraction in the water. It takes practice, but landing one of these ancient beasts is an experience you won't forget. Just remember, it's catch-and-release only for alligator gar in Texas.
Black buffalo are the ghosts of Ray Hubbard - elusive and challenging to catch. These dark-colored fish typically run 20-30 inches and 10-30 pounds. They prefer deep, fast-moving water, but you'll find them in shallows during their May-June spawn. Buffalo are incredibly wary, making them a prized target for experienced bowfishers. They're often mistaken for carp, but look for their smaller, sucker-like mouth and more streamlined body. Night fishing with powerful lights is your best bet - their eyes shine like silver dollars in the beam. Buffalo put up a heck of a fight and are considered good eating by some folks. My pro tip: focus on areas with current seams or eddies, where buffalo like to hold and feed on plankton. Patience is key with these fish, but landing one is a real accomplishment.
Common carp are the bread-and-butter of bowfishing on Ray Hubbard. These golden-bronze bruisers average 15-30 inches and 5-30 pounds, with some topping 40. You'll find them in shallow, weedy areas, especially in spring and fall when they're spawning and feeding aggressively. Carp are bottom-feeders, so look for muddy water or bubbles at the surface. They spook easily, so stealth is key. These fish are strong fighters, making them a blast to shoot. Plus, there's no limit since they're an invasive species. My local trick? Scout the shallows at dawn - you'll often see carp tails sticking out of the water as they root around for food. Easy targets for beginners. Just watch out for that slime when you're handling them!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 10
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Few guys from work wanted to get together and bowfish. We have a great time and can not wait to book out next trip.