Last Updated on February 2, 2023 by Eric Bonneman
If you’re an angler looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience that combines hunting and fishing, look no further than Florida’s Nature Coast. Home to some of the best bowfishing opportunities in the state, a trip to Crystal River or Homosassa is guaranteed to give you a thrill.
Fish are plentiful in these areas, providing many exciting opportunities to practice archery and test hunting skills. With breathtaking views, crystal-clear water, and a wide variety of fish species, bowfishing on the Nature Coast is sure to give you an experience you will remember forever.
What is Bowfishing?
Bowfishing is an exciting sport that involves using a bow and arrow to catch fish. It’s a fun, challenging, and environmentally friendly way to experience the beauty of Florida’s waterways.
The best times to go bowfishing are the last 3 hours of the outgoing tide and the first 3 hours of the incoming tide, as the crystal-clear waters provide an ideal environment to target marine life. Some fish you can catch while bowfishing in the Crystal River and Homosassa area include sheepshead, black drum, southern stingray, cobia, mullet, mangrove snapper, ladyfish, and longnose gar.
Targeting Longnose Gar in Crystal River
Bowfishers seeking a unique and challenging target experience should look no further than the longnose gar. These fish have an intimidating armored exterior, yet they possess an impressively fast, sleek swimming ability that aids in their aggressive and predatory natures, making them ideal for bow fishing. Longnose gar can grow to an impressive length of 6 feet and weigh 40 pounds.
However, most individuals caught while bow fishing range from 2-3 feet in length and 5-10 pounds in weight. Aspiring Florida bowed fishers should note that longnose gar should not be confused with alligator gar, which are not legal for harvest in the state by the bow. Fishermen interested in picking up the sport should begin their search in one of the seven main spring-fed rivers leading out to the Gulf of Mexico from Crystal River and Homosassa.
Fish with Us!
When you’re ready for an incredible bowfishing experience right in the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast, Captain Justin Dymond at Florida Bowfishing Adventures is just the place for you. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned bow fisherman, Captain Justin will ensure that by the end of the night, you are well on your way to becoming a bowfishing expert.
Everyone is welcome – bring your whole family along regardless of age or skill level. You don’t want to miss out on this thrilling experience with crystal clear waters and a wide variety of marine life waiting to be discovered. So sharpen your arrows and book a trip with Florida Bowfishing Adventures – it’s time to take advantage of all that nature has to offer in this beautiful region and start bowfishing for gar!