Last Updated on March 20, 2026 by Eric Bonneman
When spring rolls around in Crystal River, Florida, the whole place wakes up. The waters get clearer, the fish start schooling up in the shallows, and the gators come out of their winter hidey-holes, sunning themselves on the banks and cruising through the marshes. It’s the time of year when everything feels alive—and if you’re the kind of person who’d rather be on the water than watching it from the shore, this is when you want to be out there, bow in hand, making things happen.
It’s a great time of year for both bowfishing and scouting spots for alligator season, and if you want to get in on the action, Florida Bowfishing Adventures—run by Capt. Justin Dymond—is the way to go. Whether you’re looking to catch some fish with a bow or get ready to go after a real-deal Florida gator when the season comes around, these charters have everything you need—gear, licenses, and plenty of local know-how. The captain provides the boats, the gear, the licenses, and most importantly, the know-how—you just show up ready for a great time!
Why Spring Is the Best Time for Bowfishing in Crystal River
As the water warms up, fish get much more active, which makes them easier to spot and shoot. The spring-fed rivers in Crystal River and Homosassa are so clear you can see straight to the bottom in a lot of spots, which gives you a huge advantage when you’re on bowfishing trips in Florida.
Just some of the best fish species to bowhunt this time of year include:
- Tilapia – They come closer to the surface during spawning, making them easier to hit.
- Carp – Big, strong, and always a fun fight.
- Jack Crevalle – Mean, aggressive, and they don’t go down easy.
- Cobia – A challenge to land, but worth it if you do.
- Mullet – Everywhere in spring, constantly jumping, which makes them an exciting target.
- Sheepshead & Black Drum – Stick close to structure and feed more in shallow waters.
- Stingrays – You’ll see them cruising in schools, which gives you plenty of chances to take a shot.
Florida Bowfishing Adventures sets you up with the right equipment and shows you exactly how to get on these fish and other species in Crystal River, whether it’s your first time out on the water with a bow, or you’ve been at it for years.
“Can You Really Hit a Fish with a Bow?”
If you’ve never been bow-fishing before, this is probably the first thing that comes to mind when someone brings it up. Shooting a moving target underwater with a bow? Sounds like something out of a video game.
But once you see it in action, you’ll realize it’s not only possible—it’s one of the most exciting ways to fish!
Here’s the trick: water bends light, so where you see the fish isn’t exactly where it is. That’s why experienced bowfishermen follow one simple rule—aim low. The deeper the fish, the lower you need to aim. It takes a little getting used to, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it becomes second nature.
How to Catch Fish with a Bow
Bowfishing looks easy—just aim and shoot, right? Not exactly. The water plays tricks on your eyes, bending light and making fish look higher than they actually are. That’s why the golden rule is aim low.
A few more tips to land more fish:
- Move slow and quiet – Splashing around will send them running.
- Practice – The more you shoot, the more instinctive your aim gets.
- Shoot below where the fish looks like it is – Water refraction makes it appear higher than it actually is.
- Pick the right bow – Adjustable draw weights are best, so you’re not over- or under-shooting.
The Gear You Need for Bowfishing
A solid setup makes all the difference. You’ll need:
- A bow – Doesn’t have to be fancy, but it needs enough power to punch through the water.
- A reel – Hand-wrap reels are basic but effective, while spincast or retriever reels make retrieval easier.
- Arrows – Heavier than regular arrows, built to stay in the fish once you hit them.
- Lights – If you’re fishing at night, you need good visibility.
Florida Bowfishing Adventures provides everything, so you don’t need to bring a thing—just show up ready to shoot.
Alligator Hunting in Florida
Spring is also a great time for scouting for gators for future hunts. As the Sunshine State’s temperatures rise, alligators become more active, spending more time on the surface and moving around more in search of food and mates. This makes them easier to spot and hunt.
During mating season, gators are territorial and aggressive, which means they’re more likely to be out in the open and less cautious than usual. During the actual Florida gator hunting season, hunters can use the knowledge of their spots to their advantage.
This is Old Florida hunting at its finest, a real-deal hands-on way to get up close and personal with a creature that’s been lurking in these waters since the time of the dinosaurs. You’re not just walking into the woods with a rifle or a shotgun and hoping something walks past—you’re spotting, stalking, and getting in range of a living, breathing prehistoric beast that would absolutely drag you into the drink if you don’t know what you’re doing. But don’t worry—Capt. Justin knows what he’s doing, and he’ll make sure you do too.
Note: Florida Bowfishing Adventures gator hunting trips only target true, wild American alligators—absolutely no farm-raised or fenced-in hunting!
How Gator Hunting Works
There are a few different ways to hunt an alligator:
- Spotlighting at night – Shine a light on the water, look for the telltale red glow of their eyes, and move in.
- Tracking during the day – Look for gators sunning themselves on the banks or cruising through open water.
- Using calls – Imitating juvenile or female gators can lure in a big male during mating season.
Once you’ve got one in your sights, the next step depends on what you’re hunting with:
- Bows and crossbows – A solid way to take them quietly.
- Snagging with a fishing rod – Use a big hook and heavy line to get hold of one before finishing it off.
- Bang sticks – Used up close to dispatch the gator quickly and humanely.
The Gear You Need for Alligator Hunting
Hunting gators requires specialized equipment, which Florida Bowfishing Adventures provides. Some of the must-haves include:
- A fishing rod with heavy-duty line and big hooks – Helps you control the gator before finishing it.
- A crossbow or bow with gator arrows – Strong enough to penetrate tough skin.
- A bang stick – Delivers the final blow.
- Harpoons and snagging hooks – Keep the gator secured once you’ve got it close.
- Heavy-duty gloves – Because handling a gator bare-handed is a terrible idea.
Book a Trip with Florida Bowfishing Adventures
If bowfishing and alligator hunting sound like your kind of thing, Capt. Justin Dymond at Florida Bowfishing Adventures will take you out, set you up with everything you need, and if needed, show you how it’s done. Regardless of whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced outdoorsman, right now is the best time to get out on the water and experience it for yourself.
It’s springtime in Crystal River—the best time of the year to hit the water—and the only question is: are you coming or what? Call (352) 651-8886 or click here to book your Florida Bowfishing Adventure!