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Night Bowfishing Adventure on Lake Champlain
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Champlain
- $475 - $575 price range
- Updated Date: October 31, 2025
Summary
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Nighttime Bowfishing Action
Night Bowfishing on Lake Champlain
Get ready for a wild ride on Lake Champlain's shallows as we chase some of the biggest, baddest fish you've ever laid eyes on. This ain't your grandpa's fishing trip - we're talking bowfishing under the stars, stalking monster carp and prehistoric-looking gar. Captain Seth's got you covered with all the gear and know-how to make sure you're nailing shots like a pro, even if you've never held a bow before. So grab your buddies, pack a cooler, and let's hit the water for a night you won't forget.
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're gliding through the dark waters of Lake Champlain, powerful lights cutting through the night to reveal the shadows of massive fish just below the surface. Your heart's pounding as you draw back your bow, waiting for the perfect moment to let that arrow fly. That's what you're in for on this half-day bowfishing adventure. We're talking four solid hours of non-stop action, targeting everything from hulking common carp to the prehistoric-looking alligator gar. The boat's decked out with state-of-the-art lighting rigs, so you'll see every fin and scale. And don't worry about bringing gear - Captain Seth's got top-notch bows and arrows ready for you. Just bring your A-game and maybe a few cold ones for the cooler.
How We Roll on the Water
Bowfishing's a whole different ball game from your typical rod and reel action. We're not sitting around waiting for bites - we're actively hunting these fish. The boat's equipped with a raised shooting deck, giving you a perfect vantage point to spot and shoot. Those lights aren't just for show - they penetrate the water, making fish literally glow beneath the surface. When you spot a target, you'll draw your bow (think compound bow, but set up for fish), aim slightly below the fish (gotta account for that refraction), and let it rip. The arrow's attached to a reel on the bow, so once you make contact, you can fight that fish right onto the boat. It's fast-paced, it's challenging, and man, is it a rush when you land a big one.
Target Species Breakdown
Alligator Gar: These prehistoric-looking monsters are the stuff of fishing legend. With armor-like scales and a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth, gar can grow over 6 feet long in Lake Champlain. They're ambush predators, often hanging motionless near the surface - perfect for bowfishing. Gar fishing heats up in late spring and summer when they move into shallow spawning areas. Landing one of these beasts is like bringing in a living fossil - it's a catch you'll be bragging about for years.
Common Carp: Don't let the name fool you - there's nothing common about hooking into one of these brutes. Carp in Lake Champlain can easily top 30 pounds, and they fight like crazy. They're most active at night, rooting around in shallow areas for food. This makes them prime targets for bowfishing. Carp are available year-round, but the action really heats up in spring and early summer during their spawning runs. There's something deeply satisfying about arrowing one of these golden giants.
Bowfin: Also known as "dogfish," these aggressive predators are like the pitbulls of the fish world. They've got a mean bite and an even meaner attitude. Bowfin love warm, weedy shallows, making them perfect bowfishing targets. They're most active at night, especially during their spring spawning season. What makes bowfin so exciting is their sheer tenacity - even after you've arrowed one, they'll thrash and fight all the way to the boat.
Tench: These European imports might not be the biggest fish in the lake, but they're a blast to target. Tench love to hang out in muddy, weedy areas, often in schools. They're most active at night, which makes them perfect for our bowfishing trips. Tench have a beautiful golden-olive color that really pops under the lights. They're available year-round, but spring and early summer are prime time when they move into the shallows to spawn.
Black Drum: These bruisers are like the heavyweight boxers of Lake Champlain. They can grow to over 30 pounds, with powerful bodies built for fighting. Black drum love to root around in shallow areas at night, making them ideal bowfishing targets. They're most abundant in late spring and summer when they move into shallower water. Landing a big drum is like winning a tug-of-war with a small car - it's a true test of your bowfishing skills.
Why Bowfishers Keep Coming Back
Let me tell you, once you've experienced the thrill of bowfishing on Lake Champlain, regular fishing just doesn't cut it anymore. There's something primal about stalking these fish, bow in hand, that gets your blood pumping like nothing else. And the best part? Every trip is different. One night you might be battling monster carp left and right, the next you could be coming face-to-face with a prehistoric gar. It's always an adventure, and it's always a blast. Plus, with Captain Seth at the helm, you know you're in for a good time. He knows these waters like the back of his hand and always seems to know where the big ones are hiding.
Book Your Spot and Let's Go
Alright, folks, if you're still reading this, you know you want in on the action. We're talking about a night of non-stop excitement, chasing some of the biggest, baddest fish Lake Champlain has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned bowfisher or you've never even held a bow, Captain Seth will make sure you have the time of your life. So round up your crew (we can take up to 6), pack that cooler full of your favorite beverages, and let's hit the water. Trust me, once you've felt the rush of arrowing a massive carp or battling a prehistoric gar, you'll be hooked for life. Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure - book your spot now and get ready for a night on Lake Champlain you'll never forget!
Learn more about the animals
Alligator Gar
Alligator Gar are prehistoric-looking monsters that'll make your heart race. These big fellas can stretch up to 6 feet and pack on 100-160 pounds. You'll find 'em lurking in the deep bends of rivers, right next to shallow pools. Late summer's your best bet when it's hot and dry. Folks love targeting these because of their sheer size and that wicked, toothy grin. They're not easy to land, though. We use heavy-duty gear and bait up with common carp or buffalo. Here's a local tip: rig a 5/0 treble hook about 6 inches below a bright 4-inch bobber. These fish are tough fighters, so be ready for a real battle when you hook one. Just remember, it's catch and release only for Alligator Gar around here.
Black Drum
Black Drum are the big, noisy cousins of redfish. These hefty fighters typically run 5-30 pounds but can reach a whopping 90 pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds and mudflats in brackish waters. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for their powerful runs and unique drumming sound. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are good eating too. Live bait like crabs or clams work best – these fish are bottom feeders with crushing teeth. Here's a local trick: use a bucktail jig and work it slowly along the bottom. When you feel that thump, hold on tight. Black Drum fight hard and don't give up easily. Just remember to check the regs – there's usually a slot limit to protect the big breeders.
Bowfin
Bowfin are living fossils with an attitude. These prehistoric-looking fish average 18-30 inches and put up one heck of a fight. You'll find them in weedy, low-oxygen areas where other fish struggle. They're most active at night, so our night bowfishing trips are perfect for targeting them. Anglers love Bowfin for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. They're not great eating, but the fight more than makes up for it. Look for them in wetlands and marshes with lots of vegetation. Here's a local trick: use cut bluegill for bait – Bowfin go crazy for it. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them. These ancient fish have survived since the dinosaurs, and once you tangle with one, you'll see why. They're tough, mean, and a blast to catch.
Common Carp
Common Carp are the bulldozers of Lake Champlain. These golden-olive bruisers average 15-30 inches but can top 40 pounds. You'll find them in shallow, weedy areas, often rooting around the bottom. Spring and fall are prime times when they come into the shallows to feed aggressively. Anglers love 'em for their powerful fights – these fish don't quit easily. They're not the prettiest, but they'll test your skills. For bait, corn or boilies work well. Here's a tip: use a hair rig to avoid spooking these hook-shy fish. And keep quiet – carp scare easily. Whether you're bowfishing or rod-and-reel fishing, landing a big carp is always a thrill. Just be ready for some serious pull when you hook into one of these Lake Champlain heavyweights.
Tench
Tench are elusive little fighters that'll keep you on your toes. These olive-colored fish usually run 12-16 inches and weigh 2-4 pounds, but can get up to 15 pounds. You'll find them in still, warm waters with plenty of vegetation and muddy bottoms. May and June are prime months when they're spawning in the shallows. Anglers love tench for the challenge – they're picky eaters and can be tough to fool. Their small scales and slimy coating make them slippery customers too. For bait, try red maggots or sweetcorn. Here's a local tip: once you find a spot, bait it heavily and wait patiently. These fish spook easily, so cast gently and stay quiet. Landing a big tench is a real accomplishment, and they put up a surprisingly good scrap for their size.
About the RVGS Motorboat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
