Florida Bowfishing – The Basics
Florida bowfishing is action-packed and fun for all ages. Bow fishing or bowfishing is a unique way to fish, as it combines an element of hunting with fishing. This is perfect for those who love both sports. Even if you don’t love both, you’ll still enjoy bowfishing. Bowfishing is carried out by use of a bow with a line to retrieve your catch.
The biggest difference when compared to traditional fishing is that instead of waiting on the fish you actively search for them. Bowfishing falls into the category of “spearing” according to the The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) . Like any other type of fishing, it comes with particular rules and regulations.
Know the Rules
Before you get out on the water on a Florida bowfishing trip, it’s very important to understand the rules. The two important items of interest are species and equipment. Some species that are prohibited by bowfishing or spearing include sharks, bonefish, sturgeon and blue crab. Additionally, prohibited gear includes powerheads, bangsticks, and rebreathers. For a complete list of prohibited equipment and species when bowfishing, please visit the FWC’s page here: https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/spearing/. With these regulations it may seem intimidating to get started. However, there’s a much easier way to start your bowfishing adventure!
Panhandle Fishing Charters – Florida Bowfishing at its Best!
Panhandle Fishing Charters is the only charter company in the Destin/Fort Walton Beach area that provides bowfishing trips! They even supply the necessities for bow fishing, such as, arrows, line, bows, and fishing licenses. Customers shall supply their own snacks, drinks, polarized sunglasses and sunscreen. Panhandle Fishing Charters offers a 3 hour minimum charter for up to 4 people; this includes both our day and nighttime bow fishing charters. They also supply 3 Cajun Sucker Punch bows with 32# draw. Destin bow fishing normally targets a variety of Rays, Sheepshead, the possibility of a Cobia, and so much more. They recommend a 3 hour charter aboard our 24′ Skeeter or 20′ Carolina Skiff. The 20′ Carolina Skiff is set up for day or nighttime Destin bow fishing. For more information on day time and night time bowfishing charters, please read the following from the owners:
Day Time Charters
Daytime bowfishing takes place in the Choctawhatchee Bay and surrounding area waters of Destin, Florida. Our trips run in the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak, giving the waters their Emerald coloration for infinite visibility. The Captain will be in the tower spotting for Rays, Sheepshead, Spadefish, Mullet, and Black Drum; once he spots your target, the action is on! The Emerald waters give you hundreds of feet of clarity allowing ample time to prepare for your upcoming shot. Charter includes three Suckerpunch Cajun Bows, arrows, line, fishing licenses, and ice. Due to insurance purposes, we can only have three shooters at a time; however, more passengers can ride and all parties aboard can rotate shooting as we progress through our trip.
Night Time Bow Fishing
Panhandle Fishing Charters is the only company in Destin, Florida to provide night time bowfishing in the Choctawhatchee Bay and surrounding area waters. Come be apart of history!! Our Carolina Skiff went through a complete renovation in 2017 in which we had a custom welding job completed. We raised the center console as a Captain’s Deck for spotting of Spadefish, Shark, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Mullet, and Rays! Our Skiff really lights up the night – we completed our look with six 200 WATT LED lights, a brand new 2018 Suzuki 115 HP 4-stroke engine, and a high-powered trolling motor for quiet and efficient movement through the water. Our Carolina Skiff is one-of-a-kind!! Don’t miss out on your opportunity to get out on the water with her and Panhandle Fishing Charters. You won’t regret it!
Book your Charter Online! For questions, please call us at 850-226-3127!!