Nashville Night Fishing: Pro Jug & Bowfishing

Published Date: September 11, 2025
Fishing

Nashville
$400 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Get ready for an action-packed night of fishing on Percy Priest Lake with Guide Josh Guin. This 5-hour trip is designed for experienced anglers looking to push their skills to the limit. You'll be juggling and bowfishing for big game like buffalo, flathead catfish, and gar. The pace is quick, and you'll need to stay sharp as you set lines, take aim under the lights, and battle hefty fish. It's a real test of your abilities, combining strategy, accuracy, and strength. With room for up to three guests, you can bring along your fishing buddies for some friendly competition. If you're up for an intense, after-dark fishing challenge in the heart of Nashville, this is your chance to see what you're made of on the water.

Nashville Night Fishing: Pro Jug & Bowfishing

Night Fishing Frenzy

Two fishers with 15-inch catch in Nolensville

Big buffalo bowfishing haul!

Angler holding a 25-inch fish in Nolensville

Big buffalo catch!

Three fish caught by a person in Nolensville

Buffalo and carp stack!

Strong bowfishing crew!

Night Fishing Frenzy: Buffalo and Catfish Adventure

Ready for a night of non-stop action on Percy Priest Lake? This half-day trip with Josh Guin's Outdoor Adventures is all about pushing your fishing skills to the limit. We're talking jugging for monster catfish, bowfishing for buffalo, and everything in between. If you've got game, this is where you prove it. We'll be moving fast, setting lines, and taking shots under the stars. It's 5 hours of pure adrenaline, and trust me, you'll be feeling it the next day (in the best way possible).

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're out on Percy Priest Lake as the sun goes down, the water's calm, and Guide Josh Guin's got a game plan. We're not here to mess around - this trip is for anglers who know their stuff and want to step it up a notch. We'll be juggling between advanced jugging setups for those big flatheads and precision bowfishing for buffalo and gar. It's fast-paced, it's intense, and it's exactly what you're looking for if you want to test your skills against some of Nashville's hardest-fighting fish.

Tactics and Gear

Alright, let's break it down. For jugging, we're not talking about your grandpa's milk jugs. We're using state-of-the-art setups that let us cover more water and target those trophy catfish. You'll learn how to read the water, set your lines strategically, and play the waiting game (spoiler: it won't be long). When it comes to bowfishing, we've got top-notch bows and lights that'll make you feel like you're hunting underwater. It's all about quick reflexes and steady hands. Josh will show you the ropes, but be ready to put your skills to the test - these fish don't give up easy.

Why Anglers Can't Get Enough

Let me tell you, there's something special about fishing Percy Priest at night. The lake transforms, and so does the bite. Regulars on this trip can't stop talking about the rush of reeling in a massive flathead in the dark, or the satisfaction of a perfect bowshot on a big buffalo. It's not just about the fish either - it's the whole experience. The quiet of the lake at night, the camaraderie of working together to land a monster, and those moments when everything just clicks. That's what keeps folks coming back for more.

Fish You'll Be Chasing

Flathead Catfish: These bad boys are the kings of Percy Priest Lake. We're talking potential 40-pounders that'll test every bit of your strength. They love to hang out near structure and come alive at night. When a flathead takes your bait, hold on tight - it's gonna be a fight to remember.

Bigmouth Buffalo: Don't let the name fool you, these aren't your average carp. Bigmouth buffalo are smart, strong, and can grow to over 50 pounds. They're perfect for bowfishing, offering a real challenge with their quick movements and size. Landing one of these is a true trophy.

Smallmouth Buffalo: Slightly smaller than their bigmouth cousins, but no less exciting. These guys are abundant in Percy Priest and offer consistent action for bowfishers. They're known for their powerful runs and can easily snap arrows if you're not careful.

Common Carp: The old reliable of bowfishing. Carp are plentiful, fight hard, and can reach impressive sizes. They're often found in shallower areas, making them prime targets for sharpshooters looking to hone their skills.

Longnose Gar: Now here's a prehistoric-looking fish that'll really get your heart pumping. Gar are fast, have armor-like scales, and put up one heck of a fight. Hitting one with a bow takes serious skill, but man, is it satisfying when you do.

Time to Get on the Water

Look, if you're still reading this, you know you want in on the action. This isn't your average fishing trip - it's an all-out assault on Percy Priest's top predators and roughfish. You'll push your limits, learn new techniques, and come away with stories (and hopefully some pictures) that'll make your fishing buddies green with envy. Josh Guin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the fish of a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot before someone else does. The fish are biting, and the night is calling. Let's do this!

Learn more about the animals

Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth buffalo are an interesting target here on Percy Priest Lake. These hefty fish can grow over 40 inches long and live up to a century. You'll find them in shallow, slow-moving areas, often near the surface where they filter-feed on plankton. Spring is prime time when they gather to spawn. Bigmouth buffalo put up a solid fight, and their size makes them popular with bowfishers. They're not the easiest to catch on rod and reel, but it's a fun challenge. We usually target them at night using scented dough balls or small nymphs. The key is to watch your rod tip closely - these fish tend to mouth the bait before committing. When you feel that steady pull, set the hook and get ready for a battle. While not as well-known as some game fish, landing a big buffalo is definitely something to brag about.

Common Carp

Common carp are tough, adaptable fish that thrive in Percy Priest Lake. They average 15-30 inches and 4-30 pounds, with some topping 40 pounds. You'll find them in shallow, weedy areas, often near the surface. Carp are most active in spring and fall, when water temps are between 68-80°F. They're known for their strength and stamina - hook one and you're in for a real tussle. Carp fishing is an art, requiring patience and finesse. Many anglers use corn, bread, or special carp baits called boilies. These fish spook easily, so stealth is key. My go-to rig is a hair rig with a small hook, which lets the carp take the bait without feeling the hook. While not everyone's favorite for eating, carp are prized by bowfishers and catch-and-release anglers for their size and fighting spirit.

Flathead Catfish

Flathead catfish are some of the biggest fish you'll find in Percy Priest Lake, growing up to 3-4 feet and over 100 pounds. These monsters love deep, slow-moving water and hang out near structure like fallen trees. They're ambush predators, so we target them with live bait like bluegill or perch. Summer nights are prime time, when they come up shallow to feed. Flatheads put up an epic fight - it's like trying to reel in a Volkswagen. Anglers love 'em for the challenge and tasty meat. Pro tip: use a heavy-duty rod and reel combo with at least 50-pound test line. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard and hang on tight. These fish will test your skills and your gear, but landing a big flathead is an experience you won't forget.

Longnose Gar

Longnose gar are prehistoric-looking predators that'll test your skills here on Percy Priest. They typically run 2-4 feet long, with some pushing 6 feet. You'll find them cruising near the surface in weedy areas, especially at night. Summer's the best time to target these ambush hunters. Gar fishing is unique - their narrow, bony mouths make traditional hooks ineffective. We use rope lures that tangle in their teeth. Sight fishing is the way to go, casting parallel to vegetation and watching for follows. Gar put up an incredible fight, often jumping and thrashing at the surface. It's a rush when one of these toothy missiles hits your lure. While not great eating, gar are prized for the sporting challenge and their prehistoric look. Pro tip: when a gar follows your lure, try a figure-eight retrieve at the boat to trigger a strike. Just watch those teeth when you're landing one!

Smallmouth Buffalo

Smallmouth buffalo are stocky, powerful fish that'll give you a run for your money here on Percy Priest. They typically range from 16-24 inches, but can grow much larger. Look for them in faster-moving water with plenty of vegetation. These fish are most active at night, which makes our night trips perfect for targeting them. Smallmouth buffalo are popular for bowfishing, but can be tricky to catch on rod and reel. They've got a reputation for tasty, firm meat, which adds to the appeal. When fishing for them, patience is key. Use corn or dough balls and watch your rod tip closely - they tend to nibble before fully committing to the bait. Here's a local trick: try baits with a spicy kick, like corn soaked in hot sauce. When you feel that steady pull, set the hook hard and get ready for a fight. These fish are strong and crafty, making them a fun challenge for experienced anglers.

About the Bass Buggy 18 DLX

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Bass Buggy

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 75

Picture yourself gliding across Percy Priest Lake under the cover of darkness, the boat's lights illuminating the water ahead. You're not here for a leisurely cruise—this is a high-octane night fishing adventure. Guide Josh Guin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put your skills to the test. With advanced jugging setups and razor-sharp bowfishing techniques, you'll be targeting some of Nashville's most challenging catches: bigmouth buffalo, flathead catfish, and long-nosed gar. This isn't your average fishing trip; it's a fast-paced, 5-hour battle of wits and skill against some of the lake's wiliest inhabitants. As you set lines with precision and take aim in the glow of the boat's lights, you'll feel your adrenaline surge with each potential catch. This trip is tailor-made for experienced anglers looking to push their limits and make the most of Nashville's rich nighttime fishing scene. Bring your A-game—you're in for an intense, rewarding night on the water.

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