Nashville's Best Beginner Jug & Bowfishing Trip

Night Fishing Fun: Jug and Bow on Percy Priest

Ready for a laid-back evening on the water that's perfect for newcomers? Josh Guin's got you covered with this half-day trip that combines two unique fishing styles on Nashville's Percy Priest Lake. You'll get hands-on experience with jugging (a local favorite) and try your hand at bowfishing - all with gear provided and expert guidance. It's a chill way to spend a few hours, learn some new tricks, and hopefully land a big one under the stars.

What's the Deal?

This isn't your standard cast-and-wait fishing trip. Josh takes you out on Percy Priest Lake as the sun's going down, setting you up for a night of action. First, you'll learn how to rig and set out jugs - basically floating fishing lines that do the work while you kick back. Then, while those are soaking, you'll switch gears to bowfishing. Josh will show you the ropes (or should we say strings?) of this unique technique. Don't worry if you've never done it before - he's patient and will have you feeling like a pro in no time. As the night wraps up, you'll circle back to check your jugs and see what's biting. It's a low-key introduction to two cool fishing methods, perfect for folks who want to try something different without any pressure.

Jug Fishing 101

Alright, let's break down how this jug fishing thing works. Picture this: we've got a bunch of empty milk jugs (or similar floats) with fishing line and baited hooks attached. We'll spread these out across a good stretch of the lake. The jugs bob around, attracting curious fish, while we move on to other fun. Later, we cruise back through, following the trail of jugs like a scavenger hunt. When you spot a jug that's tilted or moving funny, that usually means you've got a fish on! It's a sneaky way to cover a lot of water and potentially hook into some big cats or buffalo fish while you're off doing other things. Plus, there's something pretty cool about seeing those jugs light up with glow sticks as night falls.

Bowfishing Basics

Now for the really fun part - bowfishing! Think bow and arrow meets fishing rod. We use special bows rigged with heavy-duty line and barbed arrows. Josh will get you set up with all the gear and show you how to spot fish in the shallows using high-powered lights. When you see movement, it's time to take your shot! Aim a little low (water refracts light, making fish look higher than they are) and let it fly. There's a definite learning curve, but man is it satisfying when you connect. We're usually targeting rough fish like carp and gar, which are perfect for beginners since they hang out in shallow water and there are plenty of them. Don't sweat it if you miss a few - even experienced bowfishers whiff sometimes. It's all about having fun and maybe landing a few for bragging rights.

Species You Might Stick

Flathead Catfish: These bad boys are the prize catch of the night. Flatheads can grow huge in Percy Priest, with 20+ pounders not uncommon. They love to hang out near structure and come alive at night, making them perfect for our jug lines. Landing a big flathead is like reeling in a muscular log - they put up an awesome fight.

Common Carp: The bread and butter of bowfishing. Carp cruise the shallows, often with their backs breaking the surface. They're not the prettiest fish, but they're a blast to shoot. Some folks call 'em "freshwater bonefish" because of how they can take off when arrowed. Carp are invasive here, so removing them actually helps the lake ecosystem.

Buffalo Fish: Both Bigmouth and Smallmouth Buffalo are common targets. These native suckers can get big - 20-30 pounds isn't rare. They're built like footballs with fins, and while they're not known as fighters, larger ones can give you a good tussle. Buffalo are actually great eating despite being underappreciated.

Longnose Gar: Now these are some prehistoric-looking creatures. Gar have long, toothy snouts and armor-like scales. They love warm, shallow water which makes them prime bowfishing targets. Gar can grow to impressive sizes, and when arrowed, they've got a tendency to go absolutely bonkers. It's an adrenaline rush for sure.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

Josh's trip offers a unique combo you won't find on many other outings. It's perfect for groups who want to try something different or families looking for an activity everyone can enjoy. The laid-back vibe means there's no pressure - you can chat, laugh, and enjoy being out on the water while still having a shot at some impressive fish. Plus, Percy Priest is gorgeous at night. There's something magical about being on the lake under the stars, with Nashville's lights twinkling in the distance. It's a totally different way to experience fishing, and many guests find themselves hooked (pun intended) on jug fishing or bowfishing after giving it a go.

Book Your Night on the Lake

If you're looking for a cool way to spend an evening in Nashville that doesn't involve honky-tonks, this is it. Josh's trip is beginner-friendly, but even experienced anglers will have a blast trying out these different techniques. With all gear provided and Josh's expert guidance, you've got nothing to lose and some awesome memories (and maybe a few fish) to gain. Spots are limited to keep the experience personal, so don't wait to lock in your adventure. Give jugging and bowfishing a shot - it might just become your new favorite way to fish!