Get ready for a wild night on the water with Josh Guin's Bowfishing Adventure. This ain't your grandpa's fishing trip - we're talking high-energy action under the stars on Percy Priest Lake. For five heart-pumping hours, you'll be zipping around, taking aim at some of the lake's most challenging catches. Whether you're a seasoned bowfisher or it's your first time picking up a bow, this trip is guaranteed to get your adrenaline flowing and leave you with some killer stories to tell.
Picture this: You're cruising along the shoreline of Percy Priest Lake, bright lights cutting through the darkness. Suddenly, you spot movement in the shallows. Your guide points out a massive carp, and before you know it, you're drawing back your bow, taking aim, and letting that arrow fly. That's the kind of non-stop action you can expect on this 5-hour night fishing adventure. We provide all the gear you need, from state-of-the-art bows to arrows designed for precision in the water. And don't worry about going hungry - we've got snacks to keep your energy up throughout the night. Just remember, this is a dry boat, so save the celebratory beers for after we dock. Want to show off your catch to the folks back home? Bring a cooler, and you can take home your best shots of the night.
If you've never tried bowfishing before, you're in for a treat. It's like archery meets fishing, with a dash of hunting thrown in for good measure. We use specialized bows equipped with reels, and the arrows are attached to heavy-duty line. Unlike traditional fishing where you're often playing the waiting game, bowfishing is all about quick reflexes and sharp eyes. We'll cruise along in a custom-rigged boat, using powerful lights to spot fish in the shallows. When you see a target, it's time to draw, aim, and fire. The arrow pierces the water, and if your aim is true, you'll feel the satisfying tug of a fish on the line. It's a unique challenge that'll test your skills and keep you on your toes all night long.
Percy Priest Lake is home to a variety of fish species, but when it comes to bowfishing, we've got our sights set on some specific targets. Here's what you might be aiming for during your trip:
Common Carp: These guys are the bread and butter of bowfishing. They're big, they're plentiful, and they put up a heck of a fight. Carp can grow up to 30 pounds or more in Percy Priest, and they love hanging out in the shallows at night. Spot their distinctive orange-gold scales reflecting in the lights, and you've got yourself a prime target.
Bigmouth Buffalo: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't actually buffalo, but they are big mouth fish that can grow to impressive sizes. They're known for their powerful runs once hooked, so landing one of these bad boys is always a thrill. They tend to school up, so if you spot one, there's a good chance more are nearby.
Freshwater Drum: Also known as sheepshead, these silver-sided fish are a blast to target. They've got a habit of cruising just under the surface, making them perfect for bowfishing. Listen for their distinctive grunting sound (yep, that's why they're called drum), and you might just pinpoint your next shot.
Flathead Catfish: These are the monsters of Percy Priest Lake. Flatheads can grow to enormous sizes, with some topping 50 pounds. They're harder to spot and even harder to land, but if you manage to arrow one of these beasts, you'll have a story to tell for years to come. Look for their broad, flat heads near stumps or submerged trees.
There's something addictive about bowfishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the rush of spotting a fish and making that split-second decision to shoot. Or the satisfaction of seeing your arrow hit its mark and feeling the weight of a big fish on the line. Whatever it is, once you've tried it, regular fishing just doesn't quite cut it anymore. Plus, you're doing the lake a favor by helping to control populations of invasive species like carp. It's a win-win - you have a blast, and the lake ecosystem benefits. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the bragging rights that come with showing off your night's haul to your buddies back home.
If you're itching to try something different, or if you're already hooked on bowfishing and looking for your next fix, Josh Guin's 5-hour Bowfishing Charter on Percy Priest Lake is calling your name. Remember, we can take up to three guests per trip, so grab your fishing buddies and make a night of it. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so be sure you're ready to commit to an unforgettable night on the water. Whether you're a local looking for a new way to experience the lake or a visitor wanting to add some excitement to your Nashville trip, this bowfishing adventure is sure to hit the mark. Don't let this opportunity slip away - book your spot now and get ready for a night of non-stop action and big fish stories that'll last a lifetime.
Bigmouth buffalo are an interesting native species we sometimes encounter while bowfishing Percy Priest. These silver-colored fish can get huge, often 20-40 pounds. You'll spot them near the surface in backwaters and shallow bays, especially on warm nights. Buffalo put up a great fight when arrowed. While not as common as carp, landing one of these prehistoric-looking fish is always exciting. They're actually good to eat, with firm white meat similar to carp. To target them, focus on calm areas where you see schools of fish rolling on the surface. Just be sure to distinguish them from the similar-looking carp before you shoot!
Common carp are one of our main targets for bowfishing on Percy Priest. These golden-yellow fish usually run 15-30 inches and 5-20 pounds, but can get much bigger. You'll find them in shallow, weedy areas, especially at night when we're out with the lights. Carp are invasive here, so there's no limit on how many you can take. They're a blast to shoot - powerful fighters that really test your aim and strength. While not prized for eating, removing them helps the lake's ecosystem. To increase your odds, look for muddy water where they're stirring up the bottom. And don't worry if you miss - there are plenty more where that came from!
Flathead catfish are the bruisers of Percy Priest. These big, ugly fish can top 100 pounds, though most are in the 20-40 pound range. You'll find them in deep pools and slow-moving areas, especially near stumps and logs. They're most active at night in the warmer months. Flatheads put up an epic battle - it's like trying to reel in a Volkswagen. Their firm, white meat is considered the best-eating of all the catfish. To catch one, use live bait like bluegill or perch. I like to set up just before dark and fish all night long. Be patient and hang on tight when that rod bends double!
Freshwater drum are some of the most common fish you'll find in Percy Priest. These silver-scaled bottom-feeders usually run 10-14 inches and a few pounds, but can get much bigger. Look for them in clear, shallow areas with some vegetation. They're active year-round but really bite in summer. Drum put up a decent fight and make a unique grunting sound when caught. To target them, use natural baits like crawfish tails or worms on the bottom. While not the most prized catch, drum are fun and easy to land in big numbers. The locals call 'em "sheepshead" and some say the ivory-like ear bones make good luck charms. If you're after a mess of fish for dinner, drum are hard to beat.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Bass Buggy
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 75