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Top-Rated Nashville Jug & Bowfishing Adventure

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Nashville
  • $400 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Join us for an exciting night of fishing on the waters near Nashville, TN. Our 5-hour combo trip mixes jug fishing and bowfishing for a unique outdoor adventure. We'll start in the evening, setting up baited jugs in calm coves to attract fish. Then, as night falls, we'll switch gears to bowfishing under the stars. It's fast-paced and fun, with every shot adding to the excitement. As the night wraps up, we'll collect the jugs to see what we've caught. This trip is perfect for anyone looking to try something different on the water. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler, you'll enjoy the mix of strategy and action. Our guide, Josh Guin, keeps things lively and makes sure everyone has a great time. Remember, this is a night trip, so come ready for some after-dark adventure on the lake. With a max of 3 guests, you'll get plenty of hands-on time with both fishing methods. It's a great way to experience Nashville's outdoors in a whole new way.
Top-Rated Nashville Jug & Bowfishing Adventure

Night Fishing Action

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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!

8 people fishing in Nolensville

Strong bowfishing crew!

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Giant buffalo catch!

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One fish caught in Nolensville

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Night Fishing Thrills: Jug & Bow Combo in Nashville

Hey there, fellow fishing enthusiasts! Ready for a night on the water you won't forget? Our 5-hour jug and bowfishing combo trip here in Nashville, TN is unlike anything you've done before. We're talking about setting jugs under the stars, then switching gears for some fast-paced bowfishing action. It's the perfect mix of laid-back fishing and heart-pumping excitement, all wrapped up in one unforgettable package.

What's the Deal?

Alright, here's how it goes down. We kick things off in the evening, just as the sun's starting to set. I'll show you the ropes on how to set up those jugs - think of them as your own personal fishing fleet. We'll bait 'em up and drop 'em in some prime spots where the big cats like to hang out. Once we've got our jugs bobbing away, we switch gears. Out come the bows, and that's when the real fun begins. We'll cruise the shallows, lights blazing, looking for fish to shoot. It's like fish hunting - fast, exciting, and addictive. As the night wraps up, we'll circle back to check our jugs and see what we've caught. It's the best of both worlds - the anticipation of jug fishing mixed with the instant gratification of bowfishing.

How We Roll

Let's break it down a bit. Jug fishing is an old-school technique that's still crazy effective. We use plastic jugs or bottles as our floats, attaching lines and baited hooks. The jugs dance around on the surface while the bait does its work below. It's a kick to watch those jugs start bobbing when a big ol' catfish takes the bait. For bowfishing, we're talking compound bows fitted with special reels and arrows. We use bright lights to spot fish in the shallows - when you see one, you draw, aim, and let fly. It's all about quick reflexes and a good eye. Don't worry if you're new to this - I'll give you all the pointers you need to get started. By the end of the night, you'll be hooked (pun intended) on both these fishing styles.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Flathead Catfish: These bad boys are the prize catch of our jug fishing. Flatheads can grow to monster sizes, with some topping 100 pounds! They're ambush predators, so they love hanging out near submerged logs or in deep holes. Night fishing is perfect for flatheads because that's when they're most active. When a flathead hits your jug, you'll know it - these fish fight like crazy and will give you a real workout bringing them in.

Common Carp: Carp are the bread and butter of bowfishing. They're invasive here in Tennessee, so there's no limit on how many you can take. Carp cruise the shallows at night, making them perfect targets for bowfishing. They can grow pretty big, often 20-30 pounds, and they're a blast to shoot. Don't let anyone tell you carp are junk fish - they're crafty, strong fighters that'll keep you on your toes.

Bigmouth Buffalo: These guys are often mistaken for carp, but they're actually native to Tennessee. Bigmouth buffalo are another great bowfishing target. They can get huge, sometimes over 50 pounds! They tend to school up, so where you find one, you'll often find more. Buffalo have a reputation for being tough to land - they've got powerful fins and know how to use 'em.

Smallmouth Buffalo: Cousin to the bigmouth, smallmouth buffalo are another native species that's fun to target. They're usually a bit smaller but no less challenging. Smallmouth buffalo are more streamlined than their bigmouth relatives, making them quick and agile in the water. They're known for their strong runs when hooked, giving anglers a real fight.

Longnose Gar: Now here's a fish that looks like it swam straight out of prehistoric times. Gar are ambush predators with long, toothy snouts. They love to hang out near the surface, making them prime targets for bowfishing. Gar have tough, armored scales that can dull hooks and arrows, so landing one is always a challenge. They're not the best eating, but they're a blast to catch and release.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, there's something special about being out on the water at night. The lake takes on a whole different character - it's peaceful one minute, then exploding with action the next. You've got the slow burn of checking jugs, wondering what might be on the end of that line, mixed with the instant thrill of bowfishing. It's like fishing and hunting rolled into one. Plus, you're targeting some of the biggest, baddest fish in the lake. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip offers something for everyone. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the story you'll have after a night of shooting fish with a bow!

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, if you're itching to try something new or just want a fishing trip that's guaranteed to get your heart racing, this is it. Our 5-hour jug and bowfishing combo is one of the most popular trips we offer, and spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Remember, we can take up to 3 guests, so grab a couple buddies and make it a night out. Just a heads up - deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. Trust me, once you experience the thrill of setting jugs and slinging arrows under the stars, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock. So what are you waiting for? Let's get you out on the water and make some memories!

Learn more about the animals

Bigmouth Buffalo

Bigmouth Buffalo are often mistaken for carp, but these filter-feeders are a whole different ballgame. They average 20-30 inches and can live over 100 years - making them the oldest known freshwater fish. You'll find them in shallow lakes, backwaters, and floodplains. They're most active at night, feeding on plankton near the surface. Bigmouth Buffalo are prized for their size and the challenge they present - landing one is no easy feat. They're also important for water quality, acting like nature's vacuum cleaners. To catch one, try using small, scented baits or even a tiny nymph fly. Driftfishing or stillfishing can both work well. Here's a pro tip: these fish have soft mouths, so set the hook gently and be patient when reeling them in. It's all about finesse with these big, ancient swimmers.

Bigmouth Buffalo

Common Carp

Common Carp are stocky fighters that average 15-30 inches and 4-30 pounds, though 100-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them in lakes, ponds, and slow rivers, often near the bottom in 8-12 feet of water. They're most active in spring and fall, coming to the shallows to feed aggressively. Carp fishing is an art - these fish spook easily, so stealth is key. They put up a heck of a fight, which is why so many anglers target them. For bait, try corn, bread, or boilies. A local trick: use a hair rig to present your bait just off the bottom. It keeps the hook hidden and lets the carp take the bait more naturally. Fish early mornings or evenings in summer, and be ready for some serious rod-bending action when you hook into one of these powerful freshwater bulldozers.

Common Carp

Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish are real heavyweights, often reaching 3-4 feet and over 100 pounds. They love deep, slow-moving water and hang out near structure like logs or rocks. Unlike their catfish cousins, flatheads prefer live bait - the wigglier, the better. You'll find them most active at night, especially in summer. Anglers prize flatheads for their size and fight - hooking one feels like trying to reel in a Volkswagen. Their meat is also considered top-notch eating. To land a big one, try using live bluegill or perch on a sturdy rod with at least 50-pound test line. Drop your bait near deep holes or submerged trees and be patient - when a flathead hits, you'll know it. Just be ready for a battle royal that could last an hour or more before you get that monster in the boat.

Flathead Catfish

Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar are prehistoric-looking predators, stretching up to 6 feet long with a needle-like snout full of sharp teeth. You'll spot them in freshwater lakes, rivers, and even brackish coastal areas, often lurking near vegetation. They're most active at night, ambushing smaller fish. Anglers prize gar for their challenging fight and unique appearance. To catch one, forget the typical hook - use an unbraided nylon rope lure instead. Their teeth get tangled in it, giving you a chance to land them. Sight fishing works well, especially if you can spot them near the surface. Here's a local trick: try the "figure eight" retrieve near vegetation to trigger their predatory instincts. Be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke. While some folks eat gar, cleaning them is tricky due to their tough scales. Most anglers catch and release, respecting these ancient fish that have been around since dinosaur times.

Longnose Gar

Smallmouth Buffalo

Smallmouth Buffalo are stocky fighters, typically 16-24 inches long but can reach a whopping 35 inches. Look for them in fast-moving streams, lakes with plenty of vegetation, and even large rivers. They're bottom feeders, so that's where you'll want to focus. Spring and fall are prime times, as they move into shallower waters to feed. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting nature and tasty, firm flesh. Here's an odd but effective tip: try baits with a spicy kick, like dough balls mixed with chili powder. When you're ready to set the hook, patience is key. These fish often mouth the bait before fully committing. Wait for a strong, steady pull before you reel. Night fishing can be particularly productive, especially if you're into bowfishing. Just remember, it takes practice to tell the difference between a nibble and a real bite with these clever fish.

Smallmouth Buffalo

About the Bass Buggy 18 DLX

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Bass Buggy

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 75

Get ready for a unique night of fishing action on the waters near Nashville! Our 5-hour combo trip mixes up two fun styles - jug fishing and bowfishing. As evening falls, you'll learn how to set up floating jugs with bait to attract fish in calm coves. Then the real excitement begins as we switch gears to bowfishing under the stars. Take aim and let those arrows fly as we cruise around looking for targets. The night flies by with non-stop action. At the end, we'll circle back to collect the jugs and see what we've caught. It's a cool mix of laid-back fishing and fast-paced shooting that gives you a taste of two totally different techniques. Whether you're new to fishing or an old pro, this trip offers something fresh and fun. Bring up to 2 friends along to share in the adventure. Just remember, deposits can't be refunded, so choose your date wisely!
Josh Guin's Outdoor Adventures

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Ready for an unforgettable fishing experience in Nashville? Book your adventure with Josh Guin's Outdoor Adventures now and let the thrill of Percy Priest Lake await you. Join us for a day of excitement on the water – where memories are made, and the catch of a lifetime is just a cast away!

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