Ready to try something different on the water? Join Captain Frankie for a private 4-hour bowfishing charter in Tampa Bay! Trade your fishing rod for a bow and experience the excitement of spotting fish, lining up your shot, and testing your aim. Our guided bowfishing trips depart from Little Harbor in Ruskin and offer a fun, hands-on adventure for friends, families, and anyone looking for a new fishing experience!
Trip Details, Pricing & What’s Included
FOUR HOURS OF ACTION, AIM & ADVENTURE IN TAMPA BAY
Our private 4-hour bowfishing charters offer an exciting way to explore Tampa Bay while learning a completely different style of fishing. Captain Frankie plans each trip around the water conditions and suitable bowfishing areas, giving your group the chance to spot fish and put your accuracy to the test.
Every charter departs from Little Harbor in Ruskin, Florida, with Captain Frankie guiding you throughout the experience. Bowfishing equipment and instruction are included. Bring comfortable clothing, your favorite drinks, and a little competitive spirit. You’ll be surprised how exciting that first successful shot can be!
BOWFISHING CHARTER
Private fishing trip
$595
Duration: 4 hours on the water
Charter: Private charter with Captain Frankie
Equipment: Bowfishing equipment included
Guidance: Instruction for beginners and experienced guests
Departure: Little Harbor in Ruskin
Booking Deposit: $100 deposit to confirm your reservation
TRADE YOUR FISHING ROD FOR A BOW AND TAKE AIM
Bowfishing brings a whole new kind of excitement to Tampa Bay! Instead of waiting for a fish to bite, you’re actively searching the water, spotting your target, and taking your shot. Our 4-hour bowfishing charters offer an interactive fishing adventure that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a little action and friendly competition.
Captain Frankie takes you onto Tampa Bay’s surrounding waters to look for legal bowfishing targets in suitable conditions. You’ll learn how to spot fish beneath the surface, account for how water affects your aim, and get comfortable using bowfishing equipment. Every trip is different, and even experienced anglers can find bowfishing surprisingly challenging!
Our private bowfishing trips depart from Little Harbor in Ruskin and are a favorite for groups of friends looking to try something new. You don’t need previous bowfishing experience to join us. Captain Frankie will walk you through the basics and help you enjoy four hours of hands-on adventure on the water.
A DIFFERENT WAY TO EXPERIENCE FISHING ON TAMPA BAY
Bowfishing combines the excitement of fishing with the challenge of archery, creating an experience that’s unlike a traditional fishing charter. Instead of casting a line, you’ll scan the water for suitable targets and take aim using specialized bowfishing equipment. It takes concentration, quick reactions, and a little practice to get the hang of it!
Tampa Bay’s shallow coastal waters can offer opportunities to encounter species legally eligible for bowfishing. What you’ll find depends on the season, visibility, and local fishing regulations. Captain Frankie will help identify appropriate targets and guide your group through the experience while following Florida’s fishing rules.
One of the best parts of bowfishing is how involved everyone gets. Your group can take turns spotting fish, practicing shots, and cheering each other on. Even when the fish aren’t cooperating, there’s plenty of excitement in learning something new and enjoying the challenge together.
ACCEPTED PAYMENT OPTIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY
Our preparation for your trip begins several days prior and includes rigging tackle, fueling, and netting bait, which is why we ask for at least 7 days cancellation notice. A cancellation fee of 50% cost of the trip will be charged if not cancelled within 7 days of the charter. Forfeit of the $100 deposit will occur if the trip is not cancelled within 30 days.
If for some reason the Captain must cancel or there is inclement weather, we will work with you to reschedule or provide a full refund of deposit.
WHY CHOOSE BAREFOOT FISHING CHARTERS FOR YOUR BOWFISHING TRIP?
Bowfishing is one of Captain Frankie’s favorite ways to get people out on the water, and it’s easy to see why! At Barefoot Fishing Charters, our private 4-hour bowfishing trips are all about getting involved, learning something new, and having a great time with your crew. Captain Frankie brings his knowledge of Tampa Bay’s local waters and fishing conditions to every trip, helping guests find suitable areas to practice their aim. Never picked up a bow before? No problem! He’ll walk you through the equipment and techniques so you can get comfortable before taking your shot. Experienced bowfishers are welcome too. With the boat reserved exclusively for your group and departures from Little Harbor in Ruskin, it’s a fun way to experience Tampa Bay beyond traditional fishing!
“Bowfishing is one of my favorite trips to take people on. Everybody gets into it, especially when someone finally lands that first shot. It’s always a good time out there!”
— CAPT. FRANKIE BIRD
BOWFISHING CHARTERS SERVING TAMPA BAY & SURROUNDING AREAS
Barefoot Fishing Charters offers private 4-hour bowfishing adventures departing from Little Harbor in Ruskin, Florida. We welcome guests from Tampa, Apollo Beach, Brandon, Riverview, Sun City Center, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, and surrounding communities. If you’re searching for a bowfishing charter near Tampa or looking for a unique outdoor adventure with friends, Captain Frankie is ready to introduce you to this exciting style of fishing!
FAQs
Bowfishing combines elements of archery and fishing into a hands-on experience on the water. Instead of using a traditional fishing rod, participants use specialized bows and arrows attached to retrieval lines to target legally permitted fish species. Bowfishing requires quick reactions, careful aim, and an understanding of how light bends when it passes through water. Captain Frankie can introduce your group to the equipment, explain the basic techniques, and help you understand what to look for during your trip. Our private 4-hour bowfishing charters offer a unique way to experience Tampa Bay for anyone looking to try something different from traditional fishing.
No previous archery or bowfishing experience is necessary to inquire about a trip with Barefoot Fishing Charters! Bowfishing is a different skill from traditional rod-and-reel fishing, and even experienced anglers may find it challenging at first. Captain Frankie can explain how the equipment works, demonstrate proper handling techniques, and help beginners understand the basics of aiming into the water. Guests should be comfortable following safety instructions and handling specialized fishing equipment responsibly. If you’re bringing children or first-time participants, contact Captain Frankie before booking to discuss age requirements, equipment availability, and whether the trip is suitable for your group.
Florida has specific regulations governing which fish species can be taken with bowfishing equipment, and the rules can differ between freshwater and saltwater environments. Certain nongame fish species may be eligible for bowfishing, but popular Tampa Bay sport fish such as snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout cannot legally be harvested using bows and arrows. Some species and locations have additional restrictions, so it’s important to understand the current regulations before heading out. Captain Frankie can discuss the species that may be legally targeted during your trip and explain how local conditions affect bowfishing opportunities. All harvesting must comply with current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rules.
Barefoot Fishing Charters offers private 4-hour bowfishing trips for $595. Your charter includes time on the water with Captain Frankie and a guided bowfishing experience in suitable Tampa Bay locations. Because bowfishing uses specialized equipment, contact Captain Frankie to confirm what bows, arrows, and other gear are provided before your trip. A $100 deposit is generally required to confirm our standard charter reservations, with the remaining balance due at the end of the trip. Call (813) 751-7895 to confirm bowfishing availability, equipment arrangements, and booking details.
Both daytime and nighttime bowfishing can offer different experiences, depending on the location, target species, water clarity, and conditions. Daytime bowfishing relies on natural sunlight and visibility into the water, while nighttime bowfishing typically uses specialized lighting to help locate eligible fish. Water clarity, wind, tides, and visibility can all affect how easily fish can be spotted. The best option depends on the type of bowfishing trip Captain Frankie offers and the conditions expected during your reservation. Contact Barefoot Fishing Charters to ask about available departure times and what to expect on your 4-hour bowfishing adventure.
From Our Clients
Great day fishing. Frankie was a great captain. He took us to multiple spots and we caught lots of fish! Lots of snook, trout, catfish, ladyfish and yellow jack. He took the time to teach and help me and my kids with everything. Highly recommend for any fishing trip.-Andrea
I just spent a week in Florida with my son and two friends and we booked with Capt. Frankie for four days, and what a great time we had. Frankie put us on fish every day and went above and beyond our expectations. We endured wind and rain and it didn’t bother him a bit. We just moved around the bay to find new spots out of the weather. He works hard every day catching fresh bait and he isn’t afraid to run around and burn gas to put you on fish. If you’re looking for a good guy to fish with that’s laid back and easy to get along with, Frankie is your guy.-Josh
We went out on a full-day, in-shore trip and had an absolute blast! We caught a good variety of fish including snapper, mackerel, grouper, snook and tarpon and were able to bring home plenty for dinner. Frankie was an awesome captain and made sure we got the most out of our time. We also appreciated his enthusiasm and excitement every time we caught a fish. We will definitely be booking with Barefoot again!-Madeline
Capt. Frank is top notch. His communication before the trip was amazing. His knowledge of the area was also amazing. It felt like just three guys fishing. He was one of the guys with the go to spots. Highly recommend and worth every dime.-Kevin
Get in Touch
104 4th St SW, Ruskin, FL 33570
(813) 751-7895
Barefootfishingcharter@gmail.com
104 4th St SW, Ruskin, FL 33570
(813) 751-7895
Barefootfishingcharter@gmail.com
