Night Tarpon And Snook Charter Miami
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Night fishing charter targets snook and tarpon when most activeHalfday inshore trip accommodates up to three guests maximumCaptain Toby's Guide Service provides moonlit fishing experience
Picture this: Miami's city lights twinkling in the distance, calm water lapping against the boat, and the sudden explosion of a massive tarpon breaking the surface right next to your bait. That's what you're signing up for with Captain Toby's half-day night fishing adventure. We're talking about targeting two of the most coveted gamefish in South Florida waters—snook and tarpon—when they're prowling the shallows and feeding hard under cover of darkness. This isn't your typical daytime charter. Night fishing is a whole different ballgame, and these fish know it. They get aggressive, they get hungry, and they give you fights you'll be talking about for years.
We'll meet up just before sunset and head out to some of my favorite inshore spots around Miami. These aren't the crowded daytime honey holes—we're hitting structure and flats that really come alive after dark. The vibe is completely different at night. Water's glassy, there's no weekend boat traffic, and the fish that were spooked or lethargic during the day suddenly turn into eating machines. We're running a small operation here—just three anglers max—so everyone gets plenty of shots and personal attention. No elbow-to-elbow fishing or waiting in line for your turn. Captain Toby knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's been perfecting his night game for over a decade. We'll work bridges, docks, and shallow flats where these fish love to ambush baitfish in low light conditions.
Night fishing for snook and tarpon is all about presentation and patience. We're using live bait most of the time—pilchards, pinfish, and mullet that we'll catch fresh or pick up from local bait shops. For tarpon, we're going with circle hooks and letting them run before setting the drag. These fish are smart, especially the big ones, so we keep things quiet and use just enough light to see what we're doing without spooking everything in a half-mile radius. Rod selection matters too. We've got medium-heavy spinning setups with smooth drags that can handle long runs, plus some conventional gear if we get into bigger tarpon. The key is being ready to adjust based on what we're seeing. Some nights they want a slow presentation near structure, other nights they're chasing bait in open water. Captain Toby reads the conditions and switches up tactics accordingly—that's what separates good guides from great ones.
Snook are the ultimate inshore predator, and Miami's waters hold some absolute monsters. These fish are ambush feeders that love structure—bridges, docks, mangrove shorelines—anywhere they can pin baitfish against something solid. During the day they're often tucked up tight in shade, but at night they move out to feed. A good Miami snook runs anywhere from 20 to 40 inches, with the occasional cow pushing 45 inches or better. What makes snook special is their attitude. They hit hard, make explosive runs, and fight dirty with those razor-sharp gill plates. Plus, they're beautiful fish—that distinct black lateral line and golden sides look amazing under the boat lights. Best months are typically April through October when water temps are up and they're most active.
Tarpon are in a league of their own. We call them the "silver king" for good reason—these fish are pure power and grace wrapped up in chrome scales. Miami's tarpon fishery is world-class, with fish ranging from juvenile 20-pounders up to giants over 100 pounds. What sets tarpon apart is their acrobatics. When you hook one, especially at night, that first jump comes out of nowhere and will get your heart racing every single time. They're prehistoric fish—been around for millions of years—and they fight like it. Long runs, multiple jumps, and they never give up easy. The bigger ones will test every knot, every connection, and your patience. Night fishing gives you a real advantage because they're less boat-shy and more willing to eat in shallow water where you can really appreciate their size.
This night fishing charter fills up fast, especially during prime season when both species are most active. Captain Toby's reputation for putting clients on quality fish speaks for itself, and with only three spots available per trip, dates book solid weeks in advance. Whether you're a serious angler looking to add some trophy fish to your logbook or someone wanting to experience Miami fishing at its finest, this trip delivers. The combination of top-rated guiding, prime fishing locations, and the raw excitement of night fishing for two of Florida's most prized gamefish makes this a customer favorite. Don't sleep on this opportunity—literally. Book your half-day night adventure with Captain Toby's Guide Service and get ready for some of the best inshore action Miami has to offer.
Your night fishing adventure launches from a completely rebuilt 1996 Action Craft that's been transformed into a serious fishing machine. This reliable motorboat cuts through Miami's inshore waters with ease, getting you to those productive snook and tarpon spots when the fish start feeding after dark. The onboard GPS keeps us on course to the hottest fishing grounds, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where these gamefish like to prowl. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your baits and battle these hard-fighting Florida favorites. The boat's shallow draft design lets us slip into those skinny water areas where big snook love to ambush prey under the moonlight. Whether we're working the mangrove edges or drifting over grass flats, this Action Craft gives us the platform we need for a productive night on the water chasing two of the most sought-after inshore species in South Florida.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's smartest gamefish, averaging 18-24 inches with some reaching 30+ pounds. These golden-sided fighters love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. They're most active during warmer months, especially around new and full moons when they feed aggressively at night. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong runs toward cover. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: when fishing around lights at night, cast your live shrimp or pilchard just outside the light's edge where snook ambush baitfish. They're spooky, so keep noise down and use fluorocarbon leaders.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate gamefish - silver kings that average 80-120 pounds and can reach 200+ pounds in Miami waters. These prehistoric giants roam shallow flats, deeper channels, and harbor areas, often rolling on the surface. Peak season runs May through August, with night fishing being particularly productive when they're actively feeding. What draws anglers worldwide is their acrobatic jumps - some clearing 10 feet out of the water - and powerful runs that test your tackle and patience. Most are catch-and-release due to their bony meat and conservation importance. Pro tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip to give slack line, preventing them from throwing the hook on their aerial show.
Miami