Private 4 Hour Night Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour nighttime inshore fishing charter for up to 4 guestsTarget Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Bluefish in bay waters after sunsetEscape daytime heat while fishing docks during optimal evening hours
When the sun sets over northwest Florida's coastal waters, that's when the real action begins. This top-rated 4-hour night fishing charter gets you away from the daytime crowds and into some of the best inshore fishing our waters have to offer. You and up to three buddies will slip through quiet bay systems and intercoastal waterways under a canopy of stars, targeting three of our most sought-after species: speckled trout, redfish, and bluefish. Captain and crew handle all the gear and know-how – you just bring your fishing license and get ready for some serious action after dark.
We kick off right at sunset, though exact departure times shift with the season – always check with your captain for the precise schedule. Late spring through fall delivers the prime conditions for night fishing these waters, when cooler evening temperatures make both fish and anglers more comfortable. You'll be running the docks and shallow flats where artificial lights attract baitfish, and where baitfish go, gamefish follow. The peaceful evening atmosphere adds something special to the whole experience – no boat traffic, minimal noise, just the gentle sounds of water and the anticipation of that next strike. Most nights, you'll work areas between 2-8 feet of water, perfect depth for sight fishing with lights and working the grass beds where these species love to hunt.
Night inshore fishing calls for specific tactics that really pay off in these waters. We primarily use live and cut bait – shrimp, pinfish, and mullet work great for trout and reds, while bluefish will hit just about anything that moves. Artificial lures get their share of action too, especially soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom and topwater plugs that create enough commotion to get noticed in low light. Captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, plus the all-important lighting setup that makes night fishing so productive. We use submersible green lights to attract baitfish, creating an underwater feeding frenzy that draws in the gamefish. You'll learn how to read the water differently at night – listening for feeding activity, watching for bait movement in the light cone, and feeling for those subtle strikes that might be harder to see after dark.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of night fishing in these parts. These spotted beauties range from keeper-sized 15-inchers up to trophy gator trout pushing 5-6 pounds or more. They're most active during low-light periods, making evening and early morning prime time. Trout love to patrol grass flats and drop-offs where they can ambush unsuspecting baitfish. What makes them so exciting to target is their aggressive strike and the way they fight – lots of head shaking and line-stripping runs. Plus, they're excellent table fare when you want to keep a few for dinner.
Redfish, or red drum as some folks call them, are the power hitters of the inshore world. These bronze-backed bruisers typically run 18-30 inches in our waters, though bull reds over the slot limit show up regularly and provide some serious arm-burning action before release. Reds are notorious for their crushing strikes and bulldogging fights – they'll use their broad sides to fight you every inch of the way to the boat. They're year-round residents that feed heavily at night, especially around structure like dock pilings, oyster bars, and creek mouths. The thrill of watching a big red inhale your bait in the light cone never gets old.
Bluefish bring the aggressive action that keeps things exciting when they're in the area. These toothy predators travel in schools and feed with abandon, often creating surface commotion that you can hear from a distance. Blues in our waters typically range from 1-5 pounds, though larger fish certainly show up. They're incredibly fun on light tackle – fast, acrobatic fighters that make multiple runs and often jump clear of the water. When a school of blues moves through your fishing area, you can expect fast and furious action with multiple hookups. They're also fantastic when smoked or grilled fresh.
This customer favorite night fishing charter fills up quickly, especially during peak season when conditions are perfect and fish are most active. The 4-hour format gives you plenty of time to work different areas and techniques while still getting you back to the dock at a reasonable hour. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to try something different or a newcomer who wants to experience some of the best inshore fishing northwest Florida has to offer, this night charter delivers. The combination of productive fishing, peaceful evening atmosphere, and professional guidance creates memories that keep folks coming back season after season. Contact Double D Fishing Charters today to secure your dates and get ready for some world-class night fishing under the stars.
Meet the Mermaid One, your ticket to prime nighttime fishing action on the bay. This 24-foot Ranger bay boat cuts through shallow waters with ease, powered by a reliable 300hp white Suzuki that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots fast. The brown and white hull design looks sharp under the dock lights, while the T-top keeps you comfortable during those long evening sessions. What makes this boat perfect for night fishing? The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on feeding fish without spooking them – essential when you're working the docks after sunset. The fish finder helps locate schools of speckled trout and redfish lurking in the darkness, while GPS keeps you on course through familiar and new waters alike. The VHF radio ensures you stay connected, and there's even a toilet onboard for those extended trips chasing drum and bluefish. With room for up to 4 anglers, the Mermaid One gives everyone space to cast without tangling lines. The stable platform handles night conditions beautifully, whether you're drifting over grass flats or anchored near structure where the big reds feed.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that show up in schools during our prime season, making for some fast-paced action. These torpedo-shaped fighters typically run 2-10 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They patrol deeper channels, around structure, and push baitfish into shallow water during feeding frenzies. Summer through early fall is peak time when they're chasing menhaden and anchovies near the surface. Blues fight dirty with strong runs and head shakes, plus they're great eating when fresh - firm, flaky meat with good flavor. Just watch those teeth when handling them. My go-to technique: when you see birds working or bait getting pushed around, get there fast with cut bait or flashy spoons and work the edges of the action.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our nighttime fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots near the tail average 20-30 inches but can push 40+ pounds. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and dock lights where they ambush shrimp and crabs. Spring through fall is prime time, especially on warm nights when they're actively feeding. Reds fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. The meat is firm with a mild, sweet flavor that's great grilled. Here's the trick: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait sink to the bottom before giving it a twitch.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect for our nighttime runs, especially late spring through fall when they move into the shallows to feed. These silver beauties with their distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and put up a solid fight on light tackle. You'll find them cruising grass flats and around docks in 1-4 feet of water after dark, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're aggressive feeders at night, so topwater plugs and plastic shrimp work great. Pro tip: when you see nervous water or hear them slurping bait on the surface, cast just past the commotion and work your lure back through it slowly.
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