Private 4 Hour Night Inshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour nighttime inshore fishing charter for up to four guestsTarget Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Bluefish in bay watersEvening departure at sunset through fall season
When the sun goes down and the crowds head home, that's when the real magic happens on these inshore waters. Our private 4-hour nighttime charters give you and up to three buddies the bay and intercoastal waterways all to yourselves. You'll be targeting some of NW Florida's best eating fish – Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Bluefish – while enjoying the cool evening breeze and peaceful atmosphere that only comes after dark. This top-rated charter starts right at sunset, and trust me, there's nothing quite like watching the sky change colors while you're rigging up for an evening of serious fishing action.
Once we push off at sunset, you'll quickly understand why so many anglers prefer fishing after hours. The daytime boat traffic disappears, the fish get more active, and the whole vibe shifts to something way more relaxed. We'll spend our time working the docks, grass flats, and structure where these inshore species love to feed under cover of darkness. Late spring through fall is absolutely prime time for this kind of fishing – the water temps are perfect, baitfish are thick, and the predators are hungry. You don't need any experience to have a blast out here, but if you're a seasoned angler, you'll appreciate how much more productive the fishing can be when the sun's not beating down on everyone. The exact start time changes throughout the season, so make sure to give us a call to lock in your departure time.
Running docks at night is an art form, and it's one of the most effective ways to put fish in the boat consistently. We'll be using live bait and artificials, depending on what the fish are telling us they want. Topwater plugs work magic in the early evening hours – there's nothing like hearing a redfish blow up on a surface lure when you can barely see the water. As it gets darker, we'll switch to suspending baits and work them around dock lights and structure where baitfish gather. The key is staying quiet and moving efficiently from spot to spot. These fish get spooked easily at night, so we'll use our trolling motor to slip into position without making a racket. I'll have you set up with the right tackle for each situation, and we'll adjust our approach based on tides, moon phase, and what kind of activity we're seeing out there.
Speckled Trout are the bread and butter of night fishing around here, and for good reason. These beautiful fish average 14-18 inches but can push well over 20 when conditions are right. They love hanging around dock lights where shrimp and small baitfish get disoriented by the artificial light. Specks are most active during the warmer months, from late spring clear through October, and they're absolute suckers for a slow-worked soft plastic or a well-presented live shrimp. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – few fish taste better than a fresh speckled trout cooked up the same day you caught it.
Redfish are the power hitters of the inshore world, and catching one at night is something special. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-27 inches in our waters and will absolutely test your drag system when they make their run. Reds are year-round residents, but they're particularly aggressive during the fall months when they're feeding heavily before winter. They love prowling shallow water after dark, especially around oyster bars and grass edges. The fight they put up is legendary – strong, steady, and determined. Plus, they're fantastic eating if you decide to keep one for dinner.
Bluefish might not get the respect they deserve, but they're absolute blast to catch and they show up in good numbers during our peak season. These aggressive predators typically range from 12-20 inches in our area and they'll hit just about anything you throw at them. Blues are most active from late summer into fall, and they often travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. They're known for their hard strikes and acrobatic fights, plus they're excellent on the grill when prepared properly. Many anglers overlook blues, but they're a customer favorite once people experience how much fun they are to catch.
This nighttime inshore experience offers something you just can't get during regular daytime trips – cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and fish that are actively feeding in the shadows. Whether you're looking to escape the summer heat, try something different, or just enjoy the peaceful evening atmosphere on the water, this 4-hour charter delivers. The combination of productive fishing and the serene nighttime setting makes this a world-class experience that keeps customers coming back season after season. With space for up to four anglers, it's perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a more intimate fishing adventure. Give Double D Fishing Charters a call today to secure your sunset departure time and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing NW Florida has to offer.
Meet Mermaid One, your ticket to serious nighttime fishing action. This sharp 24-foot Ranger bay boat cuts through the inshore waters with authority, powered by a reliable 300hp Suzuki outboard that'll get you to the hot spots fast. The brown and white hull looks good on the water, while the T-top provides cover when you need it. What sets this rig apart for night fishing is the wireless trolling motor – perfect for sneaking up on those wary speckled trout and redfish without spooking them with engine noise. The GPS keeps you on course in the dark, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish where the big ones are feeding. VHF radio keeps you connected, and there's even a head on board for those longer sessions. Built for up to four anglers, Mermaid One has the space and stability to handle multiple lines in the water while working the docks and shallow flats after sunset. The layout gives everyone room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're drifting over grass beds for trout or working the shoreline for drum, this boat handles the bay and intercoastal like it was made for it.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in our waters during the warmer months, typically running 3-10 pounds with some pushing 20. These blue-green torpedoes have razor-sharp teeth and hunt in schools, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the water white. You'll find them around bait schools in the bay channels and near structure. Summer nights are prime time when they push baitfish against the surface. What makes them exciting is their aggressive strikes and strong runs - they fight harder than their size suggests. They're also excellent table fare when fresh, with rich, flaky meat. Just watch those teeth when handling them. My trick is using wire leaders and fast-moving lures like spoons or topwater plugs. When you see birds working, get there quick - the blitz won't last long.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing. These copper-colored fighters average 28-33 inches and love cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and dock pilings in super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll spot them by that distinctive black spot near their tail. Late spring through fall is prime time, and they're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp. What guests love most is their bulldogging fight and that satisfying bronze flash when they turn sideways. Plus, they're great eating with sweet, firm meat. Pro tip: when you see them tailing or cruising, cast well ahead of where they're heading and let your bait settle - they spook easy but once hooked, they'll test your drag.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect nighttime targets in our shallow bay waters. These silvery beauties with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and love grass flats in 1-4 feet of water. Late spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around lighted docks where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them special is their delicate fight and excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're spooky fish, so approach quietly and use lighter tackle. My go-to trick is working a soft plastic shrimp under the lights real slow. When you see them tailing in skinny water, that's when you know you're in for some fun. They don't fight like a redfish, but their finicky nature makes landing one really satisfying.
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