Evening Tarpon & Shark Fishing in Islamorada
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Evening tarpon and shark fishing adventure in Islamorada watersTarget lemon, blacktip, and bull sharks with expert guidesFourhour inshore trip accommodates two guests maximum
Picture this: the sun's starting its slow descent over the Florida Keys, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, and you're standing on deck with a rod in hand, waiting for that legendary silver king to explode out of the water. That's exactly what you'll get on this 4-hour evening charter with Eric Scoble Blackwater Charters. We're talking about a world-class tarpon and shark fishing experience that'll have you hooked from the first cast. This isn't your typical tourist trap – it's a genuine Keys fishing adventure where the fish are big, the action is real, and the memories last forever. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who just loves being on the water, this trip delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
This evening charter is all about timing and location. We launch from Islamorada, which sits right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive inshore waters. The beauty of an evening trip is that you're fishing during prime time – when the water starts cooling down and the big predators become more active. Captain Eric knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you over the flats, channels, and backcountry spots where tarpon love to cruise and sharks patrol looking for an easy meal. The boat stays close to shore, so you won't deal with rough seas or long runs to the fishing grounds. Instead, you'll spend your time actually fishing, not traveling. With just 2 anglers on board, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fight these powerful fish without bumping elbows with a crowd.
We're fishing with heavy tackle here because these aren't your average inshore fish. For tarpon, we'll be using live bait like crabs, pinfish, or mullet, depending on what's available and what they're eating. The captain will rig you up with circle hooks and strong leaders because tarpon have mouths like sandpaper and they know how to use them. When it comes to sharks, we'll switch things up with cut bait or live bait fished on the bottom or under a float. The key is reading the water and adjusting your approach. Some days the tarpon want bait presented quietly on the surface, other times they'll hit something worked aggressively through the water column. Sharks are usually more straightforward – they follow their noses to a good meal. Captain Eric handles all the rigging and will coach you through the fight, so don't worry if you've never tangled with fish this size before.
Tarpon are the main event here, especially from March through June when they migrate through the Keys in massive schools. These fish are pure muscle and attitude, often reaching 100+ pounds and known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their fighting spirit. They'll jump, run, and test every inch of your tackle and technique. The evening bite can be fantastic because tarpon often feed more aggressively as the light fades. You might see them rolling on the surface or crashing bait schools, which gets your heart pumping before you even make a cast.
Lemon sharks are another customer favorite, and for good reason. These beautiful yellow-tinted sharks are common in the shallow waters around Islamorada and typically range from 3 to 6 feet. They're strong fighters but not overly aggressive, making them perfect for anglers who want to experience shark fishing without the chaos. Blacktip sharks bring the acrobatics – these guys will jump and spin when hooked, putting on a show that rivals tarpon. Bull sharks are the bruisers of the bunch, thick and powerful with an attitude to match. They don't jump much, but they'll pull drag and test your endurance in a straight-up tug of war.
This top-rated evening charter fills up fast, especially during tarpon season when anglers come from all over the world to fish the Keys. With Eric Scoble Blackwater Charters, you're getting a captain who lives and breathes these waters, plus a boat that's set up specifically for this kind of fishing. The 4-hour timeframe is perfect – long enough to hit multiple spots and target different species, but not so long that you're exhausted by the end. Plus, there's something magical about being on the water as day turns to night in the Keys. The fishing is just one part of it; you're also getting a front-row seat to one of nature's best shows. Don't wait until the last minute to book – the best fishing dates get snapped up quickly, and you don't want to miss out on what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime.
Get ready to chase tarpon and sharks aboard our beautifully restored 18' Hewes Redfisher! This classic skiff got a complete makeover in 2023 and runs like a dream with its reliable 115HP Yamaha, cruising at 30 knots to get you to the hot spots fast. The shallow draft design lets us slip into those prime inshore waters around Islamorada where the big fish hang out. You'll have everything needed for a successful evening on the water - GPS to navigate the flats, radar for safety, fish finder to locate your targets, plus an icebox to keep your drinks ice-cold while you wait for that rod to bend. This boat handles the Keys waters perfectly, whether we're stalking tarpon in the shallows or anchored up waiting for sharks to cruise by. Built for serious fishing but comfortable enough to enjoy those beautiful Florida Keys sunsets between hookups.
Islamorada