Night Snook & Tarpon Trip in Islamorada
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Evening departure targeting snook and tarpon in backcountry watersPrivate charter accommodates two guests with complete equipment providedFourhour nighttime fishing adventure using specialized light tackle techniques
There's something magical about fishing Islamorada's backcountry waters after the sun starts dropping. This 4-hour evening adventure puts you right in the thick of some of Florida Keys' most sought-after inshore action. We're talking about targeting snook and tarpon when they're most active – during those prime low-light hours when these fish come alive. Starting at 4:00 PM, you'll have the perfect window to experience why night fishing down here has earned such a stellar reputation among serious anglers.
This private trip is designed for two anglers who want to focus on quality over quantity. We'll head out to my proven nighttime honey holes where snook consistently show up to feed once the light starts fading. The beauty of this timing is you get to fish during that golden hour transition, then watch the real action kick in as darkness settles over the flats. I've been running these waters for years, and I know exactly where these fish like to set up their ambush spots. We're talking about fishing around mangrove shorelines, creek mouths, and structure where snook feel comfortable hunting in the shadows. The intimate setting with just two guests means you get personalized attention and coaching – perfect if you want to dial in your technique or learn the nuances of reading these waters at night.
We'll be fishing with spinning gear and light tackle that lets you feel every head shake and run these fish are famous for. I'll have you working everything from jigs bounced along the bottom to poppers that create surface commotion – both deadly effective when snook are in feeding mode. The jigging game is all about feeling the bottom structure and working those areas where snook like to hold. Meanwhile, popping creates that surface disturbance that can trigger explosive strikes, especially from tarpon cruising the shallows. All your rods, reels, bait, and tackle are included, plus I'll handle your fishing license so you can focus on the fishing. The only thing you need to bring is some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up, plus that fighting spirit because these fish don't give up easy once they're hooked.
Snook are the main target here, and for good reason – they're absolutely electric fighters that use every trick in the book. These fish are ambush predators that love structure, especially during low-light periods when they feel more confident moving into shallow feeding areas. In Islamorada's backcountry, snook typically range from slot-size fish around 18 inches up to genuine trophies pushing 30-plus inches. What makes them special is how they fight – powerful initial runs followed by gill-rattling head shakes and stubborn battles near structure. They're most active from late spring through fall, but the evening bite can be phenomenal year-round. The challenge is getting them away from cover once hooked, which is why light tackle makes it even more exciting.
Tarpon add that extra element of surprise to this trip. While we're primarily targeting snook, tarpon often cruise these same areas, especially smaller fish in the 20-80 pound range that frequent the backcountry. These silver kings are famous for their acrobatic jumps and long, powerful runs that test both your drag system and your patience. Even a smaller tarpon will give you a workout, and the possibility of hooking into a larger fish always exists. They're more seasonal than snook, with peak activity from late spring through summer, but resident fish can show up year-round in these protected waters. The beauty of tarpon fishing is you never know when one might crash your snook party.
This top-rated evening trip fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hot. The combination of proven techniques, quality gear, and local knowledge creates the perfect recipe for a memorable night on the water. With free cancellation up to 7 days out, there's no risk in securing your dates early. Just remember that gratuities are customary at trip's end – it's how we show appreciation for a job well done. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target these species in their prime feeding window or someone wanting to experience the magic of night fishing in the Keys, this 4-hour adventure delivers the goods. The intimate setting with just two anglers means you get the personalized experience you deserve, plus the best shot at connecting with these hard-fighting fish when they're most active.
Your fishing platform for this nighttime snook and tarpon adventure is a reliable 24-foot Seahunter Crossover, built to handle Islamorada's backcountry waters after sunset. This motorboat cuts through shallow flats and mangrove channels where trophy fish hunt in the darkness. The GPS keeps you on productive spots while the fish finder reveals what's lurking below in those proven nighttime honey holes. VHF radio ensures safe communication during your evening pursuit of these hard-fighting species. The crossover design gives you the shallow-water access needed for backcountry snook haunts while providing the stability to battle jumping tarpon under the stars. Perfect for two anglers ready to experience Florida Keys fishing when the sun goes down and the big fish start feeding.
Islamorada