Tarpon Fishing Trips In Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Nighttime tarpon fishing adventure with Captain Greg in Florida watersInshore fishing experience accommodating up to three guests maximumExpert-guided pursuit of powerful tarpon under cover of darkness
When the sun goes down and most anglers are calling it quits, that's when Captain Greg fires up the engines and the real action begins. These nighttime tarpon fishing adventures in Florida waters are what legends are made of – you're not just fishing, you're stepping into a world where 100-pound silver kings patrol the shallows and every cast could connect you to the fish of a lifetime. The cover of darkness brings out behaviors in tarpon that daytime fishing just can't match, and with only three spots available per trip, you're getting the kind of personalized attention that makes all the difference when you're battling these prehistoric powerhouses.
Captain Greg knows these Florida waters like the back of his hand, and he's perfected the art of putting anglers on fish when the conditions are prime. You'll be fishing the productive inshore waters where tarpon move in to feed under cover of darkness, away from boat traffic and daytime pressure. The atmosphere is completely different at night – there's something magical about hearing that unmistakable tarpon roll in the distance while you're waiting for your next cast. The small group size means everyone gets plenty of shots, and Captain Greg can focus on getting each angler dialed in with their technique. Don't worry if you've never fished at night before – the captain will walk you through everything from reading the water in low light to feeling for those subtle bites that signal game time.
Nighttime tarpon fishing is a different beast than daytime presentations, and Captain Greg has the right setup to give you the best shot at success. You'll be fishing with medium-heavy to heavy tackle that can handle the brutal runs these fish are famous for, typically spooled with 40-80 pound test depending on conditions. Live bait is king for this style of fishing – expect to work with everything from pilchards to crabs, depending on what the fish are keyed in on. The captain provides all the gear you need, including the specialized hooks and leaders that can stand up to tarpon teeth and gill plates. Circle hooks are the standard here, both for fish safety and because they dramatically improve your hookup ratio. You'll learn to fish these baits both on the bottom and in the water column, adjusting your presentation based on where the fish are feeding that particular night.
Tarpon are the headliner here, and for good reason. These silver kings can push 200 pounds in Florida waters, and when one explodes on your bait in the darkness, it's pure adrenaline. Peak tarpon season runs from April through July, but Captain Greg targets them year-round when conditions are right. What makes tarpon so special is their fighting ability – they're acrobatic jumpers that can leap six feet out of the water, and they have the stamina to run line off your reel for what feels like hours. The nighttime bite tends to be more aggressive than daytime fishing, as these fish move shallow to feed without the pressure they face during daylight hours.
Snook are another top target that really turn on after dark. These ambush predators love structure and current breaks, and they're notorious for their explosive strikes. Florida snook can reach 40+ inches, and they're incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag system. The best snook fishing happens during warmer months, particularly summer nights when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What anglers love about snook is their unpredictability – one minute you're targeting tarpon and the next you're locked up with a trophy snook that came out of nowhere.
Bull sharks add an element of raw power that few fish can match. These apex predators patrol Florida's inshore waters year-round, and they're particularly active at night. Bulls can exceed 300 pounds and they fight dirty – no fancy jumps, just pure bulldogging power that will smoke your drag and test your endurance. They're not picky eaters either, which means you might hook into one while targeting other species. The thrill of a bull shark on the line at night is something every serious angler should experience at least once.
Mutton snapper round out the target species list with their combination of size and table fare quality. These reef dwellers can grow to impressive sizes in Florida waters, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. They're smart fish that require finesse, especially the larger specimens, but they're also aggressive feeders that will crush a well-presented bait. Mutton snapper are excellent eating, so if you're looking to take home some dinner along with your fishing stories, these are your fish. They're most active during summer months and can be found around structure in 30-100 feet of water.
This isn't your typical fishing trip – it's a chance to experience Florida's waters the way serious anglers do, when the biggest fish are most active and the competition is non-existent. Captain Greg's expertise in nighttime fishing techniques and his knowledge of local waters give you the best possible shot at connecting with fish that most anglers only dream about. With just three spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of opportunities to get your line wet. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next challenge or someone ready to step up their fishing game, these nighttime tarpon adventures deliver the kind of action that keeps you coming back for more. The memories you'll make battling these incredible fish under Florida's star-filled sky are worth every penny – don't let this world-class fishing opportunity pass you by.
"The Hutch Touch" is your ride for chasing Florida's silver kings under the stars. This restored 2004 motorboat packs a serious 225 Yamaha that'll get you to the hotspots fast, hitting 53 knots when you need to cover water quickly. Captain Greg knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this boat is rigged perfectly for tarpon hunting. The fish finder will help you locate schools in the dark, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're positioning for that perfect cast. GPS keeps you on track during those nighttime runs, and the icebox ensures your drinks stay cold during those epic battles. With space for just 3 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work when a hundred-pound tarpon starts going airborne. The boat's been updated with all the gear you need for serious tarpon fishing, but it still has that classic Florida fishing boat feel. Whether you're casting live bait or working lures, "The Hutch Touch" gives you the platform to tangle with these legendary fighters in their prime feeding hours.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the heavyweights of Florida's nearshore waters, typically 6-8 feet long and 200-300 pounds of pure muscle. These gray-topped predators are unique because they can handle both salt and freshwater, so you'll find them in harbors, river mouths, and shallow coastal areas year-round. Summer brings the best action when they move into warmer shallows to feed. What makes them exciting is their raw power and unpredictable nature - when hooked, they'll make long, determined runs that'll test your drag system. They're not table fish, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Best spots are around structure in 10-40 feet of water where baitfish congregate. My go-to trick is using fresh eel or big chunks of bloody fish like mackerel - the oil slick draws them in from a distance. Heavy tackle and wire leaders are essential since those teeth can slice through anything lighter.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are one of our most sought-after reef fish, usually running 2-5 pounds with occasional 10+ pounders showing their pink and olive colors. You'll find them around coral reefs, ledges, and rocky bottom in 30-100 feet of water, though bigger fish hold deeper. They're year-round residents, but spring and summer offer the best action when they move shallower to feed. What anglers love is their strong fight for their size and excellent table quality - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're smart fish that require finesse and fresh bait. The trick is light tackle with just enough weight to get down, letting your bait drift naturally in the current. Live shrimp, pilchards, or squid work great on a knocker rig. Here's the key: once hooked, they'll bolt for the reef, so apply steady pressure immediately and turn their head up before they can cut you off on the rocks.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are some of Florida's most prized inshore targets, typically running 18-24 inches with occasional giants hitting 3-4 feet. These golden beauties with their signature black lateral stripe love structure - docks, mangroves, bridges, and oyster bars in 2-10 feet of water. They're happiest in brackish areas where fresh and saltwater mix. Best fishing happens during warmer months, May through September, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their explosive strike and stubborn fight - they'll head straight for cover when hooked. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with flaky white meat. Here's a local tip: during spawning season when the water warms up, look for them around inlet mouths on moving water. Use live shrimp or pilchards, but keep your drag loose - they've got soft mouths and will throw the hook if you horse them.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" is Florida's most famous game fish, averaging 80-100 pounds but capable of reaching 200+ pounds and 6-7 feet long. These ancient fish patrol shallow flats, channels, and bridges in 5-30 feet of water from late spring through summer. Peak season runs May through August when they migrate through our waters in massive schools. What draws anglers from around the world is their aerial show - tarpon can jump 10 feet out of the water and will test every ounce of your skill and tackle. They're strictly catch-and-release due to their bony meat and slow growth. You'll find them rolling on the surface in early morning or late evening. Pro tip: when you hook one, bow to the king by dropping your rod tip toward the fish during jumps - it reduces line tension and prevents break-offs. Live crabs, pinfish, and sardines work best on circle hooks.
Miami