Night Fishing Magic in Clearwater Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour night fishing trip for up to 2 guestsTarget tarpon, snook, redfish, and trout under moonlightLate evening start avoids heat and offers peaceful experience
There's something special about fishing under the stars in Clearwater that keeps me coming back night after night. When the sun goes down and the tourist boats head in, that's when the real action begins. This 4-hour private night fishing charter is designed for serious anglers who want to experience Florida's inshore waters at their absolute best. Starting at 10 PM or later, you'll avoid the brutal daytime heat while targeting some of the most sought-after gamefish in Tampa Bay. With just you and one other angler on board, this intimate fishing experience gives you the personal attention and prime fishing spots that bigger charters simply can't match.
Night fishing in Clearwater is a whole different ballgame compared to daytime trips. The cooler temperatures make for comfortable fishing conditions, and more importantly, the fish are actively feeding. We'll be working the grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and deeper channels where big tarpon roll and snook ambush baitfish near lighted docks. The peaceful atmosphere lets you really focus on your technique while listening for the telltale sounds of feeding fish. Don't worry about bringing tackle - I've got you covered with top-quality rods, reels, and a selection of live and artificial baits that have proven deadly on these waters. The boat is equipped with proper lighting for night fishing, including subtle deck lights that won't spook the fish but keep you safe while fighting that fish of a lifetime.
Night fishing requires a different approach than daytime tactics, and I'll have you dialed in from the first cast. We'll be using a mix of live bait fishing and artificial lures depending on what the fish are telling us. For tarpon, we'll deploy live crabs and pinfish near structure, while snook fishing calls for precise presentations of live shrimp or pilchards along the mangrove edges. The key to successful night fishing is being quiet and methodical - no loud conversations or unnecessary boat movement that might spook these pressured fish. I'll set you up with medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle the powerful runs of tarpon while still being sensitive enough to detect the subtle bite of a speckled trout. Circle hooks are the name of the game for live bait fishing, ensuring solid hooksets and better fish survival rates.
Snook are the bread and butter of Clearwater night fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love to hunt in low light conditions, positioning themselves near dock lights and bridge pilings where baitfish congregate. During summer months, snook fishing is at its peak, with fish ranging from keeper-sized "schoolies" to bruiser broodstock females pushing 15+ pounds. What makes snook so addictive is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, gill-rattle, and make blistering runs toward structure. The slot limit keeps things interesting, as we're targeting that sweet spot between 28 and 33 inches.
Tarpon fishing at night is pure adrenaline, especially during their spring and summer migration through Tampa Bay. These silver kings can exceed 100 pounds and provide fights that last 30 minutes or more. Night tarpon are often more aggressive than their daytime counterparts, readily taking live crabs fished near bridges and passes. The cooler water temperatures mean the fish don't tire as quickly, giving you an epic battle under the stars. Even smaller tarpon in the 20-40 pound range will test your tackle and endurance with their aerial displays and powerful runs.
Redfish become more active feeders at night, especially during warmer months when daytime temperatures drive them to deeper water. These copper-colored fighters are known for their bulldogging runs and stubborn resistance near the boat. Clearwater's grass flats hold good numbers of slot-sized reds, with the occasional overslot bull red mixed in. Night fishing allows us to work shallow water where big reds cruise looking for crabs and shrimp, often in less than three feet of water.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are nighttime specialists that feed heavily in low light conditions. These beautiful gamefish are abundant in Clearwater's grass flats and provide consistent action when other species are finicky. Trout fishing at night often produces better quality fish, with gator trout over 20 inches being caught regularly. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers who enjoy bringing dinner home.
Tripletail are the wildcard species that can show up anywhere around structure, especially near channel markers and floating debris. These oddly-shaped fish are incredible table fare and put up a surprising fight for their size. Night fishing increases your chances of finding tripletail, as they're less boat-shy in low light conditions. When you hook one, you'll understand why they're considered one of Florida's premier eating fish.
This top-rated night fishing experience fills up quickly, especially during peak season when the tarpon are rolling and the snook bite is hot. With only two anglers per trip, you're getting a premium charter experience that larger boats simply can't provide. The personal attention means more time with lines in the water and less time waiting around. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or someone new to saltwater fishing wanting to learn proper techniques, this 4-hour adventure delivers the goods. The memories you'll make fighting fish under Clearwater's starlit sky will have you planning your return trip before we even dock. Don't let this world-class fishing opportunity slip away - book now and discover why night fishing in Clearwater is considered some of Florida's best inshore action.
Step aboard this reliable 23-foot Dorado Bay boat for your nighttime fishing adventure in Clearwater's productive waters. Built in 2007 and powered by a strong 200HP Suzuki engine, she'll get you to the best fishing spots quickly and quietly with her wireless trolling motor. The GPS navigation keeps you on target whether you're chasing tarpon around the flats or hunting redfish in the shallows. With room for up to 2 guests, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines and land those big snook and trout that come alive after dark. The onboard multimedia system adds convenience while you wait for the bite. Starting at 10 pm or later means cooler temperatures and active fish - perfect conditions for serious anglers looking to connect with Clearwater's best gamefish under the stars.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are hands-down one of the most fun fish to target in our shallow waters. These copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails typically range from 18-30 inches around Clearwater. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes break the surface. They're year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months when they school up. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and dogged fighting style - they'll peel drag and make multiple surges toward structure. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. These fish aren't picky eaters and will hit everything from live shrimp to gold spoons and topwater plugs. My go-to trick: look for "tailing" reds with their heads down feeding - approach quietly and drop your bait right in their path.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are perfect night fishing targets in our grass flats and shallow bays. These silver beauties with dark spots typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water during winter months. They love temperatures between 60-80°F and feed heavily on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish around structure. What makes trout fishing fun is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials like soft plastic shrimp or topwater plugs. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. The key to consistent trout fishing is working the edges of grass beds where they ambush prey. Pro tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp - the noise attracts them from a distance, and the natural presentation seals the deal.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most exciting inshore targets here in Clearwater waters. These sleek, golden fish typically run 1-3 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line and protruding lower jaw. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water, especially during our warmer months from May through September when they're spawning. They're ambush predators with powerful tails that make lightning-fast strikes on live shrimp or soft plastics. What makes snook special is their ability to live in both salt and fresh water, plus they put up a serious fight with aggressive runs and head shakes. The meat is flaky and delicious too. Here's a local tip: cast your bait past the structure and work it back slowly - snook love to hide in the shadows and strike as prey moves away from cover.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters, and catching one at night is something you'll never forget. These giants average 80-100 pounds and 4-6 feet long around Clearwater, though they can get much bigger. They cruise shallow flats, bridges, and deeper channels, especially during their May through August spawning season. What draws anglers to tarpon is their amazing jumping ability - they'll leap 10 feet out of the water trying to throw your hook. They're pure muscle and can run up to 35 mph, making for epic battles that can last an hour or more. While they're not great eating due to their bony meat, it's all about the fight and the photos. My advice: when a tarpon jumps, bow your rod tip toward the fish to keep slack in the line - tight lines during their aerial show will cost you the fish every time.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique catches - these oddball fish get their name from their rounded anal and dorsal fins that look like extra tails. They typically run 2-13 pounds and have this cool ability to change color from mottled brown to solid black or white. You'll spot them floating on their sides near the surface, mimicking debris around channel markers, weed lines, and floating structure. Summer through early fall is prime time when they move into our nearshore waters. What makes tripletail exciting is their acrobatic fight despite their chunky build, plus they're fantastic eating - taste like grouper or snapper. The trick is sight fishing: once you spot one, cast well past it and slowly work your bait toward them. They spook easily, so stealth is key. Live shrimp or small crabs work best, but they'll also hit crab-pattern flies.
Florida