Night Shark Fishing Trip in Key West
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private evening fishing trip targeting tarpon and sharksAccommodates up to four anglers with all tackle and bait providedExplores Key West backcountry channels using live bait techniques
When the sun starts dropping toward the horizon in Key West, that's when the real action kicks in. This 4-hour private evening charter departs at 4:00 PM and takes you straight into some of the best inshore shark fishing waters in South Florida. You'll be targeting everything from hard-fighting tarpon to aggressive blacktip and bull sharks in the famous backcountry channels and around the bridges where these predators love to hunt. With room for up to four anglers, this trip gives your group the perfect mix of adventure and comfort aboard a well-equipped 22' Lake and Bay boat that's built for these waters.
Your evening starts with a scenic cruise through Key West's backcountry, where shallow flats give way to deeper channels that hold serious fish. The timing of this trip is no accident - as daylight fades, predatory species become more active and aggressive. You'll be fishing around structure like bridges and channel edges where baitfish congregate, which naturally draws in the bigger game fish. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused, giving beginners plenty of time to learn while experienced anglers can really dial in their technique. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand and will position you in the best spots based on tides, wind, and recent fish activity. The 22' Lake and Bay boat provides a stable platform for fighting fish while staying comfortable during the entire 4-hour adventure.
This isn't heavy-duty deep sea fishing - we're talking about light tackle techniques that put you right in the fight. Your guide provides all the gear, including rods spooled with appropriate line weights for inshore species. Live bait is the name of the game here, typically using pilchards, pinfish, or other local baitfish that these predators can't resist. You'll learn how to present baits naturally in the current, how to set the hook on a shark's tough mouth, and the proper technique for fighting these powerful fish without breaking them off. The light tackle approach means every fish feels bigger and fights harder - a 30-pound blacktip will give you a workout you won't forget. Your guide handles all the leader work and rigging, so you can focus on the fishing instead of worrying about gear.
Tarpon are the silver kings of Key West waters, and even the smaller 20-50 pound fish on this trip pack serious power. These prehistoric-looking fish are pure muscle and acrobatics - when a tarpon hits your bait, get ready for multiple jumps and screaming runs that'll test your drag system. Evening hours are prime time for tarpon, especially around bridges where they ambush baitfish in the current. They're catch-and-release fish, but landing one is a badge of honor that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Blacktip sharks are the perfect introduction to shark fishing - aggressive, athletic, and absolutely beautiful fish that put on a show when hooked. These sharks love shallow water and aren't shy about hitting baits presented near the surface. They typically run 3-6 feet long in these waters and are known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. Blacktips are active year-round in Key West, but evening fishing often produces the most consistent action as they move into the shallows to feed.
Lemon sharks are the bulldogs of the shark world - thick, powerful fish that prefer to stay deep and fight dirty. When you hook into a lemon, forget about jumps and get ready for a serious tug-of-war. These sharks can reach impressive sizes in Key West waters, and their yellowish coloration makes them easy to identify when you finally get them boatside. They're common around structure and in deeper channels, especially during warmer months when baitfish are abundant.
Bull sharks earn their reputation as one of the most powerful predators in these waters. These thick-bodied sharks can show up anywhere from shallow flats to deeper channels, and when one takes your bait, you'll know immediately you're connected to something special. Bulls are known for their incredible strength and stamina - they don't give up easily. While they're less predictable than blacktips, hooking into a bull shark is often the highlight of any Key West fishing trip.
This top-rated evening charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and the weather is perfect. Key West Fishing Connection has built a reputation for putting anglers on fish while providing a safe, professional experience that works for everyone from first-timers to seasoned shark fishermen. The 4-hour timeframe gives you plenty of fishing time without feeling rushed, and the private charter format means your group sets the pace. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, this trip delivers the goods. With all tackle and bait included, flexible booking options, and a guide who knows how to find fish when others can't, you're looking at a world-class fishing experience that'll have you talking for years.
This 22-foot Lake and Bay center console is built for serious shark fishing in Key West's waters. With a powerful 250HP Yamaha outboard pushing you up to 35 knots, you'll reach the best fishing spots quickly whether you're working the shallow backcountry or heading to deeper channels. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to fight those bull sharks and tarpon without getting in each other's way. GPS navigation keeps you on target while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the action happens. The center console design gives everyone easy access to all sides of the boat - perfect when that blacktip makes its run or when you're wrestling with a 50-pound tarpon under the lights. Built tough for Florida's inshore waters, this boat handles everything from the skinny flats around the bridges to the deeper cuts where the big sharks patrol after dark.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most active sharks you'll hook in our waters, averaging 4-6 feet with those distinctive black-tipped fins. They're found cruising shallow flats and channels in 10-30 feet of water, often around structure like bridges where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is peak season, especially on evening trips when they move into shallower water to feed. What guests love about blacktips is their aerial show - these sharks can jump 20+ feet out of the water when hooked, spinning and thrashing like tarpon. They're also great table fare with firm, mild meat. My go-to tip for landing them consistently? Use oily baits like cut mackerel or sardines, and don't be afraid to get that chum line going. Once they smell it, they'll come looking for an easy meal.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the toughest customers in our waters - thick, muscular sharks that can hit 8-10 feet and pack serious power. They patrol channels, bridge pilings, and deeper cuts where they ambush everything from tarpon to rays. What makes them unique is they can handle both salt and fresh water, so you might find them way up in backcountry creeks. Evening fishing works great since they're aggressive feeders after dark. Anglers love the raw power - these sharks don't jump much but they'll drag you around for 20 minutes straight. The meat's decent if you keep smaller ones. Summer through fall gives you the best shot at them. My secret weapon? Fresh eel if you can get it - the oil content drives them crazy. Otherwise, big chunks of cut mullet or mackerel work well. Just make sure your drag is set right.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are the bulldogs of our shallow waters - stocky, yellowish-bronze colored sharks that average 6-8 feet around Key West. They love hanging around mangrove creeks, sandy flats, and channel edges in 5-20 feet of water where they hunt for crabs, rays, and smaller fish. Evening trips are perfect since they're more active feeders as the sun goes down. These sharks give you a powerful, bulldogging fight rather than flashy jumps - pure muscle and determination. They're curious too, often circling the boat before taking bait. Not typically kept for eating, but the fight alone is worth it. Best local trick I can share? Fish them on the bottom with fresh cut bait near mangrove edges during moving tides. They use those shallow areas as highways, so position yourself right and be patient.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king of Key West waters, tarpon are what fishing dreams are made of. These prehistoric fish average 80-100 pounds around here, but we've seen plenty push 150+. What makes them special? They jump like dolphins when hooked - sometimes 10 feet out of the water at 35 mph. You'll find them cruising our backcountry channels, around bridges, and along the flats edges, especially during evening hours when they're actively feeding. Spring through fall gives you the best action, with late afternoon and dusk being prime time. Most anglers practice catch and release since they're bony and not great eating. My local trick? When you see one roll, cast your live bait about 10 feet ahead of where they surfaced - they're usually traveling in a straight line underwater.
Key West