5.0(1 Reviews)Night-Time Tarpon & Snapper Snagging
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour sunset and night fishing adventure in Florida KeysTarget barracuda, grey snapper, redfish under starlit skiesSmall group charter accommodates up to 4 guests maximum
When the sun starts its descent over the Florida Keys, most folks are calling it a day. But that's when the real action begins for serious anglers. This 4-hour sunset and night fishing adventure with Local Grown Charters puts you right in the heart of some of the best inshore fishing the Keys have to offer. You'll be targeting aggressive predators like barracuda, grey snapper, redfish, and if you're lucky, some massive tarpon that cruise these waters after dark. Night fishing isn't just about catching fish—it's about experiencing the Keys in a completely different way, when the water comes alive and the big boys come out to hunt.
This top-rated charter starts as the golden hour kicks in, giving you that perfect transition from day fishing into the prime night bite. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hands, positioning you over the best structure and grass flats where predatory fish ambush their prey. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, so you're not dealing with crowds—just you, your group, and some seriously good fishing. As darkness settles in, you'll notice how different the water sounds and feels. Fish that were spooked during the day become bold hunters, and that's when things get interesting. The peaceful nighttime setting amplifies every strike, every run, and every battle with these coastal fighters.
Night fishing in the Keys requires a different approach than your typical daytime outing. The crew sets you up with appropriate tackle for the target species—medium to heavy action rods that can handle everything from scrappy snappers to bulldogging redfish. Live bait is king after dark, with pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp being the go-to offerings. You'll be fishing both on the bottom for snapper and redfish, and suspended baits for tarpon and barracuda that patrol the water column. LED underwater lights help attract baitfish, which in turn draws in the predators you're after. The captain uses GPS and fish finder technology to locate the best spots, but it's really about reading the water conditions and understanding fish behavior patterns that separate a good night from a great one.
"He's one of the best, book this if you haven't!" - Jeff
Snook are the ultimate inshore game fish in the Keys, and night fishing gives you a real advantage targeting these line-siders. They're ambush predators that love to hunt in low light conditions around structure and mangrove edges. Snook can range from schoolie size up to slot fish over 28 inches, and they fight like fish twice their size with explosive runs and gill-rattling jumps. Fall and winter months offer some of the most consistent snook action, when they're feeding heavily before spawning season kicks in.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are abundant year-round in these waters and absolutely love feeding after dark. These fish are notorious bait thieves during the day, but night fishing levels the playing field. They'll range from keeper size around 12 inches up to genuine doormat snappers pushing 5 pounds or more. What makes them so fun is their scrappy fight and excellent table fare—there's nothing like fresh snapper ceviche made from fish you caught under the stars.
Tarpon are the silver kings of the Keys, and encountering one on this night trip is something you'll never forget. These prehistoric giants can exceed 100 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. While tarpon are present year-round, the best action typically happens from spring through fall when they're most active in the shallows. Even a smaller tarpon in the 30-50 pound range will test your tackle and stamina with powerful runs that can peel line off your reel in seconds.
Barracuda are the missiles of the flats, capable of explosive strikes that will catch you off guard even when you're expecting them. These toothy predators are perfect for anglers who love fast action and aggressive fish. Keys barracuda typically range from 3-15 pounds, though larger specimens are always possible. They're most active during moving tides and low light periods, making this night trip perfect timing for connecting with these speed demons.
Sea Trout are underrated fighters that really shine during night fishing sessions. Spotted seatrout love grass flats and sandy areas where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish after dark. They're excellent eating and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size, with that classic trout head-shaking action. Spring and fall provide the most consistent trout fishing, when they school up in good numbers over their preferred bottom types.
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats, known for their copper-colored sides and powerful runs when hooked. These fish are built for fighting, with broad shoulders and stubborn attitudes that make every battle memorable. Night fishing for reds is particularly effective because they feel more comfortable moving into shallow water to feed on crabs and shrimp. Slot-sized redfish between 18-27 inches are common, but oversized bulls are always a possibility in these productive waters.
Night fishing in the Florida Keys with Local Grown Charters offers something you simply can't get during regular daytime trips. The combination of productive fishing, stunning sunsets, and the unique atmosphere of being on the water under the stars creates memories that last long after your vacation ends. Whether you're an experienced angler looking for a new challenge or someone wanting to try something different, this 4-hour adventure delivers both fish and an authentic Keys experience. The intimate 4-person capacity ensures personalized attention from the crew and plenty of room to fight fish without bumping elbows. Don't let this world-class fishing opportunity pass you by—book your night fishing
Our 2018 Pathfinder delivers serious fishing performance when chasing tarpon and snapper after dark in Florida Keys waters. This 24-foot center console runs on a reliable 300hp Yamaha that'll get you to the hot spots fast, hitting speeds up to 52 knots when conditions are right. Built for night fishing, she's equipped with GPS navigation to mark your productive ledges and structure, plus radar for safe travel when visibility drops. The fish finder helps locate schools of baitfish and bottom structure where big snapper stage up. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work live bait presentations and battle hard-fighting fish without getting tangled up. The open layout gives everyone access to the action whether you're sight-casting to rolling tarpon or dropping baits to bottom dwellers along the reef line.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are aggressive predators that hit fast and fight hard, usually running 2-4 feet in our waters. They cruise shallow flats and reef edges, hunting by sight with those razor teeth. These torpedo-shaped fish can swim 35 mph in short bursts - when they hit your lure, you'll know it. They're drawn to anything shiny or flashy, making them perfect targets for casting spoons and tube lures. Year-round residents that are especially active during dawn and dusk. The meat is actually pretty good - white and flaky when prepared right. What guests love is the visual strike and blistering run. Here's the trick: use a wire leader and keep your lure moving fast. Dead-stick a bait and they'll often ignore it, but rip a spoon through the water and they can't resist.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, or mangrove snappers as locals call them, typically run 10-14 inches inshore but can hit 4-5 pounds around deeper structure. They're nocturnal feeders that love hanging around docks, bridges, and reef edges during our night trips. These fish are incredibly smart and spooky - they'll inspect your bait before committing. The meat is outstanding, firm white flesh that's perfect for the dinner table. They're year-round residents but feed more aggressively at night when they feel safer. The trick with these guys is to let your bait sit still once it hits bottom - too much movement spooks them. Use a live shrimp and be patient. When you feel that tap-tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are sight-fishing favorites with that bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, though the big bulls can push 40+ inches. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show - around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats. These fish are year-round residents but really turn on during fall and spring when they're feeding heavily. What guests love is watching them cruise the shallows and that powerful fight once hooked. The smaller ones make excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. They'll eat everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Here's the secret: approach quietly and cast past them, then work your bait in front of their path. Spook them once and they're gone for good.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect night fishing targets, running 14-20 inches with those distinctive black spots. They love grass flats and sandy bottom areas in 2-8 feet of water, especially around our bridges and channel edges. These fish are most active during cooler months from fall through early spring, and they really turn on at night when they feel safer feeding. The meat is excellent - soft, white, and flaky, though you don't want to overcook it. They hit soft plastics, live shrimp, and topwater plugs when conditions are right. During winter, they school up in deeper holes. What makes them great for beginners is their willingness to bite and relatively easy fight. Key tip: fish slow and low to the bottom with a popping cork and live shrimp - the noise draws them in from a distance.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier gamefish, running 18-36 inches on average with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges - anywhere they can ambush prey like shrimp and baitfish. These fish are incredibly temperature sensitive, so they're most active during warmer months from spring through fall. What makes them special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight once hooked. They'll jump, run, and use every bit of cover to break you off. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild. Here's the key: when you hook one near structure, turn that fish's head immediately and get it away from the cover, or you'll be retying your line.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - silver kings that can reach 4-6 feet and jump 10 feet out of the water when hooked. They cruise our flats, channels, and bridge areas, especially during summer months from May through September. These prehistoric fish can live 50+ years and weigh 80-200 pounds. What draws anglers is their aerial show - they'll jump repeatedly, rattling their gills and trying to throw the hook. While they're edible, most folks release them since they're slow-growing and take years to mature. The real prize is the fight and photos. Best conditions are moving water around structure during warmer months. Pro tip: bow to the fish when it jumps - lower your rod tip to give slack, or that headshake will snap your line every time.
5.0 out of 5.0He’s one of the best, book this if you haven’t!
Key Largo, FL