5.0(1 Reviews)Night-Time Tarpon & Snapper Snagging
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4-hour sunset and night fishing adventure in Florida KeysTarget barracuda, grey snapper, redfish under starlightSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests aboard
When the sun starts painting the sky orange and pink over the Florida Keys, that's when the real magic happens on the water. This 4-hour sunset and night fishing adventure with Local Grown Charters takes you into the heart of some of the best fishing these waters have to offer. As darkness settles in, the flats and channels come alive with hungry predators looking for their next meal – and that's your chance to get hooked up with some serious fish. We're talking tarpon that'll test your drag, snapper that know every trick in the book, and barracuda that hit like freight trains. Whether you've been fishing these waters for years or this is your first time chasing fish after dark, you're in for something special out here.
This trip starts as a sunset cruise but quickly turns into a serious fishing mission once the light fades. The transition from day to night is when everything changes – baitfish start moving differently, predators get more aggressive, and the whole food chain shifts into high gear. You'll be fishing prime spots around the Keys where the water depth and structure create perfect ambush points for our target species. The peaceful evening setting gives way to heart-pounding action as fish that have been laying low all day start prowling for food. Captain and crew know exactly where to position the boat based on tides, moon phase, and seasonal patterns. The intimate 4-person capacity means everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew. Don't expect to just sit back and relax – when the bite is on, you'll be busy managing multiple rods and working fish in the dark.
Night fishing in the Keys requires a completely different approach than daytime angling. We'll be using live bait under lights to draw in the action, plus working artificial lures around structure where big predators like to hunt. The boat's lighting system is key – underwater lights attract baitfish, which in turn brings in everything from snapper to tarpon. You'll learn how to work baits at different depths, from free-lining pilchards near the surface for tarpon to dropping heavier rigs down for snapper around structure. Circle hooks are the name of the game for most setups, especially when targeting larger fish that might make long runs in the dark. The crew handles all the rigging and will show you the specific techniques that work best for each species we're after. Expect to use spinning reels loaded with braided line for sensitivity, plus some conventional setups when we're going after the bigger fish that might show up after dark.
"He's one of the best, book this if you haven't!" - Jeff
Snook are the ultimate ambush predators in these waters, and they absolutely love hunting at night around lights and structure. These fish are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs, especially when hooked in shallow water. Fall and spring are prime time for snook fishing, when they're actively feeding and putting on weight. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictability – a 30-inch snook will fight just as hard as fish twice its size, and they're masters at finding every piece of structure to wrap your line around.
Grey Snapper get much more aggressive after dark, moving up from deeper water to feed in areas they'd never visit during daylight hours. These fish are smart – they've seen every lure and bait in the book, so presentation has to be perfect. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and a quality grey snapper in the 5-10 pound range will give you a fight you won't forget. They're also fantastic table fare, which makes them a double win for most anglers.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Florida Keys fishing, and night fishing gives you a shot at some of the most aggressive tarpon action you'll ever experience. These silver kings can range from juvenile fish in the 20-40 pound class all the way up to giants pushing 100+ pounds. Late spring through summer is peak tarpon season, and there's nothing quite like watching a 6-foot tarpon explode out of the water under the boat lights. Fair warning – these fish will test every piece of your tackle and your stamina.
Barracuda are speed demons that hit baits with incredible violence, especially around lights at night. These toothy predators can reach speeds up to 35 mph and are notorious for their acrobatic fights. Year-round residents in Keys waters, barracuda in the 10-20 pound range are common, with larger fish always a possibility. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive nature make them a favorite target for anglers who want non-stop action.
Sea Trout become much more active feeders after sunset, moving into shallow areas to hunt for shrimp and small baitfish. These spotted fighters are excellent on light tackle and are one of the more cooperative species you'll encounter on night trips. Spring and fall offer the best sea trout action, and fish in the 2-4 pound range provide steady action when other species might be finicky.
Redfish are year-round residents that love hunting in low-light conditions, making them perfect targets for night fishing adventures. These copper-colored bruisers are famous for their bulldogging fights and their ability to make long, powerful runs. Reds in the 20-30 inch range are common in Keys waters, and they're notorious for testing an angler's patience with their stubborn fighting style that can last well into your backing.
Night fishing in the Florida Keys isn't just about catching fish – it's about experiencing these waters when they're at their wildest and most productive. The combination of world-class fishing action, stunning sunset views, and the unique challenge of working fish in the dark makes this trip a must-do for any serious angler. Local Grown
Your night fishing adventure launches aboard our 2018 Pathfinder, a 24-foot precision fishing machine powered by a robust 300hp Yamaha that'll have you cruising at speeds up to 52 knots to reach those prime tarpon and snapper hotspots in the Florida Keys. This isn't your average fishing boat – she's equipped with GPS navigation to mark productive fishing grounds, radar for safe nighttime navigation when visibility drops, and a high-quality fish finder that'll help locate schools of hungry snapper and cruising tarpon in the darkness. With comfortable seating for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to fight those hard-pulling fish without getting tangled up with your fishing buddies. The spacious deck layout gives everyone room to work their lines while targeting barracuda, grey snapper, and redfish as they move into shallow water to feed after sunset. When those nocturnal predators start hitting your baits under the stars, you'll appreciate having a stable platform designed specifically for serious fishing in Keys waters.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are speed demons of the flats - torpedo-shaped fish that can hit 35 mph when chasing bait. Most cuda we catch run 2-4 feet long with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through leaders in seconds. They patrol grass flats and reef edges in 5-20 feet of water, always hunting. These fish are visual predators attracted to flash and movement, making them perfect for artificial lures. Year-round fishing is solid, but they're especially active during cooler months. What guests enjoy is the explosive strike and blistering runs - they'll peel line off your reel faster than almost any fish. The meat is decent if prepared right, though many prefer the sport. Wire leaders are essential since their teeth will cut monofilament instantly. Work lures fast and erratic to trigger their predatory instincts.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as we call them locally, are nocturnal feeders that come alive after dark. Most range 12-16 inches, but the night bite can produce fish up to 4-5 pounds. They love structure like docks, bridges, and rocky bottom in 10-30 feet. These fish are smart - they'll inspect your bait before committing, especially the bigger ones. Prime time is definitely after sunset when they move up from deeper water to feed aggressively. What guests love about them is the solid fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for beginners since they bite well at night. Pro tip: use a fluorocarbon leader and let your bait sit still on bottom. Too much movement spooks them, so patience pays off with these wary fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of shallow water fishing - bronze-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most fish run 20-28 inches, but we regularly see 30+ inch bulls that'll test your tackle. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up to feed. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and stubborn fight in shallow water. The eating is fantastic too - firm, mild fillets that grill perfectly. They're also perfect for sight fishing since you can spot them tailing in skinny water. Pro tip: approach quietly and cast ahead of feeding fish - reds spook easily in shallow water but will crush a well-placed bait.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or speckled trout, are grass flat specialists that cruise shallow water looking for shrimp and baitfish. Most fish range 14-18 inches with occasional 3-4 pounders mixed in. They love grass beds, sandy potholes, and channel edges in 2-8 feet of water. Cooler months from October through March are prime time when they school up and feed aggressively. Night fishing can be outstanding since they're more active in low light. What makes them popular is the steady action and excellent eating - tender white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also great for light tackle fishing with soft plastics and live shrimp. Key tip: work your baits slow and methodical over grass beds. Trout have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure and don't horse them to avoid pulling hooks.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are ambush predators that love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, and rocky shorelines in 1-10 feet of water. Most fish you'll catch run 18-28 inches, but we see plenty of 30+ inchers that'll test your drag. They're incredibly cover-oriented, so we target them around pilings and mangrove edges where they wait to strike baitfish. Best fishing happens during warmer months when water temps stay above 70°F. What makes snook special is their aggressive strike and strong runs - they'll head straight for cover once hooked. The meat is excellent too, with firm white fillets that taste fantastic grilled. Here's a local tip: when working lures around structure, let them pause right at the edge - that's usually when snook commit to the strike.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate gamefish - silver kings that can reach 100+ pounds and jump 6 feet out of the water. We find them in channels, around bridges, and over deeper holes from 15-50 feet. They migrate through the Keys from April through July, with peak action in May and June. What makes tarpon fishing special isn't the eating (we release them all), but the fight. When a big fish goes airborne, it's a sight you'll never forget. They're prehistoric fish that can live 50+ years, so every one caught is special. Night fishing can be productive since they feed more actively in low light. The key is using circle hooks and keeping steady pressure - don't jerk when they jump or you'll pull the hook. These fish are pure adrenaline on the end of your line.
5.0 out of 5.0He’s one of the best, book this if you haven’t!
Key Largo, FL