5.0(1 Reviews)Night Fishing Charter in Key Largo | 8 Hour Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour night fishing charter targeting tuna, snappers, and groupersAll fishing gear provided with expert guidance from Captain JasonSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests maximum
When the sun dips below the horizon in Key Largo, that's when the real fishing action begins. Captain Jason's 8-hour night fishing adventure puts you right where the big fish feed after dark. This isn't your typical day trip - we're talking about fishing under the stars while targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Keys. With all gear provided and just three spots available, you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference between going home with fish tales or actually landing trophy catches. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, because once we head out into those productive night waters, you won't want to come back until your arms are sore from fighting fish.
This top-rated 8-hour charter kicks off as daylight fades, giving you the best of both worlds - watching that famous Keys sunset before settling into serious night fishing mode. Captain Jason knows exactly where the fish stack up after dark, and he's not shy about sharing the techniques that separate weekend warriors from successful anglers. The peaceful vibe of night fishing creates something special - no boat traffic, cooler temperatures, and fish that are way more aggressive in low light conditions. You'll work wrecks and structure where snappers and groupers come out to hunt, while keeping an eye out for those blackfin tuna that cruise through looking for an easy meal. Fair warning though - night fishing has an eerie quality that some folks find intense, but that's exactly what makes it so productive and memorable.
All your fishing gear comes with the trip, so don't stress about bringing rods or tackle. Captain Jason sets you up with the right equipment for each target species - heavy tackle for those groupers pulling hard toward structure, and lighter setups when the tuna are running. Night fishing means working with different techniques than daytime trips. We'll be using fresh bait and lures that work in low light, often fishing deeper water where the big predators feel comfortable moving up in the water column. Bottom fishing around wrecks and ledges produces most of the grouper and snapper action, while we'll switch tactics if schools of tuna move through. LED lights help attract baitfish, which draws in everything else up the food chain. The captain handles navigation and fish-finding, so you can focus on perfecting your hooksets and fighting techniques.
"On our trip to the Keys, we went out 3 different days with lock it up charters. Every day was an absolute blast. We were targeting sharks and man did he ever put us on the sharks. He remembered that my son did not get the Goliath grouper that he was trying for 3 years ago and on our first day out he stopped on a shipwreck and made sure that the Goliath grouper was checked off the bucket list. The night fishing trip was a little creepy and probably not for the faint of heart but it was the absolute best experience of my life. I will stay on Shore and fish before I will choose any other guide in the Florida Keys." - Michael
Blackfin Tuna are the speed demons of this fishery, and night fishing gives you a real edge on these fast-moving predators. These fish typically run 10-25 pounds in these waters and they're absolute rockets when hooked. Blackfins feed more aggressively at night, often coming up from deeper water to chase baitfish around structure. What makes them special is their fight - they'll make blistering runs that test your drag system and endurance. The meat is outstanding too, perfect for sashimi or searing on the grill. Peak season runs from fall through spring, but Key Largo's year-round population means you've got shots at them any time.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of night fishing around Key Largo's wrecks and ledges. These bottom dwellers get way more active after dark, moving off their daytime hiding spots to hunt crabs and smaller fish. A good red grouper runs anywhere from 5-20 pounds, with occasional giants pushing 30-plus. They're notorious for their bulldogging fights, trying to get back to their holes in the reef or wreck. Night fishing levels the playing field because they venture further from cover, giving you better odds of landing them before they can break you off. The table fare is world-class - firm white meat that's perfect for any preparation.
Great Barracuda turn into different animals at night. During the day they might follow your lures lazily, but after dark these ambush predators are all business. Key Largo's 'cudas commonly hit 20-40 pounds and they're built for explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Night fishing brings out their aggressive feeding behavior, and they'll absolutely demolish baits and lures in shallow water around lights. The adrenaline rush of a big barracuda strike in the dark is something every angler needs to experience. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast attacks make each hookup a memorable battle.
Mutton Snapper are the crown jewel of Keys snappers, and night fishing is hands-down the best way to target quality fish. These beautiful snappers with their distinctive black spot grow large in Key Largo waters, with 5-15 pounders common and trophy fish pushing 20-plus. They're much more cooperative after dark, moving up from deeper water to feed over wrecks and reefs. Muttons are notorious for their sharp eyes and wariness during daylight hours, but night fishing eliminates that advantage. Their fight is spectacular - strong initial runs followed by determined head-shaking battles. The eating quality rivals any fish in the ocean, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the table.
Night fishing in Key Largo offers something you just can't get anywhere else - the chance to fish productive waters without crowds while targeting species that feed more aggressively after dark. Captain
Get ready to fish under the stars aboard this reliable 18-foot McKee Craft motorboat! Built in 2003 with a strong 150-hp Yamaha engine, she'll cruise at 35 mph to get you to the best night fishing spots around Key Largo. Perfect for small groups of up to 3 anglers, this boat comes equipped with GPS navigation to find those productive fishing grounds and a fish finder to locate where the tuna, snappers, and groupers are holding. Captain Jason knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish while sharing his best techniques for landing quality catches after dark. The compact size means you'll have plenty of room to fight fish without feeling crowded. Whether you're targeting bottom fish or something cruising the surface, this boat handles the inshore waters with ease and gets you back safely after a productive night on the water.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family, typically running 15-25 pounds and up to 39 inches. You'll spot them by their dark backs with yellow highlights and that distinctive gold stripe that fades once they're landed. These fast-growing fish school up in our warm waters, especially during fall through spring when they're most active. They're fierce fighters that'll give you a real workout on medium tackle. The meat is fantastic - firm, flavorful, and perfect for sashimi or grilling. We find them around structure and offshore waters, usually in 60-200 feet. My tip: scale down your leader to 30lb fluorocarbon and use smaller circle hooks since these fish have sharp eyes. Chunking with live pilchards works great to get them fired up and feeding.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the ocean's silver missiles - sleek, fast, and always looking for trouble. Most run 2-4 feet, but the big ones can hit 5-6 feet and really get your heart pumping. They cruise the flats, reef edges, and drop-offs, usually in the top 30 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. People love targeting them because they hit hard, fight dirty, and can jump like crazy when hooked. They're not great table fare due to ciguatera concerns, but the sport is addictive. These fish hunt by sight and are curious about shiny objects. Pro tip: use wire leaders and keep your hands clear when landing - those teeth are razor sharp. Tube lures trolled along the reef edge work magic for big ones.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the holy grail for many Keys anglers - beautiful pink fish with blue streaks around their eyes and serious attitude. Most run 3-8 pounds, but 15-20 pounders show up regularly around the deeper reefs. You'll find them from the shallows out to 200 feet, but that 80-150 foot range over hard bottom is prime territory for bigger fish. They're year-round residents, with spring and summer offering the most consistent action. What makes them special is they're picky eaters that fight hard and taste even better - sweet, firm meat that's perfect for the table. Adults are usually loners, so when you find one, work the area thoroughly. My secret: use the freshest bait possible on light tackle, and let it drift naturally in the current. They're smart fish with great eyesight, so finesse beats power every time.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are what most folks think of when they picture bottom fishing down here. These rusty-red beauties average 5-15 pounds but can push 40+ if you're lucky. They hang around rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 30-200 feet, though we catch plenty in that 60-100 foot range on our night trips. They're year-round residents, but winter and spring fishing tends to be most consistent. What makes them special is the fight - they'll head straight for the rocks when hooked, testing your drag and patience. The meat is top-shelf too, sweet and flaky with that shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. Here's the key: use fresh cut bait like pinfish or squid, and be ready to horse them up quickly before they reach cover. Heavy tackle is your friend with these bulldogs.
5.0 out of 5.0On our trip to the Keys, we went out 3 different days with lock it up charters. Every day was an absolute blast. We were targeting...
Key Largo, FL