New Smyrna Beach 6 Hour Night Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6hour offshore night fishing trip targeting Snook and SnapperFully equipped with bait, tackle, rods, and fishing licensesAccommodates up to 4 guests with seasoned local captain
There's something magical about fishing under the stars, and this 6-hour offshore night trip with Reef Wrecker Fishing Charters delivers exactly that kind of experience. We'll head up to 30 miles out from New Smyrna Beach, targeting some of the most active species that come alive after dark – Snook, Snapper, Cobia, and whatever else decides to bite. Night fishing isn't just about cooler temperatures (though that's a nice bonus in Florida), it's about tapping into feeding patterns that daylight anglers miss completely. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish when the nocturnal action heats up. Everything's included – bait, tackle, rods, reels, and fishing licenses – so you can focus on what matters most: getting fish in the boat.
This isn't your typical dawn patrol fishing trip. We launch in the late afternoon or early evening, giving you time to get settled and maybe catch some bait before the sun goes down. Once we reach our fishing grounds, the real fun begins. Night fishing changes everything – fish behavior, feeding patterns, even the techniques we use. You'll see how different species become aggressive hunters in the dark, often feeding closer to the surface and taking baits they'd ignore during daylight hours. The boat's equipped with proper lighting for night operations, but don't worry about spooking fish – experienced captains know exactly how to use lights to attract baitfish, which in turn draws in the predators we're after. The cooler evening air makes for comfortable fishing conditions, and there's nothing quite like the rush of a big fish hitting your line when you can barely see the water around you.
Night fishing offshore requires a different approach than daytime angling, and your captain has it dialed in. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials, depending on what's working and what species we're targeting. Bottom fishing with cut bait works great for snapper and grouper that feed heavily after dark, while live bait suspended at various depths can trigger strikes from cobia and other predators cruising the water column. The boat's outfitted with quality spinning and conventional reels matched to appropriate rods for the species we're after. Circle hooks are standard for most applications – they increase hook-up rates and make fish easier to release if needed. LED lights and underwater lighting systems help create the feeding zones that attract baitfish, which brings in the gamefish. Your captain will handle all the technical stuff like reading the electronics, positioning the boat, and adjusting techniques based on conditions, so you can focus on fishing.
King Mackerel are absolute night fighters and one of the most popular targets on these trips. These silver bullets typically range from 15 to 40 pounds in these waters, with occasional giants pushing 50-plus. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, and night fishing gives you a serious advantage since they often move shallow to feed after dark. When a king hits your live bait or trolled artificial, you'll know it – they make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your nerves.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as locals call them, are pure excitement on the line. These fish are built for speed and acrobatics, jumping repeatedly when hooked and putting on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. They typically run 10 to 25 pounds in our area, with bulls occasionally hitting 40-plus. Mahi are most abundant from late spring through early fall, and they're attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and the lights we use for night fishing.
Great Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, and catching one at night is an experience you won't forget. These toothy predators can reach 4 feet or more and are lightning fast when they strike. They're year-round residents but tend to be more aggressive at night, especially around structure and reef areas. Barracuda will hit both live bait and artificials, and their initial run is absolutely explosive.
Cobia are one of the best eating fish in the ocean and excellent night fighters. These brown sharks, as some anglers call them, typically range from 20 to 50 pounds and are incredibly strong for their size. They're most active from April through October and often cruise near the surface at night, making them perfect targets for this type of fishing. Cobia are curious fish that will often follow baits or even approach the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities.
Gag Grouper are the prize of the bottom, and night fishing gives you access to these smart fish when they're more likely to bite. Gags typically run 5 to 20 pounds, with occasional monsters hitting 30-plus. They're structure-oriented fish found around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas. Night fishing for gags requires patience and the right presentation, but when you hook one, you'll feel every ounce of their bulldogging power as they try to get back to their rocky homes.
Night fishing offshore is a completely different game than daytime angling, and this 6-hour adventure gives you the perfect introduction to what makes it so special. You'll experience fishing techniques that many anglers never try, target species that are most active after dark, and enjoy the unique atmosphere that only comes with being on the water under the stars. The trip accommodates up to 4 anglers in the base price, with room for 6 total if you want to bring extra friends along. With everything provided except your sense of adventure, all you need to do is show up ready to fish. These night trips book up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to secure your spot with Reef Wrecker Fishing Charters for an offshore experience you'll be talking about for years to come.
Hit the dark waters off New Smyrna Beach aboard this solid 25' Ken Craft center console that's ready for serious night fishing action. This boat handles offshore runs up to 30 miles out with ease, giving you access to prime snook, snapper, and cobia grounds when they're most active. The spacious center console layout comfortably fishes up to 6 anglers, with plenty of room to work the rails without getting tangled up. Onboard fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish in the darkness, while GPS keeps you on productive spots. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour trip. Quality rods, reels, and tackle are provided, along with fresh bait and fishing licenses. Night fishing brings cooler temps and hungry fish - perfect for anglers wanting to experience something different than the typical daytime grind.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of offshore fishing - big, brown, and built to pull. They average 20-40 pounds but can top 60+ pounds around here. You'll spot them cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-100 feet. Spring migration from March to May is peak time when they're moving north to spawn. What guests love is sight-fishing for them - you can actually see these fish swimming and cast right to them. They're also some of the best eating in the ocean with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and shark. They're usually solitary, so when you see one, make your shot count. Pro tip: use a bucktail jig or live bait and be patient - they'll circle and inspect your offering before committing. Once hooked, they dive hard for structure.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldozers of the bottom - gray, stocky fish that'll test your tackle when they dive for cover. Most run 3-8 pounds, but the big breeders can hit 20+ pounds in deeper water. They hang around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-150 feet, always looking for a place to hide. Fall and winter are best when they move offshore to spawn and regulations are open. What makes them popular is they fight hard and taste even better - firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. The challenge is keeping them out of the rocks once hooked. My advice: use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and when you feel that bite, lock down your drag and lift hard immediately. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you up in the structure and break you off every time.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the silver bullets of the reef - sleek, fast, and armed with razor teeth. Most run 2-4 feet long, but the big ones can stretch past 5 feet and really put up a scrap. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and grass flats in 10-50 feet, often just hanging motionless until they strike. They're active year-round here, but spring and fall fishing is prime when they're more aggressive. What makes them fun is that explosive strike and their tendency to jump when hooked. They're not great eating due to potential ciguatera, but they're pure sport fish. Watch out - they've got limited stamina but can be dangerous at the boat with those teeth. My tip: use wire leaders and bright lures or live bait. When you see one following, speed up your retrieve to trigger that predator instinct.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are one of the fastest fish in these waters, hitting speeds that'll test your drag system. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we see plenty of 40+ pounders that'll give you a real workout. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths around structure and baitfish schools. Spring through fall is prime time when they're chasing schools of sardines and blue runners offshore. What makes them special is that lightning-fast initial run - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish. The meat's great if you like rich, flaky fish, though watch the mercury if you're pregnant. Pro tip: use a wire leader and troll with live bait skipping on the surface. When you hook one, keep steady pressure - they'll try to cut your line on anything sharp they can find.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the showstoppers out there - brilliant gold and green colors that change as they fight. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds when we find the bigger bulls. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-300 feet of water. Spring through early fall is best when water temps hit the 70s. What guests love most is watching them jump and change colors during the fight, plus they're outstanding table fare with firm, mild white meat. These fish are curious and aggressive, so they'll often approach the boat. My go-to trick is trolling ballyhoo or rigging live bait to skip across the surface - mahi can't resist anything that looks like a flying fish. Once you hook one, keep others around by leaving one in the water while you fight it.
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