5.0(2 Reviews)Night Fishing Adventure in Key Biscayne Waters
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour night fishing adventure targeting snook, tarpon, and sharksInshore fishing experience accommodating up to three guests maximumAll equipment provided with expert guidance from certified charter
When the sun dips below the horizon and most anglers head home, that's when the real action starts heating up in Key Biscayne's productive waters. This 4-hour night fishing trip with Reel'n Tails Charters puts you right in the middle of some of South Florida's best inshore action, targeting trophy snook, rolling tarpon, and aggressive sharks that come alive after dark. Captain Anthony knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish while teaching you the ropes along the way. With cooler temperatures and less boat traffic, night fishing offers a completely different experience than your typical day trip – plus, the bite tends to be more consistent when predators feel comfortable moving into shallow water to hunt.
Your evening starts as we launch from Key Biscayne and head to the captain's proven night spots along the flats and structure. The peaceful setting lets you hear every splash and feel every subtle bite, making this trip perfect for anglers who want to really connect with their fishing. We keep our groups small – just 3 anglers max – so everyone gets plenty of individual attention and coaching. The cooler night air is a welcome relief from Miami's daytime heat, and there's something special about watching the city lights reflect off the water while you're working a live bait along a mangrove shoreline. Captain Anthony provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to fresh bait and tackle, so you can focus on learning his techniques and landing fish. The boat's equipped with proper lighting for night fishing, but it's positioned to attract bait without spooking the bigger predators we're after.
Night fishing requires a different approach than daytime angling, and Captain Anthony will walk you through the proven methods that produce consistent results in these waters. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are showing us. For snook, we often work live pilchards or pinfish around dock lights and structure using medium-heavy spinning gear with 20-30 pound braided line. Tarpon fishing involves presenting larger baits like mullet or crabs near channels and deeper holes where these silver kings stage during nighttime feeding periods. The key is keeping your presentations natural while maintaining good contact with your bait – night fishing teaches you to rely more on feel than sight. We'll also have shark rigs ready to go with circle hooks and steel leaders when toothy predators move into the area. The captain adjusts techniques based on tides, weather, and what species are most active, so every trip offers new learning opportunities for anglers looking to improve their night fishing game.
"We had an amazing time! The captain went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a fantastic experience. His expertise and patience in teaching were especially helpful since we didn't have much experience. Can't wait to book with him again!" - Carly
"We had an amazing time! Anthony made sure we caught plenty of fish and was incredibly helpful in teaching us along the way. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and truly the best captain we've ever had. Highly recommend!" - Nicole
Snook are the crown jewel of South Florida inshore fishing, and night time brings out their aggressive feeding behavior around lights and structure. These ambush predators can reach 20-40 pounds in Key Biscayne waters, with their distinctive black lateral line and jutting lower jaw making them unmistakable. They're most active during warmer months from spring through fall, positioning themselves near dock lights, bridges, and mangrove edges where baitfish congregate. What makes snook so exciting is their explosive strike and powerful runs – they'll slam your bait and immediately head for cover, testing your drag and technique. The fight combines raw power with acrobatic jumps, and their keen eyesight makes them challenging opponents that reward skilled presentations.
Tarpon fishing at night offers some of the most spectacular action you'll find in South Florida waters. These prehistoric silver kings can exceed 100 pounds and are famous for their gill-rattling jumps and marathon fights that can last 30 minutes or more. Peak tarpon season runs from May through October, when large schools migrate through Key Biscayne's channels and flats. Night fishing gives you an edge because tarpon often move shallow to feed after dark, rolling and crashing bait in areas that might be empty during daylight hours. When you hook a tarpon, the first jump usually happens within seconds – there's nothing quite like watching a 6-foot fish launch itself completely out of the water under the moonlight. Their stamina is legendary, so be prepared for a workout that'll leave your arms burning.
Cero Mackerel bring speed and aggression to your night fishing experience, often showing up in schools around structure and bait concentrations. These smaller members of the Spanish mackerel family typically range from 2-8 pounds but make up for their size with blistering runs and aggressive strikes. They're most abundant during cooler months from fall through spring, when they move inshore to feed on sardines and other small baitfish. Ceros hit both live bait and fast-moving lures, often providing non-stop action when you locate an active school. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-quick strikes keep you on your toes, and they're excellent table fare for anglers looking to take home a fresh seafood dinner.
Crevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of the inshore waters, using pure muscle and determination to test your tackle and technique. These powerful fish can reach 20-40 pounds in local waters and are known for their relentless, bulldogging fights that seem to go on forever. They're year-round residents in Key Biscayne, often traveling in schools and creating feeding frenzies when they corner baitfish. Night fishing finds them patrolling flats and channels,
This restored 2021 Dusky 21-footer is your ticket to prime night fishing waters around Key Biscayne. The reliable 175HP Suzuki gets you to the snook holes and tarpon lanes quickly, while the wireless trolling motor lets you drift silently over the flats when stealth matters. With GPS and fish finder onboard, you'll spend more time fighting fish than searching for them. The center console layout gives everyone room to cast and fight their catch, whether you're targeting cruising tarpon or hunting snook around the mangroves. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during those warm Miami nights on the water. Perfect setup for up to 3 anglers looking to experience some serious inshore action after dark.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweight champions hiding around our offshore wrecks and reefs in 30-300 feet of water. Most average 10-20 pounds, but they can reach massive sizes - the record is over 100 pounds. These ambush predators hang around structure where they vacuum up anything that gets too close. Winter months are best when they move shallower, making them accessible on our trips. What makes them special is the pure power - they'll test your drag and try to break you off in the rocks. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, mild white meat. They're not fast but incredibly strong, so bring heavy tackle. Pro tip: once you feel that thump, crank hard immediately - don't give them time to dive back into the structure or you'll lose them every time.
Scomberomorus RegalisCero mackerel are the perfect mix of speed and table fare around our patch reefs and clear water areas. Most run 5-10 pounds with a streamlined body built for 30mph bursts. You'll find them over coral reefs and wrecks in 10-60 feet of water, usually solo or in small groups near the surface. They're catchable year-round in South Florida waters, making them reliable targets. What guests love is the fast action - they hit topwater lures hard and make blistering runs. Plus, they're sushi-grade fish with excellent white meat that's perfect for ceviche. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and great eyesight, so use a wire leader but keep it thin - they can see heavy tackle coming. Chum with pilchards over a reef and they'll go crazy for almost anything you throw.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of our waters - pure muscle and attitude in a 3-5 pound package, though they can hit 20+ pounds. You'll spot them in shallow bays, around grass flats, and near structures where they terrorize baitfish. They're year-round residents that love warm water, making them perfect for our night trips. What makes them exciting is their brute strength and willingness to eat almost anything. They'll bend your rod in half and fight like fish twice their size. Not the best eating, but the action is non-stop. These schooling fish create feeding frenzies that attract diving birds - that's your visual cue. Here's the trick: cast past the school and rip your lure back fast through the edges. They love the chase and aggressive retrieves trigger violent strikes.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets around Key Biscayne's mangroves and docks. These sleek, silver fish with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 1-3 feet long and put up a serious fight. You'll find them in shallow water around structure - bridges, docks, mangrove shorelines - where they ambush baitfish. Night fishing is prime time since they're more aggressive in cooler temps. What makes them special is that incredible initial run when hooked, plus they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. They're temperature sensitive, so warmer months from May through September are your best bet. Pro tip: use live shrimp or pilchards and cast right up against the mangroves - that's where the big ones hide.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" is what night fishing dreams are made of. These massive fish can reach 6+ feet and 200+ pounds, though most we catch run 80-150 pounds. Tarpon love shallow flats, channels, and bridge areas around Key Biscayne where they hunt baitfish. While they're around year-round in South Florida, May through July is peak season when they're most active. What gets people hooked is watching a 100-pound fish launch itself 10 feet out of the water - pure adrenaline. They're strictly catch-and-release since the meat isn't great, but the fight is legendary. These fish can live 50+ years, so that big one you're battling might be older than you. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip - keeps them from throwing the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0We had an amazing time! The captain went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a fantastic experience. His expertise and patienc...
We had an amazing time! Anthony made sure we caught plenty of fish and was incredibly helpful in teaching us along the way. He was...
Key Biscayne