Half Day Night Fishing in New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Evening inshore fishing trip targeting snook, redfish and tarponCaptain Zachary Griffith guides groups up to six guestsFour-hour night adventure with all fishing gear provided
When the sun starts setting over New Smyrna Beach, that's when the real fishing action begins. Captain Zachary Griffith knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his 4-hour night trips are quickly becoming the talk of the local angling community. Starting at 8 PM when the water cools and fish start moving, you'll be targeting some of Florida's most prized inshore species including snook, redfish, and tarpon. This isn't your typical tourist trap - it's a legitimate fishing operation that consistently puts guests on fish. With space for up to five anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows, and all the tackle is provided so you can focus on what matters: landing fish.
Night fishing in New Smyrna Beach offers a completely different vibe than daytime trips. The boat traffic dies down, the water settles, and predatory fish start their evening hunt. Captain Zachary positions the boat in proven productive zones where structure holds baitfish and game fish cruise for easy meals. You'll be working with live bait and artificial lures depending on conditions, moving between spots as the bite dictates. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused - perfect for experienced anglers wanting to target specific species or beginners looking to learn proper techniques. Don't worry about bringing gear; everything from rods and reels to tackle and bait is included. Just bring yourself, some snacks if you get hungry, and maybe a light jacket since it can get breezy on the water after dark.
This inshore trip relies on proven methods that work consistently in these waters. You'll be using medium to medium-heavy spinning tackle matched to the target species, with live shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards being the go-to baits. Captain Zachary keeps a variety of artificial lures on board too - soft plastics, topwater plugs, and jigs that can trigger strikes when fish are being finicky about live bait. The boat is equipped with quality electronics to locate structure and bait schools, but much of the success comes from the captain's local knowledge of tide movements and seasonal patterns. You'll learn to read the water, understand how current affects fish behavior, and pick up techniques that will make you a better angler whether you're fishing from shore or boat. The key is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish want on any given night.
Red snapper are one of the most sought-after fish in these waters, and for good reason. These bottom dwellers pack serious fight in a compact package, typically running 2-8 pounds in the inshore zones we fish. They're most active during moving water, especially on outgoing tides when baitfish get swept off structure. What makes red snapper so appealing is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - they're as good eating as they are fighting. Night fishing gives you an edge since they often move shallower to feed after dark.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and New Smyrna Beach holds some real quality fish. These ambush predators love structure - docks, bridges, mangrove edges - anywhere they can hide and attack passing bait. They're most active during warmer months, though you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight. They'll jump, run, and do everything possible to throw the hook. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black lateral line and bright silver sides that really show up under the boat lights.
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are scrappy little fighters that punch above their weight class. They school up around structure and can provide steady action when other species are being stubborn. These fish are smart and can be line-shy, making them a fun challenge on lighter tackle. They typically run 1-3 pounds in our area but don't let the size fool you - they fight hard and taste even better. Night fishing is prime time for grey snapper since they become more aggressive feeders in low light conditions.
Tarpon are the ultimate inshore gamefish - the silver king that every angler wants to tangle with at least once. New Smyrna Beach sees good tarpon action, especially during summer months when fish migrate through the area. These prehistoric fighters can range from juvenile "baby tarpon" around 10-30 pounds up to massive adults over 100 pounds. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive is the visual aspect - you often see them rolling or jumping before you even hook up. When you do connect, be ready for a fight that can last 30 minutes or more of pure adrenaline.
Redfish are Florida inshore legends, and these copper-colored bruisers are a blast to catch. They're aggressive feeders that will hit both live bait and artificials with authority. Redfish in our area typically run 18-27 inches, with the occasional oversized "bull red" mixed in. What makes redfish so popular is their fighting style - they use their broad sides to pull hard and stay deep, making every fish feel bigger than it actually is. They're also year-round residents, so you have a shot at them no matter when you book your trip.
Captain Zachary's night trips are gaining popularity fast among local anglers and visitors alike, and for good reason - they consistently produce fish while offering a more relaxed atmosphere than crowded daytime trips. The 4-hour format gives you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques without feeling rushed, and the 8 PM start time means you can still enjoy your day before heading out on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target specific species or a beginner wanting to learn proper inshore techniques, this trip delivers. The combination of quality equipment, local expertise, and productive fishing grounds makes it a solid choice for
Captain Zachary's 26-foot Pathfinder is built for serious night fishing in New Smyrna's productive inshore waters. This solid motorboat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably while chasing snook, redfish, and tarpon after dark. The 300 HP Yamaha engine gets you to the hot spots quickly and quietly, perfect for those evening bite windows when the big fish move shallow. With plenty of deck space for casting and fighting fish, plus an onboard head for those long 4-hour trips, this boat has everything you need for a productive night on the water. The Pathfinder's shallow draft design lets you work the backcountry flats and mangrove shorelines where these gamefish love to hunt.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are smart fish that'll test your patience. They typically run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds inshore, though open water fish can hit 20 pounds. You'll find them around docks, piers, mangroves, and any structure that gives them cover to ambush prey. Being nocturnal, they're perfect for evening trips when they become more active and less spooky. The copper-red coloration and that dark stripe through their eye makes them easy to spot. Guests love them because they're excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. These opportunistic feeders can be picky, so patience pays off. My advice: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then bring it up just a bit. Minimal movement works best - they like easy targets.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are solid fighters that'll give you a real workout once hooked. These pink-to-red beauties typically run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds around here, though the bigger ones can hit 35+ pounds. They love deep structure - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms from 30-200 feet down. Best fishing happens during cooler months when water temps drop to that sweet 50-70 degree range. What makes them special isn't just the fight - the meat is absolutely top-notch with that mild, nutty flavor that's perfect for the dinner table. They're bottom dwellers, so you'll want to get your bait down to where they live. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them run back to cover. They'll try to cut your line on anything sharp they can find.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing - reliable, hard-fighting, and great eating. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-red coloring. They typically run 28-33 inches when mature but can push 45 inches and 50 pounds. These fish love super shallow water, sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll find them on grass flats, oyster bars, and around docks in 1-4 feet of water. They're active year-round but really turn on during cooler months. What guests love is their powerful runs and that they're excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters either. My go-to technique: sight fishing with topwater plugs in the shallows creates explosive strikes. When you see their wake, cast ahead of them and work it slow - they'll demolish it.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most exciting inshore targets, especially during night trips when they really come alive. These sleek predators average around 1-2 feet but can stretch over 4 feet. You'll recognize them by that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, and any cover where they can ambush baitfish. Best action happens during warmer months, particularly around new and full moons when they're most active. What guests love is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight. They're also temperature-sensitive, so they'll move with the seasons. The meat's excellent eating with firm, white fillets. Here's the key: cast your lure past the structure and work it back through their strike zone. Don't retrieve too fast - let them get a good look at it.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - nothing beats watching a 6-foot silver king launch itself out of the water. These prehistoric giants average 4 feet and 80-100 pounds, but can reach 8 feet and 280 pounds. They cruise shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and around bridges where bait congregates. Best months are late spring through summer when they're most active. What makes them special isn't the eating (they're catch-and-release) but the pure adrenaline rush. Their acrobatics are legendary - they can jump 10 feet high and swim 35 mph. The fight can last hours with multiple jumps. They gulp air at the surface, so watch for rolling fish. Here's my tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip. It gives them slack and prevents them from throwing the hook on those spectacular leaps.
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