FL Night Fishing: Bioluminescence & Sharks
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour night cruise featuring natural bioluminescent watersShark fishing adventure with all equipment and refreshments includedProfessional photo and video documentation of the experience
Florida's inshore waters come alive after dark, and this 4-hour night charter with RocketCityCharters puts you right in the middle of nature's most spectacular light show. You'll witness the magical glow of bioluminescence while targeting some serious predators in the shallows. With space for just 3 anglers, this isn't your typical crowded fishing trip – it's an intimate adventure where every cast counts and every splash lights up like liquid starlight.
Once the sun drops below the horizon, Florida's coastal waters transform into something otherworldly. The bioluminescent organisms create an electric blue glow with every movement – your lures will streak through the water like underwater comets, and when a fish hits, the entire area explodes in light. Captain and crew handle all the logistics, from providing fresh water and ice to setting up the tackle. You'll be fishing prime inshore spots where the shallow flats meet deeper channels, perfect territory for the species we're targeting. The boat stays mobile, following the bite and the best bioluminescent displays. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license – rods, reels, bait, and tackle are all included. The crew even captures professional photos and videos throughout the night, so you can focus on fishing while they document every glowing moment.
Night fishing requires a different approach than daytime angling, and the crew has it dialed in perfectly. We're talking live bait presentations on circle hooks for the sharks, along with cut bait spread across multiple lines to cover more water. The boat carries premium tackle designed for inshore night fishing – medium to heavy action rods paired with reels that can handle long runs in shallow water. Ladyfish and jacks respond well to moving baits and artificial lures that create disturbance and trigger strikes in the dark. For shark fishing, it's all about patience and proper rigging – steel leaders, quality swivels, and hooks that won't straighten under pressure. The bioluminescence actually works in our favor, as predators use the glowing trails to track wounded or fleeing baitfish. When you're reeling in a fish, watch the water around your line – it'll glow bright blue with every pump of the rod.
Ladyfish are the perfect warm-up for night fishing adventures, and Florida's inshore waters hold some of the most acrobatic specimens you'll encounter. These silver rockets typically run 2-4 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, launching themselves clear out of the water multiple times per hookup. They're most active during warmer months and love hunting in the glow of bioluminescence, often striking lures with aggressive surface attacks. What makes ladyfish special is their aerial show – when one goes airborne at night with that electric blue glow trailing behind, it's pure magic.
Crevalle Jacks bring the muscle to your night fishing experience, with most Florida inshore specimens ranging from 5-15 pounds of pure bulldogging power. These aggressive predators patrol the flats year-round but become particularly active after dark, using the cover of darkness to ambush baitfish. Jacks are notorious for their initial runs – expect screaming drag and bent rods when you hook into a good one. They're opportunistic feeders that will crush live bait, cut bait, or artificials, making them reliable targets when other species get finicky.
Bull Sharks represent the apex predator experience that serious anglers dream about, and Florida's shallow inshore waters offer some of the best access to these powerful fish. Bulls can handle the brackish conditions where freshwater meets salt, often moving surprisingly shallow to hunt at night. Size ranges from juvenile sharks around 3-4 feet up to mature bulls pushing 8 feet and 200+ pounds. What sets bull shark fishing apart is the raw power and unpredictability – these fish can turn a relaxing night into an adrenaline-pumping battle in seconds. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures climb and baitfish concentrations draw them into the shallows.
This combination of bioluminescent beauty and serious fishing action represents everything that makes Florida's inshore waters world-class. With only 3 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention from the crew and plenty of room to fight fish without bumping elbows. The professional photos and videos mean you'll have lasting memories of those glowing moments, while the included water, ice, and equipment remove all the hassle from your night on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for something different or someone wanting to experience Florida fishing at its most spectacular, this charter delivers on all fronts. Book your night fishing adventure with RocketCityCharters now – spots fill up fast, especially during peak bioluminescence season.
Our reliable 2003 17' Hewes flats boat is perfectly rigged for Florida's inshore waters and nighttime bioluminescent fishing adventures. The 90HP Suzuki engine gets you to the fishing grounds quickly, hitting speeds up to 40 knots when needed. This shallow-draft boat lets us access those hard-to-reach spots where the action happens after dark. The wireless trolling motor keeps us whisper-quiet when positioning over fish, while our GPS and fish finder help locate the best bite. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour trip. Built to handle up to 3 anglers comfortably, she's got plenty of deck space for fighting fish and watching the water light up with every movement. Whether you're targeting sharks or just soaking in the magical glow of disturbed water, this boat delivers a smooth, stable platform for an amazing night on the water.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the ultimate night fishing target, running 8-12 feet and packing serious muscle in those thick bodies. These gray torpedoes cruise shallow coastal waters, canals, and even venture into brackish areas where most sharks won't go. Summer nights are prime time when they move into the shallows hunting. What guests love is the pure adrenaline rush - bulls fight dirty with powerful runs and that unmistakable shark presence. They're not picky eaters either, which makes them great for beginners. We see them consistently during our night charters, especially around structure and drop-offs. My go-to secret? Fresh eel on the bottom - the high oil content drives them crazy and the tough skin stays on the hook through their aggressive strikes and runs.
Caranx HipposThese brassy bulldogs of the flats are pure muscle, averaging 12-24 inches but capable of hitting 4 feet and 60 pounds. Jacks hunt in aggressive schools around grass beds, shallow reefs, and structure both inshore and offshore. Summer through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their raw power - they'll bend your rod double and make screaming runs that test your drag. Plus, guests always get a kick out of that watermelon smell when you find a feeding school. Look for diving birds to locate them pushing bait to the surface. Pro tip: cast past the school and retrieve fast with silver spoons or swimbaits - they love the chase and aggressive movement triggers strikes every time.
Elops SaurusKnown as "poor man's tarpon," ladyfish are scrappy silver fighters that jump and thrash like crazy once hooked. These slender fish typically run 12-20 inches and love shallow inshore waters - canals, bays, and along beaches where they school up chasing baitfish. You'll find them year-round in Florida, but they're most active during warmer months. They hit live shrimp, small jigs, and flies hard, making them perfect for light tackle fun. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they'll skip across the surface trying to throw your hook. Here's the trick: use a heavy mono or fluorocarbon leader because those small teeth are sharper than they look, and they love to bite through line when they're thrashing around.
Cocoa, FL