Lake City Night Jigging for Gar and Drum
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour nighttime jigging charter targeting alligator gar and black drumSmall group experience accommodating up to 3 anglers with equipment includedGuided Lake City inshore fishing departing at 8:00 PM under lights
When the sun sets over Lake City's pristine waters, the real action begins. This 4-hour nighttime jigging charter puts you right where the big fish feed after dark, targeting some of Florida's most exciting freshwater species. Departing at 8 PM with Scale Strikers Fishing Charter, you'll experience guided inshore fishing at its finest, with all the specialized lighting and jigging equipment you need to make it a memorable night on the water.
Night fishing changes everything – the water comes alive with feeding activity you'll never see during daylight hours. Your captain sets up powerful lights that draw baitfish to the surface, creating the perfect hunting ground for alligator gar, black drum, and other aggressive feeders. The boat accommodates up to three anglers comfortably, though you can squeeze in a fourth person for an extra fee if your group needs it. Don't worry about bringing gear – everything's provided, from heavy-duty jigging rods to the terminal tackle that'll handle these hard-fighting fish. The atmosphere stays relaxed and educational, making it perfect whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a fishing rod before. Just remember to grab your Florida fishing license beforehand – it's required for everyone on board.
Jigging at night requires a different approach than daytime fishing, and your guide knows exactly how to work these waters. The lighting system creates an underwater buffet that attracts smaller fish, which in turn draws the predators you're after. You'll be using heavy jigs bounced along the bottom structure where these fish like to ambush their prey. The key is feeling the bite through the rod tip – sometimes it's a subtle tick, other times it's a rod-bending slam that'll wake you right up. Your captain will show you the proper jigging cadence, how to detect strikes in low light conditions, and the best way to fight these powerful fish without losing them in the structure. The boat stays positioned over prime spots using GPS and fish finder technology, so you're always fishing the most productive water.
Alligator gar are the prehistoric monsters that make this trip legendary. These ancient fish can stretch over six feet and put up fights that'll test every ounce of your strength and patience. They're most active during warm months and prefer hunting in shallow areas where the lights attract their prey. What makes them special is their dinosaur-like appearance and the way they roll and thrash when hooked – it's like battling a living fossil. Their long, tooth-filled snouts and armored scales make every encounter feel like something from another era.
Black drum are the bulldogs of these waters, known for their incredible pulling power and stubborn fighting style. They typically run 15-40 pounds in these parts and love hanging around structure where they can root for crabs and shellfish. Night fishing brings out their aggressive feeding behavior, making them prime targets for heavy jigs bounced near the bottom. What anglers love most is their initial run – when a big drum takes off, it's like hooking into a freight train that just won't quit.
Sheepshead might surprise you with their human-like teeth and crafty behavior around structure. These black-and-white striped fighters are notorious bait thieves, but at night they become more aggressive and easier to hook. They typically weigh 2-8 pounds but fight much bigger, using their deep bodies to leverage against the current. Anglers appreciate their excellent table fare and the challenge they present – landing a big sheepshead requires skill and patience.
Redfish bring that classic copper-colored beauty and powerful runs that make them a favorite among inshore anglers. In Lake City's waters, they school up and feed aggressively under the lights, often creating explosive surface action. These fish average 18-27 inches but can grow much larger, and they're known for their initial blistering run when hooked. What makes them special is their fighting stamina – they'll make multiple strong runs and use their broad tails to shake the hook right up until you land them.
Lake trout add a different dimension to this fishery, preferring cooler water and showing up more consistently during fall and winter months. They're excellent fighters with a preference for deeper structure, and they respond well to vertical jigging techniques. These silvery fighters typically range from 2-10 pounds and are prized for their acrobatic fights and excellent eating quality. Night fishing often produces the biggest trout, as they move shallow to feed under the cover of darkness.
This top-rated nighttime jigging experience offers something you won't find on typical day trips – the chance to target species that are most active after dark in a relaxed, educational setting. With all equipment provided and expert guidance throughout the trip, you're set up for success whether you're looking to land your first alligator gar or add another species to your list. The small group size means personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Lake City's productive waters combined with Scale Strikers' local knowledge create the perfect recipe for an outstanding night on the water. Book your 4-hour adventure today and discover why serious anglers choose nighttime jigging for the best action these waters have to offer.
The 2023 Tracker Grizzly 20 cuts through Lake City's inshore waters with authority, powered by a reliable 115HP Mercury that'll get you to the hot spots at 34.5 mph. This 20-footer is built for serious jigging action - stable enough to handle night fishing under the lights while staying nimble in shallow water where alligator gar and black drum love to lurk. The spacious deck gives three anglers plenty of room to work their jigs without crowding each other, and the low-profile design lets you slip into those productive backwater areas where the big fish hide. Whether you're dropping vertically near structure or working the flats, this Grizzly handles like a dream and gives you the solid platform you need for precision jigging. The Mercury fires up every time and runs whisper-quiet, so you won't spook fish in the shallows during those crucial low-light periods when everything starts biting.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator gar are living dinosaurs, reaching 4-6 feet and over 100 pounds with those prehistoric armor scales and razor-sharp teeth. They cruise deep river bends and backwater areas, often coming to the surface to gulp air since they can breathe both in water and air. Late summer in hot, dry conditions brings them up more often, making them easier to spot and target. What draws people is the sheer size and prehistoric appearance - hooking into one of these monsters is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They're catch-and-release only, so it's all about the fight and bragging rights. Best approach is using large live bait like carp or mullet on heavy tackle, and be patient - these fish are ambush predators that take their time deciding to strike.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are some of the toughest fighters you'll find in these waters, running 5-30 pounds on average but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish, so you'll find them around oyster beds and muddy flats where the food is. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we see the most action. What makes them special is that drumming sound they make underwater, plus they put up a serious fight once hooked. The smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but the big boys get pretty tough. My tip: use fresh crab for bait and keep it right on the bottom - they won't chase anything too far up in the water column.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of the char family, typically running 15-40 pounds and living in the coldest, deepest parts of northern lakes. They're a cold-water species that stays deep most of the year, suspended in the middle of the water column at depths that require serious gear to reach. Spring right after ice-out and overcast days bring them up shallower where they're more accessible. What makes them special is their size potential - the world record went 72 pounds - and their excellent eating quality with firm, flaky meat. Since they avoid bright light, low-light conditions and deep jigging work best. My go-to trick is using jigging spoons that imitate wounded baitfish, working them vertically in those deep basins where they suspend.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets, averaging 28-33 inches and known for that distinctive black spot near the tail. They love super shallow water, often in just 1-4 feet around grass flats and oyster bars where their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is solid here, but fall and spring give us the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What gets people hooked is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll peel drag and make long runs in shallow water. The meat is excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Pro tip: topwater lures at dawn and dusk will get you some of the most explosive strikes you've ever seen, especially when you can spot them tailing in the shallows.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are easy to spot with their black and white stripes and those weird human-like teeth they use to crunch barnacles off pilings. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we get some nice 20-pounders around the deeper structures. They stick tight to any kind of cover - docks, bridges, reef structure - and rarely venture far from it. Early spring through late fall gives us the best bite, especially around the spawning months of February through April. People love targeting them because they're notorious bait thieves and excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The trick is getting your bait right against the structure and setting the hook hard the second you feel them nibbling - they'll steal your bait clean if you hesitate.
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