Night Reef Fishing in Florida Keys
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Night reef fishing targeting king mackerel, snapper, and grouperCaptain Maurice Young provides experienced guidance and punctual serviceSixguest capacity ensures personalized attention on wreck sites
When the sun goes down in the Florida Keys, that's when the real action starts. Captain Maurice Young knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why night fishing the reefs is some of the best angling you'll find anywhere. This isn't your typical daytime charter – we're talking about targeting active predators when they're feeding hard in the dark. You'll be working structure-rich reefs where king mackerel, red snapper, and gag grouper come alive after sunset. With space for up to 6 anglers, this top-rated charter gives you plenty of room to work without bumping elbows while you're fighting fish.
Captain Maurice runs a tight ship and he's always on time – no waiting around the dock wondering if your guide showed up. Once you're aboard, you'll head out to his proven reef spots where the bottom structure holds serious fish. The atmosphere changes completely once those engines shut off and you start hearing nothing but water lapping against the hull and seabirds calling in the distance. Night fishing means cooler temperatures and less boat traffic, so you get these reefs mostly to yourself. The captain knows exactly where to position the boat to put you on fish, and he'll have you rigged up with the right tackle before you even realize it. Don't worry about bringing gear – everything's provided, from rods and reels to bait and terminal tackle.
Night reef fishing requires a different approach than daytime bottom fishing. Captain Maurice typically sets up a combination of bottom rigs and live bait presentations to target multiple species at once. You'll be using circle hooks and heavy enough sinkers to hold bottom in the current, but not so heavy that you can't feel the subtle taps from snapper and grouper. For the kings, expect to see some live bait on wire leaders – these fish have razor-sharp teeth and will slice through mono in a heartbeat. The key is reading your rod tip in low light conditions, which takes a bit of getting used to but becomes second nature once you're into fish. LED lights help illuminate your immediate fishing area without spooking the fish below. The captain will coach you through detecting bites and setting hooks properly, especially important with circle hooks that need a steady pull rather than a sharp jerk.
King mackerel are the speed demons of these reefs, and they feed aggressively at night when smaller baitfish are disoriented. These fish can push 30-40 pounds in Keys waters, and when one hits your live bait, you'll know it immediately. They make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. Best part about targeting kings at night is they're less spooky than during daylight hours, so you can get them closer to the boat before they wise up. Peak season runs from fall through early spring, but you'll find resident fish year-round.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of night reef fishing down here. These bottom-huggers come out to feed when darkness falls, moving up off the hard bottom to hunt. A good Keys red snapper will run 15-25 pounds, and they fight like fish twice their size once you get them coming up from 80-100 feet of water. They're notorious for their sharp gill plates and strong jaws, so keep your fingers clear when handling them. The bite is often subtle – just a slight tick on your rod tip – but once you set the hook, hang on tight.
Gag grouper are the bulldozers of the reef. These fish will try to get back to their holes the second they feel steel, so you need to horse them up off the bottom quickly or they'll cut you off in the rocks. Night fishing gives you a real advantage with gags because they venture further from cover to hunt in the darkness. A quality gag will push 20-30 pounds, and their white, flaky meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table. They're most active during cooler months, making winter night trips particularly productive for big grouper.
Captain Maurice's night reef trips book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is world-class. You're getting an experienced captain who knows these waters inside and out, plus you'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in South Florida waters. The combination of cooler night temperatures, less crowded reefs, and aggressive fish makes this a best trip option for serious anglers. Whether you're looking to put meat in the cooler or just want to experience Keys fishing at its finest, this charter delivers. The 6-person capacity means you can bring the whole crew or join a smaller group for a more personalized experience. Don't wait – these night slots fill up quickly and you don't want to miss out on some of the most productive fishing the Keys has to offer.
Captain Maurice Young's fishing boat is built for serious night reef adventures in the Florida Keys waters. This reliable motorboat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably while you target king mackerel, snapper, and grouper around the local wrecks. The fish finder helps locate where the big ones are hiding, while GPS and radar keep you safe navigating in low light conditions. Stay connected with VHF radio and keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox. Between bites, crank up the multimedia system and enjoy the sounds of the ocean. Maurice knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish while you soak up that perfect Florida Keys atmosphere under the stars.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are ambush predators that average 5-15 pounds, with trophy fish reaching 30+ pounds. They hide around rocky ledges, wrecks, and reef structure in 60-300 feet of water, waiting to inhale whatever swims by. Peak season runs spring through early summer when they're feeding heavily before spawning. What makes gags special is their bulldogging fight - pure power that tests your tackle and technique. They're also top-shelf table fare with sweet, white meat that rivals any fish. The challenge is keeping them out of the rocks once hooked. My advice: fish with circle hooks and 40-50 pound line, and the second you feel that thump, lock down your drag and lift hard. Don't let them get their head down or they'll wrap you around the bottom structure. Live pinfish or large shrimp work great, but drop them right on the structure where these fish live.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive predators that typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen some push 50+ pounds. They cruise the reef edges and drop-offs in 40-150 feet of water, hunting baitfish with razor-sharp teeth. These speedsters are active year-round in the Keys, but spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps hit that sweet 70-80°F range. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. My go-to trick: use a wire leader with two hooks when live baiting. Kings love to hit the tail section of a pilchard or goggle-eye, so that trailing hook will save you from a lot of cut-offs. Keep that drag tight once you hook up - they'll head straight for the reef structure.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of our reef fishing trips, averaging 3-8 pounds with some real doormat-sized fish pushing 15+ pounds. These bottom dwellers live around structure in 60-200 feet - wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom areas where they can ambush prey. Night fishing really turns them on, especially during summer months when they're most active. What guests love about snappers is the solid fight they put up, plus they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The key to landing big snappers is getting your bait to the bottom quickly. Use a heavy sinker and fresh cut bait like squid or cigar minnows. Here's the trick: once you feel that distinctive snapper bite, don't give them any slack. They'll head straight for the nearest hole in the reef, so keep steady pressure and winch them up fast.
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