Night Fishing Charter Delray Beach & Boca Raton
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private inshore fishing charter targets snook and tarpon nightlyDock lights and bridge fishing along scenic intracoastal watersFour to five hour guided night trip accommodates three guests
When the sun goes down along Florida's southeast coast, the real fishing action heats up. Our 4-5 hour night fishing charter targets the glowing dock lights and shadowy bridges of Delray Beach and Boca Raton's intracoastal waterways. You'll fish privately with an experienced guide who knows exactly where snook and tarpon stage up after dark. The peaceful evening waters combined with productive fishing spots make this a top-rated experience that keeps anglers coming back trip after trip.
This privately guided inshore adventure accommodates up to 3 anglers, giving you personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work the best spots. We launch as daylight fades and cruise the intracoastal's protected waters, hitting productive dock lights and bridge structures where gamefish come to feed. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – you'll enjoy stunning waterfront views while staying alert for that telltale splash or line screaming off the reel. Night fishing has its own rhythm, and our guides read the water like a book, positioning you where the action happens. The cooler evening temperatures make for comfortable fishing, and there's something special about landing fish under the stars with city lights reflecting on the water.
We fish primarily with live bait presentations that drive snook and tarpon crazy after dark. Your guide provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait – typically live shrimp, pilchards, or pinfish depending on what's working best. We'll position the boat near illuminated docks and bridges where baitfish congregate under the lights, creating a natural feeding zone for predators. The technique involves precise casting to structure edges and letting baits work naturally in the current. We also use artificial lures like jigs and plugs when fish are actively feeding. The key to night fishing success is staying quiet, making accurate presentations, and being ready when fish strike – they often hit hard and fast in low light conditions.
Snook are the stars of this show and for good reason. These ambush predators love hunting around dock lights at night, using the shadows to surprise unsuspecting baitfish. They're incredibly strong fighters that make blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Peak season runs from spring through early fall, though they bite year-round in South Florida. What makes snook special is their attitude – they hit hard, fight harder, and look absolutely gorgeous with that distinctive black lateral line. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within regulations.
Tarpon are the heavy hitters that can show up any time during the trip. These silver kings range from juvenile "peanuts" around 10-20 pounds to massive adults exceeding 100 pounds. They're most active from late spring through summer but can be caught year-round in our warm waters. When a tarpon eats your bait, you'll know it instantly – the rod doubles over and the fish launches skyward in a series of spectacular jumps. They're catch-and-release fish that provide world-class sport fishing right here in our backyard.
Crevalle Jack bring pure power to the equation. These bulldogs of the inshore waters rarely jump but they pull like freight trains, testing your arms and tackle to the limit. They school up around structure and compete aggressively for food, making them reliable targets throughout the year. What anglers love about jacks is their willingness to bite and their never-give-up fighting spirit.
Grey Snapper offer excellent action on lighter tackle and make fantastic table fare. These smart fish require finesse and the right presentation, but they're abundant around our local structure. They're most active during warmer months and provide steady action between the bigger gamefish. Snapper fishing teaches you to detect subtle bites and set the hook quickly.
Lookdown are unique catches that add variety to the night. These disc-shaped fish have an unusual appearance and surprising fight for their size. They're more common during certain times of the year and always generate excitement when they show up. Their bizarre looks and decent fight make them a customer favorite for photos.
This night fishing charter offers something you won't find on typical daytime trips – a different perspective on South Florida's renowned inshore fishery combined with beautiful evening scenery. The productive fishing, comfortable boat, and expert guidance create an experience that works for serious anglers and casual fishers alike. Whether you're a local looking to try something new or visiting from out of town, this trip showcases why Delray Beach and Boca Raton waters are considered among the best fishing destinations in Florida. Don't miss your chance to experience world-class night fishing in one of the most productive areas on the coast – book your trip today and get ready for an evening you'll be talking about long after you're back on dry land.
Fish the intracoastal waters around Delray Beach and Boca Raton aboard this well-equipped 18-foot Action Craft flats boat. Built specifically for Florida fishing, this stable platform runs whisper-quiet with its Mercury 150 four-stroke, perfect for sneaking up on snook and tarpon around dock lights and bridges after dark. The spot-lock trolling motor keeps you positioned exactly where the fish are biting, while the big livewell ensures your catch stays fresh. Everything you need is onboard - Yeti cooler for your drinks, plenty of rod holders, dry storage for gear, and Lowrance GPS with satellite mapping to navigate safely in low light. The wireless trolling motor lets you move silently between productive spots, and the fish finder helps locate schools holding under structures. VHF radio keeps you connected, and there's an icebox for snacks during those longer nights on the water. This boat handles three anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the inshore waters - pure power in a bronze and gold package. These bruisers typically run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but can reach 40+ pounds. They school up around our bridges and travel through the intracoastal, often giving away their presence by pushing baitfish to the surface while birds dive overhead. Active year-round in our warm waters, they're especially aggressive during bait migrations. What guests love is their raw fighting power - pound for pound, few fish fight harder. They'll peel drag and test your tackle with long, powerful runs. The meat is decent if bled immediately, though most folks release them. Watch for diving birds to locate schools, then cast fast-moving lures like spoons or swimbaits. Here's the secret: retrieve aggressively - these fish love the chase and respond to speed and flash.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, also called mangrove snappers, are smart fish that'll test your patience and skills. Most run 10-14 inches in our inshore waters, though you might hook a 3-4 pounder if you're lucky. These copper-red fish with the dark eye stripe love structure - they'll be tucked under docks, around bridge pilings, and near any cover they can find. Being nocturnal, our night trips are perfect for targeting them. What makes grey snapper great is the challenge - they're spooky and require finesse. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. The fight is solid too, with quick runs and head shakes. Here's the key to success: patience and stealth. Use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then barely lift it off. Too much movement spooks them. When you feel that tap, resist the urge to jerk - let them take it.
Selene VomerLookdowns are those quirky silver fish that literally look like they're looking down as they swim. These compressed, disc-shaped fish rarely exceed 12 inches and 2-3 pounds, but they're a blast on light tackle. You'll find them schooling around our dock lights and bridge pilings, usually in 3-15 feet of water over sandy bottom. They're active year-round but really shine during our night trips when they come up to feed under the lights. What guests love about lookdowns is their unique appearance and the way they fight - surprisingly strong for their size. They make those cool grunting sounds when you bring them up, which always gets a laugh. Pro tip: downsize everything when targeting these guys. Use 10-pound fluorocarbon leader and keep your baits small - tiny shrimp or 2-inch soft plastics work best. They have small mouths, so match your hook size accordingly.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore targets, especially around dock lights at night. These sleek fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches in our waters, though we occasionally hook into 30+ inch specimens. They love hanging around structure - bridges, docks, mangroves - in shallow water, usually 2-10 feet deep. Being temperature sensitive, they're most active when water temps stay above 68°F, making late spring through early fall prime time. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make powerful runs that test your drag. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious too. Here's a local trick: when fishing dock lights, don't cast right into the bright zone. Instead, work the shadow lines where snook ambush baitfish moving between light and dark.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - pure adrenaline on a hook. These silver kings average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds in our area, though giants over 150 pounds show up regularly. You'll find them around our bridges and dock lights at night, often rolling on the surface in 10-30 feet of water. Peak season runs May through September when they migrate through. What makes tarpon legendary is their acrobatic display - they'll jump 6-8 feet out of the water, multiple times, trying to throw the hook. The fight can last an hour on heavy fish. They're strictly catch-and-release due to their bony meat and importance to the ecosystem. Night fishing under lights is deadly - they come up to feed on the baitfish. Use circle hooks with live bait, and when one jumps, bow to the king by lowering your rod tip. This prevents the line from snapping on their gill plates.
undefined, undefined