Night Fishing Adventure with Straw Hats
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour nighttime inshore fishing adventure under starlit skiesAll fishing tackle and equipment provided by experienced charterSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests maximum
Picture this: the sun's gone down, the water's glass-smooth, and you're sitting in the dark with nothing but the stars overhead and the gentle lapping of waves against the hull. That's when the real magic happens on our night fishing trips. While everyone else is heading home for dinner, we're just getting started. This 4-hour adventure puts you right in the sweet spot when tarpon and redfish come alive to feed. You'll be amazed how different the water feels at night – it's like fishing a completely different fishery. The sounds are sharper, the strikes feel harder, and when you hook into something big in the dark, your heart starts pumping like never before.
We keep things simple and focused on this trip – it's all about you, the fish, and the night sky. Our boat holds up to 4 anglers, so you're not fighting for space or dealing with crowds. Think of it as your private fishing party under the stars. We'll hit the prime inshore spots where tarpon and redfish patrol after dark, usually starting around sunset so you can watch the transition from day to night fishing. The whole vibe changes once that sun drops – fish that were spooked during the day suddenly get bold and aggressive. You'll hear them crashing bait on the surface, see the phosphorescence light up when something big moves through the water. We provide all the tackle you'll need, from the rods and reels to the terminal tackle and bait. All you need to bring is your fishing license, some snacks if you want them, and drinks to keep you comfortable. Speaking of drinks, feel free to bring your own alcohol – just keep it in cans or plastic bottles since glass and boats don't mix well, especially in the dark.
Night fishing is a whole different game than daytime angling, and we've got the techniques dialed in. We'll be using medium-heavy spinning gear spooled with 20-30 pound braid – strong enough to handle big fish but sensitive enough to feel those subtle night bites. Most of our fishing happens with live bait and cut bait presentations. Tarpon love a well-presented live crab or pinfish, while redfish go crazy for cut mullet fished on the bottom near structure. We'll set up with circle hooks to make sure we get good hooksets even when you can't see what's happening. Lighting is key out there – we use just enough red light to see what we're doing without spooking the fish. You'll learn how to fish by feel more than sight, which actually makes you a better angler overall. We'll anchor up on productive spots and let the bait do the work, but don't expect to just sit there – when fish are feeding at night, the action can be non-stop. The techniques we use are time-tested for these waters, and we'll walk you through everything so even first-time night anglers feel confident.
Tarpon are the kings of our night fishing scene, and for good reason. These silver giants can grow over 100 pounds and jump like they're shot out of a cannon when hooked. What makes tarpon special at night is how they hunt – they cruise the shallows looking for easy meals, and that's when we intercept them. The best tarpon fishing happens during the warmer months when they're most active, typically from late spring through early fall. You'll know when one's interested because they'll roll on the surface near your bait, showing that massive silver side. When a tarpon eats your bait in the dark, it's like getting hit by a freight train. They'll strip line off your reel and launch themselves into the air, sometimes multiple times. Even a smaller 50-pound tarpon will give you a workout that lasts 20-30 minutes. These fish are pure adrenaline, and catching one at night adds an extra level of excitement since you can't see them coming.
Redfish are our other main target, and they're perfectly suited for night fishing. These copper-colored bruisers love to feed in shallow water after dark, especially around structure like docks, oyster bars, and grass flats. Reds typically run 20-40 pounds in our area, with some real bulls pushing 50 inches or more. What's cool about redfish is how they hunt at night – they'll cruise tight to the bottom, using their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and baitfish. When a big red picks up your bait, you'll feel that classic head shake before they make their bulldogging run toward cover. Unlike tarpon that go vertical, redfish fight deep and strong, using their broad tails to power through the water. The bigger ones will actually make your arms sore. Redfish are also excellent table fare if you keep one within the slot limit, with firm white meat that's perfect for blackening or grilling. They're active year-round in our waters, though fall and winter often produce the biggest fish as they fatten up and prepare for spawning.
Night fishing isn't for everyone, but if you're looking for something different from the typical daytime charter, this trip delivers big time. There's something primal about fishing in the dark – it connects you to the water in a way that daytime fishing just can't match. You'll leave with stories about fish that hit so hard they nearly pulled the rod out of your hands, and you'll understand why serious anglers often prefer fishing after dark. The intimate 4-person capacity means you get plenty of personal attention and coaching from our crew. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try something new or someone who wants to experience fishing at its most raw and exciting, this night trip will change how you think about fishing. We provide everything you need tackle-wise, so all you have to do is show up ready for an adventure. Book your night fishing trip with Straw Hats Fishing Charters and discover why the best fishing often happens when the sun goes down.
Your night fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious anglers. This nimble vessel cuts through the water with ease, getting you to the best fishing spots while the sun sets. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps you on target even in complete darkness. Between bites, crank up the multimedia system and grab a cold drink from the ice box. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without tangling gear. All tackle comes ready to go, so just bring your favorite beverages and get ready to land some impressive catches under the stars. The boat's lighting setup lets you see your lines and handle fish safely once darkness falls.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable targets, especially in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. You'll spot them by those distinctive black spots near their tails and copper-red backs. Most run 20-30 inches, but we hook plenty of slot fish and some real bulls pushing 40+ inches. They feed year-round here, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're most aggressive. What guests love is their strong, bulldogging fight - they'll make long runs and use every bit of structure to try breaking you off. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: look for "tailing" fish with their backs out of the water while they root around for crabs and shrimp. That's when you know they're feeding hard.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants are the ultimate game fish - watching a 6-foot tarpon launch 10 feet out of the water will give you chills every time. Most run 80-100 pounds, but we see them up to 200+ pounds. They love shallow flats, channels, and harbor areas where they roll and gulp air at the surface. Peak season runs late spring through summer, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating - we release every one - it's that raw power and those spectacular jumps. They'll test your endurance with runs up to 35 mph. Here's the trick: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. Keeps that hook planted and your line from snapping. Pure adrenaline on the end of your line.
Port Charlotte, FL