Underwater Light Fishing with Straw Hats
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Tarpon and Snook with experienced Captain CodyAll fishing equipment provided for hasslefree inshore adventureSmall group capacity of three guests maximum
Picture this: you're out on Florida's legendary inshore waters as the sun starts to dip, and Captain Cody fires up the underwater lights. Within minutes, baitfish swarm toward the glow like moths to a flame, and that's when the real action begins. Snook and tarpon start crashing the party, turning your evening into one of the most exciting fishing experiences Florida has to offer. This isn't your typical daytime charter – underwater light fishing is a whole different beast, and it's absolutely addictive once you get a taste.
Captain Cody knows these Florida waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the perfect setup for underwater light fishing. You'll head out in the late afternoon or early evening, timing everything just right for when the lights become most effective. The boat's equipped with powerful LED underwater lights that create an underwater feeding frenzy you have to see to believe. With space for up to three anglers, this is an intimate experience where everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the captain. All your tackle, rods, and bait are provided, so you can focus entirely on the fishing. Captain Cody will position the boat over productive structure, drop the lights, and within 20-30 minutes, you'll start seeing the magic happen as baitfish gather below and predators move in to feed.
Underwater light fishing is all about patience and timing, but once it gets going, the action can be non-stop. The LED lights penetrate deep into the water column, attracting plankton first, then small baitfish, and finally the game fish you're targeting. Captain Cody uses a combination of live bait and lures, depending on what the fish are showing preference for that evening. You'll be fishing with medium to heavy tackle – these snook and tarpon aren't messing around when they're fired up under the lights. The technique involves dropping your bait just outside the light cone where the predators are lurking, waiting to ambush anything that ventures into the darkness. Sometimes you'll sight-fish to tarpon rolling on the surface, other times you'll feel that unmistakable thump of a snook grabbing your offering near the bottom. The underwater lights create an entirely different fishing dynamic compared to daytime angling – the fish are more aggressive, the strikes are more violent, and the whole experience has this almost magical quality as you're fishing in this glowing underwater world.
Snook are the bread and butter of Florida inshore fishing, and under the lights, they become absolute feeding machines. These fish are ambush predators by nature, hanging around structure during the day and moving shallow to feed at night. Florida snook typically range from 18 inches up to 40-plus inches, with the slot fish (28-32 inches) being perfect eating size. The best time to target them under lights is from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are consistently warm. What makes snook so exciting is their explosive strike and their tendency to jump and thrash once hooked. They're also incredibly line-shy and structure-oriented, so you need to be ready for a fight that often involves the fish trying to wrap you around pilings, mangrove roots, or whatever cover they can find. Under the underwater lights, snook will often cruise the edges of the illuminated area, darting in to grab baitfish before retreating to the shadows.
Tarpon are the true kings of inshore light fishing, and Florida's waters hold some of the best tarpon fishing on the planet. These silver giants can range from juvenile fish in the 10-30 pound class up to monsters exceeding 100 pounds. Peak tarpon season runs from late spring through summer, but Florida's year-round warm waters mean you can encounter them almost any time. What makes tarpon so special is their incredible jumping ability – they're called the "silver king" for good reason, as they'll often launch themselves completely out of the water multiple times during a fight. Tarpon are also one of the few fish that can look you in the eye while you're fighting them, which creates an almost personal connection. Under the underwater lights, tarpon behavior changes dramatically. They become much bolder, often rolling and feeding aggressively right in the light cone. The visual aspect of watching a 50-pound tarpon cruise through the underwater lights before crushing your bait is something that'll stick with you long after the trip ends.
Underwater light fishing with Captain Cody offers something you just can't get from daytime fishing – it's visual, exciting, and produces some of the most aggressive fish behavior you'll ever witness. The combination of world-class Florida inshore waters, top-rated equipment, and a captain who lives and breathes this style of fishing makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Whether you're an experienced angler looking for a new challenge or someone wanting to experience Florida fishing at its finest, this trip delivers the goods. The intimate three-person capacity means you're getting a personalized experience, not getting lost in a crowd. Plus, with all gear provided and Captain Cody handling the technical aspects, you can focus entirely on the fishing. These evening trips book up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait too long to secure your spot for what could be the fishing trip that spoils you for all others.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are ambush predators that love structure - you'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 2-20 feet of water. They average 18-28 inches but can hit 40+ pounds. What makes them special is their lightning-fast strikes and bulldogging fights once hooked. They're also great table fare with white, flaky meat. Best fishing is dawn and dusk during warmer months, especially May through September when they're most active. These fish are temperature sensitive, so cold fronts can shut them down fast. Here's a local tip: cast your live shrimp or soft plastic right into the shadows under docks and let it drift naturally with the current. Snook are line-shy, so don't go too heavy on the leader.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of Florida waters, averaging 80-120 pounds but capable of reaching 200+ pounds and 6 feet long. These prehistoric fish live in shallow coastal waters, channels, and flats from 5-60 feet deep. Peak season runs April through July when they migrate through our area. What gets anglers hooked is their aerial show - they'll jump 8-10 feet out of the water trying to throw your hook. It's pure adrenaline watching a hundred-pound fish go airborne. Most folks practice catch and release since they're not great eating. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This gives slack and prevents them from breaking off on the line during their acrobatics.
Port Charlotte, FL