Night Light Fishing Charter in St. Augustine, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Historic St. Augustine holiday lights walking tour experienceProfessional guides share local stories and historical significanceSmall groups of 3-6 guests for personalized attention
Picture this: you're casting lines under the glow of St. Augustine's famous holiday lights, with the historic city's illuminated skyline reflecting off the water around you. Our Night Light fishing tour with Summer School Charters gives you a front-row seat to the magic of the Nights of Lights while targeting some of the area's most active nighttime species. At $75 per person with a small group of just 3-6 anglers, this intimate charter combines the best of St. Augustine's holiday tradition with some seriously productive fishing. The lights don't just create atmosphere – they actually attract baitfish, which brings in the predators we're after.
We launch right as the sun sets and the city lights start to come alive. The timing couldn't be better – this is prime feeding time for redfish, snook, and trout in the inshore waters around St. Augustine. Your captain knows exactly where to position the boat to take advantage of both the light displays and the fish activity. The holiday lights create a unique fishing environment you won't find anywhere else in Florida. We'll work the shadows and lit areas where baitfish gather, using the city's famous illumination as a natural fish attractor. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – perfect for couples wanting a romantic fishing date or small groups of friends looking for something different. You'll spend about three hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to soak in the sights while working on landing some quality fish.
Night fishing requires a different approach, and we've got it dialed in. We'll be using live shrimp and finger mullet under popping corks, which is deadly effective when fish are feeding in the lights. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait – you just need to bring your Florida fishing license. We'll also work with soft plastics on jig heads, bouncing them along grass flats and oyster bars where big trout like to ambush prey after dark. The key is staying quiet and letting the fish come to us. Unlike daytime charters where we might cover lots of water, night fishing is about patience and precision. We'll anchor up in productive spots and let the tide and lights do the work. Your captain will coach you through reading the water in low light conditions and help you feel the subtle bites that come with nighttime fishing.
Redfish are the stars of our night show here in St. Augustine waters. These copper-colored bruisers love feeding in shallow water after dark, especially around dock lights and illuminated shorelines. You'll typically hook into reds ranging from 18 to 30 inches, with the occasional bull red that'll test your drag system. They're most active during the cooler months when the Nights of Lights are running, making this the perfect time to target them. Redfish fight hard and dirty, using their broad tails and thick bodies to power through grass beds and around structure. What makes them special is how they'll often feed right at your feet in just a couple feet of water – you can actually see them cruising in the lights.
Spotted seatrout are another prime target during our night charters, and they absolutely love the baitfish that gather around the holiday lights. These fish range from keeper-sized 15-inchers up to trophy gator trout pushing 24 inches or better. December through February is prime time for big trout in St. Augustine, and they're most active during the first and last few hours of darkness. Trout have soft mouths, so the fight is more about finesse than power, but landing a big one under the glow of the city lights is something you'll remember long after the holidays are over. They're also excellent table fare if you want to take a few home for dinner.
Snook round out our target species list, though they can be the trickiest to pattern during winter months. These ambush predators love hanging around lit structures, and the bridges and docks of historic St. Augustine provide perfect habitat. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward cover. They're catch-and-release only right now, but hooking into a snook under the holiday lights is pure magic. They tend to be most active on warmer nights and during moving tides when baitfish are getting pushed around. Your captain knows the specific spots where snook stack up during the cooler months.
This top-rated night fishing experience books up fast during the Nights of Lights season, and for good reason. You're getting world-class inshore fishing combined with St. Augustine's most famous holiday tradition, all for less than you'd pay for dinner and a show. The small group size means personalized attention from your captain and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a new twist on St. Augustine fishing or someone who's never held a rod before, this charter delivers. The fish are biting, the lights are shining, and the memories are waiting. Give Summer School Charters a call and lock in your date – this customer favorite sells out quickly, especially on weekends. Trust me, you haven't really experienced St. Augustine until you've fished it during the Nights of Lights.
St. Augustine