Florida Keys Night Fishing: 4-Hour Sunset Trip

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Key Largo, FL
$350 - $1,100 price range
Updated Date: September 6, 2025

Summary

As the sun starts to set over the Florida Keys, we'll head out for a 4-hour fishing adventure that stretches into the night. This trip with Local Grown Charters targets some of the area's most exciting catches - barracuda, grey snapper, redfish, and more. Night fishing here is something special. The waters come alive after dark, and you'll get to experience the unique rush of battling aggressive fish under the stars. It's perfect whether you're an old pro or trying night fishing for the first time. We can take up to 6 guests, so bring your friends or family along. Just remember, it's an inshore trip, so we'll stick to the coastal waters where the action is. The peaceful nighttime setting mixed with the excitement of the catch makes for a memorable outing on the water. Don't forget, deposits can't be refunded, so check the Trips & Rates page for all the details before you book.

Florida Keys Night Fishing: 4-Hour Sunset Trip

Night Fishing Action

8 blackfin tuna and atlantic bonito fish caught in FL

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Night Fishing Magic in the Florida Keys

Ready for some serious after-dark action in the Florida Keys? Our Half Day Sunset & Night Fishing Trip is where it's at. We're talking 4 hours of prime-time fishing when the big boys come out to play. As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll be out there where the snappers are snapping, and the 'cudas are cruising. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line after sunset, this trip's got something special for everyone. Let's break down what you're in for on this nocturnal adventure.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're on the boat as the sky turns to fire, then fades to a starry canvas. That's when the real show begins. We'll be targeting some of the Keys' most sought-after species – grey snapper, barracuda, redfish, you name it. These fish get frisky at night, which means more action for us. We've got room for up to 6 anglers, so bring your crew or make some new fishing buddies. Just remember, we're not packing any chow on this trip, so grab a bite before you hop aboard. And heads up – that deposit? It's non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book.

Night Fishing 101

Alright, let's talk tactics. Night fishing in the Keys is a whole different ballgame. We'll be using a mix of live bait and lures that are designed to attract fish in low-light conditions. Think glow-in-the-dark and reflective stuff that'll make predators go nuts. We might do some drift fishing over reefs or anchor up near structure where the fish are holding. You'll learn to feel the bite more than see it, and trust me, when a big snook or 'cuda hits in the dark, it's an adrenaline rush like no other. We've got all the gear you need, including lights that won't spook the fish. Just bring your game face and maybe a light jacket – it can get breezy out there at night.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"He's one of the best, book this if you haven't!" - Jeff

Species You'll Want to Hook

Grey Snapper: These guys are the bread and butter of night fishing in the Keys. They're crafty little devils, usually hanging around structure and reefs. At night, they let their guard down a bit, making them perfect targets. They've got a mean set of choppers, so watch your fingers when you're unhooking them. Best part? They're delicious if you're looking to take some home for dinner.

Barracuda: The torpedo of the flats, 'cudas are pure muscle and attitude. When these predators hit, hold on tight – they're known for blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. We often find them patrolling the edges of channels or reefs, looking for an easy meal. Night fishing for 'cuda can be especially exciting because they rely more on vibration and less on sight, making for some explosive strikes.

Tarpon: The silver king is a bucket-list fish for many anglers, and night time is prime time for these giants. They can grow over 100 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic leaps. Tarpon have a prehistoric look and fight like crazy. They're catch-and-release only, but the memories of battling one under the stars will last a lifetime.

Snook: These ambush predators love the cover of darkness. They're often found lurking around docks, mangroves, and bridge pilings, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting bait. Snook are known for their crafty nature and strong runs. They've got a distinctive black lateral line and a protruding lower jaw that gives them away. Catching a big snook at night is a true Florida Keys experience.

Sea Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your average trout. Spotted sea trout are actually part of the drum family and can put up a decent fight. They've got a soft mouth, so finesse is key when reeling them in. At night, we often find them in grassy flats or near drop-offs, where they feed on small baitfish and shrimp.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail and can range from "rat reds" to bull reds over 40 inches. Redfish love to cruise the flats and hang around structure. At night, they often move into shallower water to feed, making them perfect targets for our trip.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the thrill of night fishing in the Florida Keys, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. This Half Day Sunset & Night Fishing Trip is the real deal – you're getting prime time on the water when the big fish are most active. Whether you're after your personal best or just want to try something new, this trip's got you covered. We've got the local know-how, the right gear, and the hotspots dialed in. All that's missing is you. So what do you say? Ready to light up the night and maybe land the catch of a lifetime? Don't let this opportunity slip away – spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Grab your buddies, give us a call, and let's make some fishing memories under the stars. Trust me, once you've felt the rush of a nighttime hookup, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!

Customer Review

Top Talent Alert

He’s one of the best, book this if you haven’t!

Jeff Karish

March 19, 2025

Learn more about the species

Barracuda

Barracuda are the speed demons of the Keys, capable of short bursts up to 35 mph. These toothy predators average 2-3 feet but can reach over 5 feet and 50 pounds. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and channel edges, often visible just under the surface. Barracuda are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, making them a blast on light tackle. While not typically eaten, they're a popular sport fish, especially when other species are slow. One trick: use a wire leader and a fast-moving lure like a tube lure or spoon. The faster you retrieve, the more likely they are to strike. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke. Barracuda might not be the most glamorous fish in the Keys, but they're always ready to put up a fight.

Grey Snapper

Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper, are a staple in the Keys. These crafty fish average 1-3 pounds but can reach 10+ in deeper water. You'll find them around any structure - reefs, wrecks, docks, you name it. They're most active at night, making them perfect for our sunset trips. Grey snapper are known for their light tackle fight and excellent table fare. The meat is sweet and flaky, great for fish tacos. These guys can be picky eaters, so use light fluorocarbon leaders and small hooks. One trick: chum with cut bait to get them fired up, then drop a live shrimp on a jighead right into the frenzy. Grey snapper might not be the biggest fish out there, but they're always fun to catch and even better to eat.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored brutes typically run 5-15 pounds in the Keys, with some topping 30. You'll find them tailing in shallow water, often in less than a foot. Redfish love to root around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines, especially on rising tides. They're known for their powerful runs and excellent table fare - the meat is firm and sweet. One local trick: look for pushing water or "nervous" bait fish in super skinny water. Often, that's a redfish on the hunt. Use a weedless gold spoon or soft plastic on a light jighead. Redfish might not jump like tarpon, but their shallow water power is hard to beat. Plus, there's nothing quite like seeing that big spot on the tail as you're releasing a bruiser red.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or spotted seatrout, are a staple of Keys flats fishing. These speckled beauties typically run 1-3 pounds, with gators over 5 pounds not uncommon. You'll find them over grass flats and around mangrove islands, especially in 3-6 feet of water. Sea trout are most active at dawn and dusk, making them perfect for our sunset trips. They're known for their light tackle fight and excellent table fare - the meat is mild and flaky. One local tip: use a popping cork with a live shrimp about 18 inches below. The noise attracts trout from a distance, and they can't resist a live shrimp. Sea trout might not be the biggest or flashiest fish in the Keys, but they're consistent, fun to catch, and great eating. It's hard to beat a day on the flats targeting these guys.

Snook

Snook are a prized catch in the Keys, known for their power and acrobatics. These sleek predators typically run 20-40 inches, with some topping 4 feet. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, bridges, and docks, especially in the warmer months. Snook love structure and moving water, so target creek mouths and passes on falling tides. They hit hard and fight harder, making for an exciting battle on light tackle. The meat is excellent too - firm, white, and delicious. One local trick: use a noisy topwater lure at first light to draw strikes from aggressive fish. Just watch out for those razor-sharp gill plates when you're handling them. Whether you're sight-fishing the flats or working deeper channels, hooking into a big snook is always a thrill.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of the flats, and for good reason. These prehistoric giants can top 200 pounds, with most running 40-80. You'll find them rolling in shallow bays or cruising the channels, especially during their spring and early summer migration. Tarpon are pure muscle and known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. It's all catch-and-release, but the thrill of battling one of these monsters is unforgettable. They're not the easiest fish to hook, but that's part of the challenge. One local tip: when you see a tarpon roll, cast your bait or lure just beyond it and retrieve slowly. The key is patience and a smooth hookset. Whether you're sight-fishing or blind-casting, hooking into a tarpon is the fish of a lifetime for many anglers.

About the Pathfinder

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 52

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

As the sun starts to set over the Florida Keys, you'll hop aboard for a 4-hour fishing adventure that stretches into the night. The cooling waters bring out barracuda, grey snapper, redfish, and other local species, giving you prime conditions to cast your line. There's something special about being out on the water after dark - the stars come out, the air gets crisp, and the fish get more active. You might find yourself battling an aggressive fighter as it tries to shake your hook under cover of darkness. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to night fishing, this trip offers a unique way to experience the Keys' coastal beauty and abundant marine life. With room for up to 6 people, it's a great option for a small group outing. Just remember, deposits can't be refunded, so choose your date wisely!

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