Ready for a fishing trip that'll make your heart race? Join us on Local Grown Charters for a 4-hour sunset and night fishing adventure in the Florida Keys. As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll be out on the water, hunting for some of the Keys' most prized catches. This isn't your average day trip - we're talking about battling hard-fighting fish under a blanket of stars. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to night fishing, you're in for a treat. We'll be targeting everything from snook to barracuda, and trust me, there's nothing quite like feeling that tug on your line in the dark of night.
As we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. The fading light paints the sky in stunning oranges and pinks - it's the golden hour for both photographers and fishermen. But don't get too distracted by the view, because as darkness falls, the real action begins. We'll be using specialized lights to attract bait fish, which in turn lure in the bigger predators. You'll hear the splash of fish feeding on the surface, feel the vibrations of your line, and experience the rush of reeling in a catch you can barely see. It's a sensory experience unlike any other type of fishing.
Night fishing isn't just about dropping a line and hoping for the best. We use a mix of techniques to maximize your chances of landing a trophy. We might start with some drift fishing, letting the current do the work as we float over productive spots. As the night progresses, we could switch to anchoring up near structure where fish like to congregate. We'll be using a variety of baits and lures - live shrimp, pinfish, and even some glow-in-the-dark artificials. The key is to be adaptable and read what the fish are telling us. And don't worry if you're new to this - our experienced guides will be right there to help you perfect your technique.
"He's one of the best, book this if you haven't!" - Jeff
Snook: These are the rock stars of night fishing in the Keys. Snook love to hunt in the shadows, often hanging around dock lights and bridge pilings. They're ambush predators, known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. The best part? They're at their most active after dark, making our trip prime time for hooking into a big one.
Grey Snapper: Don't let their name fool you - these fish are anything but dull. Also known as mangrove snapper, they're smart, strong fighters that'll test your skills. They tend to school up around reefs and rocky areas, and they're suckers for a well-presented live bait. Night time is when the bigger ones come out to play, so get ready for some arm-wrestling.
Tarpon: The silver king is a bucket-list fish for many anglers, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking giants can grow over 6 feet long and put on an aerial show like no other. While they can be caught during the day, night fishing often yields the biggest specimens. Just be prepared - hooking a tarpon is one thing, landing it is a whole different ball game.
Barracuda: These toothy torpedoes are the speed demons of the reef. At night, they become even more aggressive, often chasing our baits right up to the boat. The strike of a barracuda is like lightning - blink and you'll miss it. But hang on tight, because the fight that follows is pure adrenaline.
Sea Trout: While they might not have the star power of some other species, sea trout are a blast to catch and great eating too. They love to hunt in shallow grassy areas at night, often in schools. A well-placed lure can lead to non-stop action as you pick off fish after fish.
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are known for their strong runs and delicious fillets. At night, they often move into shallow waters to feed, tailing as they root for crabs and shrimp. The sound of a redfish crashing a topwater lure in the dark is something you'll never forget.
Look, I could go on all day about the magic of night fishing in the Florida Keys, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. This 4-hour trip is the perfect taste of what makes fishing here so special. You'll see the Keys in a whole new light (or lack thereof), and you'll have stories to tell for years to come. We've got room for up to 6 guests, so grab your buddies or bring the family. Just remember, the deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're ready to commit to the adventure of a lifetime. Don't wait - the fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is calling. Let's make some memories under the stars!
March 19, 2025
Barracuda are the speed demons of the Keys. These toothy predators can hit 35 mph in short bursts, making for some heart-pounding strikes. You'll spot them around reefs and wrecks, usually in the 2-4 foot range but sometimes pushing 6 feet. They're active year-round but really fire up in warmer months. Trolling with tube lures or casting topwater plugs can trigger their aggressive nature. When a 'cuda hits, hold on tight - their initial run is lightning fast. While they're not known for sustained fights, the visual thrill of watching one chase down a lure is hard to beat. One tip: use wire leaders. Those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Barracuda aren't prized eating fish, so we usually release them to fight another day.
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper, are crafty little brawlers that'll keep you on your toes. Usually 1-2 feet long, these guys hang out near reefs, wrecks, and - you guessed it - mangroves. They're suckers for live shrimp or small baitfish. At night, they move into shallower water to feed, making them perfect for our evening trips. Grey snapper put up a scrappy fight on light tackle and they're delicious eating too. Locals prize them for their sweet, white flesh. One trick I've learned: when you're fishing structure, get your bait down fast. These smart fish will retreat to cover if they sense something's up. And don't set the hook too early - wait until you feel weight on the line. Grey snapper are wary, but outsmarting them is half the fun.
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats, known for powerful runs and stubborn fights. These copper-colored bruisers love super shallow water - sometimes you'll see their tails waving above the surface as they root for crabs. Most reds we catch are in the 5-10 pound range, but they can grow much larger. They'll hit just about anything - live bait, soft plastics, even fly patterns. Redfish really turn on when water temperatures drop in fall and winter. Sight-fishing for tailing reds is a thrilling challenge that'll test your casting skills. When you hook up, be ready for some serious pulling. One local tip: work your lure or bait slowly. Redfish often track prey before committing. Their firm, white flesh makes great eating too, so keep a couple for dinner if regulations allow.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are staples of Keys flats fishing. These spotted beauties average 1-3 pounds but can reach 5+ pounds. You'll find them over grass flats and sandy potholes, often in water just a few feet deep. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork, but artificial lures like soft plastics work great too. Sea trout are most active at dawn and dusk, making them perfect for our evening trips. They're not known for long runs, but their head-shaking jumps provide plenty of excitement on light tackle. As a bonus, they're excellent table fare with delicate, white flesh. One local trick: look for diving birds. They often give away the location of feeding trout schools. Remember, we have size and bag limits to keep this popular species thriving.
Snook are one of the most sought-after gamefish in the Keys. These powerful predators can grow over 40 inches long and put up an epic fight. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, bridges, and other structures in shallow coastal waters. Snook feed aggressively at night, making them perfect targets for our evening trips. Use live bait like pinfish or mullet, or try topwater lures at first light. When you hook one, be ready - snook are known for explosive runs and acrobatic jumps. Beyond the thrill of the catch, they're also excellent eating fish with firm white meat. One local tip: focus on the edges of sandbars or drop-offs where snook ambush prey during tidal changes. Just remember, season and size limits apply to protect this awesome species.
Tarpon are the silver kings of the flats, and hooking one is an experience you won't forget. These prehistoric beasts can top 6 feet and 150 pounds, with explosive aerial displays that'll test your skills and equipment. We find them rolling in channels and basins, especially during their spring and early summer migration. Live bait like crabs or pinfish work well, but nothing beats the thrill of enticing a tarpon with a well-placed fly. They're not the best eating, so we practice catch-and-release to keep populations healthy. One local secret: pay attention to tide changes. Tarpon often feed aggressively as water starts moving. Just remember, landing one of these giants takes patience and a strong back - be ready for a long, rewarding battle.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 52
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
He’s one of the best, book this if you haven’t!