Night fishing charters are one of the best-kept secrets in Florida fishing. After dark, the air cools off, the boats are less crowded and snapper that are shy during the day start feeding hard. Many Florida party boats run regular night trips, and some even offer night shark fishing. This guide covers how night fishing trips work, what you’ll catch and which boats in our directory run them, from the Panhandle to the Keys.
Why Go Night Fishing?
- Cooler temperatures: a big plus in the Florida summer.
- Great snapper fishing: mangrove, yellowtail and mutton snapper often feed best after dark.
- Calmer seas: the wind often drops in the evening.
- A different experience: city lights on the horizon, bioluminescence and the chance at a shark.
- Fits your vacation: spend the day at the beach and fish at night.
Night Fishing Charters in Southeast Florida
| Boat | Location | Night trips |
|---|---|---|
| Reward Fishing Fleet | Miami | Nightly half-day trips, 8 pm to 12:30 am |
| Kelley Fishing Fleet | Miami Beach | Night trips on scheduled dates |
| Fishing Headquarters | Fort Lauderdale | Nightly 7:30 to 11:30 pm, plus a 6-hour Saturday night trip |
| Lady Pamela | Hollywood | Friday and Saturday night snapper trips, 7:30 to 11:30 pm |
| Starlight Fishing Fleet | Pompano Beach | Daily 4-hour trip at 7 pm |
| Miss Fort Pierce | Fort Pierce | Seasonal Wednesday and Friday trips, 4 to 11 pm |
Night Fishing Charters in the Florida Keys
| Boat | Location | Night trips |
|---|---|---|
| Sailors Choice | Key Largo | Friday and Saturday night trips at 7:30 pm |
| Captain Michael at Robbie’s | Islamorada | Nightly 7:30 pm to 12:30 am |
| Marathon Lady | Marathon | Summer night fishing trips |
| Gulfstream IV | Key West | Summer nights (June to August), Wednesday, Friday and Saturday |
| Cora Beth II | Key West | 4-hour sunset snapper trip during Daylight Saving Time |
Night Shark Fishing on the Space Coast
Near Orlando, two Port Canaveral boats run evening shark trips in season. Orlando Princess runs night shark trips Wednesday through Saturday from 6 to 10 pm, April through October, and Ocean Obsession runs shark fishing trips on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 to 10 pm. They’re a hit with teens and anyone who wants a big fight.
Night Trips on the Gulf Coast
On the Gulf side, night fishing usually means longer trips. Capt. Anderson’s Marina in Panama City Beach runs an 8-hour night trip from 4 pm to midnight, and Hubbard’s Marina in Madeira Beach runs 12-hour night trips on set dates. For trips that fish through the night and into the next day, see our guide to overnight fishing trips in Florida.
What You’ll Catch at Night
- Mangrove (gray) snapper: the number one night target in South Florida and the Keys
- Yellowtail snapper: often feeding near the surface in the chum slick under the lights
- Mutton and lane snapper on the reef
- Sharks: on dedicated shark trips and as a bonus on regular trips
- Grouper and amberjack on longer Gulf trips
Seasons and limits vary by species and time of year, so ask your crew what you can keep.
Night Fishing Tips
- Bring a light jacket. It can get cool and breezy offshore, even in summer.
- Use bug spray at the dock. Mosquitoes can be out before you leave.
- Bring a headlamp, ideally one with a red-light setting so you don’t blind your neighbors.
- Eat beforehand and take seasickness medicine early.
- Use lighter leader for snapper. Night snapper can still be line-shy, so follow the crew’s advice.
- Check minimums. Some night trips need a minimum number of anglers to sail.
Night Fishing Charters FAQ
Is night fishing better than day fishing in Florida?
For snapper, it often is. Many snapper species feed more actively after dark, and the cooler temperatures make for a comfortable trip.
How long are night fishing trips?
Most Florida night party boat trips last about 4 to 5 hours. Some Gulf trips run 8 to 12 hours.
Are night fishing trips safe for kids?
Yes. Night trips run on the same licensed boats with the same crews. Younger kids may get tired, so a shorter evening trip is a good choice.
What should I bring on a night fishing trip?
A light jacket, a headlamp, bug spray, snacks, water, seasickness medicine and a cooler with ice for your catch.
Can you go shark fishing at night in Florida?
Yes. Boats in Port Canaveral, including Orlando Princess and Ocean Obsession, run evening shark trips in season.
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