Ready for a fishing adventure that'll light up your night? Lock It Up Charters is serving up an 8-hour night fishing trip that'll have you hooked from sunset to sunrise. We're talking big game in the dark – Tuna, Snappers, Groupers, you name it. Captain Jason's got all the gear and know-how to put you on the fish when the sun goes down. Just bring your favorite munchies and drinks, and get ready for a night you won't forget. The stars above, the fish below, and nothing but good times in between. Let's dive into what makes this trip a can't-miss for any angler visiting Key Largo.
Picture this: You're cruising out as the last light fades, the anticipation building with every wave. Captain Jason's at the helm, ready to put you on the hotspots where the big ones feed after dark. As night falls, the water comes alive in a whole new way. You'll be using special lights to attract bait, which in turn brings in the predators. The glow of the lights, the sound of the waves, and the sudden, heart-pounding strike of a fish – it's a rush like no other. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time fishing at night, you're in for a treat. We'll be targeting everything from swift Blackfin Tuna to hefty Red Grouper, and trust me, hooking into one of these in the dark is an experience you won't soon forget.
Alright, let's talk shop. Night fishing isn't just day fishing with the lights off – it's a whole different ballgame. We'll be using a mix of techniques, from bottom fishing for those tasty Snappers to freelining live baits for the pelagics cruising by. Captain Jason's boat is decked out with all the right gear – sensitive rods to feel those subtle night bites, reels with smooth drags for when a big one decides to run, and an array of lures and baits that work magic after dark. We'll use underwater lights to attract baitfish, creating our own little feeding frenzy. And don't worry about fumbling around in the dark – the boat's set up with just the right lighting to keep you fishing comfortably without spooking the fish. It's all about finesse, patience, and being ready for that moment when all hell breaks loose on the end of your line.
"On our trip to the Keys, we went out 3 different days with lock it up charters. Every day was an absolute blast. We were targeting sharks and man did he ever put us on the sharks. He remembered that my son did not get the Goliath grouper that he was trying for 3 years ago and on our first day out he stopped on a shipwreck and made sure that the Goliath grouper was checked off the bucket list. The night fishing trip was a little creepy and probably not for the faint of heart but it was the absolute best experience of my life. I will stay on Shore and fish before I will choose any other guide in the Florida Keys." - Michael
Let's break down the heavy hitters you'll be gunning for on this nocturnal adventure:
Blackfin Tuna: These speedsters are a favorite for night anglers. They're like the sports cars of the sea – fast, powerful, and a blast to catch. Blackfins often feed near the surface at night, making for some exciting topwater action. They typically range from 15 to 30 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 40-pounder. The best part? They're delicious, so you might want to bring a cooler.
Red Grouper: These bottom-dwelling brutes are the heavyweights of the night shift. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be dropping lines near reefs and wrecks. Red Groupers can grow up to 50 pounds, though most catches are in the 5-15 pound range. They put up a stubborn fight, especially when you're trying to pull them away from their rocky homes. Landing a big Red Grouper in the dark is a true test of an angler's skills.
Great Barracuda: These toothy predators are the bad boys of the reef, and they don't clock out at sundown. Barracudas are ambush hunters, often striking fast and hard. They can grow over 5 feet long and put on an acrobatic show when hooked. Night fishing for 'cudas adds an extra element of excitement – their reflective eyes often give away their position in the boat lights.
Mutton Snapper: Don't let their name fool you – these aren't your average snappers. Muttons are prized for both their fight and their flavor. They tend to be more active at night, making them a prime target for our trip. A good-sized Mutton can easily top 10 pounds, with some monsters pushing 20. They're known for their initial powerful run, so hold on tight when one takes your bait.
Listen, if you're looking for a fishing trip that's off the beaten path, this is it. Night fishing in Key Largo isn't just fishing – it's an adventure. You're not just casting a line; you're stepping into a whole different world where the rules of day don't apply. The thrill of fighting a fish you can barely see, the camaraderie of sharing stories under the stars, the chance to land a personal best when most folks are fast asleep – it's all part of the package.
Captain Jason knows these waters like the back of his hand, day or night. He's not just going to put you on fish; he's going to make sure you have the time of your life doing it. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a new challenge or a newbie wanting to jump in the deep end, this trip's got something for everyone.
So what are you waiting for? The night bite is on, and the fish aren't going to catch themselves. Grab your buddies, pack some snacks, and let's make some memories under the moonlight. Book your spot now with Lock It Up Charters and get ready for a fishing story you'll be telling for years to come. Trust me, once you've felt the pull of a big fish in the dark of night, day fishing will never be the same again.
November 7, 2024
Blackfin Tuna are the smallest in the Thunnus family, but don't let that fool you. These little rockets usually max out around 30-40 pounds and put up one heck of a fight. You'll find them in the warmer waters off Key Largo, often hanging around the continental shelf. They're most active in fall, winter, and spring here in the Keys. Blackfin are a blast to catch - they hit hard and run fast. Plus, their meat is top-notch for sashimi or grilling. To land one, try vertical jigging or chunking. And here's a local tip: scale down your leaders and hooks. These guys have sharp eyes, so go with 30-pound fluorocarbon and 5/0 to 6/0 circle hooks. Toss out some live pilchards as chum, and you'll be in business.
Great Barracuda are the sleek speedsters of the Keys. These toothy predators can hit 5-6 feet long and swim up to 35 mph in short bursts. You'll spot them near the surface around reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves. They're here year-round but seem most active in warmer months. Anglers love 'cudas for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. While they're not prized for eating, the fight alone makes them worth targeting. To catch one, try trolling with tube lures or live bait like blue runners. Watch out though - big ones can jump into the boat, so keep your distance when landing them. Pro tip: use wire leaders, as their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat.
Mutton Snapper are a prized catch in the Keys. These olive-colored beauties typically run 15-20 inches but can reach up to 37 inches and 30 pounds. You'll find them around reefs and rocky bottoms, often in 80-300 feet of water. They're here year-round, but fishing heats up in spring and summer during spawning season. Anglers love muttons for their hard fighting ability and excellent eating quality. To target them, try drift fishing with live bait or jigging near structure. Here's a local secret: use the freshest bait possible and a light sinker to keep it down. Let it drift in the chum slick - muttons can't resist! When you see that flash of pink coming up, you know you've got a good one on the line.
Red Grouper are a staple here in the Keys. These rusty-colored bruisers usually run 5-10 pounds, but can get up to 50 in rare cases. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms and reefs, typically in 30-300 feet of water. They're not the fastest swimmers, but man can they pull when hooked. Grouper fishing is best from May through December, outside their spawning season. Anglers love targeting them for their tenacious fight and excellent table fare - the meat is firm, flaky, and has a mild, sweet flavor. To increase your odds, use live bait like pinfish or grunts. And here's a pro tip: when you feel that distinctive grouper thump, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from their rocky hideouts before they can dig in.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
On our trip to the Keys, we went out 3 different days with lock it up charters. Every day was an absolute blast. We were targeting sharks and man did he ever put us on the sharks. He remembered that my son did not get the Goliath grouper that he was trying for 3 years ago and on our first day out he stopped on a shipwreck and made sure that the Goliath grouper was checked off the bucket list. The night fishing trip was a little creepy and probably not for the faint of heart but it was the absolute best experience of my life. I will stay on Shore and fish before I will choose any other guide in the Florida Keys.