Sunset & Night Fishing Charters in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Night Fishing Charter - 4 Hours

There's something magical about fishing when the sun dips below the horizon and the lights start flickering on around Daytona's bridges and docks. This 4-hour sunset and night fishing charter gets you out there during prime time - when the big predators wake up and start hunting. For $389, you and up to 5 friends can experience some of the best inshore action Daytona Beach has to offer. We're talking about targeting structure where snook, redfish, and sharks patrol in the shadows, waiting for an easy meal.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical daytime grind - night fishing is a completely different game, and that's what makes it so addictive. We'll position ourselves around the best spots: bridge pilings where the current creates ambush points, lighted docks that attract baitfish, and passes where gamefish funnel through on the tide changes. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused - you'll hear the water lapping against the hull, see the glow of our rod tips, and feel that electric anticipation when something big inhales your bait. Most folks are surprised how active the bite gets once the sun goes down. The fish feel safer moving into shallow water to feed, which means more action for us.

Techniques & Tackle Setup

We fish live and cut bait primarily - shrimp, pinfish, and mullet work best for this kind of structure fishing. I'll have you rigged with circle hooks and just enough weight to keep your bait in the strike zone without getting hung up on the bottom. Around bridges, we'll use slightly heavier tackle since you never know when a big bull shark might pick up your snook bait. The key is letting the bait work naturally in the current while staying ready for that telltale thump. We'll also throw some artificials when the fish are aggressive - soft plastics and topwater plugs can produce explosive strikes under the lights. All your gear, bait, tackle, and licenses are included, so you just need to show up ready to fish.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Daytona's bridges and docks hold some real slobs. These ambush predators love hanging around structure in 3-8 feet of water, especially during warmer months from May through October. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, gill-rattle, and make blistering runs toward structure. A slot-sized snook (28-33 inches) will test your skills, while the big breeders over 35 inches are pure adrenaline. They're most active during moving water, so we time our trips around the tide changes.

Black drum are the bulldogs of the flats - thick, powerful fish that pull with surprising strength. These bottom-feeders cruise around bridge pilings and oyster bars looking for crabs and shrimp. They're not flashy fighters, but a 15-20 pound drum will put a serious bend in your rod and make you work for every inch of line. The bigger fish (30+ pounds) are absolute tanks that can take 10-15 minutes to land. Black drum bite year-round in Daytona, but the bigger fish show up in late winter and spring. They're excellent table fare when prepared right.

Sheepshead are the pickpockets of the inshore world - they'll steal your bait so fast you'll wonder what happened. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure. They're incredibly finicky, requiring light tackle and a gentle touch, but once you figure them out, they're addictive to catch. Sheepshead are most active in cooler months (December through March) and they're absolutely delicious - white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos.

Bonnethead sharks are like mini hammerheads with attitude. These 2-4 foot sharks are incredibly common around Daytona's grass flats and shallow structure. They're perfect for kids or anyone who wants to experience shark fishing without the intensity of bigger species. Bonnetheads fight hard for their size, making several strong runs and keeping constant pressure on your line. They're also unique because they're one of the few sharks that actually eat grass and vegetation along with crabs and shrimp.

Bull sharks are the apex predators that show up when you least expect them. These thick, aggressive sharks can range from 4-8 feet around Daytona's inshore waters, especially near passes and deeper structure. When a bull shark picks up your bait, you'll know it immediately - the rod doubles over and line starts screaming off the reel. They're incredibly powerful fighters that make long, determined runs and can turn a relaxing night of fishing into an all-hands-on-deck situation. Bull sharks are most active during warmer months and around new and full moon periods.

Time to Book Your Spot

Night fishing isn't just about catching fish - it's about experiencing Daytona Beach from a completely different perspective. The city lights reflecting on the water, the peaceful sounds of the night, and the anticipation of what might grab your bait next creates memories that last long after the trip ends. This customer-favorite charter consistently produces fish because we focus on proven spots during optimal conditions. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target trophy snook or a family wanting to try something new, this 4-hour adventure delivers the goods. Book now and discover why so many anglers consider night fishing the best-kept secret in Daytona Beach.