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Top-Rated Shark & Tarpon Fishing Key West
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Key West
- $499 - $999 price range
- Updated Date: August 30, 2025
Summary
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Evening Catch Highlights
Catching memories, one Grouper at a time!
Trophy fish and island vibes!
Battle of a lifetime on the open sea!
Amberjack on the line—let’s go!
Fishing paradise found in the Keys!
Grouper and good times in Florida!
Hook, line, and sinker in Key West!
Snapper fishing dreams come true in Key West!
Sunset, saltwater, and tight lines!
Reel Grouper fun under the Key West sun!
Catching memories, one Grouper at a time!
Trophy fish and island vibes!
Battle of a lifetime on the open sea!
Amberjack on the line—let’s go!
Fishing paradise found in the Keys!
Grouper and good times in Florida!
Hook, line, and sinker in Key West!
Snapper fishing dreams come true in Key West!
Sunset, saltwater, and tight lines!
Reel Grouper fun under the Key West sun!
Catching memories, one Grouper at a time!
Trophy fish and island vibes!
Battle of a lifetime on the open sea!
Amberjack on the line—let’s go!
Key West's Night Fishing Adventure
Get ready for an evening of heart-pounding action on the waters of Key West. This 4-hour private charter is your ticket to experiencing the thrill of shark and tarpon fishing when the sun goes down. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, our experienced guides will put you on the fish and show you the ropes of night fishing in one of Florida's top fishing destinations.
Trip Overview
Kicking off at 4 PM, this trip is all about maximizing your chances for epic catches as day turns to night. We'll cruise the backcountry channels and bridges where the big boys come out to play after dark. With room for up to four anglers, it's perfect for a group of friends or family looking to share the excitement. Our 22' Lake and Bay boat is set up for comfort and fishability, giving you a stable platform to battle those hard-fighting tarpon and sharks. We provide all the gear and live bait, so all you need to bring is your game face and maybe a light jacket for when the evening breeze kicks in.
Night Fishing Know-How
Night fishing in Key West is a whole different ballgame. We'll be using light tackle and live bait to entice the predators that prowl these waters after dark. Our guides will show you the ropes of working bridge lights and channel edges where tarpon and sharks gather to feed. You'll learn how to detect those subtle night bites and when to set the hook for maximum success. We might start with some mangrove snapper action to warm up, then switch gears as the bigger predators move in. Be ready for some serious pulls – when a 50-pound tarpon or a blacktip shark decides it's dinner time, you'll know it!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the crown jewel of Key West fishing. These prehistoric powerhouses range from 20 to over 100 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays. When hooked, tarpon will often leap clear of the water multiple times, shaking their massive heads in an attempt to throw the hook. They're most active in the warmer months, with peak season from April to June, but can be caught year-round in Key West. The evening hours often see increased tarpon activity as they move into shallower waters to feed.
Blacktip Shark: These speedy predators are a favorite among anglers for their acrobatic fights. Blacktips typically range from 3 to 6 feet in length and are known for their distinctive black-tipped fins. They're often found in shallow coastal waters and are particularly active during low light conditions, making them perfect targets for our evening trips. When hooked, blacktips are known for their powerful runs and occasional jumps, providing an exciting battle on light tackle.
Lemon Shark: Named for their yellowish-brown color, lemon sharks are another exciting species we might encounter. These sharks can grow up to 10 feet long, though we typically see them in the 4 to 7 foot range. Lemon sharks are known for their powerful, steady fights and their tendency to stay deep, making them a true test of an angler's skill and endurance. They're year-round residents in Key West waters but are especially active in the warmer months.
Bull Shark: The heavyweight champion of our inshore waters, bull sharks are not for the faint of heart. These powerful predators can reach lengths of over 8 feet and weights exceeding 300 pounds. Known for their aggressive nature and ability to tolerate freshwater, bull sharks are often found in shallow coastal areas and even up into rivers. When hooked, they provide an intense, drag-screaming fight that will test both angler and equipment. While we can encounter them year-round, they're most active in the warmer months.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing as the sun sets over Key West. The water takes on a different character, and the anticipation builds as you know the big predators are starting to hunt. Our guests love the hands-on experience of working live bait in the shadows, feeling that sudden weight when a fish strikes, and the rush of adrenaline as the fight begins. Whether it's the acrobatics of a tarpon, the speed of a blacktip, or the raw power of a bull shark, each catch is a story waiting to be told. And with our experienced guides leading the way, even newcomers to fishing often find themselves hooked on the sport after just one trip.
What to Expect on the Water
As we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Our captain will give you a quick rundown on safety and what to watch for as we make our way to the first fishing spot. We might start in the backcountry channels, working the edges where bait fish gather. As darkness falls, we'll move to the bridges where lights attract bait and predators alike. You'll learn to feel for those subtle bites and when to let the fish run before setting the hook. Don't be surprised if you hear splashes in the darkness or see the water explode as a tarpon leaps – that's all part of the night fishing experience in Key West. We'll rotate spots throughout the trip to maximize your chances of hooking into different species.
Top Catches This Season
This year has been red hot for evening fishing in Key West. We've seen some monster tarpon in the 80 to 100-pound range, putting on aerial shows that leave anglers wide-eyed and grinning. The shark action has been equally impressive, with several blacktips in the 5 to 6-foot range and a couple of bull sharks that nearly spooled reels. One group even managed a "grand slam" of tarpon, shark, and a bonus 15-pound snook all in one evening trip. While every trip is different, the potential for a trophy catch is always there when you're fishing Key West after dark.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're looking for a fishing experience that combines the beauty of Key West evenings with the thrill of battling some of Florida's most sought-after game fish, this is your trip. Our private charters ensure you get personalized attention and the best chance at landing that fish of a lifetime. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, looking to challenge yourself as an angler, or just want to experience the magic of Key West waters at night, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your friends or family, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Book now and get ready for an evening of rod-bending, drag-screaming action on the waters of Key West!
Learn more about the animals
Blacktip Shark
Blacktips are one of our most common sharks, usually 4-5 feet long. They're known for their acrobatics, often leaping and spinning out of the water when hooked. You'll find them cruising the shallows and around artificial reefs, especially in summer. They hunt in packs, so where there's one, there's often more. Blacktips put up a great fight on light tackle. They're fast and will make several strong runs. Chum really gets them going - try a mix of ground fish and fish oil. For bait, oily fish like mackerel or herring work well. Here's a tip: when you see them circling your chum slick, cast just beyond them and slowly retrieve. The motion often triggers a strike. It's an exciting catch, perfect for anglers looking for their first shark.
Bull Shark
Bull sharks are the bruisers of our local waters, stocky and powerful, usually 7-11 feet long. They're unique because they can tolerate freshwater, so you might find them way up in the backcountry. Bulls are most common in the warmer months, cruising the shallows and channels. They're aggressive feeders, which makes for some intense fights. When hooked, they'll make powerful runs and often try to dive deep. Chunky baits like mullet or jack work well. Here's a tip: use a wire leader, as their teeth can easily cut through mono. Bulls are catch-and-release only, but the thrill of landing one of these powerful predators is hard to beat. Just remember, they can be unpredictable, so we always handle them with extra care.
Lemon Shark
Lemon sharks are a cool catch around Key West, typically 6-9 feet long. They got their name from their yellowish-brown color, which helps them blend in with sandy bottoms. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, often near mangroves or seagrass beds. They're most active at night, making our evening trips prime time for hooking one. Lemons are known for their powerful fights - they'll make long runs and can really test your gear. They're not as jumpy as some sharks, but their strength makes up for it. Fresh cut bait like mullet or jack works great. Here's a local tip: if you're sight-fishing for them, look for their distinctive twin dorsal fins breaking the surface. It's a rush when you spot one cruising by the boat.
Tarpon
Tarpon are true monsters of the flats, growing up to 8 feet and 280 pounds. Most you'll catch run 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds - still a handful! They're known for spectacular aerial displays, leaping clear out of the water. You'll find them in the backcountry channels and bridges around Key West, especially from spring through fall. Tarpon like to hang out in deeper holes and along drop-offs. They put up an amazing fight, making long runs and those crazy jumps. Live bait like pinfish or crabs work great. One local trick: when you feel the bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Let them turn and really take the bait. It's all catch-and-release with tarpon, but the thrill of battling one of these silver kings is unforgettable.
About the Key West Fishing Connection
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha outboard
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
