Night Inshore Fishing: Pensacola's Best-Kept Secret

Published Date: October 3, 2025
Fishing

Pensacola
$500 - $700 price range

Summary

Captain Jamie's night inshore fishing trip offers a unique chance to experience Pensacola's waters after dark. Leaving at 8 PM, you'll have six full hours to target Redfish and Sea Trout, with potential for Black Drum, Crevalle Jack, and Grey Snapper too. The evening setting provides a peaceful atmosphere on the water, perfect for up to four guests to enjoy extended fishing time. All gear is provided, and you won't need to worry about a fishing license. This charter covers both Pensacola and Milton areas, giving you access to prime night fishing spots. Remember, while the price and meeting details are confirmed when you book, deposits can't be refunded. It's a great opportunity to see how the local fish bite changes once the sun goes down.

Night Inshore Fishing: Pensacola's Best-Kept Secret

Night Catch Showcase

Exciting night on the water! Multiple techniques paid off with a nice mixed bag.

Smiles And Big Red Fish in Pensacola.

Night Fishing Magic: 6 Hours on Pensacola Waters

Ready for a totally different fishing experience? Captain Jamie's got you covered with this 6-hour night inshore trip out of Pensacola and Milton. We're talking prime time for redfish and speckled trout action, plus a shot at some other cool species that come out after dark. It's a laid-back vibe, perfect for both seasoned anglers and folks just getting their feet wet in the saltwater game. With room for up to 4 people, it's ideal for a group of buddies or even a family looking to make some memories on the water. Let's dive into what makes this nighttime adventure so special.

What to Expect on the Water

Kicking off at 8 PM, we'll hit the water just as things start to get interesting. The daytime crowds have cleared out, and the nighttime bite is heating up. You'll be fishing the rich inshore waters around Pensacola and Milton, areas known for holding some serious fish. Captain Jamie knows these spots like the back of his hand, so you're in good hands. We provide all the gear you need, and the best part? No fishing license required. It's all covered under the charter's license. As we cruise through the darkness, keep an eye out for bioluminescence in the water - it's like nature's own light show. The extended 6-hour format means more time to find the fish and really dial in the bite. Just remember, while we aim to put you on fish, Mother Nature sometimes has her own plans. But that's all part of the adventure, right?

Night Fishing Know-How

Night fishing is a whole different ballgame, and it's a blast once you get the hang of it. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best. Expect to do some casting around dock lights, bridge pilings, and other structures where fish like to hang out after dark. The key is to work your bait slowly and pay attention to subtle bites - fish can be a bit more cautious at night. We might also drift some deeper channels or flats, letting the tide do some of the work for us. Don't worry if you're new to this - Captain Jamie will walk you through everything, from how to work the rod to what to look for when you're getting a bite. And trust me, there's nothing quite like the sound of a reel screaming in the quiet of the night.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite target for good reason. They put up a great fight and can reach sizes over 40 inches in these waters. At night, they often move into shallower areas to feed, making them more accessible. Look for them around oyster bars and grass flats.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are a blast on light tackle. They've got a soft mouth, so finesse is key when fighting them. Night fishing can be particularly productive for bigger trout, which tend to be more active after dark. Listen for their distinctive 'pop' as they feed on the surface.

Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum can provide some serious pull, especially the bigger ones. They love hanging around structure and will readily take live bait. While they might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, they're fun to catch and good eating at smaller sizes.

Crevalle Jack: If you hook into one of these, hold on tight! Jacks are like the freight trains of the inshore world. They're fast, powerful, and will test your gear and your arms. While not great for eating, they're a blast to catch and release.

Grey Snapper: Also known as mangrove snapper, these tasty fish are smart and can be a challenge to catch. They have excellent eyesight and can be leader shy, so light tackle is often the way to go. Finding a good snapper hole can lead to some fast action and a delicious dinner.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing at night that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the peaceful quiet broken only by the sound of fish feeding. Or the way your senses seem to heighten in the darkness, making every bite feel more intense. For many, it's the chance to tangle with bigger fish that move in under the cover of darkness. And let's be honest, there's a certain coolness factor to being out on the water while most people are winding down for the day. Plus, in the summer months, the night fishing can be a lot more comfortable temperature-wise. Whatever the reason, once you try it, you might find yourself hooked on night fishing.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a fishing trip that's a bit out of the ordinary, this 6-hour night inshore adventure is hard to beat. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, Captain Jamie will make sure you have a great time and hopefully put some fish in the boat. Remember, spots are limited to 4 guests, so it's a good idea to book early, especially during peak seasons. The price and exact meeting spot will be confirmed when you book, and while the deposit is non-refundable, it's a small price to pay for what could be an epic night on the water. So why not give night fishing a shot? Who knows, you might just land the fish of a lifetime under the stars of Pensacola. Tight lines and see you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters. These cousins of the Redfish can grow over 90 pounds, but we usually catch them in the 5-30 pound range. You'll find them in brackish water around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings. Black Drum are bottom feeders with strong jaws built for crushing shellfish. They're most active in spring during spawning season when they school up. Listen for their distinctive croaking sound - that's how they got the nickname "Big Uglies." For bait, fresh crab is hard to beat. Use a fish finder rig with a circle hook to keep your bait on the bottom where these bruisers feed. Black Drum put up a stubborn fight, so make sure your drag is set right. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are best for eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. Anything bigger tends to get tough and wormy.

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These powerful fish usually run 3-5 pounds but can reach up to 60 pounds. Look for them in both shallow flats and deeper channels, often chasing bait schools. They're fast, aggressive, and put up one heck of a fight - pound for pound, one of the strongest fish you'll hook. Jacks aren't great eating, but they're a blast to catch. To find them, watch for birds diving or bait fish skipping across the surface. That's often a jack attack in progress. Throw a topwater plug or a silver spoon into the fray and hang on tight. These fish hit hard and run fast. One local tip: if you see a school of jacks busting bait, cast beyond them and retrieve quickly through the school. They love the chase and will often compete to hit your lure first.

Grey Snapper

Grey Snapper, or Mangrove Snapper, are a blast to catch around here. These fish usually run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds inshore, but can get up to 20 pounds offshore. Look for them around structure like docks, reefs, and mangroves in 10-100 feet of water. They're most active at night, which makes them perfect for our evening trips. Grey Snapper put up a great fight and taste delicious - their white, flaky meat is prized by locals. To land one, use a live shrimp on a 4/0 hook. Hook it through the tail so it stays lively longer. Let it sink to the bottom near structure and wait for that telltale thump. These fish are quick, so be ready to set the hook fast. Grey Snapper are opportunistic feeders, so patience is key. Once you hook one, you've often found a whole school.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties usually run 20-30 inches and 3-12 pounds, but can grow much bigger. Look for them tailing in shallow water, often so shallow their backs are exposed. They love to cruise flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Redfish put up a great fight, often making powerful runs when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with a sweet, mild flavor. To catch them, try sight fishing with a gold spoon or soft plastic on a jighead. If you can't see them, blind cast around structure or use cut bait on the bottom. One local trick: on calm days, look for pushing water or mud boils - that's often a redfish rooting for crabs. Fall is prime time when big schools of bull reds move in to spawn.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are one of our most popular inshore targets. These fish typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though trophy "gator" trout can hit 10 pounds. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to ambush bait in 3-6 feet of water around drop-offs and creek mouths. Sea Trout are schooling fish, so where you catch one, there's usually more. They're known for their soft, white meat and mild flavor - perfect for the dinner table. To catch them, try a live shrimp under a popping cork or a soft plastic jig worked slowly along the bottom. My go-to lure is a gold spoon - they can't resist that flash. Sea Trout have soft mouths, so set the hook gently and keep steady pressure. Fall and winter are prime seasons when the big ones move into deeper holes.

About the Addicted to Scales & Tail

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 36

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 225

Ready for some night fishing action? Captain Jamie's got you covered with this six-hour inshore adventure in Pensacola and Milton. As the sun sets, you'll head out at 8 PM to target Redfish and Sea Trout in the calm evening waters. There's a good chance you'll also hook into some Black Drum, Crevalle Jack, or Grey Snapper too. With room for up to 4 people, it's perfect for a small group of friends or family looking to experience Florida fishing after dark. Don't worry about bringing gear or getting a license - it's all taken care of. The extended trip time means more opportunities to land that trophy catch under the stars. Just remember, once you book, your deposit is locked in. So grab your buddies, pack some snacks, and get ready for a memorable night on the water with an experienced local captain leading the way.

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