Ready for a different kind of fishing trip? Captain Jacob Ertle's got you covered with this 4-hour night fishing adventure in Stuart, FL. As the sun sets and the waters calm, you'll be slipping out onto the inshore waters for a shot at some of Florida's most sought-after species. This isn't your average daytime charter – it's a chance to experience the thrill of hooking into a monster snook or tarpon under the cover of darkness. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Captain Jacob's expertise and local know-how will put you on the fish.
Picture this: You're gliding along quiet residential shorelines, the gentle hum of the outboard barely breaking the evening silence. The stars are out, the air's cooled off, and the fish are getting active. Captain Jacob's got his eyes peeled for signs of feeding fish – maybe a splash here, a swirl there. You'll be targeting the hot spots where snook, tarpon, snapper, jacks, trout, and redfish like to hang out after dark. This trip's all about hands-on fishing. If you're into sight casting with flies or artificials, you're in for a treat. The clear, calm waters make for perfect conditions to spot and cast to fish. And let's be real – there's nothing quite like the rush of a big snook smashing your lure in the dark.
Alright, let's talk night fishing basics. First off, forget about seeing your line hit the water – it's all about feel now. Captain Jacob will get you dialed in on the right techniques for working lures or live bait in the dark. You might be using glow-in-the-dark lures, or maybe some live shrimp under a popping cork. The key is to make some noise and get those predators curious. You'll be fishing structure like docks, seawalls, and mangrove edges where fish like to ambush their prey. Don't be surprised if you hear some splashing nearby – that could be your next big catch chasing bait. And here's a pro tip: when you're reeling in, keep your rod tip low. Those night-feeding fish often follow the lure right up to the boat, so be ready for last-second strikes!
Snook: These bad boys are the kings of nighttime inshore fishing in Stuart. Snook love to hang around structure, ambushing bait fish that get swept past in the current. They put up a heck of a fight, with explosive strikes and powerful runs. The bigger ones can top 40 inches, so hang on tight! Fall and spring are prime times for snook, but you can catch them year-round.
Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," hooking into one of these prehistoric beasts is an angler's dream. Tarpon in Stuart can range from 20 to over 100 pounds, and they're famous for their acrobatic leaps and long, punishing fights. They're most active in the warmer months, from late spring through summer. Watching a big tarpon roll on the surface at night is a sight you won't forget.
Grey Snapper: Don't let their size fool you – these tasty little fighters punch above their weight. Also called mangrove snapper, they're crafty and quick to steal bait. You'll find them around structure, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle. They're around all year but really fire up in the summer months.
Redfish: With their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish are a prized catch in Stuart's waters. They love to cruise the flats and edges, rooting for crabs and shrimp. Night fishing for reds can be especially productive as they often feed more aggressively after dark. Fall is typically the best time for big schools of redfish.
Crevalle Jack: Want a fish that'll test your stamina? Jacks are your ticket. These hard-fighting fish school up and can create feeding frenzies that'll have your reel screaming. They're around year-round but tend to be more prevalent in the warmer months. Hooking into a big jack at night is like trying to stop a freight train – good luck!
Look, there's something special about night fishing in Stuart that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the peace and quiet, broken only by the splash of a jumping snook. Or the way the water lights up with bioluminescence when you're working a lure. Could be the chance at hooking into that personal best fish when you least expect it. Whatever it is, Captain Jacob's got the local knowledge to put you in the right spots at the right times. And let's face it – bragging rights for that monster tarpon you landed under the stars? Priceless.
Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're looking for a fishing trip that's a bit different from the usual daytime grind, Captain Jacob's 4-hour night inshore trip is calling your name. You've got the chance to tangle with some of Florida's top gamefish, all while enjoying the calm and beauty of Stuart's waters after dark. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this trip's got something for everyone. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to lock in your date. Oh, and that deposit? It's non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. Ready to make some night fishing memories? Give Captain Jacob a shout and get ready for an evening on the water you won't forget. Tight lines!
Jack crevalle are the bullies of the flats. These bruisers typically run 3-15 pounds but can top 30. You'll spot them busting bait on the surface - just look for the birds diving. Jacks feed aggressively year-round but really turn on in summer. Anglers love jacks for their sheer power and stamina - they just don't quit. To get in on the action, cast big topwater plugs into feeding frenzies and hang on. When a jack hits, it's like hooking a freight train. My top tip: use heavy tackle and tighten that drag. These guys will test your gear and your arms!
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper, are sneaky little fighters that'll test your skills. Most run 10-14 inches but can get up to 20 pounds offshore. You'll find 'em around structure - reefs, rocks, docks - in 10-100 feet of water. They're active year-round but really turn on in summer. Anglers love greys for their tasty white meat and the challenge of outsmarting them. These fish are wary, so use light tackle and small hooks. My top tip: chum heavily to get them fired up, then drop a small live shrimp on a knocker rig right into the frenzy. Be ready for a lightning-fast bite!
Redfish are one of our most popular inshore targets. Most "slot" reds run 18-27 inches, but bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water - we're talking inches deep sometimes. Fall and winter are prime as reds school up. Anglers love sight-casting to tailing fish and the powerful, dogged fights. Their meat is excellent too. For best results, creep up quietly and toss a gold spoon or live shrimp in front of a cruising red. Let it sit, then give it a twitch when the fish gets close. Be ready for an explosive take and a bulldogging fight to the boat.
Snook are the kings of our local waters. These sleek predators typically run 24-36 inches and put up one heck of a fight. You'll find 'em lurking around mangroves, docks, and seawalls, especially at night when they come out to feed. Spring and fall are prime seasons as snook move between inshore and offshore haunts. Anglers love targeting snook for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. Their meat is prized too, though heavily regulated. If you want to land a big one, try a live mullet or pilchard on a circle hook. Let it swim naturally and be ready - when a snook hits, it hits hard. Just remember to keep 'em in the water for a quick release if they're out of season or over the slot limit.
Tarpon are the silver kings of Florida fishing. These prehistoric beasts can top 200 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other. Look for them rolling in coastal waters, inlets, and even up rivers. Spring and early summer are prime as they migrate along our shores. Anglers come from all over to battle tarpon - it's a true bucket list fish. The sheer power and acrobatics make the fight unforgettable. To hook up, try drifting live mullet or crabs on circle hooks during the early morning bite. When that silver flash erupts, hang on tight and get ready for the jumps. Just remember, these giants are catch-and-release only, so handle with care.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Evinrude
Maximum Cruising Speed: 34
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90