MADEIRA BEACH FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Twelve Hours Under the Stars: Offshore Night Fishing Out of Madeira Beach
A 12-hour night fishing trip from Madeira Beach that takes anglers 15–30 miles offshore into 60–120 foot depths, targeting snapper, grouper and more with bait provided.
Twelve Hours Under the Stars: Offshore Night Fishing Out of Madeira Beach.
This is a long, offshore night run from Madeira Beach—twelve hours that carry you 15 to 30 miles out into water averaging 60–120 feet deep. The trip packs purpose: experienced captains, heavy tackle recommendations and a bait program that primes anglers for mangrove snapper, gag grouper, vermilion snapper and a slate of other reef species.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
True Offshore Water, Nighttime Bite
The charter cruises 15–30 miles from shore into depths generally between 60 and 120 feet—prime territory for reef and near-reef species under the cover of night.
Snapper, Grouper and a Mixed Reef Bag
Expect mangrove snapper and gag grouper as headline targets, with vermilion snapper, porgies, black sea bass, hogfish, yellowtail and seasonal kingfish also in play during spring and fall.
Bait and Tackle Ready to Go
Cut bait—sardines and squid—is provided on board; the operation also offers pinfish and live shrimp for a fee. Operators recommend heavy tackle: 50–80 lb test line, 4, 6 and 8 oz sinkers and 5/0 and 7/0 hooks.
What the day feels like
What a Full Night at Sea Feels Like
You board in Madeira Beach and then settle in for a full 12-hour outing that shifts the focus from daylight sight fishing to the tactile rhythm of night-strikes and bottom work. The day is long by design: running 15–30 miles offshore puts you on structure and reef edges in 60–120 feet of water, where anglers drop heavy rigs and wait for steady, often hard-fighting bites.
THE GROUNDS
True Offshore Water, Nighttime Bite
The charter cruises 15–30 miles from shore into depths generally between 60 and 120 feet—prime territory for reef and near-reef species under the cover of night.
THE CATCH
Snapper, Grouper and a Mixed Reef Bag
Expect mangrove snapper and gag grouper as headline targets, with vermilion snapper, porgies, black sea bass, hogfish, yellowtail and seasonal kingfish also in play during spring and fall.
THE KIT
Bait and Tackle Ready to Go
Cut bait—sardines and squid—is provided on board; the operation also offers pinfish and live shrimp for a fee. Operators recommend heavy tackle: 50–80 lb test line, 4, 6 and 8 oz sinkers and 5/0 and 7/0 hooks.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 12-hour night trip that runs offshore into spring and fall seasons when certain species like kingfish are more likely; confirm seasonal species with the operator.
Bring sea-sickness remedies, weather-appropriate clothing and any personal gear; the boat supplies cut bait (sardines & squid) and sells pinfish and live shrimp by the dozen.
Cut bait is provided at no extra charge. Pinfish cost $9 per dozen (must be ordered more than 48 hours in advance; 1–2 dozen recommended), and live shrimp cost $4 per dozen (4 dozen recommended).
Recommended tackle: 50–80 lb test line, 4, 6 and 8 oz sinkers and 5/0 and 7/0 hooks to handle reef species targeted on this trip.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is a 12-hour fishing trip.
Where do we meet?
The trip departs from Madeira Beach, FL.
How far offshore and how deep will we fish?
The charter cruises 15 to 30 miles offshore and fishes in waters averaging 60–120 feet deep.
What species might I catch?
Common catches include mangrove snapper, gag grouper, vermilion snapper, porgies, black sea bass, hogfish and yellowtail, with kingfish possible in spring and fall.
What bait is provided and what are the extra options?
Cut bait (sardines and squid) is provided at no extra charge. Pinfish are available for $9 per dozen (must be ordered more than 48 hours in advance; 1–2 dozen recommended) and live shrimp are $4 per dozen (4 dozen recommended).
What tackle should I use?
Operators recommend 50–80 lb test line, 4, 6 and 8 oz sinkers and 5/0 and 7/0 hooks.