Chum em up charters
HomeTrips & RatesGalleryReviewsFishing ReportsTarget SpeciesMeet the Captain

Learn More

My Trips

Top-Rated Snook Night Fishing in Charlotte Harbor

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Punta Gorda, FL
  • $300 - $800 price range
  • Updated Date: August 29, 2025

Summary

Looking for a different kind of fishing adventure? This night trip on Charlotte Harbor is just the ticket. We'll head out at 6 PM for four hours of targeting Snook under the bridge lights. It's a peaceful setting, but the action can get intense when these big fish start hitting live bait. You'll be able to see them clearly in the glow, which adds a whole new dimension to the experience. Our boat takes up to three guests, so it's perfect for a small group or family outing. We'll provide everything you need – just bring your excitement and maybe a light jacket for the evening air. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, this trip offers a great chance to land some trophy Snook and enjoy Florida's waters in a whole new way. The calm of the evening mixed with the thrill of the catch makes for a memorable night on the harbor.
Top-Rated Snook Night Fishing in Charlotte Harbor

Night Lights, Big Bites

previous-image
Big Tarpon caught using deep sea light tackle in cloudy Punta Gorda!

Big Tarpon caught using deep sea light tackle in cloudy Punta Gorda!

Huge tarpon landed using deep sea light tackle in cloudy Punta Gorda!

Huge tarpon landed using deep sea light tackle in cloudy Punta Gorda!

Double snook success on a cloudy day in Punta Gorda!

Double snook success on a cloudy day in Punta Gorda!

Reeling in the catch of the day.

Reeling in the catch of the day.

Three people fishing for a tarpon in Punta Gorda

null

Reeling in a big tarpon with deep sea finesse!

Reeling in a big tarpon with deep sea finesse!

Huge 89-inch Snook hooked with finesse in stormy Punta Gorda!

Huge 89-inch Snook hooked with finesse in stormy Punta Gorda!

Reeling in a big snook with deep sea finesse in Punta Gorda!

Reeling in a big snook with deep sea finesse in Punta Gorda!

Snagging snook with finesse in partly cloudy skies!

Snagging snook with finesse in partly cloudy skies!

Stormy skies set the stage for an epic deep sea adventure!

Stormy skies set the stage for an epic deep sea adventure!

Big Tarpon caught using deep sea light tackle in cloudy Punta Gorda!

Big Tarpon caught using deep sea light tackle in cloudy Punta Gorda!

Huge tarpon landed using deep sea light tackle in cloudy Punta Gorda!

Huge tarpon landed using deep sea light tackle in cloudy Punta Gorda!

Double snook success on a cloudy day in Punta Gorda!

Double snook success on a cloudy day in Punta Gorda!

Reeling in the catch of the day.

Reeling in the catch of the day.

Three people fishing for a tarpon in Punta Gorda

null

Reeling in a big tarpon with deep sea finesse!

Reeling in a big tarpon with deep sea finesse!

Huge 89-inch Snook hooked with finesse in stormy Punta Gorda!

Huge 89-inch Snook hooked with finesse in stormy Punta Gorda!

Reeling in a big snook with deep sea finesse in Punta Gorda!

Reeling in a big snook with deep sea finesse in Punta Gorda!

Snagging snook with finesse in partly cloudy skies!

Snagging snook with finesse in partly cloudy skies!

Stormy skies set the stage for an epic deep sea adventure!

Stormy skies set the stage for an epic deep sea adventure!

Big Tarpon caught using deep sea light tackle in cloudy Punta Gorda!

Big Tarpon caught using deep sea light tackle in cloudy Punta Gorda!

Huge tarpon landed using deep sea light tackle in cloudy Punta Gorda!

Huge tarpon landed using deep sea light tackle in cloudy Punta Gorda!

Double snook success on a cloudy day in Punta Gorda!

Double snook success on a cloudy day in Punta Gorda!

Reeling in the catch of the day.

Reeling in the catch of the day.

next-image

Night Fishing for Trophy Snook in Punta Gorda

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind fishing adventure under the stars in Charlotte Harbor. This 4-hour night trip puts you right where the action is – targeting monster snook as they feed around the glowing bridge lights. It's a totally different ballgame from daytime fishing, and you'll see firsthand why locals rave about Punta Gorda's world-class snook fishery. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to fishing, this trip offers an exciting challenge and the chance to land a real trophy.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll head out at 6 PM, just as the sun's going down and the bridges start lighting up. That's when the snook action really heats up. You'll be fishing with live bait, watching these predators hunt in real-time – it's a sight you won't forget. The calm evening waters and twinkling lights create a peaceful vibe, but don't let that fool you. When a big snook hits, it's game on! Your guide will be right there to help you land that fish of a lifetime. This trip is perfect for small groups or families, with room for up to 3 anglers. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a light jacket). We've got all the gear and know-how to put you on the fish.

Night Fishing 101

If you've never fished at night before, you're in for a treat. We'll be using specialized techniques to target snook in the dark. Live bait is the name of the game here – usually pilchards or pinfish. We'll set up near the bridges where the lights attract baitfish, creating a feeding frenzy for snook. Your guide will show you how to present the bait naturally and detect those subtle night bites. We use light tackle to make the fight even more exciting. Don't worry if you're new to this – our guides are patient teachers and will have you casting like a pro in no time. The best part? You can often see the snook's silhouette as it attacks your bait – talk about an adrenaline rush!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook are the star of the show on this trip, and for good reason. These hard-fighting fish are known as the "soap of the sea" for their slippery, acrobatic fights. They love to hang around structure, especially bridges and dock lights at night. Snook in Charlotte Harbor can grow to over 40 inches and 30 pounds – that's a fish you'll remember! They're most active from spring through fall, with peak action in the warmer months. What makes snook so special is their combination of strength, speed, and those jaw-dropping leaps when hooked. Even seasoned anglers get weak in the knees when a big snook explodes on their bait. And let's not forget – they're delicious (when in season), though most anglers practice catch-and-release to keep the fishery strong.

While we're targeting snook, don't be surprised if you hook into other nighttime predators. Redfish often cruise the same areas, and they put up one heck of a fight. You might also tangle with a feisty mangrove snapper or even a tarpon if you're really lucky. Each species brings its own challenge and excitement to the night.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about night fishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the peaceful atmosphere broken only by the splash of feeding fish. Or the way your senses heighten in the dark, making every bite feel more intense. For many, it's the chance to see and catch fish behaving naturally, away from the boat traffic and noise of the day. And let's be honest – there's a certain bragging right that comes with landing a trophy snook under the stars. Our repeat customers often say this trip changed how they think about fishing altogether. It's not just about what you catch, but the entire experience of being on the water at night, surrounded by nature and the glow of the city lights.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a fishing trip that's off the beaten path, this night snook adventure is calling your name. It's a chance to see Charlotte Harbor in a whole new light (pun intended) and target one of Florida's most prized gamefish when they're most active. Whether you're a local looking for a new challenge or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Punta Gorda fishing, this trip delivers. Our experienced guides know these waters like the back of their hand and are passionate about putting you on fish. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to book. Grab your friends or family and get ready for a night of fishing you'll be talking about for years to come. The snook are waiting – are you ready to join the night shift?

Learn more about the animal

Snook

Snook are one of our top targets here in Charlotte Harbor. These sleek, powerful fish typically run 20-30 inches, but can grow over 40 inches and 30 pounds. Look for them around mangroves, bridge pilings, and dock lights at night. They love structure and moving water. Snook fishing heats up in spring and fall as they move between inshore and nearshore waters. They put up an incredible fight - fast runs, acrobatic jumps, and tricky head-shakes. Plus, they're excellent eating when in season. To land a big snook, try free-lining live pilchards or pinfish around dock lights. Let the bait swim naturally. When a snook hits, give it a second to turn the bait before setting the hook. Then hold on tight - these guys know how to use structure to break you off. Night fishing for snook under bridges is a local favorite. The lights attract bait, and big snook lurk in the shadows. It's a peaceful way to beat the heat and tangle with some bruisers.

Snook

About the 20 ft Century Boat

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 32

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

We'll be cruising the calm waters of Charlotte Harbor in a comfortable boat that's perfect for night fishing. It's set up with all the gear we need to target those big Snook lurking under the bridge lights. There's plenty of room for you and two friends to cast lines and relax as we wait for the fish to bite. The boat has good lighting so we can see what we're doing, but not so much that it scares the fish away. You'll have a clear view of the stars above while we fish in the glow of the bridges. It's a cozy setup that lets us get right where the action is when those Snook start feeding. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying night fishing for the first time, this boat will give you a great platform for reeling in some impressive catches under the cover of darkness.
Chum em up charters

Follow Us

Navigate

Home

Trips & Rates

Gallery

Reviews

Fishing Reports

Target Species

Meet the Captain

FAQ

Contact Us

FEATURED

Things To Do

Shark Thrills

Solo Reel

Harbor Rods

Night Snook

Harbor Hooks

Tarpon Time

Catch Adventure in Punta Gorda!

Dive into the excitement of fishing with Chum Em Up Charters, your top choice for remarkable fishing trips in Punta Gorda. Guided by Captain Michael Castaldi, Chum Em Up Charters welcomes anglers of all skill levels to catch trophy fish while enjoying the breathtaking views of Punta Gorda's pristine waters. With a dedication to customer satisfaction and a genuine passion for fishing, Chum Em Up Charters guarantees an unforgettable day on the water, packed with thrills, camaraderie, and lasting memories.

More about Chum em up charters

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

Powered by Guidesly

Privacy Policy

Sitemap