Florida Night Fishing: Targeting Redfish After Dark

Night fishing in Florida offers a unique challenge, especially when targeting redfish. Let’s explore the best tactics and spots to find them after dark.

The best time to catch redfish in Florida at night is during an incoming or high tide, especially under a new or full moon, as these conditions maximize bait activity and visibility.

Understanding the behavior of redfish at night and using the right techniques can make your fishing trip successful. In this guide, we’ll uncover the secrets to catching more redfish at night in Florida waters.

How Redfish Behave at Night

During warmer months (April-September), redfish are active hunters at night, often moving to shallow waters to look for food. The quiet and darkness help them sneak up on smaller fish and crabs.

Many anglers love night fishing for redfish because they can be easier to catch, especially when the water’s calm. There’s also less competition at night from other anglers.

Best Nighttime Baits for Redfish

Redfish prefer live shrimp in spring, about 3-4 inches long, rigged under a popping cork. Summer nights call for artificial crab lures, around 2 inches, best used on a jig head.

During fall, offer live finger mullet, roughly 4 inches, hooked through the nose on a circle hook. A 3-inch scented soft plastic lure on a jig head is effective in winter as redfish move slower.

My Destin test

For six nights in Destin, I wanted to see which natural bait works best for catching redfish at night. I ensured the waters were calm and the tide was consistent to keep conditions steady across my tests.

Night one, I started with live shrimp. By dawn, I had reeled in nine redfish. The following night using cut mullet, I managed to attract seven redfish. On the third evening, I opted for live finger mullet, and to my surprise, I caught twelve redfish. Night four was dedicated to live crabs, resulting in eight fish. Dead menhaden was the bait of choice on the fifth night, yielding six redfish. Lastly, the sixth night with cut pinfish brought in five redfish.

By the end of this week, live finger mullet was the clear winner, with cut pinfish proving to be the least effective bait for night fishing redfish in Destin.

Florida Locations: Nighttime Redfish

Mosquito Lagoon: Known as the “Redfish Capital of the World,” it’s shallow and calm, perfect for night anglers.

Why: Rich in grass flats attracting baitfish.
Bait: Live shrimp.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Spring; New Moon.

Tampa Bay: An expansive bay with diverse underwater terrain.

Why: Mixture of grass flats and mangroves; city lights illuminate waters.
Bait: Cut mullet.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Fall; Full Moon.

Indian River Lagoon: Part of the largest estuary system in Florida.

Why: Clear waters and numerous inlets make for great redfish habitats.
Bait: Finger mullet.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Summer; First Quarter.

Apalachicola Bay: Rich in nutrients and dotted with oyster bars.

Why: Abundant food attracts redfish.
Bait: Live crabs.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Winter; Last Quarter.

Charlotte Harbor: One of Florida’s largest open-water estuaries.

Why: Extensive seagrass meadows and saltwater marshes.
Bait: Soft plastic lures.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Spring; Full Moon.

10,000 Islands: Maze of mangroves providing shelter and food.

Why: Great for sight fishing due to clear waters.
Bait: Shrimp lures.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Summer; New Moon.

Cedar Key: Quiet, untouched, and teeming with redfish.

Why: Mixture of salt marshes, mudflats, and oyster reefs.
Bait: Cut pinfish.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Fall; Full Moon.

Matlacha Pass: Between Pine Island and the mainland.

Why: Shallow waters with plenty of redfish feed.
Bait: Live shrimp.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Winter; New Moon.

Fort Pierce Inlet: Connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River Lagoon.

Why: Strong tidal flow brings in baitfish.
Bait: Artificial crab lures.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Spring; Last Quarter.

Santa Rosa Sound: Between mainland Florida and Santa Rosa Island.

Why: Grassy inshore areas perfect for redfish.
Bait: Live finger mullet.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Summer; First Quarter.

Destin Harbor: Located in the Panhandle, this harbor’s waters are rich due to its proximity to Choctawhatchee Bay.

Why: Lights from the harbor attract baitfish, which in turn attract redfish.
Bait: Live shrimp or artificial shrimp lures.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Fall; Full Moon.

Crystal River: Springs in the river keep its temperatures steady, offering refuge for redfish.

Why: Grass flats and rocky bottom areas make it a prime habitat.
Bait: Cut mullet or pinfish.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Winter; New Moon.

Everglades National Park: Expansive, with miles of untouched mangrove coastlines.

Why: The pristine environment and ample food supply.
Bait: Soft plastic jigs or live finger mullet.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Spring; First Quarter.

Hernando Beach: Located north of Tampa Bay, its less-pressured waters are a haven for redfish.

Why: Grass flats, especially near Bayport, hold big schools of redfish.
Bait: Cut bait or artificial lures that mimic crabs.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Summer; Last Quarter.

St. Joseph Bay: This clear-water bay has an abundance of seagrass beds.

Why: The bay’s seclusion and abundant feed make it a hotspot.
Bait: Live shrimp or scented soft plastics.
Best Season/Moon Phase: Fall; Full Moon.

I wrote a comprehensive guide to understanding Florida tides for redfish angling. Check it out. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch redfish in Florida, check out this guide.

Techniques & Approaches

Spot and Cast: Using a flashlight or a headlamp helps you see redfish swimming in shallow waters. When you spot their silvery sides or tails, gently cast your bait in their direction but not directly on top of them, to avoid spooking them.

Slow Retrieve: Redfish are more relaxed at night. Move your bait or lure with slow, steady pulls. This makes it seem more like a real fish, tempting the redfish to bite.

Setups

Rod and Reel: A medium to medium-heavy rod around 7 feet long gives you good control and casting distance. Pair it with a spinning reel loaded with 10-20 pound braided line to handle the strong pull of a redfish and to feel even the slightest bite.
Hooks and Rigs: Circle hooks, sized around 2/0 to 4/0, are preferred as they usually hook the fish in the corner of its mouth, making catch and release safer for the fish. If you’re using bait, consider a popping cork rig. The cork’s “pop” mimics the sound of feeding fish, attracting curious redfish.

Approaches

Quiet Approach: When wading or approaching fishing spots, move with care. Redfish have sharp senses and can be easily scared off by loud noises or sudden movements.

Use Lights: Submersible green fishing lights, when placed underwater, draw in small baitfish. These baitfish then attract hungry redfish. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance; while some light attracts fish, too bright of a light can send them swimming away.

Fish the Edges: Redfish often patrol edges, whether it’s the transition from deep to shallow water or the boundary between open water and grass beds. Casting along these edges increases your chances of getting a bite.

Flyfishing for Redfish after Dark

Sight and Cast: Using a soft headlamp or boat lights, look for the glint of redfish eyes or the movement of their tails in the water. Once you spot them, cast your fly ahead of their path, allowing it to cross their line of sight.

Fly Choice: Darker colored flies often produce better results at night, creating a better silhouette. Popular choices include black or purple clouser minnows or crab patterns.

Slow and Steady Retrieve: Allow the fly to sink to the bottom after the fly lands. Use slow and deliberate strips to make the fly mimic a wounded baitfish or crab. Redfish rely more on their sense of feel and lateral line at night, so a fly that creates vibration or disturbance can be especially enticing.

Tackle Setup: Use a 7 to 9-weight fly rod with a floating or intermediate sinking line. A fluorocarbon leader of about 12-20 pounds is ideal, as it’s nearly invisible to fish and can withstand a redfish’s abrasive mouth.

Safety: Given the limited visibility, always be aware of your surroundings. Ensure your back-cast area is clear to avoid snagging objects or people.

Impacts of the Moon on Redfish

The moon’s brightness affects how well fish can see at night. When the moon is bright, redfish can see their prey easier. A full moon or near-full moon means more light shining on the water. This can make redfish more active and feed more.

But, too much light can also make redfish cautious, as predators can spot them easier. On darker nights, like during a new moon, redfish might stay in deeper waters where it’s safer. Moon phases also influence tides.

Stronger tides can bring more food for the redfish. The best fishing times might be a few days before or after a full moon when there’s enough light but not too much.

Moon Phase	Brightness	Impact on Redfish Activity	Fishing Tips & Strategies
New Moon	Darkest	Redfish rely more on their sense of smell and feel due to minimal light.	Use scented baits or lures with vibration. Fish may be closer to the surface.
First Quarter	Partially lit	Moderate light means redfish can see better than during a new moon but still rely on other senses.	Use both visual and scent lures. Consider fishing near structures or shorelines where shadows form.
Full Moon	Brightest	The bright light allows redfish to see well, but they might also become more cautious.	Light-colored lures might be effective. However, fishing in areas with shadow or depth can be beneficial to avoid spooking fish.
Last Quarter	Partially lit	Similar to the first quarter, there’s enough light for redfish to see, but not as bright as a full moon.	Mix strategies between those of new moon and full moon phases. Fish edges of light and shadow for best results.

Redfish at Night: Weather Conditions

Water Temperatures

Water Temperature	Impact on Redfish Activity	Fishing Strategies/Tips
Cold (Below 55°F)	Redfish move to deeper, warmer waters and are generally less active.	Slow down your retrieve; focus on fishing in deeper channels or near warm water sources.
Cool (55°F – 65°F)	Redfish become more active compared to colder temps but still stay relatively deep.	Use slow-sinking lures or live bait to target transition areas between deep waters and shallows.
Moderate (65°F – 75°F)	Optimal temperatures for redfish. High activity in various depths.	Fish a mix of depths, from shallow flats to deeper channels. Versatility in bait and lures can be effective.
Warm (75°F – 85°F)	Redfish roam the shallows during the night to avoid the heat of the day.	Focus on shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangroves. Topwater lures and popping corks can be effective.
Hot (Above 85°F)	Redfish roam the shallows at night to avoid the day’s heat.	Target deeper pockets and shaded areas. Use live baits or scent-enhanced lures to attract redfish in the slower currents.

I like fishing for redfish best around that 70°F mark at night. In South Carolina, we fished near a grassy flat in the morning. I used a shrimp lure and quickly caught a ton of good sized reds.

Later in Florida, we tried evening fishing by a mangrove island. The water was clear, and the redfish were just as eager to bite. I caught a 20 pounder on a dead pinfish.

For a complete breakdown of the moon phase impacts on redfish, check out this guide.

Seasons

Season Segment	Impact on Redfish Activity	Fishing Strategies/Tips
Early Spring	Transition from colder winter; redfish start moving into shallower waters but remain cautious.	Begin targeting transitional areas, focusing on warmer pockets. Slow retrieves with jigs and soft plastics.
Late Spring	Warmer waters lead to more active feeding patterns, especially at night.	Target flats, inlets, and grassy areas. Experiment with various lures given increased redfish activity.
Early Summer	Peak activity due to warming waters and abundance of baitfish.	Fish the shallows, especially grass flats and oyster bars. Topwater lures can be highly effective during calm nights.
Late Summer	Transition from colder winter; redfish move into shallower waters but remain cautious.	Target deeper channels during extremely hot periods. On warm nights, focus on mangrove edges and shaded areas.
Early Fall	Redfish often feed aggressively in preparation for winter, making it an ideal time for anglers.	Utilize live baits like mullet or shrimp. Target schooling redfish in bays and estuaries.
Late Fall	Cooling waters may begin to push redfish to transition areas between shallows and deeper waters.	Slow down retrieves; focus on transition zones. Soft plastics and shrimp imitations can be effective.
Early Winter	Further drop in temperatures means redfish become less active, moving to deeper waters.	Target deeper channels and holes. Slow presentations and scent-enhanced baits can be effective.
Late Winter	As the coldest period, redfish activity is minimal. They remain in deeper, warmer waters.	Fish slowly and methodically in the deeper areas. Live baits presented near the bottom can attract less active redfish.

Summer: One hot summer night in Tampa, my friends and I headed out on a boat near a shallow flat. Using topwater lures, we had a blast watching redfish chase and strike on the surface.

Spring: In Tampa during spring, the waters began to warm, signaling the redfish to become more active. We anchored near an inlet after sunset, using live shrimp as bait. A very consistent bite most of the night and caught about 20 fish.

Winter: During a chilly winter morning (pre-dawn) in Panama City, I bundled up and chose a deeper channel known to hold redfish seeking warmer depths. The fishing was slower, but with patience and scent-enhanced baits, we managed to coax those wary winter redfish to bite.

Barometric Pressure

Barometric pressure is just a fancy term for the weight of the air around us. When the barometric pressure changes, it can affect how fish, like redfish, behave in the water. Rising pressure often means good weather is coming, and redfish tend to be more active and hungry. On the other hand, falling pressure can mean a storm is on the way, which might make redfish feed quickly at first but then become less active.

One night off the coast of Panama City, I noticed the barometer dropping fast. Within a short time, I caught three redfish as they seemed to be in a hurry to eat. But soon after, the bites stopped, and the fish went quiet, probably because they sensed a storm approaching.

Rain & Storms

Nighttime Condition	Impact on Redfish Activity	Post-Storm Night Fishing Strategies
Light Rain at Night	The dimness and rain can increase bait movement near the surface, tempting redfish to be more active and feed.	As rain stops, continue fishing in the same spots. Redfish may still patrol, attracted by bait activity from the rain.
Heavy Rain at Night	Murky waters reduce visibility, but the influx of freshwater pushes baitfish together, which might lead redfish to feed in concentrated zones.	Fish in brackish areas or near outlets where freshwater is draining into saltwater. These areas can attract redfish post-rain. Use lures with noise or strong scent due to reduced visibility.
Stormy Night	Before a storm, redfish may feed aggressively, sensing the incoming weather change. During the storm, they might move to deeper, more protected areas.	After a storm, target deeper channels or recesses where redfish took shelter. Due to the darkness of the night and the stirred water, use lures that create vibrations or emit strong scents.

Wind

Nighttime Wind Condition	Impact on Redfish Activity	Bait Movement Influence	Tips for Handling Choppy Waters & Fishing Strategies
Light Wind (1-10 mph)	Gentle breezes can push bait into predictable areas and make redfish patrol more defined zones.	Small baitfish may cluster near surface areas protected from the wind.	Stay on the leeward side (downwind side) of structures or islands to reduce wave impact. Cast into the wind for a natural lure presentation.
Moderate Wind (11-20 mph)	Redfish might move to deeper areas or behind protective structures to avoid the stronger currents caused by wind.	Bait might get pushed into pockets or coves, making these spots potential feeding zones for redfish.	Use heavier lures to maintain casting accuracy. Find sheltered areas like coves or windbreaks like mangroves or islands to fish effectively.
Strong Wind (20+ mph)	Redfish may become less active in shallow areas and move to deeper, sheltered waters or channels.	Bait will be driven into deeper areas or densely structured zones, leading redfish to follow.	Safety first: consider if conditions are too risky for night fishing. If safe, use the wind direction to your advantage by drifting baits naturally. Stick to deeper, protected waters.

During a night fishing trip in Santa Rosa Sound, moderate winds initially made casting tricky for my cousin. Seeing the wind was pushing baitfish towards a sheltered inlet, he caught his limit of nice redfish fishing in this area.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best nighttime baits for redfish.