Tampa Bay takes on a whole different personality after the sun goes down! Join Captain Frankie for a private 4-hour night fishing charter and discover the excitement of fishing Florida’s coastal waters after dark. With cooler temperatures, beautiful waterfront views, and opportunities to target snook and other inshore species, our night fishing trips offer a unique adventure departing from Little Harbor in Ruskin.

Trip Details, Pricing & What’s Included
Experience Tampa Bay Fishing After Dark
Our 4-hour night fishing charters offer a chance to explore Tampa Bay when the sun goes down and different fishing opportunities come to life. Captain Frankie plans each trip around the tides, weather, and nighttime fish activity, focusing on areas where feeding fish may be found.
Each trip is private and departs from Little Harbor in Ruskin, Florida. We provide the rods, reels, tackle, and fishing equipment, so there’s no need to bring your own gear. Dress comfortably for the evening temperatures, grab your favorite drinks, and get ready for a nighttime fishing adventure!
Night Fishing Charter
Private fishing trip
$675
Duration: 4 hours on the water
Charter: Private charter with Captain Frankie
Equipment: Rods, reels, tackle, and fishing gear
Guidance for beginners and experienced anglers
Departure: Little Harbor in Ruskin
Booking Deposit: $100 deposit to confirm your reservation





WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN, THE FISHING HEATS UP
There’s something exciting about fishing Tampa Bay after dark. The daytime boat traffic begins to settle, the waterfront lights come on, and the whole atmosphere changes. Our 4-hour night fishing charters give you the chance to experience a different side of the bay while enjoying the cooler evening air and the anticipation of that next bite.
Captain Frankie knows how to approach nighttime fishing conditions and where to look for feeding fish. Depending on the tides and season, you might spend time fishing around illuminated docks, bridges, or other inshore structures where baitfish gather. These areas can attract hungry predators, making nighttime fishing especially interesting for anglers who enjoy a challenge.
Our private night fishing trips depart from Little Harbor in Ruskin, with all the fishing equipment you’ll need provided. You don’t have to be an experienced night fisherman to join us! Captain Frankie will help you get comfortable with the techniques and equipment so you can enjoy four hours exploring Tampa Bay after sunset.
MORE TIME TO EXPLORE TAMPA BAY’S INSHORE FISHING
An eight-hour fishing trip gives you the chance to experience different parts of Tampa Bay as the day unfolds. Captain Frankie may explore grass flats, mangrove shorelines, channels, and other productive areas depending on the weather and tides. Having a full day available means more opportunities to adjust fishing locations and techniques as conditions change.
Snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout are among the popular species we target during our inshore fishing charters. Depending on the season, you might also encounter sheepshead and other local fish. Each species offers a different challenge, making a full-day trip especially enjoyable for anglers who like a little variety.
Some days the fish are active early, while other days the best action comes later as the tides move. Captain Frankie pays attention to these changes and adjusts the trip accordingly. We can’t guarantee a particular catch, but eight hours gives you plenty of time to enjoy the fishing experience and see what Tampa Bay has to offer.

ACCEPTED PAYMENT OPTIONS

CANCELLATION POLICY
Our preparation for your trip begins several days prior and includes rigging tackle, fueling, and netting bait, which is why we ask for at least 7 days cancellation notice. A cancellation fee of 50% cost of the trip will be charged if not cancelled within 7 days of the charter. Forfeit of the $100 deposit will occur if the trip is not cancelled within 30 days.
If for some reason the Captain must cancel or there is inclement weather, we will work with you to reschedule or provide a full refund of deposit.
WHY CHOOSE BAREFOOT FISHING CHARTERS FOR YOUR NIGHT FISHING TRIP?
Fishing Tampa Bay after dark is a completely different experience, and having a local captain who knows these waters makes all the difference! Captain Frankie understands how changing tides, waterfront lighting, and nighttime feeding patterns can influence where fish are active. Our private 4-hour night fishing charters are planned around the evening’s conditions, giving you the opportunity to explore promising fishing spots while enjoying a quieter side of Tampa Bay. Beginners are welcome, and Captain Frankie is happy to help with nighttime fishing techniques, while experienced anglers can enjoy the challenge of targeting snook and other inshore favorites after sunset. Every trip departs from Little Harbor in Ruskin, with fishing equipment provided and the boat reserved exclusively for your group. It’s a fun way to spend an evening doing something a little different!
“I want people to feel comfortable the second they step on the boat. We’ll fish hard, have some laughs, and make the most of whatever Tampa Bay gives us that day.”
— CAPT. FRANKIE BIRD
NIGHT FISHING CHARTERS SERVING TAMPA BAY & SURROUNDING AREAS
Barefoot Fishing Charters offers private 4-hour night fishing trips departing from Little Harbor in Ruskin, Florida. We welcome anglers from Tampa, Apollo Beach, Brandon, Riverview, Sun City Center, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, and surrounding communities. If you’re searching for a night fishing charter near Tampa or looking for a unique evening activity during your Florida vacation, Captain Frankie is ready to show you the excitement of fishing Tampa Bay after dark!
FAQs
Tampa Bay offers some exciting nighttime fishing opportunities, especially for species that become more active or move into feeding areas after sunset. Depending on the season and conditions, you may have opportunities to catch snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, and other inshore species. Snook are particularly popular targets around illuminated docks, bridges, and areas where baitfish gather after dark. Captain Frankie uses his knowledge of Tampa Bay’s waterways, tides, and seasonal fishing patterns to select promising locations for your 4-hour night fishing charter. Every night is different, which is part of what makes fishing after dark so exciting!
Night fishing can be incredibly productive in Tampa Bay, particularly during warmer months when cooler nighttime temperatures can encourage fish to feed in certain areas. After sunset, fishing conditions change as boat traffic decreases and artificial lights attract baitfish around docks and bridges. Predatory fish may gather nearby, creating opportunities for anglers to target species like snook and spotted seatrout. Daytime and nighttime fishing each have their advantages, and neither guarantees more fish. If you’re looking for a different experience with cooler temperatures and a unique atmosphere, a nighttime fishing charter is definitely worth trying.
Night fishing can be a safe and enjoyable experience when you’re fishing with an experienced captain who understands the local waterways and nighttime boating conditions. Captain Frankie navigates Tampa Bay after dark while monitoring weather, visibility, and water conditions. Guests should follow all onboard safety instructions, remain aware of their surroundings, and wear appropriate footwear. Because visibility is limited at night, it’s especially important to listen to your captain when moving around the boat or handling fishing equipment. If unsafe weather or boating conditions develop, Captain Frankie will determine the appropriate course of action.
Our private 4-hour night fishing charters start at $675 with Barefoot Fishing Charters. Your trip includes Captain Frankie’s guidance, fishing rods, reels, tackle, and the equipment needed for your nighttime fishing adventure. A $100 deposit is required to confirm your reservation, with the remaining balance due at the end of the trip. Night fishing is a great option for couples, friends, and anglers who want to experience Tampa Bay after sunset. Call (813) 751-7895 to check available evenings and discuss your preferred fishing date.
Even in Florida, temperatures can feel cooler on the water after sunset, especially when the boat is moving. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, non-slip shoes, and bringing a lightweight jacket or extra layer. You may also want insect repellent, drinking water, and a few snacks for your four-hour trip. Avoid bringing unnecessarily bright lights, as they can interfere with nighttime visibility and fishing conditions. Captain Frankie provides the fishing equipment, so there’s no need to bring your own rods or tackle. Our night fishing charters depart from Little Harbor in Ruskin, Florida, with meeting details provided when you book.
From Our Clients

104 4th St SW, Ruskin, FL 33570
(813) 751-7895
Barefootfishingcharter@gmail.com