Expert-Guided Nighttime Jigging in Lake City, FL

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Florida
$450 price range
Updated Date: October 9, 2025

Summary

Ready for a different kind of fishing adventure? Join us for a 4-hour nighttime jigging trip in Lake City, Florida. We'll head out at 8:00 PM, perfect for anglers who want to try their luck after dark. Our boat is equipped with powerful lights that illuminate the water, giving you a unique view of the underwater world and helping you spot fish you might miss during the day. This trip is great for small groups - we can take up to 3 anglers for $450, with the option to add a fourth for just $50 more. Don't worry about gear; we've got all the jigging equipment you'll need. Just bring your Florida fishing license and you're set. Whether you're an experienced jigger or new to this technique, our guide will help you get the hang of it. It's a relaxing way to spend an evening on the water, with the excitement of potentially landing some impressive freshwater catches. Come experience Lake City's waterways in a whole new light!

Expert-Guided Nighttime Jigging in Lake City, FL

Night Fishing Action

Target fish with bowfishing in Lake City.

Longnose gar, a 24-inch freshwater fish, caught while fishing at Lake City

Lake City: perfect for bowfishing trips.

Shoot and reel in Lake City waters.

7 fishing rods with a scenic view of Lake City

Aim for a catch in Lake City’s lakes.

Night Jigging: Lake City's Hidden Gem

Get ready for a fishing adventure unlike any other in Lake City, Florida. This 4-hour nighttime jigging trip is perfect for anglers looking to switch things up and target some serious freshwater action after dark. We'll light up the water and show you a whole new side of fishing that'll have you hooked from the get-go. Whether you're a jigging pro or trying it for the first time, this trip is all about having a blast on the water and hopefully landing some trophy fish while you're at it.

What's the Deal?

Here's the scoop: we kick off at 8 PM, when the sun's gone down and the fish are getting active. You and up to two buddies can join for $450, or bring a fourth angler for just an extra $50. We provide all the jigging gear you need, so don't sweat it if you're new to this style. Just make sure you've got your Florida fishing license, and we'll handle the rest. This trip is a customer favorite for good reason - it's a laid-back way to experience some world-class fishing without the daytime crowds or heat.

Jigging 101: Not Just for Pros

If you've never tried jigging before, don't worry - it's a blast and we'll show you the ropes. We use special lures called jigs that mimic baitfish or other prey. The trick is in the motion - you'll learn to "pop" the rod tip, making the jig dance up and down in the water. It's like a little underwater puppet show for the fish, and when done right, it drives them crazy. With our powerful lights illuminating the water, you'll be able to see the action unfold. It's a technique that works great for a variety of species, from redfish to black drum, and it's especially effective at night when fish are on the hunt.

Why Night Fishing Rocks

Night fishing in Lake City is a whole different ballgame. First off, it's cooler - no scorching Florida sun to deal with. But more importantly, many fish species are more active at night. They come out of hiding, looking for an easy meal. That's where we come in with our jigs. The darkness also means less boat traffic and a more peaceful experience overall. And let's be honest, there's something pretty cool about being out on the water under the stars, feeling that tug on your line in the quiet of the night.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a Lake City staple. They put up a great fight and are known for their distinctive spot near the tail. Redfish love to cruise the shallows at night, making them perfect targets for our jigging technique. They can grow up to 40 inches or more, so be ready for some serious action if you hook into a big one.

Mozambique Tilapia: Don't let their reputation as a farmed fish fool you - wild tilapia can be a blast to catch. These guys are invasive in Florida, so there's no limit on how many you can take home. They're scrappy fighters for their size and make for some fantastic eating if you're into keeping your catch.

Alligator Gar: Now we're talking prehistoric. These massive fish can grow over 8 feet long and put up one heck of a fight. They're not the prettiest fish in the lake, but hooking into one of these monsters is an experience you won't forget. Just be careful of those teeth!

Lake Trout: While not native to Florida, some lakes in the area have been stocked with these cold-water lovers. They're a treat to catch, especially at night when they come into shallower water to feed. Their flesh is prized by anglers for its delicate, salmon-like flavor.

Black Drum: Cousins to the redfish, black drum are another hard-fighting species you might encounter. They can grow to enormous sizes, with some specimens topping 100 pounds. Even the smaller ones will give your arms a workout, and they're excellent table fare to boot.

Time to Get Your Line Wet

Look, if you're itching for a fishing trip that's a little different from the usual daytime charter, this night jigging adventure is calling your name. It's a top-rated experience that combines the excitement of trophy fish with the peacefulness of being on the water after dark. Plus, with all gear provided and expert guidance from our seasoned captains, it's a no-brainer for both newbies and seasoned anglers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online, and get ready for a night of fishing you won't forget. Trust me, once you try night jigging in Lake City, you'll be hooked for life!

Learn more about the animals

Alligator Gar

Alligator Gar are prehistoric-looking monsters that'll make your heart race. These beasts can grow over 6 feet long and weigh north of 100 pounds. With their long, toothy snouts, they look like mini gators, but don't worry - they're not aggressive towards humans. You'll find these big boys in rivers, bayous, and backwaters across the southern U.S. They love warm water and can even breathe air, so look for them near the surface on hot days. Late summer, when it's hot and dry, is prime time for gar hunting. Fishing for Alligator Gar is a unique challenge. They're tough to hook with that bony mouth. Most folks use heavy gear and rope lures. Carp, buffalo, or shad make great bait. Rig it on a big treble hook under a large, bright bobber. Anglers chase these fish for the thrill and the chance to catch a living fossil. The fight can be epic, and landing one is a real accomplishment. Just remember, it's catch and release only in most places. Local tip: Look for deep river bends next to shallow pools. That's where the big ones like to hang out. And be patient - it can take a while for a gar to take your bait, but when they do, hold on tight!

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family. These bruisers can hit 90 pounds, but most are in the 5-30 pound range. You'll find them lurking around brackish waters, estuaries, and oyster beds. They've got powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish. Spring's prime time for Black Drum. They school up to spawn, making them easier to target. Look for them in shallow, muddy flats or near creek mouths. They're not picky eaters - live bait like crabs or clams work great. If you're using lures, go slow with a bucktail jig. Anglers love Black Drum for their hard-fighting nature. They put up a real scrap, especially the bigger ones. Just remember, for eating, stick to the smaller fish under 15 pounds. The big ones can be tough and not as tasty. Here's a local trick: listen for their drumming sound. Black Drum make a distinctive croaking noise, especially during spawning. If you hear it, you're in the right spot. Just make sure you're following regulations - most places allow 5 fish per day between 14-24 inches.

Lake Trout

Lake Trout are the giants of the char family, often hitting 15-40 pounds with some monsters pushing 70. They're cold-water fish, so you'll find them in deep, oxygen-rich lakes. Up here in Lake City, they tend to hang out in the basin, sometimes at serious depths. These fish are slow growers but can live for decades. They're not fans of bright light, so overcast days or low-light conditions are prime time for fishing. Spring, right after ice-out, is a great time to target them in shallower water. Jigging is the way to go for Lake Trout. They love lures that mimic wounded baitfish. Try a Rapala Jigging Rap or a jig head with a soft plastic swimbait. If they're higher in the water column, crankbaits can work well too. Anglers love Lake Trout for the challenge. They're strong fighters and can be finicky. Plus, there's something special about hooking into a fish that might be older than you are. Pro tip: In summer, look for them in the deepest parts of the lake where the water's coldest. Use your fish finder to locate schools, then drop your jig right on their heads.

Mozambique Tilapia

Mozambique tilapia might not be the biggest fish, but they're a blast to chase. Most run 1-2 pounds and up to a foot long. You'll spot 'em in shallow, warm waters year-round, but spring and fall are prime time. These guys love manmade spots like canals and drainage ditches. They're skittish, so a stealthy approach is key. Light tackle works best - I like a 5-weight fly rod with small nymphs or popping bugs. White seems to get their attention. If you're not into flies, try corn or bread balls on light spinning gear. The fun part is sight fishing for them. Look for their circular nests in clear shallows. Cast past them and work your bait slowly back. They might not be native, but they put up a scrappy fight for their size. Just remember, they're considered invasive, so we don't release them.

Redfish

Redfish are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties average 5-10 pounds but can push 50 in the right spots. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water! Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves, especially on incoming tides. They're suckers for live shrimp, but artificial lures work great too. Try a gold spoon or a topwater plug for some exciting strikes. What makes redfish so fun is their powerful runs - they'll really test your drag. Keep an eye out for that distinctive black spot near the tail. It's actually a false eye to confuse predators. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for pushing water or "nervous" baitfish. That often means redfish are on the hunt. Just remember, there's a slot limit, so we measure carefully before keeping any for dinner.

About the Scale Strikers

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 345

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Ready for a unique nighttime fishing adventure? Join us for a 4-hour jigging trip on the waters of Lake City, Florida. As the sun sets, we'll head out equipped with powerful lights to illuminate the underwater world. This after-dark outing gives you a fresh perspective on freshwater fishing, with the chance to spot and catch fish in their nocturnal element. Our nighttime charter accommodates up to 3 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for a small group or family outing. We provide all the specialized jigging gear you'll need - just bring your Florida fishing license and a sense of adventure. Whether you're a jigging pro or trying it for the first time, our experienced guide will ensure you have a great time on the water. The trip kicks off at 8:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy dinner before embarking on your evening fishing expedition. With a relaxed atmosphere and the peaceful nighttime setting, it's a fantastic way to wind down your day while still getting some exciting fishing action.

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