PARTY BOAT FISHING

For those looking to get out in the open seas (but not too far out) there is a fleet of party boats (or headboats) waiting for you to climb aboard. Ranging in size by passenger capacity, party boats are the perfect choice for the novice fishermen looking for a chance to reel in the big one.

Both half day and full-day excursions are available, and you will find a knowledgeable and friendly crew waiting to make even the most inexperienced angler welcome. The half-day trips are especially attractive to those new to the sport, and a morning or afternoon trip leaves the rest of the day open for other excursions. For the more experienced full-day trips offer the opportunity to fish for live bait as well as the chance to change locations to find the best spot. Another option is night fishing, which usually affords calmer seas and cooler weather. Fishing at night is ideal for those looking to avoid exposure to the sun. Some even say it's a bit romantic. Generally, Nighthawk's party boats fish at anchor in a variety of locations, depending on weather conditions and time of year. In shallow waters, anglers can expect to catch cero and Spanish mackerel on the surface and grouper, mangrove snapper, mutton, porgy, sheepshead and yellowtail. Fishing reefs bring catches that can include big grouper, bonito, cero, king mackerel, mutton snapper, sailfish, tuna, yellowtail and wahoo. Deep ledge (130 to 200 feet) fishing is the spot of choice for big king mackerel, muttons, vermillion and lane snappers, larger porgy, mangrove, silk and genuine red snappers. Fishing the wrecks will bring big amberjack, smoker kings, grouper and blacktip sharks. If you don't mind sharing your fishing spot with sometimes 30 or more people, or maybe you're new to fishing and want "to just give it a try" for the morning, then party boat fishing is for you.