While most people prefer to be on the water just before sunup and fish until the afternoon, there is a growing population of people who enjoy fishing under the cover of darkness. I recently set out with local guide and former AFC Board Member Captain Alex Gorichky and some friends for a nighttime kayak adventure under the stars. With nearly zero other boats on the water, and the cool night air and the stillness of it all, I was absolutely mesmerized and immediately hooked on the beauty and serenity. Just being there was enough for me… seeing the lights of Titusville from the dark river, watching meteors shoot across the sky, listening to the rhythm of the night, which is drastically different from the rhythm of the day. Just sitting in a kayak and listening to the beat of the drum below is an amazing experience.
 
We got to our fishing grounds and rigged up. We were chasing the big fish and live bait was the soup du jour. I rigged up with a large shrimp and tossed it near some structure and before it could hit bottom, the rod was nearly ripped out of my hands. The drag screamed for about 5 seconds and then it was over. I was not prepared for that and missed my shot. I would spend the rest of the night trying to recreate that moment, but it never came to be. Chuck caught a baitfish on his shrimp and gave it to Alex to use as bait. Within minutes Alex was hooked up on a beast of a redfish and we all followed the epic battle in our own kayaks. Although we were sure several times that the fish was gone, Alex fought the fish masterfully and landed and released a gorgeous redfish.
 
Chuck and Zack and Jeremy would all have their shots, too, and like me, would be unable to complete the transaction. Jeremy did get quite a run from his, though, before losing it. The paddle back was easy. The heat of the day didn’t make for a long paddle. We loaded our kayaks onto our trucks and off we went into the wee hours of the morning, just about the time most fishermen were waking up to get on the water. 
 
Capt. Alex Gorichky is a USCG certified, insured guide available for hire and can be reached at www.locallinescharters.com

~ Tammy Wilson