Get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer in the heart of Flamingo Everglades. This light tackle charter puts you right in the action, surrounded by winding mangroves and endless grass flats teeming with prized gamefish. Whether you're chasing the elusive snook or battling a mighty tarpon, this trip promises a true taste of what makes the Everglades a world-class fishing destination.
We'll kick things off bright and early at either the backcountry or Florida Bay side boat ramp in Flamingo Everglades National Park. From there, it's all about navigating the maze-like waterways and hidden honey holes that make this area so special. You'll be armed with light tackle gear, perfect for finessing those wary fish lurking in the mangroves. Keep your eyes peeled – the diversity of wildlife here is off the charts. Gators, manatees, and all sorts of birds might make an appearance as we hunt for our target species.
This trip is all about versatility. We'll mix it up between sight fishing the flats and working the mangrove edges, adapting our approach based on conditions and where the fish are biting. Expect to throw soft plastics, topwater lures, and maybe even fly if that's your thing. The beauty of light tackle is feeling every head shake and run. It's a more intimate, hands-on way to fish that really lets you connect with these incredible gamefish. Don't worry if you're new to this style – I'll show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time.
Snook: The undisputed kings of the mangroves, snook are ambush predators with attitude. They love to tuck into structure, so accuracy is key when targeting them. That explosive strike when a snook hammers your lure is something you'll never forget. Spring and fall are prime times, but you can catch them year-round here.
Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," hooking into one of these prehistoric beasts is the highlight of many anglers' lives. Tarpon in the Everglades can range from 20 to over 100 pounds, and their acrobatic leaps and long, powerful runs will test both your gear and your stamina. Late spring through summer is tarpon prime time.
Redfish: With their copper color and distinctive spot, redfish are a favorite target on the flats. They often hunt in schools, tailing as they root for crabs in the shallows. This makes for some exciting sight fishing opportunities. Fall is an excellent time for big bull reds, but you can catch them all year.
Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum can provide some serious pull on light tackle. They love hanging around oyster bars and channel edges. While they might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, their powerful fights and excellent table fare make them a worthy target. Winter is prime time for big black drum.
Sea Trout: These speckled beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They school up on the grass flats and are suckers for a well-presented artificial lure. While they might not grow as large as some of our other targets, their willingness to bite and tasty fillets make them a perennial favorite. You can catch trout year-round, but fall through spring offers the best action.
There's something magical about fishing the Everglades that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the raw, unspoiled beauty of the place – miles of pristine wilderness right at the doorstep of bustling South Florida. Or perhaps it's the diversity of the fishery – where else can you target snook, tarpon, and redfish all in the same day? The ever-changing nature of the backcountry means no two trips are ever the same. You might be sight-casting to tailing reds one minute, then battling a bruiser snook the next. It's this mix of relaxation and heart-pounding action that makes Flamingo Everglades fishing so addictive.
The fishing has been on fire lately in Flamingo. We've been crushing the snook bite around the mangrove islands, with several fish in the 30-inch class coming to hand. The redfish have been schooling up on the flats, offering some stellar sight fishing opportunities. And for those looking for a real challenge, the tarpon have been rolling through the channels, with some true giants in the mix. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, there's never been a better time to wet a line in the Everglades.
If you're itching to experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, don't sleep on booking this Flamingo Everglades charter. With only room for one angler, you'll get my undivided attention and access to spots that bigger boats just can't reach. We'll tailor the day to your skill level and target species, ensuring you have the best shot at landing that fish of a lifetime. The Everglades fishery is healthy and thriving, but dates fill up fast – especially during peak seasons. So why wait? Grab your spot now and get ready for a fishing adventure you'll be talking about for years to come. Trust me, once you experience the magic of Flamingo, you'll be hooked for life.
Black drum are some of the toughest fighters in the 'Glades. These bruisers average 5-30 pounds but can top 90. Look for them around oyster beds and mud flats in 3-8 feet of water. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Drum put up a stubborn, powerful fight - no acrobatics, just brute strength. Their meat is good eating when smaller, but gets tough in bigger fish. To hook one, use fresh shrimp or crabs on the bottom. A local trick is to chum with crushed oysters to really get them fired up. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard and hang on tight. These bulldogs will test your tackle and your arms.
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored brutes average 5-10 pounds but can top 40. You'll find them tailing in super skinny water, often less than 2 feet deep. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Reds are known for powerful runs and dogged fights. They're also excellent eating with a sweet, mild flavor. To catch one, sight-cast to tailers with live shrimp or small crabs. Or throw gold spoons or soft plastics if you can't see 'em. Work your bait slow and steady. When a red pounces, let it run before setting the hook. Then hang on tight - these guys will test your drag and your patience. But man, that first tug is something special.
Speckled trout are staples of the backcountry. These tasty fish average 1-3 pounds, with gators pushing 5+. You'll find them over grass flats and potholes in 2-6 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime as they school up. Trout aren't known for big fights, but they make up for it with numbers and table quality. Their light, flaky meat is hard to beat. To catch 'em, try live shrimp under a popping cork or throw soft plastics. Work your bait with quick twitches to trigger strikes. A local trick is to chum with live shrimp - you'll have a feeding frenzy in no time. Just remember to keep a few for dinner, but release the big breeders.
Snook are a prized catch in the Everglades. These hard-fighting fish typically range from 5-15 pounds, with bigger ones pushing 30+. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and other structure in 3-6 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temps are ideal. Snook put up an acrobatic fight with powerful runs and jumps. Their firm white meat is excellent eating too. To land one, try live bait like pilchards or pinfish near mangrove edges on an incoming tide. Work your bait slowly and be ready for explosive strikes. Just remember, snook can be finicky - sometimes you gotta really work for 'em. But man, when that line starts screaming, it's all worth it.
Tarpon are the kings of the flats here. These silver missiles average 80-100 pounds but can top 200. You'll find them rolling in 4-8 feet of water over grass flats and channels. Spring and early summer are peak season as they migrate through. Tarpon are prized for their explosive strikes and aerial acrobatics - they'll jump 10 feet in the air, shaking like crazy. It's pure adrenaline. To fool one, try live mullet or crabs, or throw big topwater plugs. Work the bait slow and steady. When a tarpon rolls on it, drop the rod tip and let it eat before setting the hook. Even then, you'll only land about 1 in 5 hookups. But man, that first jump makes it all worthwhile.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 70