World-Class Everglades Fly Fishing | Mangrove Expeditions

Fly Fishing Frenzy in Everglades City

Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to ditch the crowds and hit some of Florida's most untouched fishing spots? Our Everglades City Fly/Light Tackle trip is your ticket to a day of epic fishing in one of the last wild places in the Sunshine State. We're talking tarpon, snook, redfish, sea trout, and black drum – all waiting for you in the endless mangrove mazes and hidden backwaters of the Everglades.

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're stepping off the dock at the historic Everglades City Rod and Gun Club as the sun's just peeking over the horizon. The air's thick with that classic Florida humidity, but there's a cool breeze coming off the water. We'll hop in my skiff and head out into the labyrinth of mangrove islands and grass flats that make the Everglades a fish paradise. This ain't your average tourist trap – we're going where the fish are biting and the crowds are non-existent. Whether you're a die-hard fly fisher or prefer to sling some artificial lures, we've got you covered. It's just you and me out there, so we can really dial in on what's working and chase those trophy catches all day long.

Casting in the 'Glades

Alright, let's talk shop. If you're into fly fishing, you're in for a treat. We'll be using 8-weight rods for most of our targets, maybe bumping up to a 10 or 12 if the tarpon are running big. For you artificial guys, light spinning gear with soft plastics, topwater, and suspending lures are the name of the game. We'll be sight-fishing when we can, looking for those telltale signs of feeding fish – a swirl here, a tail there. It's all about stealth and accuracy in these skinny waters. One bad cast can spook a whole school, so we'll work on getting you dialed in. And don't worry if you're new to this – I've got plenty of tricks up my sleeve to help you land that trophy, whether it's your first time holding a fly rod or you're a seasoned pro.

Why Anglers Can't Get Enough

Let me tell you, there's something special about fishing the Everglades that keeps folks coming back year after year. It's not just about the fish – though let's be honest, hooking into a 100-pound tarpon or a monster snook is pretty darn exciting. It's about the whole package. One minute you're casting to a tailing redfish, the next you're watching an osprey dive for its lunch. You might see a gator sunning itself on a mud flat or a manatee cruising by the boat. It's wild, it's unpredictable, and it's about as far from your typical day at the office as you can get. Plus, the fishing here is just plain good. With so many different species and habitats, there's always something biting if you know where to look.

Fish on the Menu

Snook: These are the bad boys of the backcountry. Snook are ambush predators that love to hang around mangrove roots and oyster bars. They'll hit topwater lures with explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. Best time to target them is during the warmer months, especially around the new and full moons when they're spawning. Sizes range from 5-pound schoolies to 40-pound monsters that'll test your gear and your skills.

Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are a blast to catch. These bruisers hang out around docks and bridges, and they love a well-presented crab or shrimp fly. They're here year-round, but the bigger ones show up in the cooler months. Expect anything from 5 to 50 pounds, with the big ones putting up a fight that'll leave your arms shaking.

Tarpon: The silver king is the holy grail for many anglers, and for good reason. These prehistoric beasts can top 200 pounds and put on aerial displays that'll leave you speechless. We get good shots at them from spring through fall, with the peak being May through July. Landing one on fly is a true bucket list achievement – are you up for the challenge?

Redfish: Ah, the trusty red. These copper-colored beauties are a staple of Everglades fishing. They love to cruise the flats and tail in shallow water, making them perfect targets for sight fishing. Fall and winter are prime time for big schools of reds, but we catch them year-round. They range from 5 to 30 pounds and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle.

Ladyfish: Don't overlook these little speedsters. Ladyfish might not be the biggest, but what they lack in size they make up for in acrobatics. They're great fun on light tackle and a perfect warm-up for beginners. You'll find them zipping around the flats and channels all year, typically in the 1 to 3-pound range. Watching a school of ladies shred bait on the surface is a sight to behold.

Time to Wet a Line

Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here in Everglades City, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. Whether you're looking to cross a bucket list species off your list, improve your fly casting, or just spend a day surrounded by some of the most beautiful and untouched nature Florida has to offer, this trip's got you covered. The Everglades are a special place, and the fishing here is world-class. Don't miss your chance to be part of it. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your trip. Let's get out there and make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Trust me, once you've fished the 'Glades, nowhere else quite measures up. See you on the water!