Everglades Fishing Charters | Half to Full Day
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Half or full-day backcountry fishing charters in Everglades National ParkTarget Trout, Snook, Redfish, and Snappers in pristine watersSmall group experience with maximum three guests per charter
When you're ready to fish some of the most productive waters in South Florida, the Everglades backcountry is where you want to be. 6th Generation Charters knows these waters like the back of our hand, and we'll put you on fish that'll have you talking for years. Whether you've got a few hours or want to make a full day of it, we're taking you to spots where Spanish Mackerel, Snook, Tarpon, Sea Trout, and Tripletail are waiting. With room for up to three anglers, this isn't some cattle-boat operation – you're getting personal attention and prime fishing time on every cast.
The Everglades backcountry is a maze of mangrove islands, shallow flats, and hidden channels that most folks never see. We'll start early to beat the heat and catch the fish when they're most active. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we might work the grass flats for trout, slide up to mangrove shorelines for snook, or hit the deeper cuts where tarpon roll. When weather allows, we'll venture out to the patch reefs where the action gets even more interesting – yellowtails, mutton snapper, and grouper are all in play. The beauty of fishing the 'Glades is the variety. One minute you're sight-fishing in three feet of crystal-clear water, the next you're battling something big in the deeper stuff.
We fish light tackle here – it's way more fun and the fish fight harder. Spinning reels spooled with braid, matched to rods that have enough backbone to turn a big snook but still let you feel every head shake from a trout. Live bait is king in these waters. We'll net pilchards, pin fish, and shrimp depending on what's around and what the fish want. Artificial lures have their place too – soft plastics worked around structure, topwater plugs at dawn and dusk, and jigs for the deeper spots. The key is reading the water and adjusting. Tides drive everything out here, so we time our spots to hit them when conditions are prime. Shallow water means quiet approaches and accurate casts – this isn't chuck-and-chance-it fishing.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of the flats. These silver bullets show up in schools and when you find them, it's game on. They hit fast and fight hard for their size, usually running 2-4 pounds with the occasional bruiser pushing 6. Best action is typically fall through spring when baitfish are thick. They're not picky eaters – live pilchards, small jigs, even flies get crushed. What makes them special is the aerial show – they'll jump, twist, and put on a performance that gets everyone excited.
Snook are the crown jewel of Everglades fishing. These ambush predators lurk around mangrove roots, docks, and structure, waiting to hammer anything that looks like an easy meal. They're built like linebackers – broad shoulders, massive mouth, and an attitude to match. Slot-size fish run 28-33 inches, and a good one will test your drag and your nerves. Summer and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavy before the cooler months. The strike is explosive, the fight is bulldogging power, and the photos always look good.
Tarpon are why people travel from around the world to fish the Everglades. The silver king doesn't get that nickname for nothing – when a 100-pound fish goes airborne, shaking its head and rattling your tackle, you understand why tarpon fishing is addictive. Peak season runs May through July, but we see fish year-round. Juvenile tarpon in the 20-40 pound range are perfect on light tackle, while the giants require serious gear and serious skill. Every jump is a heart-stopper because you never know if your hook will still be there when they crash back down.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of the flats. Spotted seatrout cruise the grass beds looking for shrimp and small baitfish, and they're willing biters when you find them. A good trout runs 15-20 inches with occasional "gator trout" pushing 4-5 pounds. They're most active during cooler months, and the bite can be lights-out when conditions align. What makes trout fishing fun is the consistency – you can usually count on action, and they're excellent table fare if you want to take a few home.
Tripletail are the oddballs of the bunch. These disc-shaped fighters hang around floating debris, crab trap buoys, and structure, looking like floating leaves until they decide to eat. They're opportunistic feeders that will crush live bait or well-presented artificials. A good tripletail runs 3-8 pounds, but their flat profile and stubborn nature makes them fight bigger than their size suggests. Finding them is half the battle – they're masters of camouflage and can be tough to spot until you develop an eye for them.
The Everglades don't fish themselves, and the best days book up fast. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check species off your bucket list or someone who just wants to spend a day on the water catching fish, we've got you covered. Half-day trips are perfect for getting a taste of what these waters offer, while full-day charters let us really explore and put you on the best bite of the day. With three decades of experience in these waters, 6th Generation Charters knows where the fish live and how to catch them. Give us a call and let's get your trip on the books – the fish are waiting and so are we.
Jump aboard our reliable 1989 24-foot Proline center console, powered by a strong 250HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fish at 40 knots. This classic fishing machine comfortably handles up to 4 anglers and comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The onboard fish finder helps locate those productive spots where Trout, Snook, and Redfish hang out in the backcountry shallows. GPS keeps us on course through the maze of mangrove channels, while the icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. When conditions allow, we'll head to the patch reefs where Yellowtails, Muttons, and Groupers wait. Whether you're casting to laid-up Redfish in skinny water or dropping baits on structure, this boat gets you there safely and puts you on the fish in Everglades National Park.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action with great-tasting results. These silver fish with black spots typically run 12-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. They love grass flats, sand holes, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk. Fall and winter bring the best fishing when they school up in deeper channels and oyster bars. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and their tender, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're not the strongest fighters, but they'll make a few good runs before coming to the boat. The bite is often subtle - more like a gentle tap than a hard strike. My best advice is to fish live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds. Work it slow with gentle pops, and when you feel that light tap, don't set the hook too hard or you'll pull it right out of their soft mouth.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the kings of structure fishing in the Everglades - these ambush predators love hanging around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars where they can surprise their next meal. Most fish run 18-28 inches and 3-8 pounds, with that distinctive black lateral line and protruding lower jaw. They're found in everything from pure saltwater to brackish creeks, usually in depths under 30 feet. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're most active, especially around dawn and dusk. What gets anglers hooked is their explosive strike and bulldog fight - they'll try to cut your line on every piece of structure nearby. Plus, they're temperature-sensitive, so cold fronts shut them down fast. The meat is white, flaky, and considered some of the best eating around. Here's a local secret: during spawning season (May-September), look for them around inlet mouths on moving water during new and full moons - that's when the big females show up.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese silver rockets with golden spots are some of the most fun fish you'll hook in the Everglades. Spanish mackerel typically run 1-3 pounds and about 14-20 inches, but they fight way above their weight class with blistering runs that'll test your drag. You'll find them schooling near the surface around grass flats, channel edges, and anywhere baitfish are thick. Spring through fall brings the best action, especially when the water warms up and they move closer to shore. What makes them special is their speed - they can hit 35 mph and strike lures with lightning-quick attacks. The meat is excellent too, with a mild flavor that's perfect grilled or smoked. My go-to trick is to look for diving birds and surface action - cast small spoons or jigs just ahead of the school and retrieve fast. When you hook one, keep steady pressure because they love to throw the hook during their acrobatic jumps.
Megalops AtlanticusNothing prepares you for your first tarpon jump - these silver giants can leap 10 feet out of the water and run up to 35 mph. Most fish we see run 80-150 pounds and 4-6 feet long, though they can push 200+ pounds. They cruise shallow flats, deep channels, and harbor areas, often rolling on the surface to gulp air. Peak season runs May through August when they migrate through our waters, especially during slack tides around dawn and dusk. What makes them legendary is their aerial show - multiple jumps, head-shaking, and long powerful runs that can last 30 minutes or more. They're mostly catch-and-release since the meat is bony and not great eating, but landing one is a lifetime achievement. The key to success is staying patient and keeping steady pressure - don't horse them or you'll pull the hook. When you see one roll, cast your bait 20 feet past them and let it sink naturally into their path.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique fish - they float on their sides near the surface, looking just like floating debris until they strike. These chunky fish average 2-8 pounds and 15-20 inches, with that distinctive triple-tail appearance from their rounded fins. You'll spot them around weed lines, crab trap floats, and channel markers where they drift like leaves. Summer and fall are prime time when water temps stay above 70 degrees and they move into our area. What makes them special is their sight-fishing challenge and surprising acrobatics for such a stocky fish. The meat rivals red snapper - firm, white, and delicious. They're ambush feeders that can change color from mottled brown to solid black or white to match their surroundings. Here's the trick: when you spot one, cast your bait well past it and slowly work it back - they spook easily if you cast too close. Use live shrimp or small crabs, and be ready for that lightning-fast strike when they decide to eat.
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