5.0(1 Reviews)Everglades Veterans & First Responders Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Exclusive 4-hour fishing trip for veterans and first respondersFlexible departure times between 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM availableInshore fishing experience in Everglades National Park waters
Look, as a veteran myself, I know what it means to serve. That's why ARF Charters offers something special - a dedicated 4-hour Everglades fishing charter exclusively for veterans and first responders. This isn't just another fishing trip; it's our way of saying thanks to the folks who've put it all on the line. You pick your departure time anywhere between 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM, and we'll head out into some of the most productive inshore waters in South Florida. Whether you're looking to unwind after a tough deployment or just want to swap stories with people who get it, this charter gives you that space. The Everglades backcountry has a way of putting things in perspective - just you, the water, and some seriously good fishing.
This 4-hour charter takes up to 3 anglers into the heart of Everglades National Park, where the fishing is as good as it gets. We're talking about shallow water fishing in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. The mangrove shorelines and grass flats here hold incredible numbers of fish year-round. You'll be casting into crystal-clear water that's typically 2-6 feet deep, perfect for sight fishing when conditions are right. The pace is relaxed but productive - we're not rushing around trying to hit a dozen spots. Instead, we focus on quality areas where the fish are feeding and you can actually enjoy the experience. The boat is equipped with everything you need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. All you need to bring is sunscreen, a hat, and maybe some snacks if you get hungry. The waters here are protected from big swells, so even if you're prone to seasickness on bigger boats, you'll be comfortable on this trip.
We fish light tackle in the Everglades - typically spinning gear with 15-20 pound braid and fluorocarbon leaders. The water is shallow and clear, so stealth matters more than heavy gear. Most of our fishing involves casting live bait like pilchards, pinfish, or shrimp near structure - mangrove overhangs, oyster bars, and grass edges where predators ambush their meals. When the water's clear enough, we'll do some sight fishing, which means spotting fish before you cast to them. It's addictive once you get the hang of it. We also use artificial lures like soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons depending on what the fish are doing. The beauty of Everglades fishing is the variety - you might be bouncing a jig along the bottom for black drum one minute, then throwing a topwater plug for snook the next. I'll teach you how to read the water, spot fish, and present your bait naturally. Even if you've never picked up a rod before, you'll leave knowing how to fish these flats.
"This is the best captain in the area. He's wonderful with kids, patient, and truly knows his business." - Ralph
Snook are the crown jewel of Everglades fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around mangrove shorelines and dock pilings, waiting for baitfish to swim by. They're incredibly strong fighters that will pull drag and jump when hooked. Snook are most active during warmer months from April through October, though you can catch them year-round in South Florida. What makes them special is their attitude - they hit hard and fight harder. A 20-inch snook will give you a battle you won't forget. They're also excellent table fare if you're within the slot limit and season, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as we call them locally, are some of the smartest fish in the Everglades. They school up around structure and can be incredibly picky about what they eat. These guys require finesse - light leaders, small hooks, and natural presentations. They're active year-round but really turn on during summer months when they move into shallower water to feed. What anglers love about grey snapper is the challenge they present. You might see dozens of them but getting one to bite takes skill. When you do hook up, they make strong runs toward cover, testing your drag and patience. They're also fantastic eating, which makes the challenge worthwhile.
Black drum are the bulldozers of the flats. These bottom feeders cruise grass beds and oyster bars looking for crabs and shrimp, and when they find your bait, they put up a serious fight. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, though you'll find them year-round in deeper holes. What makes black drum special is their power - they don't jump or make flashy runs, but they pull steady and strong like a freight train. Larger drum can weigh 20-40 pounds, giving you an arm workout you won't soon forget. They're also surprisingly good eating when they're in the smaller slot sizes.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are probably the most consistent biters in the Everglades system. They school up over grass beds and sandy potholes, feeding aggressively on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall are prime times, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. What anglers love about sea trout is their willingness to eat - they're not as finicky as snapper or as structure-oriented as snook. They also make great action for beginners since they're relatively easy to catch and fight well on light tackle. The bigger ones, called "gator trout," can reach 5-6 pounds and are incredibly fun on spinning gear.
Redfish are the ultimate sight fishing target in the Everglades. These copper-colored bruisers cruise
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our 2021 23' C-Hawk bay boat, perfectly equipped for navigating the shallow waters and backcountry channels of the Everglades. This modern bay boat handles like a dream with its 225HP Honda engine, getting you to the best fishing spots quickly and quietly. The boat's shallow draft design lets us access those hard-to-reach areas where snook, redfish, and tarpon love to hide among the mangroves. You'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish with space for up to 3 anglers. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation ensures we make the most of your 4-hour trip. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh throughout the day. Whether you're working the grass flats for tailing redfish or sight-casting to cruising tarpon, this boat gives you the perfect platform for an authentic Everglades fishing experience. The radar system means we can fish safely even when morning fog rolls in across the water.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, and they put up a serious fight. Most of what we catch runs 5-15 pounds, but these fish can grow massive - up to 90 pounds. They're bottom feeders that love oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 3-20 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to locate. You'll actually hear them drumming underwater during this period. Guests enjoy targeting them because they're powerful fighters that make long runs, plus the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are excellent eating with firm, white meat. The bigger fish get tough and aren't great table fare. My go-to technique is fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom near oyster beds. Use enough weight to stay down in the current, and when you feel that steady pull, set the hook hard - their mouths are tough.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called mangrove snapper, these copper-colored fish are some of the smartest you'll encounter in the Everglades. Most run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds, though the deeper water fish can hit 20 pounds. They stick close to structure - docks, mangrove roots, rocky areas - in 3-15 feet of water. Being nocturnal, early morning and evening give you the best shot, but they'll bite during the day if you're patient. Guests love them because they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat, plus they're challenging to hook. These opportunistic feeders are cautious and will inspect your bait thoroughly. The trick is to use the lightest tackle you can get away with and let your live shrimp sit perfectly still on the bottom. Any extra movement and they'll spook. Once hooked, keep steady pressure - they're strong fighters for their size.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing, and they're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These copper-colored fish with the signature black spot near their tail typically run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds in the shallows. They love skinny water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Fall through spring is prime time when they're most active in the shallows. What makes reds special is their aggressive strike and strong fight, plus they're not spooky like snook. They'll eat almost anything - live bait, artificials, flies. The meat is excellent with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. These fish can live 40 years and stay close to where they were born. My best advice is to work your bait slowly along the bottom near structure. When you get a bite, let them run briefly before setting the hook - they have tough mouths.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are a mainstay in the Everglades backcountry. These silver fish with black spots typically run 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, though trophy fish can reach 5-8 pounds. They prefer grass flats and shallow bays in 2-8 feet of water, especially around moving water and structure. Fall through spring offers the best fishing when they school up in deeper holes during cold fronts. What makes trout popular is their willingness to hit artificials - topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp all work well. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters with delicate, flaky meat. The key is not to overcook them. My favorite technique is working a popping cork with live shrimp over grass flats during moving tides. Keep your drag light though - their mouths are soft and they'll throw the hook if you horse them.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most popular targets in the Everglades, and for good reason. These sleek fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 1-3 feet long, though the big females can push 4 feet. You'll find them around mangrove shorelines, creek mouths, and anywhere structure meets moving water. They love ambush spots in 2-6 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the full moon spawning periods when their fins turn bright yellow. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll hit topwater plugs with authority then try to wrap you around the nearest mangrove root. The meat is fantastic too, white and flaky. My tip: cast your lure past the structure and work it back along the edge rather than directly at it. Snook are spooky and positioning is everything.
5.0 out of 5.0This is the best captain in the area. He's wonderful with kids, patient, and truly knows his business.
Everglades