5.0(1 Reviews)Everglades Fishing Charter | Half-Day Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday Everglades fishing targeting Redfish, Tarpon, Snook, Black DrumExperienced guides provide local knowledge and fishing supportMorning or afternoon departures accommodate up to 3 guests
The Everglades backcountry is hands down one of the best fishing destinations you'll find anywhere. This 4-hour inshore charter gives you the perfect taste of what makes these waters so special—productive flats, mangrove shorelines loaded with fish, and guides who know exactly where to put you on the bite. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add some Florida species to your list or someone just getting into saltwater fishing, this trip delivers the goods without breaking the bank or eating up your whole day.
You'll launch into some of the most fish-rich waters in South Florida, where shallow flats meet twisting mangrove creeks and every cast holds potential. The morning trips start early when the water's calm and the fish are actively feeding, while afternoon charters give you that beautiful golden light and often coincide with moving tides that get the fish fired up. Captain Ariel and the ARF Charters crew keep things moving—if one spot isn't producing, you're heading to the next honey hole. These guys know the Everglades like the back of their hand, from the productive points to the deeper cuts where big fish cruise. With only 3 anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized instruction. The boat stays comfortable even in summer heat, and the crew does an excellent job positioning you away from bugs—a real game-changer in the backcountry.
This is classic inshore fishing at its finest—live bait fishing around structure, casting artificials to cruising fish, and working the mangrove edges where predators ambush their prey. The crew provides quality spinning tackle rigged with everything from live shrimp and pinfish to proven lures like DOA jigs and topwater plugs. You'll be sight fishing in shallow water one minute, then dropping baits near mangrove roots the next. The beauty of Everglades fishing is the variety—one cast might produce a hard-fighting snook from under an overhanging mangrove, while the next could hook into a massive tarpon rolling through the backcountry. The guides read the conditions and adjust tactics accordingly, whether that means switching to topwater when fish are busting bait or going with live shrimp when the bite gets finicky.
"Great charter to go on, captain ariel dj put us on multiple species of fish. He kept us moving spots to stay where the fish are biting. Did a great job keeping us away from the bugs. He cleaned our fish for us and gave us a local restaurant that cooked it for us. Awesome experience. Definitely recommend!" - Ryan
Redfish are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and mangrove shorelines, often cruising in small schools or tailing in skinny water. They hit hard and pull steady, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some trophy-sized fish. What makes reds so special here is how aggressive they are—sight cast to a school and watch them compete for your bait.
Snook are the holy grail for many visiting anglers, and the Everglades backcountry holds some real giants. These ambush predators love structure—mangrove overhangs, downed trees, creek mouths—anywhere they can pin baitfish. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often jumping multiple times before you get them to the boat. Summer months bring the best snook action, especially around the full and new moons when they're most active. Landing a slot-sized snook in the backcountry is a memory that sticks with you.
Black Drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs on light tackle. These bottom-dwellers cruise the flats and deeper holes, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. They fight deep and dirty, testing your drag and patience. Cooler months often produce the biggest drum, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon. They're perfect for anglers who want to feel serious power on the end of their line.
Crevalle Jack are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These silver bullets travel in aggressive schools and attack bait with reckless abandon. When you hook into a jack, you know it immediately—they pull like freight trains and never give up. They're year-round residents but become especially active during bait migrations. Jacks aren't the prettiest fish, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter.
Goliath Grouper represent the ultimate backcountry encounter. These prehistoric giants can exceed 400 pounds and are found around deep holes and structure throughout the Everglades. While they must be released immediately, hooking into a goliath is a bucket-list experience that tests both angler and equipment. They don't run far, but their sheer size and power create an unforgettable tug-of-war. Summer months offer the best chances, especially around full moons when they're most active.
Four hours on the water with ARF Charters gives you a real taste of what makes Everglades fishing so addictive. The combination of diverse species, scenic backcountry, and experienced guides creates exactly the kind of day that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The crew handles everything from tackle and bait to fish cleaning and local restaurant recommendations, so you can focus on what matters most—putting fish in the boat. With a maximum of just 3 anglers, you're getting a personalized experience that larger boats simply can't match. Book your Everglades fishing adventure today and discover why this top-rate
Our 23-foot C-Hawk bay boat cuts through Everglades waters with authority, powered by a reliable 225HP Honda that'll get you to the honey holes fast. Built in 2021, this modern fishing machine handles the backcountry shallows and open flats with equal confidence. The spacious deck gives you and two other anglers plenty of room to work lures and fight fish without getting tangled up. When the bite heats up, the built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. The GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of finding structure and schools, while radar keeps you safe when weather rolls in. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising redfish or working the mangroves for snook, this boat's shallow draft and stable platform make every shot count. At 45 knots max, you'll spend more time fishing and less time running.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the workhorses of the flats - powerful bottom feeders that typically weigh 5-15 pounds but can hit 40+ in deeper water. They love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they cruise around crushing shellfish with those strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. What guests enjoy is their bulldogging fight and unique drumming sounds they make underwater. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating. These fish can be tricky since they're bottom feeders with a delicate bite. Best tip: use fresh crab or clam on the bottom with just enough weight to stay down. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook hard - just lift the rod steadily and let the circle hook do its work.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of the flats - aggressive, powerful fish that average 3-5 pounds but can push 20+ pounds in deeper water. Look for diving birds to find schools feeding on baitfish near the surface. These brassy-gold fighters prefer seagrass beds and sandy bays but also cruise around structure. They're year-round targets, but summer months bring the best action. What guests love is the non-stop fight - these fish just don't quit pulling. They'll hit fast-moving spoons, swimbaits, or topwater plugs with serious attitude. Fair warning: they're not great table fare, but the fight more than makes up for it. Pro tip: cast beyond the school and retrieve quickly - they love the chase and fast presentation triggers aggressive strikes.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are the gentle giants of our waters - massive fish that can reach 200+ pounds and live over 50 years. These prehistoric-looking creatures hang around structure in 20-100 feet of water, from artificial reefs to bridge pilings. Summer months bring the best encounters when they gather in spawning groups. What makes them special is the pure awe factor - hooking one is like being connected to a freight train, but the fight is usually short and powerful. They're strictly catch-and-release, being protected, so it's all about the experience. These curious fish will actually follow divers around. My tip: use heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh bait like crab or big live fish. Position yourself close enough to the structure to entice them out, but far enough to pull them away from cover.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect sight-fishing targets in the Everglades shallow flats. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-28 inches and love cruising water so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll spot them around oyster bars, grass beds, and mud bottoms from 1-4 feet deep. They hit hard and make long runs when hooked. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially on moving tides. What makes them special is that explosive strike on topwater lures and their excellent table fare - mild, sweet meat that's hard to beat. My tip: when you see one tailing in skinny water, cast your bait 3 feet past them and work it back slowly. They spook easy but once hooked, they'll give you a fight worth remembering.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of Everglades fishing - sleek ambush predators with that distinctive black lateral line. Most run 18-24 inches, but big females can push 30+ pounds. They're structure junkies, hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in both salt and brackish water. Spring and fall are prime time, especially around new and full moons when they spawn. Guests love their explosive topwater strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make powerful runs for cover. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. These fish are smart and spooky, so stealth matters. My best advice: work your lure parallel to the mangrove edge rather than casting directly at it. Snook ambush from the shadows, and that side presentation gets more strikes.
5.0 out of 5.0Great charter to go on, captain ariel dj put us on multiple species of fish. He kept us moving spots to stay where the fish are bi...
Ryan Daley, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Everglades