Full Day Everglades Fishing for Beginners
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Eighthour guided fishing trip targets redfish and snook speciesProfessional instruction provided with all equipment and licenses includedBeginnerfriendly approach in peaceful Everglades National Park waters
Looking to get into fishing but not sure where to start? Mark Cherney's full-day trip in Everglades National Park is exactly what you need. This isn't some rushed half-day deal where you're barely getting your feet wet – we're talking eight solid hours on some of Florida's most productive flats and backcountry waters. Mark's been guiding these waters for years, and he knows how to turn complete beginners into confident anglers. You'll be targeting redfish, snook, and whatever else is biting while learning proper techniques in one of the most beautiful fishing destinations in the country. Licenses, gear, and patient instruction all included – just show up ready to learn.
This trip takes you deep into the maze of mangrove creeks and shallow flats that make the Everglades legendary among serious anglers. Mark keeps groups small – just two people max – so you get real one-on-one attention instead of fighting for time with the guide. The pace is relaxed and educational, perfect for folks who want to actually understand what they're doing instead of just getting lucky with a fish or two. You'll start early to beat the heat and crowds, working through different techniques as conditions change throughout the day. The scenery alone is worth the trip – think crystal-clear water, endless mangrove tunnels, and wildlife everywhere you look. Mark provides all the tackle and knows exactly where to position you for the best shots at fish, whether that's sight-casting on the flats or working structure in deeper pockets.
Mark specializes in light tackle and fly fishing, which means you're learning the most effective methods for Everglades fishing. Light tackle lets you feel every bite and gives these fish a real chance to show what they're made of – a redfish on light gear fights completely different than on heavy stuff. If you're curious about fly fishing, this is the perfect place to try it. The shallow, clear water lets you see fish coming, and Mark will walk you through the basics of casting and presentation without making you feel like you're back in school. He's got backup spinning gear too, so if the fly rod isn't clicking, you can switch it up and still have a great day. The key in these waters is being quiet and accurate – Mark will teach you how to read the water, spot fish, and make the right presentation without spooking everything in sight.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats in schools, tailing in skinny water where you can see their backs breaking the surface. They're aggressive feeders and perfect for beginners because they're not too picky about presentation. Most reds in the Everglades run 18 to 26 inches, with some real bulls pushing 30-plus if you get lucky. Fall and winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before spawning season. What makes redfish special is how they fight – they use their broad sides to bulldoze through the water, making long runs and testing your drag. Plus, they're beautiful fish with those distinctive black spots and bronze coloring.
Snook are the glamour species here, and once you hook one, you'll understand why guides get excited about them. These fish are ambush predators that hang around structure – docks, mangrove overhangs, creek mouths – waiting to blast whatever swims by. They're more finicky than redfish, which makes them a great next step as you build confidence. Snook have this distinctive black lateral line and that big mouth that can inhale a bait from surprising distances. They're acrobatic fighters, jumping and gill-rattling like crazy when hooked. The slot limit keeps you sharp on measuring fish, and Mark will teach you proper catch-and-release techniques to keep these populations healthy. Summer months are peak season when they're most active in the backcountry.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldozers that will test your technique. These fish get big – we're talking 20 to 40 pounds in the deeper holes – and they fight like trucks. They're bottom feeders with powerful pharyngeal teeth for crushing crabs and shellfish, so you'll learn different baiting strategies. What's cool about drum is they make actual drumming sounds underwater using their swim bladders, especially during spawning season. They're often mixed in with redfish schools, so you never know when you'll hook into one of these tanks instead of a red. Winter months are best when they gather in deeper channels and around structure.
Tarpon are the silver kings, and even the juveniles in the backcountry will give you a fight you won't forget. These fish are pure muscle and attitude – they jump, they run, they throw hooks like it's their job. Baby tarpon in the 10 to 30-pound range are common in the creeks and ponds, while the big boys cruise the deeper flats. What makes tarpon special is that prehistoric look and those massive silver scales. They're catch-and-release only, which keeps the fishing sustainable. Mark knows the seasonal patterns and can put you on fish when conditions are right. Spring through fall offers the best action as water temperatures climb.
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats – not the prettiest fish, but they'll give you an arm workout you didn't expect. These yellow-tinged fighters travel in schools and attack baits with serious aggression. They're perfect for beginners because they're not picky eaters and fight way above their weight class. Jacks use their deep bodies and broad tails to make powerful runs, often surprising anglers who think they've hooked something much larger. They're around year-round but most active during warmer months. Mark uses them as confidence builders – once you feel how a jack fights, you'll have a better appreciation for what these Everglades waters can produce.
Your fishing platform for the day is an 18' Hell's Bay Boatworks skiff built in 2002 – a true shallow water machine designed specifically for backcountry angling. This sleek skiff draws just inches of water, letting you slip into skinny flats where redfish tail and snook lurk in the shadows of mangroves. The 60HP Mercury Racing engine provides plenty of power to cover water quickly between fishing spots while staying quiet enough not to spook fish in the shallows. With GPS navigation and a fish finder onboard, you'll locate structure and baitfish that attract your target species. The stable casting platform gives you room to work whether you're learning fly fishing techniques or perfecting your light tackle presentation. Built for two anglers, this boat puts you right in the heart of Everglades fishing country where crystal-clear water meets endless flats.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 10-30 pounds in these waters, though we occasionally see monsters pushing 50-plus. They're bottom feeders that love oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What guests love about drum fishing is the steady, bulldogging fight - they don't jump but they'll pull drag and test your patience. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare too. My go-to tip: use fresh blue crab for bait and make sure your weight gets it right on the bottom - drum won't come up to eat, so you need to get down to them in their zone.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jack are the bulldogs of the flats, typically 3-15 pounds of pure muscle with brassy green backs and bright yellow fins. They roam both shallow flats and deeper channels, often in aggressive feeding schools that you can spot from way off. Year-round fishing is good, but summer brings the most consistent action when baitfish are thick. Guests love jacks because they hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up - they'll test your drag and your arms. While not the best eating, they're perfect for practicing your fish-fighting skills. Here's the key: when you see diving birds, get there fast. Jacks push bait to the surface and create feeding frenzies. Cast beyond the school and retrieve quickly - they love the chase and will hammer a fast-moving lure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for beginners - they're forgiving, fight hard, and taste great. Most run 18-28 inches with that telltale black spot near the tail and bronze-red coloring. They love super shallow water, often in just 1-3 feet around grass flats and oyster bars where you'll see their backs sticking out. They feed year-round but fall and winter offer some of the most consistent action when they school up. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their strong, steady fight. Plus they're fantastic on the table with sweet, flaky meat. Here's my beginner tip: look for nervous water or subtle wakes on calm days - that's usually redfish pushing through the shallows. Cast ahead of the disturbance and let your bait settle naturally.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier gamefish, averaging 18-30 inches with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. They love hanging around mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and the way they'll jump and run toward structure to break you off. They're also excellent eating with sweet, white meat. Here's a local tip: when sight-fishing snook in shallow water, cast your bait well ahead of where they're cruising and let it drift naturally into their path - they spook easily if you land right on top of them.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of the flats, typically ranging from 50-150 pounds with some giants pushing 200-plus. They cruise shallow grass flats and deeper channels, often rolling on the surface to gulp air. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through our waters. What makes tarpon fishing special isn't the eating - we release them all - but those aerial displays when hooked. They'll jump repeatedly, often throwing the hook in the process. These prehistoric fish can live 50+ years and are true bucket-list catches. The key trick I share: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This gives slack and prevents the line from snapping tight against their gill plates, which is usually when you lose them.
Everglades