5.0(2 Reviews)Full Day Fishing Trip in Everglades - Redfish, Snook and More
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Full day backcountry fishing targeting redfish, snook, and tarponAll gear, licenses, and essentials included in trip rateExpert guidance for both fly fishing and light tackle techniques
Picture this: you're standing on the bow of a shallow-water skiff, rod in hand, scanning the glassy flats of Everglades National Park as the morning mist lifts off the water. This isn't just another fishing trip—it's your chance to work some of the most productive and pristine backcountry waters in Southwest Florida. Our full-day adventure puts you right in the heart of redfish country, where shallow flats meet winding mangrove creeks and every cast holds serious potential. Whether you're new to the fly rod or looking to dial in your light tackle game, you'll spend the day learning from a captain who knows these waters like his own backyard. We're talking about targeting some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species while soaking up scenery that'll stick with you long after you head home.
Your day starts early, meeting up at the launch where we'll get you rigged and ready for what Southwest Florida's backcountry has to offer. We're running a shallow-draft skiff that's built for this kind of fishing—quiet, stable, and able to slip into places where the big boats can't follow. The plan is simple: we're going to fish smart, moving between different types of water as conditions and tides dictate. One hour you might be sight-fishing redfish on sandy flats where the water's barely knee-deep, and the next we're working the edges of mangrove islands where snook love to ambush baitfish. The Everglades isn't just a fishery—it's a maze of interconnected waterways where every bend reveals something new. Expect to cover some serious ground, but don't worry about the logistics. All your gear, licenses, and tackle are handled, so you can focus on what matters: reading the water and making good casts when it counts.
We fish two main ways out here, and both have their place depending on what we're after and what the fish are telling us. On the fly rod side, we're talking 8 to 9-weight setups that can handle everything from delicate presentations to tarpon that might crash the party. The flies we're throwing are mostly streamers and shrimp patterns—think Clouser Minnows, EP Baitfish, and bendbacks that won't hang up in the grass. If you're new to saltwater fly fishing, no stress—we'll start you off with easier targets and work up to the trickier stuff. Light tackle is just as effective, especially when fish are spooky or the wind picks up. We're using spinning gear loaded with 10 to 15-pound braid, throwing soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live bait when we can get it. The key in these shallow waters is staying quiet and making accurate casts. Fish here see a lot of pressure, so presentation matters more than having the fanciest lure in the box.
Don't just take our word for it—here's what recent anglers have been saying about their time on the water: "Great Time on the water with Mark! Works hard to put you on fish and truly enjoyed the experience. Will definitely book again." - Steve Oberschlake. Another guest shared: "Mark was a terrific host for our first day of fishing in the Everglades. He knows this area like the back of his hand and was very patient with our attempts to coax a number of targeted fish with our flies! Friendly guide with excellent local knowledge." - gregory sweeney. These stories capture what we're all about—working hard to put you on fish while making sure you actually learn something in the process.
Let's talk about the main players you'll be targeting during your day in the backcountry. Redfish are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and mangrove edges, often cruising in water so skinny you can see their backs. They're year-round residents, but spring through fall offers the most consistent action. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat—they're opportunistic feeders that'll smash everything from crabs to small baitfish. Plus, they fight like they mean it, making long runs and using their broad tails to stay pinned to the bottom.
Snook are the glamour fish of Southwest Florida, and the Everglades holds some absolute monsters. These ambush predators love structure—think mangrove overhangs, creek mouths, and anywhere current brings food their way. They're most active during the warmer months, roughly April through October, and they can be incredibly picky about presentation. Get it right, though, and you're in for a battle. Snook jump, they run, and they know every piece of structure in their neighborhood. Landing a slot snook on fly gear in tight quarters is one of those experiences that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's over.
When tarpon show up, everything else takes a backseat. These silver kings can range from juvenile fish in the 20 to 40-pound class all the way up to triple-digit giants, depending on the season and location. Peak tarpon season runs from late spring into summer, but you'll find juveniles in the backcountry year-round. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive isn't just their size—it's their aerial displays. A hooked tarpon will clear the water multiple times, shaking its head and gill-rattling in an attempt to throw the hook. Even a small tarpon will test your drag system and your nerves.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the lineup, but they're absolutely brutal fighters, especially the bigger ones. These bottom-huggers love oyster bars and grass flats, where they root around for crabs and shellfish. They're year
You'll spend your day fishing aboard an 18-foot Hell's Bay Boatworks skiff, built for navigating the shallow flats and tight mangrove channels of the Everglades. This well-designed 2002 skiff runs on a reliable 60HP Mercury Racing engine that'll get you moving at up to 33 knots when you need to cover water quickly between fishing spots. The boat's shallow draft design lets your captain pole into skinny water where redfish and snook love to hide, while the GPS and fish finder help locate productive areas in this vast backcountry wilderness. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space and personalized attention as you work the mangrove edges, grass flats, and oyster bars that make Southwest Florida's fishery so special. The skiff handles beautifully in both open water and tight quarters, giving you access to remote areas where bigger boats simply can't go.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of the flats - powerful fish that really know how to use their weight against you. Most run 5-15 pounds, but we hook into 30+ pounders that'll give you a serious workout. They cruise shallow mudflats, oyster bars, and grass beds, often in water so shallow you can see their backs. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. These fish get their name from the drumming sounds they make, which you can actually hear underwater. They're tough fighters that pull hard and steady rather than jumping. The smaller ones make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh cut crab on a circle hook and let it sit on the bottom. Black drum are browsers, so patience pays off - they'll pick up that bait and move off before really committing to it.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of the backcountry - aggressive fish that hit hard and fight dirty. Most run 3-8 pounds, but we hook 15-20 pounders that'll really surprise you with their power. They school up around bait in open water, grass flats, and near structure, often pushing baitfish to the surface in feeding frenzies. Spring through fall is best when bait concentrations are heaviest. Jacks aren't great table fare, but they make up for it with pure aggression and strong fights - they pull hard and don't give up easily. What's really fun is sight-casting to schools when they're feeding on top. Look for diving birds - that's your best indicator of jack activity below. Pro tip: cast silver spoons or fast-moving lures past the school and rip them back quickly. Jacks can't resist a fast-moving target, and the quicker you work it, the more likely you'll get that explosive strike.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our backcountry trips - consistent fighters that eat well and show up in good numbers. Most fish we catch run 18-27 inches, perfect slot size with great table quality. They cruise shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in just 1-4 feet of water, often so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter months are outstanding when they school up heavily. That distinctive black spot near the tail makes them easy to identify, and their copper-red color really pops in clear water. They fight hard with strong runs and head shakes, plus the meat is sweet and flaky - perfect for the dinner table. Watch for nervous water and tailing fish on the flats. Here's the secret: cast well ahead of cruising reds and let your bait sink to the bottom before they get there. They're head-down feeders, so bottom presentation is key.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after species here in the backcountry. These sleek fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though we see some real bruisers pushing 40+ inches. They love ambush spots around mangrove shorelines, docks, and structure where they can dart out with lightning speed to nail bait. Fall through spring offers the best action when water temps are in the 70s-80s. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, make blistering runs, and really test your skills. The meat is white, flaky, and some of the best eating you'll find. Here's a key tip: always cast past the structure and work your bait back along the edges. Snook sit tight to cover, so getting too close will spook them before you even get a shot.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of the Everglades - massive fish that can reach 100-200 pounds and jump clear out of the water when hooked. We find them rolling in deeper channels, around bridges, and on the flats during their spring through fall migration. May through July is peak season when they're most active in our waters. What draws people to tarpon fishing is pure spectacle - watching a 6-foot fish launch itself skyward is something you never forget. They're strictly catch and release due to their bony meat, but the fight is what matters. These ancient fish can live 50+ years and are surprisingly spooky for their size. The key is staying quiet and making long, accurate casts with live bait or flies. When one hits, bow to the fish during jumps to keep tension off the line - that's how they throw the hook most often.
5.0 out of 5.0Great Time on the water with Mark! Works hard to put you on fish and truly enjoyed the experience. Will definitely book again.
Mark was a terrific host for our first day of fishing in the Everglades. He knows this area like the back of his hand and was very...
Everglades