Half Day Fishing Trip in Everglades
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Half-day backcountry fishing targeting redfish, snook, and tarponAll gear and licenses included for up to 2 guestsProfessional guide service through Naples waters and Everglades National Park
Picture this: you're gliding through the backcountry waters around Naples at sunrise, watching the morning mist lift off the flats while you cast for some of Florida's most sought-after game fish. This half-day adventure with Blackwater Guide Co takes you from the productive waters near Naples straight into the heart of Everglades National Park, where the fishing gets even better. You'll be targeting redfish, snook, tarpon, and more in some of the most pristine waters left in South Florida. With all gear and licenses included, you can focus on what matters most – landing fish and soaking up the raw beauty of this legendary fishing destination.
Your morning starts with a quick run from Naples into prime fishing territory, where shallow flats and mangrove shorelines hold some serious fish. The guide knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading the tides and wind to put you on active fish throughout the trip. You'll work both the Naples backcountry and venture deeper into Everglades National Park, covering different habitats that each hold their own species. The shallow grass flats are perfect for sight fishing redfish and snook, while the deeper cuts and channels often produce black drum, spotted sea trout, and the occasional tarpon. This isn't just about casting blindly – you'll learn to read the water, spot fish, and make precise presentations that get results. The boat stays comfortable with just two anglers max, so you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work.
We're talking about light tackle fishing at its finest – spinning rods loaded with 10-15 pound test that let you feel every head shake and run. The arsenal includes live bait like shrimp and pinfish, plus an assortment of artificials that work magic in these waters. Soft plastics rigged weedless are perfect for working the grass flats, while topwater plugs create explosive strikes during the right conditions. You'll learn proper flats boat etiquette, how to make quiet approaches to spooky fish, and the art of sight casting to cruising reds and snook. The guides carry everything from circle hooks for live bait fishing to jigs and spoons for when the fish want something moving fast. Polarized sunglasses are essential gear – the guide will have extras if you need them – because being able to see into the water changes everything about this style of fishing.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers are what dreams are made of. They cruise the shallow flats in small schools, tailing and pushing water as they feed on crabs and baitfish. Reds here typically run 20 to 30 inches, with some real bulls pushing the 40-inch mark. They're most active during moving tides, especially the first two hours of incoming water when they push onto the flats to feed. What makes redfish so special is their fight – they're pure bulldogs that make long, powerful runs and never give up easily. Plus, they're not particularly line-shy, making them perfect for anglers still learning to sight fish.
Snook are the crown jewel of South Florida fishing, and the Everglades holds some of the biggest in the state. These ambush predators love structure – mangrove shorelines, downed trees, and creek mouths where they can pin baitfish against cover. They're most active during warmer months, with the best action often coming early morning or late in the day. Snook have that distinctive black lateral line and can reach 35 inches or more in these waters. They're incredibly acrobatic fighters, jumping multiple times and making blistering runs that test your drag and your nerves. The thrill of watching a big snook explode on a topwater lure is something every angler needs to experience.
Tarpon are the silver kings of the flats, and even the juveniles found in the Everglades put on an aerial show that's hard to forget. These fish range from 20 to 60 pounds in the backcountry, and they're most common during the warmer months when they move into shallow water to feed. Tarpon are pure athletes – they jump repeatedly when hooked and can strip line off your reel faster than you'd believe possible. They're also notoriously hard-mouthed, so circle hooks and steady pressure are key to landing one. Even if you don't boat every tarpon you hook, the experience of fighting one of these prehistoric predators is worth the trip alone.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the flats, with fish over 30 pounds common in the deeper channels and oyster bars of the Everglades. They're bottom feeders that love crabs and shrimp, making them perfect targets for live bait fishing. Big drum are incredibly strong fighters that use their size and the current to their advantage, often making long runs toward structure. They're most active during cooler months and can be found around oyster bars, creek mouths, and deeper holes throughout the park. What makes drum special is their size – landing a 40-pound fish on light tackle in shallow water is a test of both skill and equipment.
Spotted sea trout round out the slam opportunities, and the Everglades produces some beautiful fish with brilliant colors and aggressive attitudes. They prefer grass flats and sandy bottoms where they can ambush baitfish, and they're suckers for both live shrimp and soft plastic lures. Trout fishing is often fast-paced, with multiple fish possible once you locate a school. They're most active during moving tides and can be incredibly aggressive when conditions are right. While they might not be the strongest fighters, their willingness to bite and beautiful appearance make them a favorite target for many anglers.
This world-class fishing opportunity books up fast, especially during peak season when the weather's perfect
Your fishing adventures start aboard this reliable 18' Hell's Bay Boatworks skiff, built for serious anglers who want to get into the skinny waters where the fish hide. This 2002 classic runs smooth with a punchy 60HP Mercury Racing engine that'll push you to 33 knots when you need to cover water fast. The shallow draft design lets you slide right into those backcountry spots around Naples and deep into Everglades National Park where redfish and snook like to hang out. Built tough but nimble enough for two anglers, she's equipped with GPS and a fish finder to help locate the action. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds in the grass or working structure for snook, this boat puts you exactly where you need to be. Perfect for accessing the hard-to-reach waters that hold the best fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack drums are the bulldogs of the flats - powerful, stubborn fighters that'll test your drag system. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically run 5-15 pounds in our waters, though we occasionally hook into monsters pushing 40-50 pounds. You'll find them around oyster bars, muddy bottoms, and shallow grass flats where they root around for crabs and shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What guests love about drums is their sheer power - they don't jump like tarpon, but they'll make long, steady runs that'll wear you out. The smaller ones make great table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom and be patient - drums take their time inspecting bait before committing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing here in the Everglades. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spot near the tail typically run 18-27 inches in the slot, though we catch plenty of oversized bulls pushing 35+ inches. They thrive in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and winter offer the most consistent action when they school up. Reds are special because they eat almost anything, fight hard with strong runs, and the slot-sized ones make outstanding table fare. They're also great for beginners since they're not too picky about presentation. Here's what works: cast a gold spoon or live shrimp ahead of cruising fish and let them find it naturally.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are perfect fish for anglers of all skill levels. These silvery fish with black spots typically run 14-18 inches, with keepers at 15 inches and better ones pushing 20-24 inches. They love grass flats and sandy potholes in 2-8 feet of water throughout the Everglades backcountry. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up in deeper holes and channels. What makes trout great is their willingness to bite artificial lures and their excellent table quality - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also pretty reliable when other species are being finicky. The key to consistent trout fishing is working soft plastics or topwater plugs over grass beds early morning or late evening. Don't horse them - their mouths are soft, so keep steady pressure without yanking.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets here in Naples and the Everglades. These sleek, silver fish with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-24 inches, though we catch plenty in the 28-30 inch range. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and bridges in both salt and brackish water. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong runs - they'll jump and fight hard right to the boat. The meat is white, flaky, and absolutely delicious when prepared right. Here's a local trick: cast your live shrimp or pinfish upcurrent from structure and let it drift naturally down to where the snook are waiting in ambush. They're ambush predators, so patience pays off.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate gamefish - nothing compares to watching a 100-pound silver missile launch itself six feet out of the water. These prehistoric fish commonly run 80-150 pounds in our waters, with some giants pushing 200. You'll find them rolling in channels, around bridges, and cruising the flats in 2-15 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through Southwest Florida. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating (they're catch-and-release only), it's the pure adrenaline rush of the fight. They'll jump, run, and test every bit of your tackle and skill. These fish can live 50+ years, so we always handle them with care. My best advice: when you hook one, bow to the king when it jumps - drop your rod tip toward the fish to prevent the line from snapping on impact.
Everglades