8 Hour Everglades Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore fishing adventure in pristine Everglades watersTarget snook, redfish, sea trout, and flounder with expert guidesMaximum two guests for personalized angling experience
Listen, if you're serious about fishing and want to experience what makes the Everglades legendary, this 8-hour charter with Capt. Josh Minton is exactly what you need. We're talking about a full day on some of Florida's most productive inshore waters, where the backcountry channels and flats hold some of the best fishing you'll find anywhere. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we've got the time to really explore, move between spots, and put you on fish when they're feeding. The Everglades system is massive, and having eight hours means we can chase the bite whether it's in the skinny water or along the deeper edges.
Your day starts early because that's when the fish are most active in these waters. We'll launch from one of the premier access points into the Everglades backcountry, and from there, it's all about reading the water and following the signs. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is flexibility – if the snook are crushing bait around the mangrove shorelines in the morning, we'll stay put. If the afternoon incoming tide fires up the redfish on the flats, we'll be there waiting. Capt. Josh knows these waters like his backyard, and he's constantly adjusting based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing. You'll be fishing from a proper flats boat that can get into the shallow stuff where the big fish hide, but also handle the open water runs between spots. Expect to cover some serious ground and see parts of the Everglades that most people never experience.
We're set up with quality spinning gear that can handle everything from 14-inch sea trout to 30-inch snook, plus we've got the heavier stuff ready if we hook into something really special. Most of the fishing happens with live bait – pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp are the go-to offerings that these Everglades fish can't resist. We'll also throw artificials when the situation calls for it, especially around structure where the snook like to ambush prey. The techniques vary throughout the day based on what we're targeting and where we find them. Sometimes we're sight fishing to tailing redfish in two feet of water, other times we're working deeper channels where the sea trout stack up. The key is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish are telling us. Capt. Josh will have you rigged up properly and show you exactly how to work each spot for maximum success.
Snook are the crown jewel of Everglades fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love the mangrove shorelines and creek mouths where they can hide in the shadows and strike unsuspecting bait. They're most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. A good Everglades snook will go 24 to 28 inches and fight like nothing else – they'll jump, run toward structure, and test every knot on your rig. What makes them special here is how they use the maze of mangroves to their advantage, so landing one requires skill and a little luck.
Redfish are another customer favorite, especially when we find them cruising the shallow flats. These copper-colored fighters range from schoolie-sized fish around 20 inches up to bull reds that can stretch past 35 inches. Spring and fall are prime time, but honestly, there's never a bad time to target reds in the Everglades. They're not as spooky as some species, which makes them perfect for anglers who want to see their fish before they cast. When a big red crushes your bait in shallow water, the explosion and initial run will get your heart pumping every time.
Sea trout might not get the same attention as snook and reds, but they're fantastic fish that fight hard and taste even better. The Everglades backcountry produces some chunky trout, especially during the cooler months when they school up in the deeper holes and channels. A 3 to 4-pound gator trout is a real trophy, and we see plenty of them throughout the year. They're aggressive feeders and great for action when the other species are being finicky.
Southern flounder are the stealth fighters of the flats – they lie buried in sandy spots waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Fall and winter are peak seasons when they're moving toward the passes, but we catch them year-round in the right spots. They're masters of camouflage and hitting one on a live shrimp is always a surprise. Don't let their flat profile fool you – a good flounder will make several strong runs before coming to the boat, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Here's the bottom line – an 8-hour fishing trip in the Everglades with Capt. Josh Minton gives you the best shot at experiencing everything this world-class fishery has to offer. We're not rushing between spots or cutting the day short when the bite turns on. You're getting a full day with an experienced guide who lives and breathes these waters, using quality equipment, and targeting some of the most sought-after inshore species in Florida. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check the Everglades off your bucket list or someone who wants to really learn what this place is all about, this trip delivers. The boat holds up to 2 anglers, so you're not fighting for space or attention – it's a personalized experience from start to finish. Don't wait around hoping for the perfect conditions because every day on the water teaches us something new, and the fish don't take days off. Book your 8-hour Everglades adventure now and get ready for some serious fishing.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our reliable 2003 Ranger bay boat, powered by a robust Suzuki 225HP engine that cuts through Everglades waters with ease. This well-maintained vessel offers plenty of casting room for two anglers while keeping you comfortable during the full 8-hour day on the water. The spacious layout gives you freedom to move around when fighting those hard-pulling snook and redfish that call these backcountry waters home. Equipped with GPS navigation, we'll efficiently move between productive fishing spots without wasting precious angling time. The boat's shallow draft design lets us access those skinny water flats where sea trout and flounder love to feed. Whether you're sight fishing the mangrove shorelines or working deeper channels, this bay boat handles the diverse Everglades terrain perfectly. Built for serious fishing, it's your platform for targeting the species that make this ecosystem so special.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are pure excitement on shallow water - copper-colored bruisers with that signature black spot near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but the big bulls over 30 inches will test your tackle and skills. They cruise oyster bars, mangrove edges, and grass flats in water so shallow their backs sometimes break the surface. Year-round fishing here, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding in schools. What gets anglers hooked is their power - redfish make long, determined runs and never give up easy. Great table fare too, with firm white meat. They're not picky eaters, but here's what works: when you spot tailing reds in skinny water, cast well ahead of them and let your bait settle. A noisy splash will spook them every time. Gold spoons and live shrimp are money baits.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing. These silvery beauties with distinctive black spots typically run 12-18 inches, though 20+ inchers show up regularly over grass flats. They love shallow water from 2-6 feet deep, especially around oyster bars and sandy potholes in the grass beds. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but they really turn on during moving tides. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters with delicate, flaky meat. They school up heavily in winter in deeper channels. My go-to trick: work a soft plastic jig head slowly over the grass tops. When you feel that subtle "tick," set the hook immediately - trout have soft mouths and will throw the hook if you hesitate.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the gold standard of Everglades fishing - sleek predators with that unmistakable black lateral line and attitude to match. Most run 18-28 inches, but trophy fish over 35 inches patrol our mangrove shorelines and creek mouths. They love structure: downed trees, oyster bars, dock pilings, anywhere baitfish get cornered. Best action happens during warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What hooks anglers is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll run straight for cover and test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Here's the thing about snook: they're ambush feeders, so cast past the structure and work your lure back through the strike zone. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but don't overlook topwater plugs at first light.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms where they ambush prey like shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Most run 15-18 inches, but we regularly see them push 25+ inches in deeper holes. They're scattered throughout our shallow flats, especially around creek mouths and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water. Fall and winter months are prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawn. What makes them special is their incredible ability to change color to match the bottom - sometimes you'll only spot their eyes. Great table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: when you feel that telltale "mushy" bite, count to three before setting the hook. Flounder have to turn the bait to swallow it headfirst, so patience pays off.
Everglades City, FL