Everglades Inshore Fishing - 4 Hour Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target snook, redfish, sea trout, and flounder speciesExpert guides navigate pristine Everglades inshore watersSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests
Nothing beats getting out on the water in the Everglades for some serious inshore action. This 4-hour fishing trip with Capt. Josh Minton puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best fishing grounds, where the backcountry flats and mangrove shorelines hold some real quality fish. We're talking snook, redfish, sea trout, and southern flounder - the kind of catches that make for great photos and even better fish stories. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or you've been working these waters for years, there's something special about the way fish behave out here in this unique ecosystem.
Your morning starts with a quick gear check and safety brief before we push off into the maze of channels and flats that make the Everglades such a special place to fish. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety - one cast you're working a grass flat for sea trout, the next you're pitching live bait under mangroves hoping for a big snook to blow up on your offering. Captain Josh knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the tides, wind, and structure to put you on fish consistently throughout the trip. The boat accommodates up to 2 anglers, which means plenty of room to fish without getting lines tangled and personal attention from your guide. We'll move between different spots based on conditions and what's biting, always adapting to give you the best shot at multiple species.
We fish with medium to medium-light spinning gear that's perfect for the size fish we're targeting out here. Most of the time we're throwing artificial lures - soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons that mimic the baitfish these predators are keying on. When conditions call for it, we'll switch to live bait like pilchards, pinfish, or shrimp to really dial in on finicky fish. The water clarity in the Everglades can change dramatically based on tides and recent weather, so having a guide who knows when to go subtle with natural presentations versus when to trigger reaction strikes with aggressive retrieves makes all the difference. You'll learn how to read the water, spot fish movement, and present baits in a way that gets strikes from these wary backcountry fish.
Snook are the crown jewel of Everglades fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love to hang out under mangrove overhangs and around structure, waiting to blast anything that looks like an easy meal. They're aggressive fighters that will give you multiple jumps and strong runs, often trying to wrap your line around the nearest root or piling. Fall through early spring tends to be prime time for snook, when they're fattening up and more willing to chase baits. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictability - you never know when that perfect cast to a shady pocket will result in a 10-pound fish exploding on your lure.
Redfish are another customer favorite that we target year-round in these waters. These copper-colored bruisers are known for their bulldogging fights and their willingness to eat a variety of baits. You'll often spot them tailing in shallow water or cruising the grass flats in small schools. Reds are smart fish that can be spooky in clear, shallow water, but when you make the right presentation, they'll absolutely crush your offering. They're excellent table fare too, which is why many anglers consider them the perfect combination of sport and food value.
Sea trout are probably the most consistent biters you'll encounter on this trip, especially during the cooler months. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs where they can ambush small baitfish. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with their willingness to bite and their delicate, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Trout fishing teaches you finesse - light drags, gentle hooksets, and smooth fights to keep that soft mouth from tearing.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage in these waters, lying flat on sandy bottoms and striking with lightning speed when prey swims overhead. They're seasonal visitors that show up in better numbers during their fall migration, making them a special treat when we find them. Flounder fishing requires patience and the right technique - slow retrieves along the bottom where these flatfish do their hunting. When you feel that distinctive thump and weight, you know you've got a keeper that'll make for some excellent eating.
The Everglades offers world-class inshore fishing that changes with every tide, every season, and every day on the water. This 4-hour trip gives you a solid taste of what makes this fishery so special, with enough time to hit multiple spots and target different species based on conditions. Captain Josh's local knowledge and years of experience guiding these waters means you're not just getting a fishing trip - you're getting an education in reading water, understanding fish behavior, and appreciating one of Florida's most unique ecosystems. Whether you're looking to check some new species off your list, improve your inshore techniques, or just spend a morning doing what you love, this top-rated fishing experience delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back. Don't wait to secure your dates - the best fishing days book up fast, and you don't want to miss your chance to experience what makes Everglades fishing so renowned among serious anglers.
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 handles the shallow flats and winding channels like a dream, getting you to those prime fishing spots where snook and redfish love to hide. The spacious layout gives you and your fishing buddy plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around comfortably during the 4-hour trip. GPS navigation keeps us on track through the maze of mangroves and backcountry waters, so you can focus on what matters most - landing that trophy catch. Whether you're working the grass beds for sea trout or targeting flounder in the deeper cuts, this boat delivers the stability and performance you need for a successful day on the water.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored bulldogs of the flats, easily spotted by that distinctive black eyespot near their tail. Most range 20-35 inches and fight like fish twice their size in shallow water. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer peak action when they school up heavily. Guests love watching them "tail" in skinny water and the explosive surface strikes when sight casting. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. The key is staying quiet and making long casts - these fish are surprisingly spooky in shallow water, so keep your distance and let the lure do the talking.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are some of the most cooperative fish in the Everglades, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. These silvery beauties with black spots typically range 14-24 inches and love grass flats in 2-8 feet of water. They school up heavily during winter months and scatter across the flats in warmer weather. Dawn and dusk fishing produces the most action, especially on moving tides. Guests appreciate their willingness to bite and that satisfying "thump" when they hit. The meat is delicate and flaky - perfect for the dinner table. My go-to technique is working a soft plastic shrimp or jig slowly across the grass. Listen for their distinctive "drumming" sound underwater - it'll lead you right to the school.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the silver bullets of the Everglades with that unmistakable black lateral line running down their sleek bodies. These ambush predators typically run 1-3 feet long and pack serious power in shallow water. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and structure in 2-10 feet of water where they can dart out to grab bait. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fight - they'll run straight for cover every time. They're also fantastic eating with firm white meat. Here's the trick: cast past the structure and work your lure back through the strike zone - snook rarely chase baits away from cover.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud, changing color to match the bottom perfectly. You'll recognize them by both eyes being on their left side and those distinctive dark blotches covering their back. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. They love shallow bays, estuaries, and muddy bottoms where they ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. Best fishing is during cooler months when they're more active. Guests love the challenge of sight fishing for them and they make excellent table fare. Pro tip: look for subtle depressions in the sand - that's often a flounder waiting to strike.
Everglades City, FL