Fishing Everglades | 6 Hour Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target snook, redfish, sea trout, and flounder in pristine watersExpert guides provide local knowledge for successful anglingSixhour inshore adventure accommodates up to two guests
Ready to spend a full day chasing some of the Everglades' most sought-after fish? This 6-hour fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of South Florida's legendary backcountry waters, where shallow flats and winding mangrove creeks hold redfish, snook, sea trout, and flounder. Captain Josh knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's spent years perfecting the art of putting anglers on fish in this world-class fishery. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is designed to give you the best shot at landing multiple species while soaking up the raw beauty of America's most famous wetland.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Josh at the launch. He'll have the boat rigged and ready, tackle sorted, and a game plan based on the latest conditions. The Everglades isn't your typical fishing spot – it's a maze of shallow water, oyster bars, and grass flats that change with every tide. That's what makes it so special and why having a top-rated guide makes all the difference. You'll cover serious ground in six hours, moving between different types of structure and water depths to target whatever species are most active. The boat is set up for two anglers max, so you'll have plenty of room to cast and won't be bumping elbows with a crowd. Captain Josh provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need, plus he knows exactly which lures and presentations work best in each spot you'll hit.
This isn't about sitting still and waiting for something to happen. Everglades fishing is all about sight fishing, working the flats, and making precise casts to visible fish or prime structure. You'll use a mix of live bait – usually pilchards, shrimp, or pinfish – along with artificial lures like soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons. Captain Josh will teach you how to read the water, spot fish cruising the shallows, and present your bait without spooking them. The boat runs skinny, getting into water that's sometimes less than two feet deep where the big fish feel safe to feed. You'll learn to cast tight to mangrove roots where snook like to ambush prey, work your lure across grass flats where redfish tail in the morning sun, and drift baits along drop-offs where sea trout and flounder hang out. The gear is matched perfectly to the conditions – medium-action spinning rods with smooth drags that can handle powerful fish in shallow water without breaking them off on structure.
Snook are the crown jewel of Everglades fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around mangrove overhangs, bridge pilings, and creek mouths where they can dart out to grab an easy meal. They're built like torpedoes with a distinctive black lateral line and that big mouth that can inhale your bait in a split second. Spring through fall gives you the best shots at snook, especially during the warmer months when they're most active. What makes them so special is their fight – they'll jump, run toward structure, and test every knot you tied. Plus, they're just beautiful fish that photograph well and taste even better if you decide to keep one within the slot limit.
Redfish might be the most fun fish swimming in these waters. They're copper-colored bulldogs with distinctive black spots near their tails, and they love cruising the shallow flats where you can actually see them coming. The best part about reds is they're year-round residents, so any time you come out here, you've got a legitimate shot at hooking up. They eat just about anything – live shrimp, cut bait, soft plastics, or topwater lures. When you hook a big red in two feet of water, they'll make long, powerful runs that'll have your drag screaming. The slot-size fish typically run 18 to 27 inches, but you might encounter some monster bull reds that'll really test your tackle and technique.
Sea trout are the perfect species for anglers who love consistent action. These spotted beauties school up in deeper grass beds and along channel edges, especially during cooler months from fall through early spring. They're not the biggest fighters, but they make up for it with their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. Sea trout respond well to both live bait and artificials, particularly soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. The average fish runs 14 to 18 inches, but the Everglades produces some real "gator trout" that can push 20-plus inches and provide some serious bragging rights.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage in these waters, lying flat against sandy bottoms and grass beds where they're nearly impossible to spot. They're ambush predators that wait for baitfish or crabs to swim overhead, then strike with lightning speed. Fall and winter are prime time for flounder fishing when they move into the backcountry to feed before heading to deeper water. They're not flashy fighters, but landing a doormat flounder – especially one that goes 18 inches or better – is always a highlight. Plus, there's no better eating fish in these waters, which is why Captain Josh always gets excited when conditions look right for targeting them.
Six hours gives you real time to experience what makes Everglades fishing so renowned among anglers. You're not rushing from spot to spot or cutting the day short just when the bite picks up. Captain Josh has spent years building his reputation as one of the most customer-favorite guides in the area, and this trip showcases exactly why. The Everglades changes with every tide, every season, and every weather pattern, but that's what keeps it interesting and productive year after year. Whether you
This well-maintained 2003 Ranger bay boat packs serious fishing power with its reliable Suzuki 225HP engine, built to handle the shallow waters and winding channels of the Everglades with ease. The spacious deck layout gives you and your fishing partner plenty of room to cast lines and fight fish without feeling cramped. Whether you're working the mangrove shorelines for snook or drifting the flats for redfish and sea trout, this boat gets you there quietly and efficiently. The onboard GPS navigation keeps you on track through the maze of backcountry waters, while the stable hull design provides a solid platform for landing those trophy catches. Perfect for anglers who want to explore prime fishing spots while staying comfortable during your 6-hour adventure in Florida's legendary fishing grounds.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of Everglades fishing - copper-colored bruisers with those trademark black spots near their tails. They average 20-30 inches here, with plenty of slot fish perfect for dinner. These fish cruise super shallow flats, sometimes with their backs out of water, hunting crabs and shrimp around oyster bars and mangrove edges. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes reds special is their power - they'll peel drag and never give up, plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. They're not picky eaters either, hitting everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Local secret: look for nervous water or wakes in skinny areas. When you spot a school, approach quietly and cast ahead of their direction - spook them and the whole group disappears.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are beautiful fish with silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. They typically run 14-20 inches, with the occasional 24-incher that'll make your day. These fish love grass flats and shallow bays in 2-6 feet of water, especially around structure changes and drop-offs. Cool weather months are fantastic - they school up and bite consistently. What guests love about trout 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. The bite can be subtle, so stay alert. My go-to trick: when fishing grass flats, use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. The noise draws them in, and that natural presentation seals the deal.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of Everglades fishing - aggressive predators with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. Most range 18-28 inches, but trophy fish over 35 inches lurk around mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths. They're structure-oriented fish that love ambush points in 2-8 feet of water. Summer months bring the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively hunting. What makes snook special 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 key: when casting to mangroves, get your lure within inches of the roots. Snook won't chase baits in open water, but they'll crush anything that drops right in their living room.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are unique flatfish that'll have you scanning sandy and muddy bottoms in 1-4 feet of water. These masters of camouflage bury themselves and ambush prey, making them tricky but rewarding targets. Most run 15-18 inches, but we've seen some push 25+ inches in deeper channels. They're both-eyes-on-one-side weird looking, but don't let that fool you - they fight hard and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're actively feeding on shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Pro tip: when drift fishing, let your bait sit still on bottom for 30 seconds after feeling a tap - flounder are notorious for grabbing prey sideways before turning to swallow it.
Everglades City, FL