Everglades Fishing with Captain Martin C.
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target snook, tarpon, trout, and redfish yearround.Fish pristine waters one hour from Miami.Explore diverse ecosystem with abundant wildlife viewing.
Just an hour south of Miami's skyline, you'll find yourself in one of the world's most productive fishing playgrounds. The Everglades isn't just another fishing spot – it's 1.5 million acres of pristine backcountry where trophy fish have been feeding and growing undisturbed for decades. Captain Martin C. knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish that'll have you talking for years. With only two anglers per trip, you're getting the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Your day starts early, which is exactly when you want to be out here. The Everglades comes alive at dawn, and so do the fish. Captain Martin will have you rigged up and ready before the sun fully breaks the horizon. This isn't your typical offshore grind – we're talking about light tackle fishing in skinny water where every cast counts. You'll be working the mangrove shorelines, grass flats, and creek mouths where big fish come to feed. The boat stays quiet, and we pole or drift most spots to avoid spooking fish. Between the crystal-clear water and Captain Martin's sharp eyes, you'll often see your target before you cast to it. That's when things get really fun. The scenery changes every few minutes as we navigate through countless creeks and ponds, each one holding different species depending on the tide, time of day, and season.
We're fishing light here – think spinning reels with 10-15 pound test and leaders that won't spook fish in clear water. The beauty of Everglades fishing is that you don't need heavy gear to catch big fish. These shallow flats and creek systems call for finesse, not power. Captain Martin provides all the tackle, but if you've got a favorite light spinning setup, bring it along. We'll be throwing everything from topwater plugs at sunrise to soft plastics when the fish get picky. Live bait works magic out here too – pilchards, shrimp, and pinfish all have their place depending on what we're targeting. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts. Fish in three feet of water can see and hear everything, so every movement matters. The reward? Watching a 30-inch snook explode on a topwater plug in crystal-clear water is something that never gets old, no matter how many times you've seen it.
Snook are the crown jewel of Everglades fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful. They love hanging around mangrove overhangs and creek mouths where they can ambush baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time, especially early morning and late afternoon. A good Everglades snook runs 24-28 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into something pushing 35 inches and 15 pounds. They hit hard, jump, and make long runs toward the mangroves where they'll try to cut you off. It's chess match fishing at its finest.
Tarpon turn every angler into a kid again. These silver kings show up in big numbers during spring and early summer, rolling and feeding in the deeper creeks and basins. Even a 40-pound tarpon will give you a 20-minute fight on light tackle, jumping repeatedly and testing every knot you've tied. The smaller fish – we call them "baby" tarpon though they're still 20-60 pounds – are actually more fun to fight than the giants because you can actually land them without your arms falling off.
Sea Trout might not be the flashiest fish, but they're consistently available year-round and absolutely delicious. They school up over grass flats and suspend in deeper pockets. A good spotted seatrout runs 16-20 inches, though the big females – we call them "gator trout" – can push 25 inches and 6-7 pounds. They're perfect for anglers who want steady action, and they respond well to both live bait and artificials.
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored fighters love shallow water and aren't shy about eating. Fall and winter are peak seasons when they school up in big numbers. A slot-sized red (18-27 inches) will pull drag and make multiple runs, but the real excitement comes from sight-fishing to tailing reds in super shallow water. Watching a 25-inch redfish suck down your bait in 18 inches of water gets your heart pumping every single time.
The Everglades produces world-class fishing 12 months a year, but the best days book up fast. Captain Martin C. has been putting anglers on trophy fish in these waters for years, and his repeat customers will tell you there's nothing quite like a day in the Everglades backcountry. With lunch included and only two anglers per trip, you're getting the full VIP treatment. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next personal best or someone who just wants to experience what real Florida fishing is all about, this trip delivers. The fish are here, the captain knows where to find them, and all that's missing is you. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what many consider the best inshore fishing in the world.
Your fishing platform for this Everglades adventure is a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious angling in shallow waters. The wireless trolling motor lets you move silently through those maze-like creeks without spooking the snook and redfish hiding in the mangroves. With GPS navigation, you'll never lose your way in the endless backcountry channels, while the fish finder helps locate those elusive tarpon and trout holding spots. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long Florida fishing days. Built for two anglers, this boat gives you the perfect setup to target everything from feisty redfish in the shallows to monster tarpon rolling in the deeper channels. Whether you're casting around oyster bars or drifting the grass flats, this motorboat handles the diverse Everglades waters with ease, getting you into prime fishing territory where the big ones are waiting.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with the signature black spots typically range from 18-27 inches, with some real bulls pushing 30+ inches and 15+ pounds. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in 6 inches to 4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter bring the biggest schools. Reds are a blast because they eat aggressively, fight hard with long runs, and taste great. You'll often spot their tails or backs while they're rooting around for crabs and shrimp. Key tip: approach quietly and cast ahead of cruising fish. If you spook them, wait - they usually circle back within a few minutes.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the perfect light tackle fish for the Everglades flats. Most run 12-18 inches with some nice 20+ inch fish mixed in during cooler months. They cruise grass flats and sandy potholes in 2-8 feet of water, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall through spring is your best bet, especially on overcast days or during moving water. Trout are popular because they bite readily, fight well for their size, and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for beginners since they're forgiving and plentiful. My go-to trick is to work a soft plastic shrimp slowly across the grass beds. When you feel that subtle tap, don't set too hard - their mouths are soft and you'll pull the hook right through.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most rewarding fish you'll target in the Everglades. These sleek, golden fish with that distinct black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though we see plenty pushing 30+ inches. They love hanging around mangrove shorelines, creek mouths, and structures in 2-6 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong runs - they'll test your drag and jump clear out of the water. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: cast your lure past the structure and work it back parallel to the mangroves. Snook are ambush predators, so that's where they'll be waiting.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is what fishing dreams are made of. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds in our waters, but fish over 150 pounds show up regularly. You'll find them rolling in deeper channels, around bridges, and over grass flats in 6-20 feet. Late spring through summer is prime time, especially on moving tides. What hooks anglers is that first jump - nothing compares to watching a 6-foot tarpon explode out of the water multiple times during a 30-minute fight. They're pure muscle and attitude. Most folks release them since they're not great eating, but the memories last forever. Here's a key tip: when that fish jumps, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to give slack, or that hook will pop right out.
Key Biscayne, FL