Everglades Fishing with Captain Martin C.
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Light Tackle & Shallow Waters
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.
Species You'll Want to Hook
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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.