Half Day Tarpon and Shark Fishing in Everglades
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private halfday inshore fishing targeting tarpon and sharksCaptain Bruce customizes trips based on conditions and experienceAll gear, bait, and licenses included with professional guide
Captain Bruce Pollock knows these Everglades backcountry waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some seriously impressive fish. This private half-day trip is all about targeting the heavy hitters – tarpon that'll test your drag and sharks that fight like freight trains. With just your group of up to four anglers aboard his shallow-draft skiff, you'll slip into skinny water spots that bigger boats can't touch. Bruce tailors every trip based on tides, weather, and what you're comfortable handling, so whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you're in for a top-rated Everglades fishing experience.
This isn't your typical offshore charter – you'll be working the flats and mangrove-lined channels where the real action happens. Bruce launches from Flamingo and runs his shallow-draft boat through maze-like creeks and over grass flats that barely have enough water to float a kayak. The Everglades ecosystem creates perfect ambush points where tarpon roll in deeper pockets and sharks patrol the edges looking for easy meals. Your four-hour window gives you plenty of time to hit multiple spots as conditions change throughout the day. Bruce brings all the tackle you'll need, from heavy spinning gear for the sharks to lighter setups when the tarpon are being finicky. Live bait and cut bait both play a role here, and he'll switch up presentations based on what the fish are telling him. The $30 park fee per boat gets you access to some of the most pristine fishing waters in South Florida, where you won't see another angler for miles.
Bruce runs a mix of sight fishing and strategic ambush tactics that make the most of these shallow Everglades waters. When conditions are right, you'll spot tarpon rolling on the surface before making your cast – nothing beats the adrenaline rush of watching a 100-pound silver king blow up on your bait. For sharks, he'll set up on channel edges and points where moving water brings baitfish through the kill zone. The shallow-draft skiff is key here because it lets you get into spots where these fish feel safe to feed. You'll be casting live pilchards, pinfish, and cut bait depending on what's working that day. Bruce knows when to anchor up and let the fish come to you, and when to stay mobile and cover water. The light tackle approach means every hookup is a real fight – no winching fish to the boat here. Circle hooks keep everything healthy for a quick photo and release, which is important since both tarpon and sharks are catch-and-release only in these waters.
Tarpon are the silver kings of the Everglades flats, and hooking one will remind you why they're considered one of the world's premier gamefish. These fish range from 50 to over 150 pounds in these waters, with their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs that can strip line faster than you'd believe. Peak tarpon season runs from April through July, but Bruce finds fish year-round in the backcountry. What makes tarpon so special is their prehistoric look and that first jump – when 100 pounds of silver muscle launches six feet out of the water, shaking its head and gill plates rattling, you'll understand why anglers travel from around the world for this experience.
Blacktip sharks are the most common catch on these flats, typically running 20 to 60 pounds with occasional fish pushing 80 pounds. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and fast, then put on aerial displays that rival any tarpon. These sharks are active year-round but peak during the warmer months when they move into shallow water to feed and breed. Blacktips are perfect for anglers who want consistent action – they're not picky eaters and once you find a school, the bite can be non-stop. Their speed and jumping ability make them pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters.
Lemon sharks bring a different kind of excitement to your Everglades fishing trip. These golden-colored predators are typically larger than blacktips, with fish from 40 to 100 pounds common in the backcountry. Lemons are more methodical hunters, often following your bait for several minutes before committing to the bite. Once hooked, they're bulldogs that use their size and strength to test your tackle and technique. Winter months often produce the biggest lemons as they move into the shallows to escape cooler offshore waters. Captain Bruce knows the specific flats and channels where these sharks congregate, giving you the best shot at a memorable encounter with these impressive predators.
This half-day Everglades adventure with Captain Bruce delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – access to world-class fishing in waters that most people never see. With all gear, bait, and licenses included, you just need to show up ready to fish. The private charter format means no crowded boats or rushed fishing – just your group and some of the most exciting gamefish swimming in South Florida waters. Bruce's local knowledge and customized approach ensure you're fishing the right spots with the right techniques for current conditions. Whether you're after your first tarpon or looking to add some Everglades sharks to your logbook, this trip puts you in prime position for the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season.
The 24' Dorado motorboat is your ticket to prime tarpon and shark territory in the Everglades backcountry. Built specifically for these shallow waters, this stable fishing platform draws just inches, letting Captain Bruce navigate tight creeks and flats where the big fish hunt. The 200HP Mercury gets you to the action fast, cruising at 40 knots to maximize fishing time during your half-day adventure. Four anglers fish comfortably from this well-equipped vessel. The GPS keeps you on productive waters while the fish finder reveals what's swimming below. A live bait tank keeps your offerings fresh for finicky tarpon, and the icebox handles your catch plus cold drinks. Whether you're sight-casting to rolling tarpon or battling blacktip sharks in skinny water, this shallow-draft workhorse handles the Everglades' challenging conditions with ease.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are one of the most active sharks you'll encounter in these shallow Everglades waters. They average 4-5 feet but can reach up to 9 feet, and they're famous for their aggressive strikes and aerial jumps when hooked. You'll find them cruising the flats in 3-10 feet of water, especially around grass beds and channel edges where they hunt for small fish. The distinctive black-tipped fins make them easy to identify. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are warmer. What makes them so popular is their willingness to take bait and their spectacular fighting style - they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times. My go-to trick is using fresh cut mullet or ladyfish on a circle hook with just enough weight to get down. Keep your drag loose initially because when they hit, they hit hard and fast.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are the bulldogs of the Everglades - stocky, powerful, and built for shallow water hunting. They typically run 5-8 feet and have this distinctive yellowish color that helps them blend into sandy bottoms. These guys love the super shallow flats, often cruising in just 2-4 feet of water around mangrove edges and creek mouths. Warmer months from April through October are peak season when they're most active in the shallows. What makes them special is their tenacious fight - they don't jump like blacktips but they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag system. They're also curious sharks that will often circle the boat. The trick with lemons is patience and fresh bait. Whole mullet or big chunks of ladyfish work best, and don't be afraid to let them run with it for a few seconds before setting the hook. They have tough mouths but once hooked, they stay hooked.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate game fish in these backcountry waters - pure muscle and attitude wrapped in silver. Most fish we encounter run 40-100 pounds, though giants over 150 show up regularly. They love the deeper channels and basin edges in 6-15 feet, especially where current flows through passes. May through September is prime time when they're actively feeding and moving through the area. What hooks people is that first jump - a 75-pound tarpon launching 6 feet in the air will change your perspective on fishing forever. They're catch and release only since the meat isn't great anyway. The fight can last 30 minutes or more with multiple jumps. Best advice I can give is keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let the fish tire itself out. Live crabs work magic, but fresh mullet chunks produce just as well. Patience wins with tarpon every time.
Everglades