Full Day Inshore Saltwater Fishing in Flamingo
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour inshore fishing adventure targeting snook, tarpon, and redfishLight tackle fishing in Florida Bay flats and mangrove backcountrySmall group experience designed for one to two guests maximum
When you're looking for a top-rated inshore fishing experience that puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best backcountry waters, this full-day charter out of Flamingo delivers exactly what serious anglers are after. We're talking about an 8-hour adventure that takes you deep into Florida Bay's legendary flats and the pristine mangrove shorelines of Everglades National Park. This isn't your typical crowded fishing trip – it's designed for just 1-2 guests, so you get the personalized attention and focused fishing time that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
This charter is all about getting you to where the fish are, whether that's working the shallow flats for tailing redfish or sight casting to laid-up tarpon in the backcountry channels. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will adjust the game plan based on tide, season, and what's been biting recently. Some days we're poling through knee-deep water looking for nervous baitfish, other days we're working structure along the mangrove edges where snook love to ambush prey. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility – if the fish are moving, we're moving with them. All your bait, tackle, and light fishing equipment comes included, so you can focus on what matters most: getting that line wet and enjoying some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer.
This is light tackle fishing at its finest, using spinning gear that lets you feel every bump and run while still having enough backbone to handle the bigger fish these waters are famous for. We're talking about 7-8 foot medium action rods paired with quality reels spooled with 15-20 pound test – perfect for the mix of species you'll encounter. Live bait is king out here, with pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp being the go-to offerings depending on what we're targeting. When conditions are right, sight casting becomes the name of the game. There's nothing quite like watching a 30-inch redfish cruise through crystal clear water and dropping a perfectly presented bait right in its path. The shallow water and clear visibility in many of these spots make it possible to literally see your target before you cast, turning fishing into an exciting visual hunt.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida's inshore fishing scene, and the Everglades backcountry holds some real bruisers. These ambush predators love hanging around mangrove overhangs, dock pilings, and creek mouths where they can dart out to grab unsuspecting baitfish. What makes snook so exciting to catch is their explosive strike and acrobatic fighting style – they'll jump, run, and do everything they can to throw your hook. Best times are early morning and late afternoon when they're actively feeding. The slot limit keeps things interesting too, with keepers needing to be between 28-33 inches, so you'll need to measure your catch carefully.
Tarpon fishing in the Everglades is legendary for good reason. These silver giants can range from 20-pound juveniles to massive 150-pound adults, and they're famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked. During the spring and summer months, tarpon move through these waters in good numbers, often rolling on the surface or laid up in deeper holes during the heat of the day. The key is presentation – tarpon can be incredibly finicky, sometimes following your bait for minutes before deciding to eat. When they do commit, hang on tight because you're in for the fight of a lifetime. Even smaller tarpon pack a serious punch and will test both your tackle and your endurance.
Redfish are probably the most reliable target species in these waters, and for good reason – they're aggressive feeders that will eat a variety of baits and fight like fish twice their size. What makes reds special is their willingness to feed in super shallow water, often with their backs and tails visible as they root around for crabs and shrimp. A big red tailing in 18 inches of water is one of the most exciting sights in all of inshore fishing. They're built like bulldogs and fight the same way, making long, powerful runs that will have your drag singing. The bigger fish, called bull reds, can push 40+ inches and provide an arm-burning battle you won't soon forget.
Spotted Seatrout are the bread and butter of many inshore trips, and the grass flats around Flamingo hold some quality fish. These beautiful spotted fish are structure-oriented and love hanging around potholes, channel edges, and grass beds where they can ambush small baitfish. Trout have a soft mouth, so you need to play them carefully once hooked, but they make up for it with consistent action throughout the day. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for anglers looking to take home a fresh fish dinner. Spring and fall typically produce the best trout fishing, with fish ranging from 14-24 inches being common.
Juvenile Goliath Grouper are the bulldogs of the backcountry, and while you can't keep them, the experience of hooking into one of these prehistoric-looking fish is something every angler should experience. These young giants, typically ranging from 20-80 pounds, love hanging around structure like bridges, docks, and deep holes in the backcountry. When a goliath eats your bait, there's no mistaking it – they inhale it and immediately try to get back to their cave or under whatever structure they call home. The fight is more about leverage and endurance than speed, as these fish use their bulk and the structure to their advantage. After a good photo session, they swim away to grow even bigger for the next angler to discover.
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Step aboard this reliable 2000 Back Country Phantom 161 and get ready to explore the legendary fishing grounds of Everglades National Park. This lightweight flats boat is built for serious anglers who want to reach those hard-to-access spots where the big fish hide. With its shallow draft design, you'll glide over the skinny water flats and slip through narrow mangrove channels that bigger boats can't touch. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're stalking tarpon or sight-casting to tailing redfish. GPS navigation keeps you on the productive spots, while the VHF radio ensures you stay connected. Whether you're working the grass flats for snook or poling the backcountry for that monster goliath grouper, this boat puts you right in the action. Perfect for up to two anglers who want a hands-on Florida Bay fishing experience.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese massive fish are true giants of the flats - juveniles we target here run 20-50 pounds, but adults can hit 400+ pounds. They're ambush predators that hang around structure, ledges, and deeper holes in the backcountry. What makes them special is that raw power - even a smaller one will test your tackle and technique. They're surprisingly common in the park's waters, especially around rocky areas and drop-offs. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're most active. Guests love the challenge because it's pure strength against skill - no fancy techniques, just hold on and work them up from the bottom. Important note: all goliath grouper must be released immediately - they're protected. My tip: use heavy tackle and keep steady pressure. Once they get back to structure, you're done.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter - copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails that cruise the shallow flats like submarines. Most range 18-27 inches, perfect slot size for great fights and good eating. They love oyster bars, mangrove edges, and grass flats in 1-4 feet of water. You'll often see their backs or tails sticking out as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall and winter months are prime time when they school up and feed heavily. What guests love is the visual aspect - watching them cruise and making that perfect cast ahead of a moving fish. They're strong pullers that use their broad tails to make powerful runs. Plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. Pro tip: cast well ahead of moving fish and let your bait settle to the bottom. They feed head-down, so keep it low.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout are one of our most reliable targets - beautiful fish with distinct black spots scattered across silver-green sides. They typically run 12-18 inches with some bigger ones mixed in. You'll find them over grass flats, around structure, and in slightly deeper pockets throughout the backcountry. They're active year-round here, but cooler months often produce better numbers as they school up. What makes them great for guests is their willingness to bite and decent fight on light tackle. They're also some of the best eating fish we catch - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They can be spooky in shallow water, so stealth matters. My advice: use lighter leaders and smaller baits than you think. A 1/8-ounce jig with a soft plastic tail worked slowly over grass beds is deadly effective.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the perfect inshore predator - sleek, golden fish with that signature black lateral line running down their sides. Most run 18-28 inches, but we see plenty of slot fish around here. They love hanging around mangrove shorelines, docks, and structure where they can ambush baitfish. Water temps matter big time - anything below 60°F and they get sluggish or worse. 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 stubborn fight - they'll make strong runs toward cover trying to cut you off. Plus they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's the key: keep your drag smooth and be ready to work them away from structure fast. They're masters at wrapping you up in mangrove roots.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters - prehistoric fish that'll jump clean out of the water when hooked. Most we see range 30-100 pounds, though bigger ones cruise through seasonally. They love the deeper channels, basin edges, and areas where bait concentrates. Spring through summer brings the best action, especially around new and full moons when they're moving and feeding. What guests love most is that first jump - pure adrenaline when 80 pounds of silver launches skyward. They're strong fighters that use their size and those gill-rattling jumps to throw hooks. Not great eating due to all the bones, so most folks release them anyway. Here's what works: when they jump, bow to the king - lower your rod tip to give slack. Trying to horse them during a jump is how you lose fish. Keep steady pressure and be patient.
Miami, FL