5.0(2 Reviews)Expert Guided Everglades Backcountry Fishing Adventure
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Fourhour backcountry fishing targeting Peacock and Largemouth BassAll gear, live bait, and refreshments includedCatchandrelease trips accommodate up to two guests
When you're looking for quality fishing without burning a whole day on the water, this morning backcountry trip hits the sweet spot. Four hours gives you enough time to work through multiple spots, dial in on what's biting, and put some serious fish in the boat. The Everglades backcountry is a different world—shallow flats, winding channels, and structure that holds everything from aggressive peacock bass to prehistoric gar. Captain Sean knows these waters like his backyard and keeps things moving at just the right pace. You'll be fishing with live shiners, which is hands-down the most effective way to target the variety of species swimming in these canals and ponds.
This isn't your typical bass boat fishing trip. The Everglades backcountry is a maze of interconnected waterways where freshwater species from all over the world have made themselves at home. You'll be working live shiners around structure, drop-offs, and weed lines where bass, peacocks, and exotics love to ambush prey. The morning bite is prime time—cooler water temps get fish moving, and you'll hit multiple productive spots before the sun gets too high. Captain Sean provides all the tackle, keeps the live well stocked with fresh shiners, and has cold drinks on board. The boat setup is perfect for two anglers, giving everyone room to fish comfortably without tangling lines. These are catch-and-release trips, so you'll snap plenty of photos before sending everything back to fight another day.
Live shiners are the secret weapon in Everglades fishing, and there's an art to fishing them right. You'll be using circle hooks and just enough weight to get the bait down to where fish are holding. The technique is straightforward but effective—cast near structure, let the shiner swim naturally, and stay ready for the hit. When a peacock bass or largemouth crushes a live shiner, there's no mistaking it. Captain Sean sets up all the rods with the right tackle for the conditions and keeps everything organized so you can focus on fishing instead of rigging. The boat is equipped with quality spinning gear that handles everything from scrappy cichlids to hard-fighting gar. You'll also learn to read the water—where fish like to hold, how to work different types of structure, and what signs to look for when scouting new spots.
"Non-stop action at every spot Captain Sean brought us to! It was another fantastic fishing experience. This time, my youngest grandson joined—and he reeled in over 40 fish, including two impressive peacock bass. Sean keeps the trip fun and easygoing, making it a great time for all ages. I highly recommend booking with him if you're planning a fishing trip in the Everglades." - Charles
"Captain Sean was incredibly easy to talk to and went above and beyond to make sure my wife and I were comfortable and having a great time. He knows the Everglades inside and out, and it showed throughout the trip. We left with plenty of photos and even more memories—not to mention a solid catch to brag about back home. Definitely a 5-star experience!" - Devin
Peacock Bass are the crown jewel of Everglades fishing and the main target on these trips. These South American natives are aggressive predators that hit live bait like a freight train. They're most active during warmer months and love ambushing prey around structure and weed edges. What makes peacocks special is their fighting ability—they jump, run, and never give up easy. The males develop bright colors and distinctive humps during spawning season, making them one of the most beautiful freshwater fish you'll catch. Size-wise, you're looking at fish ranging from 12 inches up to several pounds, with the bigger ones putting serious bend in your rod.
Largemouth Bass in the Everglades are different from their northern cousins—they're more aggressive and tend to school up in the canal systems. They're active year-round but really turn on during cooler months when water temperatures drop. These bass are opportunistic feeders that crush live shiners without hesitation. The cool thing about Everglades largemouths is they often mix with other species, so you might catch bass, peacocks, and exotics all from the same spot. They typically run 2-5 pounds, with occasional bigger fish that'll test your drag system.
Florida Gar are living dinosaurs that add serious excitement to any fishing trip. These prehistoric predators have been around for millions of years and look the part with their armored scales and needle-sharp teeth. They're ambush hunters that lie motionless until prey gets close, then strike with lightning speed. Gar fight differently than other fish—they roll, thrash, and use their length as leverage. They're active in warmer water and often found in shallow areas where they can gulp air at the surface. Catching one is always a highlight because they're so unique and prehistoric-looking.
Alligator Gar are the giants of the gar family and considered a trophy catch in South Florida waters. These massive fish can exceed 6 feet and 100 pounds, though smaller ones in the 20-40 pound range are more common. They're incredibly strong fighters that test both angler and equipment. Alligator gar prefer deeper holes and channel edges, especially during warmer months. They're opportunistic feeders but can be finicky, making successful hookups even more rewarding. The sheer size and power of these fish creates fishing memories that last a lifetime.
Bowfin are another primitive species that brings unique action to Everglades fishing. Known as "mudfish" locally, they're incredibly hardy and aggressive when hooked. Bowfin have a distinctive long dorsal fin and can breathe air, allowing them to survive
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a brand-new 2025 Nitro 18-foot bass boat, tournament-rigged and ready to tackle the Everglades backcountry. This sleek vessel comes loaded with four Lowrance fish finders to locate your targets, plus a Minn Kota trolling motor with spot lock technology and remote control for silent positioning when you're working structure or casting to cover. The Power Pole keeps you anchored precisely where the fish are biting. Built for two anglers, this bass boat cuts through skinny water and navigates tight mangrove channels with ease. The icebox keeps your drinks cold during the Florida heat, while the wireless trolling motor lets your guide maneuver quietly without spooking fish. GPS navigation ensures you hit the best fishing spots, and the fish finder technology pinpoints schools of bass, peacocks, and exotic species lurking below. Your captain provides all the tackle you'll need, from live shiners for enticing trophy bass to topwater lures for explosive surface strikes. Whether you're casting to mangrove edges for largemouth or working structure for peacock bass, this boat puts you in position to connect with Florida's most sought-after gamefish in their natural habitat.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator Gar are the giants of the freshwater world - these prehistoric beasts can reach 6+ feet and over 100 pounds, though most we see run 3-4 feet. They've got that unmistakable alligator-like head packed with razor teeth and armor-like scales. You'll find them in deeper holes and river bends, especially where there's current flow into backwater areas. Late summer is prime time when hot, dry conditions concentrate them in deeper spots. What makes them special is their sheer size and ancient lineage - they're living dinosaurs that can breathe air and water. The fight is more of a power struggle than speed. Here's the key: use big baits like mullet or large shiners on heavy tackle, and when they hit, give them time to fully commit. These fish are catch-and-release only in Florida, but landing one is a lifetime memory.
Amia CalvaBowfin are tough, primitive fish that have been around since the Jurassic period - basically swimming fossils with attitude. They average 18-24 inches for males, but females can hit 30 inches and 8+ pounds. You'll find them in the thick stuff where other fish can't survive - heavy vegetation, low-oxygen backwaters, and muddy sloughs. They can actually breathe air, so they thrive in conditions that would kill most fish. They're active year-round but feed more aggressively at night and during cooler parts of the day. What guests love is the raw power - these things fight like they're mad at the world and won't give up. They'll make multiple runs and really test your drag. The secret is using cut bait or live shiners near heavy cover, but keep your hands away from their mouth - those teeth are serious business and they're not shy about using them.
Lepisosteus PlatyrhincusFlorida Gar are prehistoric-looking fish with that long snout full of needle-sharp teeth - like something from the dinosaur age. They typically run 20-30 inches and weigh 3-6 pounds, hanging out in the weedy, shallow areas where oxygen levels are low. These ambush predators love spots with heavy vegetation in 4-10 feet of water, especially around canal edges and backwater sloughs. They're active year-round in Florida's warm climate, but summer months when they're more aggressive tend to be best. Guests love the challenge - they're tough fighters that will thrash and roll, plus you're catching a living fossil. The trick with gar is patience. When they grab your shiner, let them run with it and don't set the hook right away. Give them time to turn the bait and swallow it properly, or those teeth will cut right through your line.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth Bass are the classic American gamefish - olive-green with dark horizontal stripes and that huge mouth that opens past their eyes. Most run 12-18 inches and 2-4 pounds in the Everglades, though bigger ones lurk in the deeper holes. They love structure - fallen trees, weed lines, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. Spring and fall are peak times when they're most active, but early morning and late afternoon produce best during warmer months. What makes them special is that perfect combination of fight and table fare. They'll jump, run, and really test your skills, plus they make excellent eating when handled right. The Everglades fish tend to be a bit scrappier than lake fish. Key tip: when working live shiners around heavy cover, use a weightless rig and let the bait swim naturally. These fish are smart and spook easily in clear water.
Cichla OcellarisPeacock Bass are some of the most aggressive freshwater fish you'll encounter in the Everglades. These colorful fighters average 12-14 inches but can reach over 30 inches, with that distinctive black spot on their tail that looks like a peacock's eye. They're not actually related to bass at all - they're South American cichlids introduced to Florida in the 80s. You'll find them in the warmer canals and slower-moving waters, especially around structure like fallen trees or bridge pilings. Spring through fall are prime times when water temps stay above 70°F. What makes them special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and thrash like nothing else. Pro tip: when using live shiners, let them run with it for a few seconds before setting the hook. These guys have hard mouths, so don't be shy about that hookset.
5.0 out of 5.0Non-stop action at every spot Captain Sean brought us to! It was another fantastic fishing experience. This time, my youngest gran...
Captain Sean was incredibly easy to talk to and went above and beyond to make sure my wife and I were comfortable and having a gre...
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