Private Full-Day Everglades Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Fullday backcountry fishing targeting Peacock Bass and Largemouth BassAll gear, live bait, and cold drinks provided for groupsCatch diverse species including Tiger Oscars and Jaguar Cichlids
Picture this: eight hours of pure fishing bliss in one of Florida's most legendary freshwater destinations. This private full-day Everglades fishing experience gives you and a buddy the entire day to work prime spots that most anglers never see. We're talking about hitting multiple honey holes across diverse waters where exotic species mix with Florida favorites, creating some of the most exciting freshwater fishing you'll find anywhere. With live shiners on the hook and a cooler full of cold drinks, you'll have everything covered for a serious day of angling in backcountry waters that consistently produce surprise catches.
Your day starts early when we launch into the maze of canals and hidden lakes that make up this world-class fishery. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is we're not rushed – we can work spots thoroughly, move around when fish get finicky, and really dial in what's working. The Everglades system is incredibly diverse, so we might start in shallow grass flats targeting aggressive peacocks, then move to deeper structure for largemouth, and finish the day exploring backwater pockets where exotic cichlids hang out. This isn't your typical bass lake fishing – the variety here keeps things interesting from first cast to last. We run a strict catch-and-release program, which means these waters stay productive year after year. You'll see firsthand why this ecosystem is so special and why the fishing just keeps getting better.
We fish primarily with live shiners because they're absolutely deadly on the species that call these waters home. There's nothing like watching a big peacock bass crush a live shiner – the strike is so violent it'll get your heart pumping every time. All your tackle is provided, from medium-heavy spinning rigs perfect for peacock bass to lighter setups for the smaller exotics. We rig the shiners on circle hooks under floats, which gives them natural movement while keeping them in the strike zone. Depending on what we're targeting, we might also throw some artificials – spoons and jigs work great for peacocks when they're aggressive. The key is reading the water and adjusting techniques as conditions change throughout the day. With eight hours to work with, we have time to experiment and find what's really turning the fish on.
Peacock Bass are the crown jewel of Everglades fishing and the reason most anglers make the trip. These aren't your typical North American bass – they're South American natives that fight like freight trains and hit baits with incredible aggression. Prime time for peacocks runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are consistently warm. A good peacock will run 2-4 pounds, but specimens over 6 pounds are caught regularly. What makes them so exciting is their fighting style – they'll make blistering runs, jump, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. The strike alone is worth the trip – peacocks don't just bite, they absolutely demolish live bait.
Largemouth Bass in the Everglades are different animals than their northern cousins. These fish have year-round growing seasons and access to incredible forage, producing chunky, healthy bass that fight harder than you'd expect. Winter months can be particularly productive for largemouth when peacocks slow down a bit. They average 2-5 pounds but double-digit fish are definitely possible. Everglades largemouth are known for their broad shoulders and thick bellies – a result of the rich ecosystem they call home. They're also more aggressive than many lake bass, probably because they have to compete with peacocks and other exotics for food.
Florida Gar provide non-stop action when other species get tough. These prehistoric predators are ambush feeders that will absolutely smoke a live shiner. They're not the prettiest fish, but they fight surprisingly hard and grow to impressive sizes – 3-4 footers are common. Gar fishing is exciting because the bite can be so sudden and violent. They're also great for kids or anyone who wants consistent action throughout the day. What's really cool about gar is watching them roll and thrash at the surface when hooked – it's like hooking into a small alligator.
Alligator Gar are the ultimate prize fish – true giants that can exceed 100 pounds and 6 feet in length. These ancient predators are incredibly rare to hook, making any encounter special. Most alligator gar fishing happens in deeper channels using larger baits, and the fight is absolutely legendary. Even smaller alligator gar in the 20-40 pound range will test your tackle and endurance. They're more common during cooler months when they move into shallower areas to feed. Landing an alligator gar is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most anglers.
Bowfin round out the regular catches and they're absolutely fascinating fish. These living fossils can breathe air and survive in conditions that would kill other species. They're incredible fighters – a 3-pound bowfin will fight like a 6-pound bass. They have a unique fighting style, mixing powerful runs with head-shaking that tests your drag system. Bowfin are also beautiful fish with intricate patterns and coloration that photographs really well. They're most active during spring spawning season when males develop bright colors and become very aggressive.
This private full-day trip is consistently our top-rated Everglades experience because it gives serious anglers the time and access needed to really fish these waters properly. With just two anglers maximum, you get personalized attention and can fish at your own pace without feeling rushed. The combination of diverse species, productive techniques, and all-day access to prime waters creates fishing memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're chasing your first peacock bass or hoping to tangle with a monster alligator gar, this trip puts you in the right spots with the right approach. Book early – these private
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a tournament-ready 2025 Nitro 18-footer, built to handle everything the Everglades backcountry throws at it. This bass boat comes loaded with four Lowrance fish finders to locate those hiding spots where Peacock Bass and Largemouth love to ambush bait. The wireless Minn Kota trolling motor with spot lock keeps you positioned perfectly over structure without spooking fish, while the Power Pole anchoring system locks you down fast when you find productive water. GPS navigation helps your guide hit those secret honey holes deep in the maze of channels and pockets. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Florida days, and all the rods, reels, and live shiners are ready to go. Perfect for two anglers who want to get serious about catching bass, Tiger Oscars, Bowfin, and whatever exotic species decide to bite in these legendary waters.
Atractosteus SpatulaThese massive prehistoric giants are the ultimate trophy fish in South Florida waters. We're talking 4-6 feet long and 100+ pounds of pure muscle with armor-like scales and jaws full of razor teeth. They cruise deeper river bends and backwater areas, often near shallow feeding zones. Late summer during hot, dry spells is prime time when they're most active. What draws anglers is the sheer size and ancient look - it's like hooking a dinosaur. The fight is legendary, combining brute strength with surprising agility. We use heavy tackle with large live baits like mullet or gizzard shad on 5/0 treble hooks under bright bobbers. Here's the key: patience is everything. These fish study their food before committing, so let them run with the bait before setting the hook. Remember, all gator gar must be released immediately - they're protected for good reason.
Amia CalvaThis tough, prehistoric fighter is what we call a "poor man's tarpon" - and for good reason. These olive-green bruisers average 18-30 inches and pack serious attitude in their bony frames. They thrive in the Everglades' marshy backwaters, vegetated sloughs, and areas where other fish can't survive due to low oxygen. Night fishing is best since they're nocturnal hunters, but you can catch them all year in Florida's warm waters. What guests love is the raw power - pound for pound, few fish fight harder or longer. They'll use every trick in the book to throw your hook. Live bait like bluegill or shiners works well, but they're aggressive enough to hit lures too. Here's my tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't rush it. They've got incredible stamina and will fight until completely exhausted. Also, watch those teeth when landing - they bite hard!
Lepisosteus PlatyrhincusThese prehistoric-looking fish with their long snouts full of needle teeth are a real blast to tangle with. They average 20-50 inches and can hit 10 pounds, making them serious fighters once hooked. You'll find them hanging in weedy areas, canals, and shallow flats where they ambush prey. They love spots with vegetation in 4-10 feet of water, even areas that look low on oxygen since they can breathe air. Year-round fishing is good, but they're most active in warmer months. Guests love the challenge - they're strong, stubborn fighters that'll test your drag. Plus, there's something cool about catching a "living fossil." Live shiners work great, but here's a local trick: fish around cleaning stations where anglers dump fish guts. Gar go crazy for the scraps, and you get free bait. Just be patient - let them run with it before setting the hook in those bony jaws.
Micropterus SalmoidesFlorida's legendary largemouth are what dreams are made of down here in the Everglades. These green-backed beauties average 12-24 inches but can push 8+ pounds in our nutrient-rich waters. They love thick cover - weed lines, fallen trees, canal edges, and anywhere they can ambush prey. Spring and fall are peak times, especially during cooler morning and evening hours. What makes them special is that classic bass fight - explosive strikes, powerful runs, and aerial acrobatics. Plus, they're excellent eating when caught from clean water. Live golden shiners are deadly effective, but they'll also crush topwater plugs and soft plastics. Here's an old Florida trick: target the shade lines along canal banks during midday heat. Bass stack up there waiting for baitfish to drift by. Work your bait slowly along those edges and be ready for some serious hookups.
Cichla OcellarisThese colorful fighters are one of our most popular targets here in South Florida's canals. Despite the name, they're actually cichlids from South America, not true bass. You'll recognize them by those distinctive vertical black bars and the peacock-like eyespot on their tail. Most run 12-14 inches, but we've seen some push over 20. They love warm, shallow water around structure - bridges, downed trees, and canal intersections are prime spots. March through June and September through December are peak seasons when they're most active. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and thrash like crazy. Live golden shiners work best, but they'll also crush topwater lures and crankbaits. Pro tip: look for them hunting in the shade during midday heat, especially under bridges where baitfish school up.
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