Everglades Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Everglades lake fishing with live bait or lures availableSmall group experience limited to two anglers maximumProfessional guide service specializes in targeted fishing trips
The Everglades isn't just a national treasure – it's a bass angler's paradise that delivers some of the most consistent freshwater fishing in South Florida. With Hawghunter Guide Service, you'll experience what makes this massive wetland system legendary among serious fishermen. We're talking about waters loaded with aggressive largemouth bass, scrappy oscars, and the crown jewel of exotic fishing – peacock bass that'll test your drag like nothing else.
This top-rated fishing trip keeps things simple but effective, perfect for two anglers who want to focus on catching fish instead of dealing with crowds. You'll have your choice between live bait and artificial lures – both deadly effective in these waters depending on conditions and your personal preference. The Everglades offers something most lake systems can't: incredible diversity in structure and cover. We're talking about expanses of sawgrass, deep canal cuts, limestone ledges, and countless pockets where big fish love to ambush prey. The water clarity changes throughout the system, giving you opportunities to sight-fish in gin-clear spots or work heavy cover where the lunkers hide. What really sets this fishery apart is how the brackish influence creates such healthy forage populations. Shad, shiners, and small panfish are everywhere, which means the predator species are well-fed and aggressive.
Live bait fishing here is absolutely deadly, especially when targeting trophy largemouth bass in the deeper canal systems. Wild shiners fished under floats or free-lined near structure produce some monster bass that have been feeding on easy meals for years. For lure fishing, you'll want to think about the conditions – topwater plugs work magic during low-light periods, while soft plastics and jigs shine when fish are holding tight to cover. Peacock bass respond incredibly well to fast-moving lures like spinnerbaits and small crankbaits that trigger their territorial instincts. The key is matching your presentation to the water you're fishing. In the open water areas, covering ground with search baits pays off. Around structure and vegetation, slowing down with finesse techniques often produces the biggest fish. Don't overlook the canal systems – these deeper cuts hold concentrations of all three target species and offer some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere in South Florida.
Largemouth bass in the Everglades are something special. These fish have access to incredible forage and grow fat in the nutrient-rich waters. Spring months bring the best action as bass move shallow for spawning, but you'll find quality fish year-round in the deeper canals and around structure. What makes Everglades bass unique is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials aggressively. A five-pounder here fights like a freight train with all that open water to run. The key is understanding that these fish see a lot of natural forage, so your presentation needs to stand out or perfectly mimic what they're already eating.
Oscars might not be native, but they've made themselves right at home in the Everglades system. These South American transplants are absolute bulldogs on the end of your line, with broad shoulders and an attitude that'll surprise first-time anglers. They're most active during warmer months and love hanging around structure where they can ambush smaller fish. Oscars hit live bait hard and will absolutely crush a well-presented soft plastic or small jig. Don't let their size fool you – a two-pound oscar fights like a fish twice its weight and provides some of the most fun action you'll find in freshwater.
Peacock bass represent the pinnacle of exotic fishing in the Everglades. These Central and South American natives are pure aggression with fins, known for their territorial behavior and explosive strikes. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when water temperatures stabilize in their comfort zone. Peacocks are sight-feeders that respond best to moving baits – think spinnerbaits, small plugs, and live shiners worked actively through their territory. When you hook a peacock bass, get ready for multiple jumps and runs that'll test your equipment. These fish don't give up easy, and landing a quality peacock in the Everglades is something every serious angler needs to experience.
The Everglades delivers world-class fishing for anglers who appreciate both quality and variety in their catch. With three distinct species to target and your choice of live bait or artificial presentations, every trip offers something different based on conditions and your preferences. The intimate two-angler capacity means you'll get personalized attention and the flexibility to adjust techniques as the day develops. Whether you're chasing your personal best largemouth, wanting to experience the fight of a peacock bass, or just looking for consistent action in one of Florida's most renowned fisheries, this Everglades adventure delivers the goods. Book your date now and see why anglers keep coming back to these legendary waters season after season.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese green-backed fighters average 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, but can surprise you with bigger specimens. They love hanging around structure - fallen trees, thick vegetation, and canal edges where they can ambush prey. That oversized mouth isn't just for show - they'll inhale everything from shiners to frogs. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps stay warm. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they jump when hooked. They put up a solid fight on medium tackle. Here's a local trick: when fishing the canals, throw your bait right against the bank where the grass meets open water. These bass love those transition zones and often sit just feet from shore waiting to ambush baitfish.
Cichla OcellarisPeacock bass are South American cichlids that grow fast, reaching 12-14 inches in under two years with some pushing much larger. These colorful predators sport yellow-green bodies with black vertical bars and that signature eyespot on their tail. They patrol canal edges, under bridges, and around fallen trees in warm, slower-moving water. Peak seasons run March-June and September-December when they're most aggressive. What sets them apart is their explosive topwater strikes - they'll crush a lure with authority. They're daytime hunters that prefer live golden shiners or flashy lures over plastic worms. The fight is phenomenal on light tackle. Local secret: target canal intersections and dead ends during midday hours. They stack up in these spots and compete for territory, making them more likely to strike.
Astronotus OcellatusOscars are chunky, aggressive cichlids that'll average 10-12 inches but can push 18+ in our warm waters. These territorial fish hang near the bottom in canals, ponds, and slower sections of rivers throughout South Florida. They come in different color patterns - tiger, red, green varieties - but all share that oval body and fan-shaped tail. Year-round fishing works since they love our consistent warmth. What guests enjoy most is their scrappy attitude - they fight hard for their size and aren't picky eaters. They'll take live bait, cut shrimp, or even small lures. The meat's actually pretty tasty too - firm and chunky. Pro tip: use crickets or earthworms and fish them slow near structure. Oscars are smart and curious, so give them time to investigate your bait.
Parkland, FL, USA