Everglades Flamingo Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday private charter targeting five premier inshore speciesExpert guidance aboard 21foot Hewes Redfisher in pristine watersSmall group capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Looking for a fishing trip that delivers big action in one of Florida's most legendary spots? Captain Jose's full-day charter out of Flamingo puts you right in the heart of the Everglades backcountry, where the fishing is as wild as the scenery. This isn't your typical dock-to-dock trip – you'll be working pristine flats, hidden mangrove cuts, and winding channels that most anglers only dream about. With eight hours on the water and a captain who knows every honey hole from Florida Bay to the Gulf, you're in for the kind of fishing day that makes for stories you'll tell for years.
Your day kicks off at 9 AM sharp from Flamingo Marina, where Captain Jose will have his 21-foot Hewes Redfisher ready to roll. This boat is built for the backcountry – shallow draft, stable casting platform, and room for up to three anglers to work comfortably. The game plan? Hit the flats early while the water's still cool, then work your way through mangrove shorelines and tidal creeks as the day heats up. Jose's been running these waters for years, so he knows exactly where to find fish based on tide, weather, and season. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, he'll put you on fish and teach you the tricks that work in this unique ecosystem. The Everglades is all about reading the water – watching for nervous baitfish, spotting tailing redfish, and understanding how the tides move fish through this massive system.
Flamingo fishing is all about versatility, and Jose comes prepared with tackle to match whatever the day brings. You'll be sight fishing the flats with light tackle, pitching live bait under mangrove overhangs, and working deep holes where bigger fish stage up. The techniques here range from dead-sticking live shrimp in the current to aggressive topwater action when fish are busting bait on the surface. Jose runs with circle hooks for catch-and-release health, carries a mix of live and artificial baits, and always has backup rods rigged for different scenarios. The water you'll fish varies dramatically – from gin-clear flats where you can see bottom in three feet to tannin-stained creeks where fish ambush prey from the shadows. Tides drive everything here, so Jose times the trip to hit productive spots as water moves fish into feeding positions. The shallow draft of the Hewes lets you access water that bigger boats can't reach, putting you on fish that rarely see pressure.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow water and structure that Flamingo offers in spades. You'll find them tailing on grass flats during higher tides, cruising mangrove edges as water drops, and schooled up in deeper potholes during temperature extremes. Reds here average 20 to 30 inches, with plenty of slot fish for dinner and oversized bulls that'll test your drag. They hit live shrimp, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm, making them perfect for anglers of any skill level.
Snook are the glamour fish of South Florida, and the Everglades holds some true giants. These ambush predators love structure – downed trees, undercut banks, and dock pilings where they can surprise passing baitfish. Snook are notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often jumping clear of the water multiple times. They're also incredibly structure-oriented, so expect to lose some tackle as Jose puts you on the edges where big snook live. Peak action happens around dawn and dusk, but the mangrove shade keeps fish active throughout the day.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs that'll give you a workout. The Everglades population includes fish ranging from puppy drum perfect for the table to 40-pound giants that'll make you question your tackle choices. They're bottom feeders with a preference for crabs and shrimp, often found in deeper holes and channel edges. When you hook a big drum, expect a long, grinding fight with powerful runs that'll have your arms burning.
Cobia show up as water warms, usually cruising just under the surface or following rays and sharks. These brown sharks of the fishing world are curious by nature and often approach the boat for a close look. They hit live bait aggressively and make long, powerful runs that'll empty your reel if you're not ready. Cobia here range from 20 to 50 pounds, with the occasional monster that'll test everything you've got.
Red snapper fishing in Everglades waters offers a chance at some of the tastiest fish in Florida waters. While they're typically deeper water fish, the unique structure and channels around Flamingo hold populations of keeper-sized snapper. They're notorious bait stealers with lightning-fast strikes, but once hooked, they fight hard for the bottom. José knows the specific spots where these fish congregate and the techniques that work best for consistent hookups.
This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience one of the most productive and pristine fisheries in the United States. Captain Jose's local knowledge combined with eight hours of prime fishing time gives you the best shot at multiple species and memorable catches. The Everglades backcountry offers something different every trip, from explosive topwater action to technical sight fishing that'll sharpen your skills. With only three spots available per trip, you'll have plenty of room to cast and the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. Keep in mind that non-U.S. residents need to factor in the $100 park entry fee, and trips can be cancelle
This 2008 21' Hewes Redfisher is built for serious fishing in the Everglades backcountry. Powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha, she'll get you to the fish fast and handle the shallow flats with ease. The boat comfortably fishes up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need - GPS to navigate the maze of mangroves, fish finder to locate those hiding spots, VHF radio for safety, plus radar for those foggy mornings. There's even a small galley to keep snacks and drinks handy during long days chasing snook and redfish. Whether you're working the shorelines or drifting the deeper channels, this Hewes has the shallow draft and stability to put you on fish in waters where bigger boats can't go. Perfect setup for targeting everything from black drum in the backcountry to cobia along the park's productive waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drums are the bulldogs of the flats - these gray-black bruisers with chin whiskers can range from keeper-sized 15-inchers up to 40-pound giants. They're bottom feeders that cruise shallow oyster bars, mud flats, and creek mouths looking for crabs and shellfish to crush with those powerful jaws. Spring spawning season from February through April is when they school up and give us the best fishing. People enjoy targeting drums because they're strong fighters that make long, determined runs. The smaller ones are good eating, while the big ones are better released. My secret for consistent drum fishing is using fresh blue crab - cut it in half and fish it right on the bottom near oyster beds. The key is being patient; drums are methodical feeders that might mouth your bait before committing.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ghosts of the flats - these dark brown, shark-looking fish cruise alone through our deeper channels and around structure. They're big fish, averaging 20-40 pounds, and can hit 6 feet long. You'll find them around channel markers, wrecks, and sometimes following rays in 10-30 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they move through on their way north. What gets people hooked on cobia is the visual aspect - you actually see these fish coming and make targeted casts. They fight hard and are some of the best eating fish in these waters. Here's the key: when you spot a cobia, don't get excited and fire a cast right at it. Lead them by 20 feet with a bucktail jig and work it slowly across their path.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers around Flamingo are typically smaller than their offshore cousins, running 12-20 inches, but they're scrappy fighters with that classic pink-red coloration. You'll find them holding around any hard bottom, dock pilings, and rocky areas in 15-40 feet of water. They're year-round residents here, but summer months from May through August are when they're most active and feeding heavily. Guests love snapper fishing because they hit hard, fight all the way to the boat, and make outstanding table fare with that firm, white meat. The trick with these fish is getting your bait right to the bottom where they live. I always tell people to use just enough weight to stay down but not so much that it feels like dead weight - you want to feel every tap and nibble because snappers are notorious for light bites.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what put Flamingo on the map for shallow water fishing. These copper-colored beauties with the distinctive black eyespot near their tail average 18-30 inches and love cruising the 1-4 foot flats around here. You'll spot them tailing in skinny water, especially around oyster bars and grass beds where they root for crabs and shrimp. Fall through spring gives us the best action when water temps cool down. What makes reds special is their bulldogging fight - they'll make long runs and test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with that mild, sweet flavor. My local trick: when you see a tailing red, cast well ahead and let your bait settle before slowly working it into their feeding zone. Rush the presentation and they'll spook every time.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature game fish, and the Everglades backcountry is prime habitat. These sleek silver fish with the bold black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches in our waters, with bigger ones hanging in deeper cuts. They're ambush predators that love structure - mangrove shorelines, creek mouths, docks, and any place with current breaks. Cooler months from October through March are best since they're temperature sensitive. What makes snook fishing addictive is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, tail-walk, and try every trick to throw the hook. They're also great eating, though catch-and-release keeps the fishery strong. Here's my go-to technique: work the edges where deeper water meets shallow cover, especially during moving tides. Cast a live shrimp or soft plastic right to the structure and be ready for that crushing hit.
Everglades National Park – Flamingo Marina, FL