5.0(1 Reviews)Everglades Grand Slam: Snook, Redfish & Tarpon
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Fullday Everglades fishing targeting snook, redfish, and tarponCaptain Andrew guides through mangroves and open watersMaximum 4 guests with Local Grown Charters experience
Picture this: you're standing on the deck at sunrise, coffee still warm in your hands, watching the Everglades come alive around you. Captain Andrew Atwill from Local Grown Charters knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's about to show you why this full-day fishing adventure has become a customer favorite. This isn't your typical backcountry trip – we're talking about a legitimate shot at the coveted Grand Slam while exploring some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds. From the winding mangrove creeks to the open Gulf waters, you'll experience the best of both worlds in one action-packed day.
Your day starts early, but trust me, it's worth every minute. Captain Drew runs a tight ship with space for up to 4 anglers, so you're getting that personalized attention that makes all the difference. We're not just throwing lines in the water and hoping for the best – this is strategic fishing at its finest. The Everglades offer an incredible variety of structure and habitat, from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise to deeper channels where tarpon roll. You'll move between spots based on tides, weather, and what's biting that day. The beauty of this trip is the diversity – one minute you're sight-casting to a laid-up snook under the mangroves, the next you're fighting a bull redfish in three feet of water. Captain Andrew reads the water conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly, ensuring you're always fishing the most productive spots.
The Everglades demand versatility, and that's exactly what you'll get on this charter. We'll be using a mix of live bait, artificial lures, and fly fishing techniques depending on the target species and conditions. For snook, we often work the mangrove shorelines with live pilchards or throw topwater plugs early in the morning when they're feeding aggressively. Redfish call for a different approach – we'll pole the skinny water flats, looking for tailing fish or cruisers, then make precise casts with soft plastics or spoons. When we're targeting tarpon, it's all about reading the water and timing your presentation perfectly as these silver kings roll through their travel lanes. The boat is rigged with quality tackle suitable for everything from finicky sea trout to bruising barracuda. Captain Drew provides all the gear, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. The key to success out here is adapting to what the fish want on any given day.
"Captain Drew was awesome. We did two excursions with him for a total of 12 hours and it still wasn't enough. He put us on fish constantly and we caught a huge variety of fish. We loved it! It's been an unforgettable couple of days. Thanks so much!" - Tyson
Snook are the crown jewel of Everglades fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators lurk along mangrove edges and under docks, waiting to demolish whatever swims by. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often jumping multiple times before you can get them to the boat. Peak snook action happens during the warmer months when they're most active, but skilled captains like Andrew know where to find them year-round. What makes snook special is their attitude – they fight dirty, diving for structure and using every trick in the book to break you off.
Redfish have earned their reputation as one of the most reliable targets in these waters. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the shallow flats in schools, creating some of the most visual fishing you'll ever experience. Watch for their distinctive black spots as they cruise just under the surface, or look for tails breaking the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Reds are notorious for their bulldog fights – they don't jump much, but they'll peel drag and test your tackle with powerful runs. The best part about targeting redfish is they're catchable year-round, though fall and winter often produce the biggest fish.
Tarpon are the ultimate prize, earning the nickname "Silver King" for their chrome sides and royal fighting ability. These prehistoric fish can exceed 100 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked. Tarpon fishing requires patience and skill – they're often visible rolling on the surface, but getting them to eat is another story entirely. When you do connect with one, prepare for the fight of your life. They'll jump repeatedly, trying to throw the hook, and even smaller tarpon will give you a workout you won't forget.
Gulf Grouper provide the kind of bottom fishing action that keeps your arms burning. These chunky predators live around structure in deeper water, and when they bite, they immediately try to get back to their rocky homes. It's a tug-of-war from the moment you set the hook, and grouper have the home field advantage. They're excellent table fare too, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to take a few fish home for dinner.
Grey Snapper are scrappy fighters that show up around structure throughout the Everglades system. Don't let their size fool you – these fish punch well above their weight class and are notorious for testing light tackle. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Snapper fishing often involves working around mangroves and oyster bars where they ambush smaller baitfish.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they're pure muscle and attitude. These yellow-tinted battlers school up in large numbers and provide non-stop action when you find them. Jacks are perfect for breaking in new anglers because they're aggressive feeders that rarely turn down
This sleek 24-foot Pathfinder 2018 is built for serious Everglades fishing, powered by a robust 300hp Yamaha that'll get you to the hotspots fast at 52 knots. Perfect for up to 4 anglers chasing that grand slam of snook, redfish, and tarpon through the maze of mangroves and flats. The boat's equipped with GPS navigation to pinpoint those honey holes, radar for when morning fog rolls in, and a quality fish finder to locate structure where the big ones hide. Whether you're sight-casting in skinny water or working the deeper channels, this Pathfinder handles both backcountry creeks and open water with ease. The spacious layout gives everyone room to cast without tangling lines, while the shallow draft lets you slip into those secret spots where monster snook ambush baitfish along the mangrove edges.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats - built like tanks and fight twice as hard. These brassy, golden fish typically run 3-8 pounds inshore, though offshore bulls can hit 20+. You'll find them everywhere from shallow grass flats to deeper channels, often in big schools that push baitfish to the surface. Look for diving birds - that's your best sign. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months when bait is thick. What guests love is that non-stop, drag-peeling fight that'll leave your arms burning. They're curious fish that'll hit just about any fast-moving lure. Fair warning though - they're not great table fare, so most folks release them. Here's the trick: when you find a school, work fast with silver spoons or topwater plugs. Keep that lure moving because these guys love the chase.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the speed demons of the flats - long, silver missiles that can hit 35 mph when they want your lure. Most fish we catch run 2-4 feet, though 5-footers aren't uncommon. They patrol shallow reefs, grass edges, and mangrove points, usually cruising alone except during spring spawning. You'll find them year-round, but they're most aggressive during warmer months. What anglers love is that explosive strike and initial blistering run, though they tire quickly. They're not great eating due to potential ciguatera, so most folks release them. Fair warning - those razor teeth mean business, so use a wire leader and handle with care. Here's the deal: they're curious fish attracted to shiny, fast-moving lures. Cast ahead of cruising fish and burn that lure back. Spoons and tube lures work great, but keep it moving - slow presentations just don't work with these aggressive predators.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are smart little fighters that'll test your patience and skill. These copper-red fish with that distinctive dark eye stripe typically run 10-16 inches inshore, though deeper water can produce 3-4 pounders. They love structure - docks, mangrove roots, rocky areas, and grass flats where they can ambush prey. Best fishing happens during warmer months, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes them popular is they're scrappy fighters for their size and absolutely excellent eating - sweet, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're notorious bait thieves though, so you need finesse. Here's my trick: use the smallest hook you can get away with, barely weight your line, and let that bait sit naturally. Patience pays off with these guys.
Mycteroperca JordaniGulf grouper are the heavy hitters of the deep structure, typically running 20-40 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds and live nearly 50 years. These ambush predators hang around rocky reefs, ledges, and wrecks in 30-150 feet, using their massive mouths to vacuum up anything that swims by - including small sharks. They're most active during dawn and dusk feeding periods year-round, though summer months can push them deeper. Anglers love the raw power these fish deliver - they'll try to drag you straight back to their hole. Unfortunately, they're endangered from overfishing, so most areas have strict regulations. When targeting them, use heavy tackle with circle hooks and live bait. Pro tip: the second you feel that thump, crank hard and keep cranking - give them an inch and they'll wrap you around the nearest ledge.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored bruisers with their signature black eyespots are hands down one of the most fun fish to target in shallow water. Most redfish we catch run 18-28 inches, though bigger bulls can push 40+ inches. They love hanging in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove edges - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially on moving tides. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they crush a topwater lure, plus they're fantastic eating with that light, flaky meat. My go-to tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast well ahead and let your bait settle - they spook easy but once hooked, they'll make drag-screaming runs that'll test your tackle.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the perfect starter fish for new anglers but still plenty fun for veterans. These silver and green beauties with distinctive black spots typically run 12-18 inches, though winter schools can produce some 3-4 pound "gator trout." They love grass flats, sandy potholes, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, while winter finds them schooled up in deeper channels. What makes them popular is they bite readily, fight decent for their size, and they're some of the best eating fish in these waters - soft, white, flaky meat. They're active feeders that'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Pro tip: don't horse them in - they have soft mouths that tear easily. Use light drag and take your time. Early morning and late evening are prime time when they're feeding in shallow water.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of Everglades fishing - that black lateral line and gold coloring makes them unmistakable. Most fish we catch run 18-30 inches, though trophy-sized females can push 40+ inches and 20 pounds. They're structure junkies, hanging tight to mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially around new and full moons when they move to spawn. What makes them so special is that explosive topwater bite and bulldogging fight, plus they're absolutely delicious - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're temperature sensitive though, so cold fronts can shut them down. My best advice: cast tight to cover and be ready - when a snook hits, it's usually hard and fast. Use live shrimp or pilchards around structure for consistent action.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are what fishing dreams are made of - 4-6 feet of pure acrobatic power that'll launch 8 feet out of the water when hooked. We see fish from 50-150 pounds regularly, with some giants pushing 200+. They cruise shallow flats, channels, and basin edges in 3-20 feet, rolling and gulping air at the surface. Peak season runs May through August when they're migrating and spawning. What draws anglers from worldwide is that heart-stopping jump and hour-long battles that'll test every piece of your tackle. They're catch-and-release only - tough meat and full of bones anyway. The real reward is the fight and bragging rights. Key tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to give slack, or those gill rattles will throw your hook every time. These fish have been humbling anglers for over 100 years.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Drew was awesome. We did two excursions with him for a total of 12 hours and it still wasn't enough. He put us on fish con...
Key Largo, FL