Full Day Redfish And LadyFish Guided Trip
When you're looking for a world-class inshore fishing experience that gets you away from the crowds and into some of the most pristine waters Florida has to offer, this full-day guided trip in Everglades City is exactly what you need. Starting from the historic Everglades City Rod and Gun Club, you'll spend the day targeting some of the most sought-after species in these backcountry waters. This isn't your typical charter boat experience – we're talking about getting into the skinny water where these fish live and feed, using fly fishing techniques and artificial lures to fool some seriously smart gamefish. The Everglades ecosystem is unlike anywhere else, and the fishing opportunities here are second to none for anglers who want to test their skills against redfish, snook, tarpon, and more.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day kicks off at 200 W Broadway at the Rod and Gun Club, one of the most iconic fishing spots in Southwest Florida. From there, we'll head out into the maze of mangrove creeks, oyster bars, and grass flats that make the Everglades such a renowned fishing destination. This is backcountry fishing at its finest – we're not talking about deep-water trolling or bottom fishing here. Instead, you'll be sight-fishing in shallow water where you can actually see the fish you're casting to. The water clarity in many of these spots is outstanding, especially during the cooler months, and there's nothing quite like watching a big redfish cruise through two feet of water while you're trying to place your fly or lure in the perfect spot. The scenery alone is worth the trip, with endless mangrove tunnels, pristine flats, and wildlife everywhere you look. But the real magic happens when you hook into one of these powerful fish in such shallow water – the fights are absolutely electric.
Techniques and Tackle
We focus primarily on fly fishing and artificial lures, which means you'll be learning and using techniques that really separate the experienced anglers from the weekend warriors. Fly fishing in the backcountry requires precision casting, proper presentation, and reading the water like a book. If you're new to fly fishing, don't worry – part of the experience is learning these techniques from someone who knows these waters inside and out. For artificial lures, we'll be throwing everything from soft plastics to topwater plugs, depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. The key here is stealth and accuracy – these fish have seen plenty of lures over the years, so presentation is everything. We'll be poling through shallow areas, using the trolling motor in deeper sections, and sometimes even getting out to wade when the situation calls for it. The boat setup is perfect for this type of fishing, with a raised platform for better sight-fishing opportunities and all the gear you need for a successful day. You'll learn to read the water, understand tidal movements, and recognize the subtle signs that indicate where fish are feeding.
Top Catches This Season
Snook are the ultimate backcountry gamefish, and the Everglades offers some of the best snook fishing in Florida. These fish are incredibly structure-oriented, hanging around mangrove shorelines, downed trees, and oyster bars where they ambush baitfish. What makes snook so exciting is their explosive strike and their ability to jump when hooked. They're also pretty smart – they know exactly where every piece of structure is and they'll use it against you during the fight. The best times to target snook are during the warmer months when they're more active, but you can find them year-round in these protected waters. A good snook will run anywhere from 20 to 35 inches, with the occasional monster pushing 40 inches or more.
Redfish are probably the most reliable target species in these waters, and for good reason. They're here year-round, they fight like trucks, and they're absolutely beautiful fish. Reds love shallow water, especially around oyster bars and grass flats where they root around for crabs and shrimp. The sight-fishing opportunities for redfish here are world-class – watching a 30-inch red cruise through ankle-deep water with its back out is something every angler should experience. These fish are powerful and they know how to use the current and structure to their advantage during a fight. Slot-sized reds (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized fish (over 27 inches) provide some of the best fights you'll ever experience on light tackle.
Tarpon fishing in the Everglades is legendary, and even though they're catch-and-release only, hooking into the "silver king" is a bucket-list experience for any serious angler. These fish can range from juvenile tarpon in the 20-50 pound range up to massive adults that can exceed 150 pounds. What makes tarpon so special is their incredible jumping ability and their stamina – a good tarpon fight can last 30 minutes or more. The best tarpon action typically happens during the warmer months, but you can find resident fish in the deeper channels year-round. Landing a tarpon on fly tackle is considered one of the ultimate achievements in saltwater fishing.
Black drum are often overlooked, but they're fantastic fighters and surprisingly common in these waters. They're bottom feeders that love to hang around oyster bars and structure, and they can grow to impressive sizes. A big drum will give you a powerful, bulldogging fight that tests your drag system and your patience. They're also excellent table fare when they're in the slot size range. Ladyfish, while smaller than the other target species, are incredibly fun on light tackle. They're acrobatic fighters that jump repeatedly when hooked, and they're great for beginners or when you want some fast action between targeting the bigger species.
Time to Book Your Spot
This full-day fishing experience represents everything that makes Everglades fishing so special – pristine waters, challenging gamefish, an