Full Day Redfish And LadyFish Guided Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day guided fishing targeting redfish and ladyfish speciesFly fishing in untouched Everglades backcountry watersSingle guest capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Looking for a fishing adventure that gets you away from the crowds and into some of the most pristine waters Florida has to offer? This full-day guided trip with Mangrove Expeditions puts you right in the heart of the Everglades backcountry, where the fishing is as good as it gets and the scenery will blow you away. We're talking about waters that most anglers never see – shallow flats, winding creeks, and mangrove shorelines that hold some serious fish. Starting from the historic Everglades City Rod and Gun Club, you'll spend the day targeting redfish, snook, tarpon, sea trout, and black drum in an ecosystem that's remained virtually unchanged for decades. This is fly fishing and light tackle at its finest, with artificial lures and techniques that make every hookup feel earned.
Your day kicks off at the legendary Rod and Gun Club on Broadway, where countless fishing stories have been swapped over the years. From there, we'll head out into the vast network of creeks, bays, and flats that make the Everglades a world-class fishing destination. This isn't your typical charter where you're shoulder-to-shoulder with other boats – we're talking about fishing spots that see maybe a handful of anglers all year. The water here ranges from knee-deep flats where you can sight-fish cruising reds to deeper pockets where snook ambush baitfish. With a single angler capacity, you get personalized attention and can fish at your own pace. Whether you're working on your fly casting or perfecting your artificial lure presentation, there's plenty of time to dial in your technique. The Everglades ecosystem is massive, so we can adjust our game plan based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that day.
This trip is all about finesse fishing with flies and artificials – no live bait needed when you know how to work these waters right. We primarily use fly rods paired with streamers, poppers, and crab patterns that mimic the natural forage these fish see every day. If you're more comfortable with spinning gear, we'll rig up with soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons that are deadly effective in these shallow waters. The key here is presentation – these fish have seen it all, so subtle retrieves and proper fly placement make all the difference. Sight fishing is a huge part of what makes this trip special. You'll learn to read the water, spot fish before they spot you, and make accurate casts to cruising targets. The mangrove shorelines require precise casting to avoid hanging up, but that's where the biggest snook like to hide. Flats fishing means long casts and stealthy approaches, especially when we're stalking tailing redfish in water so shallow their backs are showing.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up fights that'll test your drag system. Most reds here run 18 to 28 inches, with plenty of slot fish and some oversized bulls that'll make your arms burn. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter months are prime time when they school up in the backcountry. What makes redfish so addictive is their willingness to eat topwater lures and their tendency to tail in skinny water where you can see every move they make. Snook are the glamour species that every angler wants to hook, and the Everglades holds some of the healthiest populations in Florida. These ambush predators love structure – downed trees, mangrove overhangs, and creek mouths where they can pin baitfish. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and their ability to wrap you around the nearest obstruction. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look.
Tarpon might be the most exciting fish you'll encounter out here, even though they're not the primary target. Juvenile tarpon in the 10 to 40-pound range cruise these backwaters, and when one eats your fly or lure, you better hold on tight. They're aerial acrobats that can jump six feet out of the water and throw hooks like it's their job. Sea trout are often overlooked, but they're scrappy fighters that love grass flats and soft-bottom areas. They hit fast and fight dirty, making multiple runs before you get them to the boat. Black drum are the bulldogs of the bunch – not the prettiest fish, but they'll put a serious bend in your rod. Ladyfish round out the mix as one of the most acrobatic species in these waters. They might not be the biggest fish around, but pound-for-pound, they're hard to beat for pure entertainment value. They jump, they run, and they'll give you a workout on light tackle.
This top-rated Everglades fishing experience gives you access to some of Florida's most pristine and lightly pressured waters. With personalized guiding for just one angler, you'll get the attention and instruction that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. The Everglades backcountry offers a fishing experience that's becoming harder to find – wild fish in wild places, with techniques that require skill and patience. Whether you're looking to improve your fly fishing game or just want to disconnect from the world while chasing some of Florida's best gamefish, this trip delivers. The fact that you're starting from the historic Rod and Gun Club just adds to the authentic Florida fishing experience. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active and the weather is perfect for spending a full day on the water.
Step aboard our 2009 18-foot Hell's Bay Skiff and get ready to fish some of the most pristine waters in the Everglades. This shallow-draft boat was built specifically for navigating the backcountry flats where redfish and ladyfish love to cruise. With GPS navigation keeping us on track, we'll slip into those quiet corners of the Ten Thousand Islands that most anglers never see. The skiff's design lets us pole into skinny water where these fish feel safe, giving you shots at reds tailing in just inches of water. Whether you're casting flies or throwing artificials, this boat puts you right where the action is. We'll launch from the historic Rod and Gun Club and spend the day exploring mangrove shorelines and grass flats that hold some serious fish. The shallow-water capabilities of this Hell's Bay mean we can follow the fish wherever they go, from oyster bars to creek mouths. Perfect for one angler who wants personalized attention and access to spots that bigger boats simply can't reach.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, and they put up a serious fight once hooked. These fish typically range from 5-30 pounds, though we occasionally see them push 50+ pounds in deeper water. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when your chances really improve. What guests love about drum fishing is the steady, powerful pull they give you. No fancy jumps, just pure strength. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's my go-to technique: use fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. These fish are methodical feeders, so be patient and let them fully commit before setting the hook.
Elops SaurusLadyfish might be called "poor man's tarpon," but don't let that fool you - they're a blast on light tackle. These silvery, slender fish usually run 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. You'll find them in bays, canals, and around bridges in 3-15 feet of water. They school up and feed aggressively, especially during moving tides. The best part about ladyfish is they're available year-round and will hit just about anything - small jigs, spoons, flies, or live shrimp. When hooked, they jump and thrash like crazy, making them perfect for kids or anyone wanting consistent action. They're not great table fare, but they make excellent cut bait for snook and other species. Here's my tip: when you find one ladyfish, stick around - they travel in schools. Keep your lures small and work them fast since these fish are aggressive feeders that react to movement.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are probably the most reliable target species we have in the Everglades - they're here year-round and always hungry. These copper-colored fish with the distinctive black spots near their tail typically run 18-30 inches, with the bigger ones pushing 35+ inches and 20 pounds. They love super shallow water, often cruising flats so skinny their backs show above the surface. Look for them around oyster bars, grass beds, and creek edges in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring offer the best action, but honestly, any time is good for reds. What guests love is how aggressive they are - they'll eat topwater plugs, spoons, soft plastics, and live bait with equal enthusiasm. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. Here's a local secret: when you see redfish tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait sit still. They're feeding and will find it.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most sought-after game fish in these waters, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish typically run 1-3 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line running down their side. You'll find them hanging around mangrove edges, creek mouths, and structure in both salt and brackish water. They love ambush spots where they can dart out with surprising speed to grab bait. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook so popular is their explosive strike and strong fight - they'll jump and run for cover every time. The meat is excellent eating too, white and flaky. Here's a local tip: work your lure slow and methodical around the mangroves. Snook are patient hunters, so give them time to commit to the bite rather than rushing your retrieve.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket list fish - there's nothing quite like watching a 100-pound silver king launch itself 6 feet out of the water. These prehistoric fish average 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds in our waters, though they can get much bigger. You'll find them rolling in channels, around bridges, and over grass flats in 5-20 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through the area. What makes tarpon special isn't just their acrobatics - it's the combination of size, speed, and endurance that'll test your skills. Most anglers release them since the meat isn't great, but the fight is what you're after anyway. They can live 50+ years, so we practice catch and release. Here's a key tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water. This gives them slack and prevents them from throwing the hook during those aerial shows.
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