Premier Full Day Redfish Fishing in Everglades City
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing targeting redfish and ladyfish species.Fly fishing and artificial lures used in untouched areas.Departs from historic Everglades City Rod and Gun Club.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This full-day fishing experience represents everything that makes Everglades fishing so special – pristine waters, challenging gamefish, an
Get ready to fish the pristine backcountry waters aboard this expertly-maintained 18-foot Hell's Bay Skiff. Built in 2009, this shallow-draft fishing machine is designed to navigate the intricate maze of mangrove creeks and grass flats that make the Everglades legendary among anglers. The lightweight hull cuts through skinny water with ease, getting you into those hard-to-reach spots where trophy redfish and aggressive ladyfish love to hunt. Equipped with reliable GPS navigation, you'll confidently explore the endless network of channels and pockets that hold some of Florida's best inshore fishing. This nimble skiff handles like a dream in tight quarters, letting your guide position you perfectly for sight-casting to tailing reds or cruising schools of ladyfish. The open layout provides plenty of casting room and easy fish handling, while the stable platform keeps you comfortable during long battles with hard-fighting gamefish. Whether you're working topwater plugs over grass beds or bouncing jigs along mangrove shorelines, this classic Florida flats boat delivers the performance and reliability you need for a successful day on the water.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum might not be the prettiest fish in the water, but they're absolute bulldogs that will test your tackle and patience. These chunky fighters typically range 5-30 pounds in our waters, with their powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them rooting around oyster bars, shallow mud flats, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to locate. What guests love about drum fishing is the steady, heavy pull - no flashy jumps, just pure strength that'll make your arms burn. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: use fresh cut crab or shrimp on the bottom with just enough weight to hold, and be patient - they're methodical feeders who like to inspect their meal before committing.
Elops SaurusDon't let anyone tell you ladyfish are just "trash fish" - these silver torpedoes are pure fun on light tackle and perfect for keeping kids and beginners engaged. Running 12-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, they're smaller than their tarpon cousins but pack plenty of attitude with acrobatic jumps and fast runs. You'll find schools of them in channels, around creek mouths, and over grass flats in 3-20 feet of water. They bite year-round and aren't picky about tide or time of day. What makes ladyfish great is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost any moving lure and put on quite a show once hooked. While most folks release them, smaller ones make decent cut bait for snook. They're perfect for fly fishing practice too. Here's the thing: use a wire leader or heavy mono - their small but sharp teeth will cut through light line in a heartbeat.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Everglades fishing - copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails that are built for shallow water battles. Most run 18-32 inches and 3-15 pounds, perfectly sized for both sport and the dinner table. These fish love cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove edges in water so shallow their backs often show. Fall and spring offer the best fishing when they school up, but we catch them year-round. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their dogged fight in shallow water. They're also excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. The sight-fishing opportunities are outstanding - watching a red slowly cruise the shallows before making a perfect cast is pure magic. Key tip: when sight-fishing, lead them by several feet and make your retrieve look like a fleeing shrimp or crab.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most rewarding fish to target in these backcountry waters. These sleek predators with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though we occasionally hook into real bruisers pushing 40+ inches. You'll find them ambushing baitfish around mangrove shorelines, creek mouths, and oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. They love structure and current breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially on moving tides when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll try every trick to wrap you around the nearest mangrove root. The meat is absolutely top-notch too, white and flaky. Here's a local tip: when sight-fishing snook, cast well ahead and let your lure drift naturally into their strike zone rather than burning it right at them.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate game fish - silver kings that can reach 100+ pounds and launch themselves 8 feet out of the water when hooked. Most fish we encounter range 40-80 pounds, but seeing a 6-footer roll on the surface never gets old. These ancient fish cruise our shallow flats, channels, and mangrove creeks in 3-15 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through our area. What makes tarpon fishing special isn't the eating - they're bony and typically released - it's the sheer power and acrobatics. A hooked tarpon will jump repeatedly, testing every knot and your ability to bow to the king. The fights can last an hour on lighter tackle. Local secret: when a tarpon jumps, bow your rod tip toward the fish to create slack - tight lines during jumps usually mean pulled hooks and heartbreak.
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