Half Day Or Full Day Fly & Light Tackle Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target snook, tarpon, redfish, and sea trout in Everglades watersLight tackle fishing through mangrove islands and grass flatsHalf or full day options starting from Flamingo park ramps
When you're ready to test your skills against some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish, Flamingo Everglades delivers the kind of inshore action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. This top-rated fishing experience puts you right in the heart of one of South Florida's most productive shallow-water fisheries, where pristine grass flats stretch as far as the eye can see and mangrove-lined creeks hold some serious fish. Whether you're wielding a fly rod or spinning tackle, you'll be working waters that consistently produce trophy-class catches in a setting that feels like you've found fishing's best-kept secret.
Your day kicks off at either the backcountry or Florida Bay boat ramp, depending on conditions and what's biting. The beauty of Flamingo is the sheer variety of water you can cover – from skinny flats where redfish cruise in knee-deep water to deeper potholes where tarpon roll on the surface. The endless grass flats create perfect ambush points for snook and sea trout, while the maze of mangrove islands offers countless backcountry hideouts where black drum and other species love to hang out. With just one angler on board, you get the full attention of your guide and can really dial in your technique, whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working the deeper edges for bigger fish. The personalized approach means we can adjust the game plan based on your skill level and what you're most excited to target.
The shallow-water nature of Flamingo Everglades makes it perfect for light tackle and fly fishing approaches that really showcase the fight these fish can put up. On the fly rod side, we're typically throwing 8 to 10-weight setups with floating lines, working everything from small shrimp patterns in the grass to bigger streamers around structure. The key here is accuracy – these fish are often in just a couple feet of water, so presentation matters more than distance. For light tackle enthusiasts, we're talking spinning gear in the 2500 to 4000 size range, perfect for tossing soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live bait when the situation calls for it. The grass flats require weedless presentations most of the time, so you'll get comfortable with paddle tails on jig heads and spoons that can slice through the vegetation without hanging up every cast.
Snook are the kings of these waters, and for good reason – these ambush predators use the mangrove structure and grass edges to perfection. They're most active during the warmer months from April through October, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight, especially on light tackle where they can really showcase their power. They're also one of the smartest fish in these waters, so each hookup feels earned.
Tarpon bring the wow factor that every angler dreams about, and Flamingo's backcountry holds plenty of fish in the 30 to 80-pound range. Spring and early summer are prime time, when these silver kings move through the area in good numbers. On light tackle or fly, even a smaller tarpon will test your drag system and your patience – these fish are famous for their jumping ability and long runs that can strip line faster than you'd expect.
Redfish are the bread and butter of shallow-water fishing here, cruising the flats in small schools or as singles tailing in the skinny stuff. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter often produce the biggest fish as they fatten up for the spawn. What anglers love about reds is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging fight – once hooked, they use their broad shoulders to pull hard and steady, making every fish feel bigger than it is.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in these waters. The bigger specimens, often called "big uglies" by local guides, can top 40 pounds and will absolutely punish light tackle. They're more common in the cooler months and tend to hang around deeper holes and channel edges where they root around for crabs and other bottom-dwelling prey.
Sea trout round out the lineup as one of the most cooperative species you'll encounter, making them perfect for anglers still building confidence or trying new techniques. They school up over grass beds and respond well to both live bait and artificials, with the better fish showing up during cooler water periods. While they might not fight as hard as the other species, a good speckled trout still provides plenty of fun on light gear.
Flamingo Everglades represents some of the most consistent inshore fishing South Florida has to offer, and with Mangrove Expeditions, you're getting access to waters that many anglers never experience. The combination of pristine habitat, diverse species, and personalized guiding creates the kind of fishing day that becomes the story you tell for years to come. Whether you choose the half-day option to get a taste of what these waters offer or commit to the full day to really explore the area's potential, you're setting yourself up for the kind of angling adventure that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place. Don't let another season slip by – book your Flamingo Everglades experience and find out what world-class inshore fishing really looks like.
Cruise the shallow waters of Flamingo Everglades aboard this well-maintained 18-foot Hell's Bay Skiff, built in 2009 for serious anglers who love exploring backcountry fishing spots. This nimble motorboat glides silently over grass flats and slips between mangrove islands where snook, tarpon, redfish, black drum, and sea trout call home. Equipped with GPS navigation to help you locate prime fishing holes throughout Florida Bay, this skiff handles like a dream in skinny water where bigger boats can't reach. Whether you're casting around oyster bars or drifting along mangrove shorelines, you'll appreciate how this lightweight craft responds to every move. Perfect for light tackle fishing adventures that take you deep into the Everglades backcountry, where crystal-clear flats meet endless horizons and every cast holds potential for that fish of a lifetime.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our shallow water fishing - these bruisers can weigh anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds, with some pushing 60. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws, perfect for crushing crabs and oysters around the structure we fish. You'll find them on oyster bars, mud flats, and deeper channels, usually 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, bulldogging fight - they don't jump, but they'll test your drag and patience. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare. My go-to tip: use fresh cut crab on the bottom and be patient. When they bite, they mean business, but they take their time deciding.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down the most exciting shallow water fish we target - copper-colored beauties with those distinctive black spots near the tail. They average 20-30 inches, with some slot-sized fish pushing 8-10 pounds. These fish love super shallow water, often with their backs out of the water as they cruise the flats hunting crabs and baitfish. You'll see them tailing in inches of water around oyster bars and grass edges. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are prime time. What guests love is the visual aspect - watching redfish cruise and cast to them sight-fishing style. Plus they're fantastic eating and fight like bulldogs. Pro tip: approach them quietly and lead them with your cast. They spook easily in shallow water, so keep noise to a minimum and watch your shadow.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect for light tackle fishing - most run 14-20 inches with those beautiful black spots scattered across their silver sides. These fish love our grass flats and shallow bay areas, typically in 2-6 feet of water where they can ambush small baitfish and shrimp. Cooler months bring some of our best trout fishing as they school up in the deeper pockets. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite artificials and their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for beginners since they're forgiving fighters. Local tip: work your lure slowly over the grass beds, especially during moving tides. A popping cork with live shrimp is deadly, but soft plastics on a light jig head work just as well when you find them feeding.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of my favorite species to target here in Flamingo - they're aggressive feeders with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. Most run 18-30 inches, though we occasionally hook into trophy fish over 40 inches. You'll find them around mangrove shorelines, creek mouths, and deeper cuts through the flats, especially where there's moving water. They're temperature sensitive, so spring through fall gives us the best action. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong runs - they'll jump and fight hard right to the boat. The meat is excellent eating too, white and flaky. Here's a tip: cast your bait upcurrent from structure and let it drift naturally past where they're holding. They love to ambush prey from cover.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate light tackle challenge - pure athleticism in fish form. These silver kings average 80-150 pounds here, with their famous acrobatic jumps that'll leave you breathless. We find them rolling in the deeper channels and basin areas of Florida Bay, especially around the mangrove keys. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through in good numbers. What makes tarpon fishing special is watching that massive fish explode out of the water - it's a sight that never gets old. They're strictly catch and release since the meat isn't great eating. Key tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip toward them. This keeps tension off while they're airborne and prevents them from throwing the hook. Patience and steady pressure win the day.
Jupiter