Full Day Beginner Fishing in Chokoloskee, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday guided fishing targeting redfish, snook, and tarponBeginnerfriendly instruction with all gear and bait providedComfortable boats accommodate up to 4 guests in Everglades waters
Captain Ward Michaels knows how to turn fishing rookies into confident anglers, and his full-day trips in Chokoloskee are proof. This isn't some rushed half-day where you barely get your bearings—we're talking eight solid hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to learn the ropes and actually catch fish. Ward's got the patience of a saint and the local knowledge to put you on redfish, snook, sea trout, and maybe even a tarpon if the conditions line up. At $850 for two people, it's a world-class introduction to Florida's legendary inshore fishing scene.
Your day starts early in Chokoloskee, where Ward will have everything rigged and ready to go. This small fishing village sits right on the edge of Everglades National Park, giving you access to some of the most productive shallow water fishing in the state. Ward runs three different boats depending on conditions and group size—a 21-foot Hewes Redfisher for open water comfort, a 17.8-foot Hells Bay for getting into the skinny stuff, or a 16-foot Lowe Roughneck that's perfect for tight mangrove creeks. All are stable platforms that beginners feel comfortable on, and Ward's got them set up with everything from live wells to shade. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is there's no rush—you'll hit different spots as conditions change, and Ward takes time to explain what he's doing and why. Expect to fish everything from oyster bars to grass flats to mangrove shorelines, with plenty of opportunities to practice your casting and learn to read the water.
Ward provides all the gear, which is a huge relief for beginners who haven't built up their tackle collection yet. He runs quality spinning rods that are forgiving to cast and sensitive enough to feel bites, paired with reels that won't give you trouble when a good fish takes off. Depending on what we're targeting, you might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks, working soft plastics along grass edges, or pitching pinfish into mangrove pockets. Ward's great at matching techniques to skill level—he won't throw you into advanced sight fishing on day one, but he'll teach you the fundamentals that work everywhere. Live bait is often the star of the show for beginners since it's more forgiving than artificials, but Ward always has an assortment of jigs, spoons, and topwater plugs if you want to try your hand at lures. The shallow water around Chokoloskee means you're often fishing in 2-6 feet, so you can actually see what's happening and understand why fish behave the way they do.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Chokoloskee fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars that surround the area, and they're aggressive enough that beginners can consistently hook up. Most reds here run 18-27 inches, which puts up a solid fight without being overwhelming for new anglers. They're available year-round, but fall and winter often provide the most consistent action as schools move onto the flats to feed. What makes redfish perfect for beginners is their predictable behavior—they cruise the shallows looking for crabs and shrimp, often with their backs out of the water, and they're not too finicky about bait presentation.
Snook are the glamour species that get everyone's attention, and Chokoloskee's mangrove creeks are snook heaven. These ambush predators hang around structure—downed trees, dock pilings, mangrove overhangs—and explode on bait with gill-rattling strikes that'll get your heart pumping. They're more seasonal than redfish, with the best action typically from spring through fall when water temperatures are up. Snook average 20-28 inches in these waters, and their acrobatic fights make them a customer favorite. Ward knows every productive snook hole in the area, and he's patient about teaching the precise presentations these fish often demand.
Sea trout round out the slam opportunities, and they're often the most cooperative fish for beginners. These spotted beauties school up over grass flats and are suckers for a properly presented shrimp or soft plastic. Most trout in Chokoloskee waters run 14-18 inches, with some pushing over 20 inches during cooler months. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with numbers—it's not unusual to catch a dozen or more on a good day. Sea trout bite year-round but tend to be most active during morning and evening hours.
Tarpon are the wild card that can turn a good day into a legendary one. While not the primary target on beginner trips, Chokoloskee sits along major tarpon migration routes, and juvenile tarpon live in the backcountry year-round. Even a 20-30 pound "baby" tarpon will test your skills and tackle, with their signature jumps and bulldogging runs. Ward knows when and where tarpon are most likely to show up, and while there's never a guarantee, the possibility adds excitement to every trip.
This trip delivers exactly what every beginning angler needs—time, patience, and productive fishing spots. Ward's reputation as a top-rated guide didn't come from rushing people through cookie-cutter trips; it came from creating positive experiences that turn newcomers into lifelong anglers. The 8-hour format gives you real value and enough time to actually learn something, while the Chokoloskee location provides consistent action in one of Florida's most beautiful settings. At $850 for two people with the option to add two more, it's one of the best fishing deals in Southwest Florida. Don't
Your platform for exploring Chokoloskee's legendary backcountry waters is the 21' Hewes Redfisher, a purpose-built flats boat that gets you where the fish are hiding. The Yamaha 250 delivers plenty of power for covering water quickly, then runs whisper-quiet when you're stalking redfish in skinny water. This boat's shallow draft lets Captain Ward slip into those hard-to-reach spots where snook ambush bait along mangrove shorelines. The spacious casting deck gives you room to work without feeling cramped, while the stable hull keeps you steady when that redfish makes its first screaming run. Built tough for Florida's demanding flats fishing, the Redfisher handles everything from open Gulf runs to threading narrow creeks deep in the Everglades. With rod holders positioned perfectly and plenty of storage for tackle, this boat is designed by anglers for serious fishing, whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working topwater plugs for explosive snook strikes at dawn.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down the best fish for learning the ropes, and they're just as fun for seasoned anglers. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-30 inches with that trademark black spot near the tail. They cruise the shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs are exposed. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and winter bring the big schools. Reds are famous for their bulldogging fight and willingness to eat almost anything. They're also top-notch table fare with mild, sweet meat. What I love about redfish is they're forgiving - they'll eat live bait, artificials, and fly patterns. Look for nervous water, wakes, or tailing fish. When you spot a red, cast ahead of where it's going and let your bait settle. They eat by feel, so don't set the hook until you feel steady weight.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are perfect for beginners and pros alike. Most run 12-18 inches with beautiful spotted sides and a soft mouth that requires finesse. They hang out over grass flats and sandy bottoms in 2-8 feet of water, often schooling up in good numbers. Fall and winter are prime time when they group up in deeper holes and channels. What makes trout appealing is their willingness to bite and excellent eating quality - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with their cooperative nature and taste. The key to consistent trout fishing is covering water until you locate a school, then work that area thoroughly. Try a popping cork with live shrimp or soft plastics on a jig head. Once you find them, you can usually catch several from the same spot.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most popular inshore targets, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters typically run 18-30 inches around here, with that distinctive black lateral line and aggressive attitude. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water, especially where there's current and structure. They love ambush spots. Spring through fall gives you the best action, particularly around dawn and dusk when they're feeding actively. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong fight - they'll jump and make hard runs toward cover. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: cast your lure or bait past the structure and work it back along the edge. Snook position themselves in the shadows waiting to ambush, so precision beats power every time.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters, and hooking one is something you'll never forget. These prehistoric giants average 80-150 pounds around here, though we see fish pushing 200. They love the deeper channels, bridges, and passes where current brings baitfish. Spring through summer is prime time when they migrate through our area - May and June are absolutely phenomenal. What draws people to tarpon isn't the eating (they're bony and taste poor), it's pure sport. When a tarpon takes your bait, expect aerial acrobatics that'll leave you breathless. They can jump 10 feet out of the water and make screaming runs that test your drag. The fight can last an hour on big fish. My advice: keep your rod tip down when they jump - "bow to the king" - or they'll throw the hook. These ancient fish deserve respect, so we practice catch and release.
Chokoloskee, FL