Full Day Chokoloskee Fishing with Capt. Ward
Ready to spend a full day chasing some of South Florida's most sought-after gamefish? Capt. Ward Michaels knows these Chokoloskee waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the boats and know-how to put you on fish. For $850, you and a buddy get 8 solid hours targeting redfish, snook, tarpon, and trout in the legendary backcountry of Everglades National Park. Need room for more? He can take up to 4 anglers total for just $50 per extra person. All your gear, rods, and bait are covered – you just need to show up ready to fish.
What to Expect on the Water
Capt. Ward runs three different boats depending on conditions and what the fish are doing. The 21' Hewes Redfisher is his workhorse for open water and longer runs, while the 17.8' Hells Bay gets you into those skinny spots where big fish love to hide. When it's really shallow or you need to get back in the maze, he'll fire up the 16' Lowe Roughneck. Each boat is set up for comfort during those long days, because 8 hours goes by fast when the fish are biting. You'll be working both the protected backcountry creeks and the more open waters around Chokoloskee Bay, depending on tides, weather, and where the fish have been showing up. Capt. Ward adjusts the game plan based on what's happening that day – some mornings you might start sight fishing the flats, then move to structure fishing when the sun gets high.
Tactics That Get Results
This isn't a one-trick-pony kind of trip. Depending on what you're after, Capt. Ward switches up techniques throughout the day. Early morning might find you throwing topwater plugs at rolling tarpon or working live bait around mangrove shorelines for snook. When the sun climbs and fish move to deeper water, you'll be bouncing jigs off oyster bars or drifting cut bait over grass flats for trout. The beauty of having 8 hours is you get to experience the full range – from the heart-pounding visual of sight casting to tailing reds to the steady action of working structure for keeper trout. All tackle is provided, but if you've got a favorite rod or lucky lure, bring it along. Capt. Ward stocks plenty of live bait when it's available, plus a full arsenal of artificials that have proven themselves in these waters.
Top Catches This Season
Snook are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish are smart, aggressive, and put up one heck of a fight. They love the mangrove shorelines and creek mouths around Chokoloskee, especially during moving water. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at keeper-sized fish, though catch and release action stays strong year-round. They're ambush predators that love to slam a well-placed lure, and when you hook one, get ready for some serious head shaking and gill rattling. Redfish are another favorite – these copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallow flats and oyster bars in schools. Fall and winter are prime time when they're fattening up, but you'll find them year-round if you know where to look. They're not as jumpy as snook but they'll peel drag and give you a serious workout on light tackle.
Tarpon fishing around Chokoloskee is legendary, and Capt. Ward knows the spots where these silver kings roll. Late spring through summer brings the big migratory fish, while resident tarpon in the 20-80 pound range provide action most of the year. Nothing prepares you for that first jump – it's pure magic when a 6-foot tarpon comes completely out of the water. Sea trout might not be the glamour species, but they're fantastic eating and great fun on light tackle. They school up over grass beds and around structure, especially during cooler months. A good trout bite can save the day when other fish are being finicky, and they're perfect for anglers looking to take home dinner.
Time to Book Your Spot
Capt. Ward Michaels has been putting anglers on fish in these waters for years, and his reputation speaks for itself. At $850 for two anglers, you're getting a full day with a top-rated guide who knows how to find fish and put you on them. The fact that he can accommodate up to 4 people makes it perfect for buddy trips or family outings. With all gear included and multiple boat options to match conditions, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. Chokoloskee's prime fishing grounds don't fish themselves – you need someone who understands the tides, the structure, and the seasonal patterns. Book your trip with Michaels Hunting and Fishing and get ready for a day of world-class fishing in one of Florida's most productive backcountry fisheries.