Full Day Chokoloskee Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour guided fishing adventure targeting tarpon, snook, and redfishExpert captain provides all equipment and local Everglades knowledgeMultiple boat options accommodate up to four anglers comfortably
When you're talking about world-class inshore fishing in Southwest Florida, Chokoloskee and the Everglades National Park sit at the top of every angler's bucket list. Captain Ward Michaels has been running these waters for years, and his full-day trips deliver exactly what serious fishermen are looking for – consistent action, prime fishing spots, and the chance to tangle with some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish. This 8-hour adventure targets the big four: tarpon, snook, redfish, and trout, all in their natural backwater habitat where they feed, fight, and test your skills like nowhere else.
Your day starts early with Captain Ward, who knows these waters like the back of his hand. You'll fish from one of three top-rated boats – the 21-foot Hewes Redfisher, 17.8-foot Hells Bay, or 16-foot Lowe Roughneck – each chosen for comfort and performance in shallow water fishing. The Everglades backcountry offers everything from open flats to mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and creek mouths where gamefish ambush baitfish. Captain Ward provides all rods, reels, tackle, and live bait, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat. The $850 rate covers two anglers for the full day, and you can bring up to two additional friends for just $50 each, making this a customer favorite for small groups.
Inshore fishing in Chokoloskee means adapting to conditions and fish behavior throughout the day. You'll work with live shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish under popping corks near structure, or switch to artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs when fish are actively feeding. Captain Ward sets you up with medium to medium-heavy spinning gear that handles everything from 20-inch trout to 100-pound tarpon. The shallow draft boats let you access skinny water flats where redfish tail and snook hide under mangrove overhangs. Depending on tides and season, you might sight-cast to cruising fish, work deep holes during slack tide, or target moving water where bait gets pushed around creek bends. The variety keeps things interesting and productive all day long.
Snook remain the most popular target among returning customers, and for good reason. These aggressive ambush predators love the mangrove shorelines and dock pilings throughout Chokoloskee Bay. They hit hard, jump often, and put up a fight that'll test your drag system. Look for them around structure during moving water, especially early morning and late afternoon. Slot-sized fish run 28 to 33 inches, with bigger bruisers lurking in deeper holes and passes. The best action happens during warmer months when they're most active, though winter fishing can produce trophy-class fish for patient anglers.
Redfish cruise these flats year-round, offering some of the most exciting sight-fishing opportunities in South Florida. These copper-colored bulls range from schooling rat reds to oversized fish pushing 30-plus inches. Watch for their dark shadows moving across sandy bottoms or their distinctive tails when they're rooting around oyster bars. Redfish aren't picky eaters, but they're smart – a good presentation near their nose usually triggers an aggressive strike. The Everglades backcountry holds both juvenile fish and mature breeders, making every cast a potential trophy opportunity.
Tarpon fishing reaches legendary status in these waters, particularly during spring and summer migrations. The "silver king" offers the ultimate inshore challenge – these fish can exceed six feet and 100 pounds, testing every aspect of your tackle and technique. Juvenile tarpon live in the backcountry year-round, providing action when the big schools aren't around. When you hook one, expect multiple jumps, long runs, and a battle that can last 30 minutes or more. Even experienced anglers get their hearts racing when a tarpon comes completely out of the water next to the boat.
Sea trout provide consistent action throughout the year, especially over grass flats and around creek mouths. These spotted beauties hit soft plastics, live shrimp, and topwater lures with enthusiasm. While they don't fight as hard as snook or redfish, trout often save the day when other species aren't cooperating. The Everglades holds both speckled trout and their larger cousin, the sand trout, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 15-inchers to occasional "gator" trout exceeding five pounds. They're also excellent table fare, making them a practical choice for anglers who like to take fish home.
Captain Ward's full-day Chokoloskee trips book up quickly, especially during peak fishing season from fall through spring. The combination of his local knowledge, quality boats, and access to Everglades National Park waters creates an experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Whether you're a seasoned saltwater angler or new to inshore fishing, this 8-hour adventure offers the perfect mix of action, scenery, and professional guiding. The all-inclusive approach means you just need to bring sunscreen, snacks, and drinks – everything else is handled. With world-class fishing literally minutes from the dock and four different species to target, your biggest problem will be deciding which fish was the highlight of your day.
Step aboard the 21' Hewes Redfisher and feel the difference that quality makes on the water. This dedicated fishing platform combines the power of a reliable Yamaha 250 outboard with the shallow-draft design that Everglades backcountry fishing demands. The Redfisher's stable hull cuts through choppy water with ease while running whisper-quiet across skinny flats where trophy redfish and snook feed. Built specifically for sight fishing, the spacious deck layout gives you plenty of room to cast while the elevated poling platform puts your captain in perfect position to spot fish in the gin-clear shallows. Whether you're working mangrove shorelines or drifting grass beds, this boat delivers the performance and comfort needed for productive eight-hour days chasing gamefish in Chokoloskee's legendary waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our backwater fishing, running anywhere from 18-35 inches in these parts. You'll spot them by those distinctive black spots near the tail and that bronze-red coloring. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them tailing on oyster bars, grass flats, and around mangrove shorelines. They're year-round residents but fish best during fall and spring when they're most active. What makes reds special is their power - they'll peel drag and make long runs into the backing. Plus they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters either, taking everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. My go-to trick: when you see one tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and work your bait slowly back to them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are probably the most reliable fish we catch in these waters. They average 14-18 inches but can push 5-6 pounds when we find the right spots. Look for them over grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around potholes and drop-offs. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods. What guests love about trout is they're willing biters that fight well for their size, plus they make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for a fish fry. They school up, so once you find one, there's usually more around. Soft plastics and live shrimp work best. The key is staying quiet - trout are easily spooked by boat noise. Here's what works: anchor upwind of a grass flat and cast into the current, letting your bait drift naturally over the grass.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are some of the smartest fish you'll encounter in these waters. They typically run 18-28 inches around here, with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color that makes them easy to spot. These fish love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where the current brings them food. They're ambush predators with serious speed when they strike. Best fishing is dawn and dusk, especially during the warmer months when they're most active. What makes snook special is their fight - they'll jump, run, and use every trick to throw your hook. The meat is outstanding too, flaky white fillets that taste great. Here's a local tip: when you see them lurking in the shadows, cast your bait just upcurrent and let it drift naturally past them. Force the bite and they'll spook every time.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate prize fish in these waters - the "silver king" that can reach 6 feet and 150+ pounds. You'll find them rolling in the deeper channels, around the backcountry flats, and near creek mouths throughout the warmer months. They're prehistoric fish that can gulp air at the surface, which is often how we spot them. What makes tarpon fishing special is their acrobatics - they'll launch themselves completely out of the water multiple times during a fight. Most anglers come here specifically for that first jump. The fight can last an hour on a big fish. We practice catch and release since they're not great eating due to all the bones. Best months are May through July when they're migrating through. My tip: when one jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - it prevents the line from breaking on their gill plates.
Chokoloskee, FL