Full Day Family Fishing Trip In Chokoloskee, FL
Looking for a fishing adventure the whole family can enjoy? Captain Ward Michaels has you covered with this top-rated 8-hour inshore fishing trip that's perfect for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Operating out of Chokoloskee, you'll be fishing some of the most productive waters in South Florida, including the pristine backcountry of Everglades National Park. This isn't your typical crowded charter - Ward focuses on creating a relaxed, educational experience where kids and adults alike can learn proper fishing techniques while targeting some of the area's most sought-after gamefish.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early from Chokoloskee, where you'll meet Captain Ward and get familiar with your fishing platform for the day. Depending on conditions and group size, you'll be aboard either a spacious 21-foot Hewes Redfisher, a shallow-running 17.8-foot Hells Bay, or a stable 16-foot Lowe Roughneck. All three boats are specifically chosen for their stability and comfort - crucial when you've got kids on board who are learning to cast and fight fish. The Hewes Redfisher is particularly popular with families thanks to its roomy cockpit and excellent sight-fishing capabilities. Ward provides all the tackle you'll need, from light spinning gear perfect for smaller hands to medium-action rods that can handle the bigger fish you might encounter. Live bait, artificial lures, and all terminal tackle are included, so you can focus on fishing rather than rigging lines.
Techniques and Terrain
The waters around Chokoloskee and Everglades National Park offer some of the most diverse inshore fishing in Florida. You'll be working everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise in skinny water to deeper mangrove shorelines where snook ambush baitfish. Ward employs a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what the fish are doing. Sight-fishing is huge here - there's nothing like watching a kid's face light up when they see their first tailing redfish. You'll also do plenty of casting to structure, working live shrimp or pinfish around oyster bars and mangrove roots where snook love to hide. When the tide is right, you might find yourself drifting grass flats with soft plastics, feeling for that telltale thump of a sea trout. The beauty of this fishery is its variety - if one technique isn't producing, Ward knows a dozen others to try. The shallow-draft boats allow access to areas larger vessels can't reach, giving you shots at fish in pristine, undisturbed environments.
Target Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the bread and butter of Chokoloskee fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are found year-round in the area's shallow flats and mangrove creeks. They're perfect for families because they fight hard but aren't too overwhelming for younger anglers. Reds typically range from 18 to 30 inches in these waters, with the occasional oversized "bull" red that'll test everyone's mettle. What makes them special is their willingness to eat just about anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificial lures all work. The sight-fishing opportunities are world-class, especially during cooler months when schools of reds cruise the flats in gin-clear water.
Snook fishing around Chokoloskee is legendary among inshore anglers. These ambush predators lurk around mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and creek mouths, waiting to slam unsuspecting baitfish. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - expect jumps, head shakes, and powerful runs toward structure. Peak snook fishing typically occurs during warmer months, though they can be caught year-round. What makes snook fishing so addictive is their finicky nature - they can be incredibly picky one day and eat everything in sight the next. Ward knows all the local honey holes where these silver-sided gamefish congregate.
Sea Trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are another customer favorite that's perfect for family trips. These spotted beauties are excellent table fare and relatively easy for kids to handle. They typically hang out over grass flats and sandy bottoms, making them accessible targets throughout the day. Trout fishing peaks during spring and fall months when water temperatures are ideal, but you can find them year-round in deeper holes and channels. They respond well to live shrimp under popping corks - a technique that's easy for beginners to master and produces consistent action.
While not guaranteed, the possibility of hooking into a Tarpon adds serious excitement to every trip. These "silver kings" are the holy grail of inshore fishing, capable of growing over 100 pounds and launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. Juvenile tarpon in the 20-50 pound range are more common in the backcountry waters you'll be fishing. They're most active during warmer months and are often found rolling in deeper channels or around creek mouths. Even a small tarpon provides a fight you'll never forget - their gill-rattling jumps and bulldog runs will test both your tackle and your nerves.
Time to Book Your Spot
At $850 for up to two guests with room for four total, this full-day adventure offers outstanding value for a premium fishing experience. Captain Ward's reputation for putting families on fish while maintaining a safe, educational environment makes this one of the most sought-after charters in the area. The combination of top-quality boats, expert local knowledge, and access to some of Florida's most pristine fishing grounds creates memories that'll last a lifetime. Don't wait - the best dates fill up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons. Whether you're introducing kids to the sport or looking for a relaxing day away from the crowds, this Chokoloskee fishing trip delivers the perfect blend of