Everglades Fishing Charters with Mike Merritt
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday fishing adventure targeting Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and SeatroutExpert guides provide 8hour trips for maximum three guestsJanuary through June season covers prime feeding patterns
The Everglades backcountry is where serious anglers come to test their skills against some of Florida's most prized gamefish. With Mike Merritt's Native Guide Service, you'll get an authentic full-day fishing adventure that puts you right in the heart of this legendary fishery. We're talking about an 8-hour charter that targets the Big Four – Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and Seatrout – in waters that most folks only dream about fishing. This isn't your typical tourist trip; it's a real fishing experience designed for anglers who want to catch fish and learn the ins and outs of Everglades fishing from someone who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Your day starts early because that's when the fish are most active in these shallow waters. We'll spend a full 8 hours working the best spots based on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately. The beauty of fishing the Everglades is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in knee-deep water, the next you're working a deeper channel for seatrout or waiting for a tarpon to roll. The scenery changes constantly too, from wide-open bays to narrow creeks lined with mangroves. You'll see why this place is considered one of the top-rated fishing destinations in the world. We keep groups small – just three anglers max – so everyone gets plenty of individual attention and rod time. Don't worry about bringing lunch; you'll want to focus on fishing, and there are plenty of spots to grab food after we get back to the dock.
We fish both live bait and artificials depending on what the fish want that day. Live shrimp and pinfish are deadly on redfish and seatrout, while DOA shrimp and spoons work great when you want to cover water quickly. For tarpon, we'll step up to heavier tackle and use live crabs or mullet. The key to successful Everglades fishing is reading the water and understanding how these fish behave in different conditions. Shallow flats require a stealthy approach – we'll pole quietly into position and make accurate casts to specific targets. In deeper areas, we can use the trolling motor and work structure like oyster bars and channel edges. I'll teach you how to spot fish in the clear water, read bird activity, and identify the subtle signs that separate productive water from dead zones. We provide all the gear you need, from light spinning tackle for seatrout to heavy baitcasters for tarpon battles.
Snook are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing, and these ambush predators love to hang around structure. Look for them under docks, along mangrove shorelines, and near any kind of current break. They're incredibly aggressive when feeding but can be finicky when pressured. The best action typically happens during moving water, especially on the falling tide when baitfish get pushed out of the shallows. Snook hit hard and fight dirty, using their razor-sharp gill plates and any nearby structure to cut you off. A good slot snook in the 20 to 28-inch range will give you a battle you won't forget.
Tarpon are the silver kings of the Everglades, and even the smaller fish we catch here – typically 20 to 60 pounds – will test your tackle and your patience. These prehistoric fish have been swimming these waters for millions of years, and they know every trick in the book. Tarpon fishing is about timing; they move through the area in schools following bait and temperature changes. When you hook one, get ready for a jumping, tail-walking fight that can last 20 minutes or more. The smaller tarpon are actually scrappier than the big ones – they'll jump more and run harder relative to their size.
Seatrout are perfect for anglers who want steady action and excellent table fare. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs where they can ambush shrimp and small fish. They're aggressive biters and great fighters on light tackle. The Everglades produces some monster trout, with fish over 20 inches fairly common during the cooler months. They school up in winter, making for fast action when you find them. Trout fishing is also a great way to learn the basics of reading water and understanding how structure affects fish behavior.
Redfish might be the most exciting fish to target in the Everglades because you can actually see them working the shallows. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats looking for crabs and shrimp, often with their tails or backs exposed. Sight-fishing for reds is like hunting – you have to spot them, get into position, make an accurate cast, and present your bait naturally. When a big red inhales your offering in two feet of crystal-clear water, it's fishing at its finest. These fish average 18 to 27 inches in the slot, but we catch plenty of oversized bulls that will drag you into the backing.
The Everglades fishing season runs strong from January through June, with each month offering something different. Early season brings cooler water and aggressive fish, while late spring heats up the tarpon bite. Weather can change quickly out here, but that's part of what makes each trip unique. This $1000 full-day charter represents serious value when you consider the quality of the fishery, the personalized attention, and the knowledge you'll gain about fishing these waters. Mike's been guiding these waters for years, and his repeat customers will tell you there's a reason they keep coming back. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to cross some species off your list or someone who wants to experience world-class fishing in one of Florida's most pristine environments, this charter delivers. The Everglades won
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect sight-fishing target in the Everglades shallow water. These bronze beauties with their distinctive black spots typically run 20-32 inches and put up a serious scrap. Look for them tailing in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, mangrove edges, and grass flats. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter months are stellar when they school up in big numbers. What makes reds special is you can actually see them before you cast - their copper backs and tails sticking out of shallow water. They fight hard with strong runs and rarely jump, just bulldog determination. Plus they're fantastic eating with a sweet, mild flavor. The trick is staying quiet and making accurate casts ahead of cruising fish. A gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp worked slowly along the bottom usually seals the deal.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing, especially during our cooler months. These speckled beauties typically run 14-20 inches with some reaching 24+ inches. They cruise grass flats and sand holes in 3-8 feet of water, often in small schools. Winter and early spring are prime time when they stack up in the deeper pockets and channels. Trout are perfect for families - they bite readily and don't require heavy tackle. They make great table fare too, with sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The key is finding the right depth where the water temperature is most comfortable for them. My go-to technique is drifting live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds. Keep the boat moving until you find the school, then work that area thoroughly.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier inshore gamefish, and the Everglades offer some of the best action around. These sleek predators typically run 18-30 inches, though trophy fish over 35 inches aren't uncommon in our waters. You'll find them ambushing prey around mangrove shorelines, creek mouths, and oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. They love structure and current breaks where they can surprise baitfish. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make blistering runs that test your drag. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. Pro tip: cast your live shrimp or jig just upcurrent from a mangrove overhang and let it drift naturally into the strike zone.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is what dreams are made of out here in the Everglades. These prehistoric giants average 80-150 pounds but can push over 200. You'll spot them rolling in the deeper channels, around creek mouths, and along the backcountry flats in 6-15 feet of water. Late spring into summer is when they show up in big numbers, following the mullet runs and warmer water. What hooks every angler is watching a 100-pound fish launch itself 6 feet out of the water - pure adrenaline. They're not great table fare, so we practice catch and release to preserve these ancient fish. The fight can last an hour with multiple jumps and long runs. Here's the key: when you hook up, bow to the king by lowering your rod tip when they jump - it prevents them from throwing the hook on a tight line.
Everglades City, FL