Seafoam Charters Everglades City FL | 3 Hour Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour inshore fishing trips targeting multiple species dailyExpert Captain Slade guides anglers of all skill levelsSmall group experience accommodates maximum two guests
Captain Slade knows these Everglades City waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard his boat for a 3-hour fishing adventure, you're getting a front-row seat to some of Florida's best inshore action. Whether you're rolling out of bed for a morning trip or looking to cap off your afternoon with some serious fishing, this charter puts you right where the fish are biting. The pristine waters around Everglades City hold everything from hard-fighting snook to massive tarpon, and with just 2 anglers max per trip, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an amazing one.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience. With only 2 guests per charter, Captain Slade can focus on what you want to catch and adjust tactics on the fly based on conditions and your skill level. The 3-hour window gives you enough time to hit multiple spots without feeling rushed, and trust me, that flexibility is key in these waters. One minute you might be working structure for snook, the next you could be sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water. The Everglades backcountry offers endless possibilities, from mangrove shorelines where snook ambush baitfish to grass flats where seatrout cruise in schools. Captain Slade reads the water like a book - tide, wind, temperature, and seasonal patterns all factor into where you'll be fishing. Morning trips often start slow and build momentum as the sun warms the water, while afternoon charters can be pure fire when fish are actively feeding before sunset.
Captain Slade will have you dialed in on the techniques that produce fish in these waters. Live bait fishing is huge here - nothing beats a frisky shrimp or pinfish when snook are hugging the mangroves or tarpon are rolling on the surface. You'll learn proper bait presentation, how to work structure without getting hung up, and when to let the fish run versus when to put pressure on them. Artificial lures play a big role too, especially when targeting redfish and seatrout on the flats. Soft plastics rigged weedless, topwater plugs that create surface commotion, and spoons that flash in the sunlight all have their place in the arsenal. The captain provides all tackle and gear, but he's also happy to show you the ropes if you bring your own setup. Reading the water becomes second nature when you fish with someone who's been doing it for years - you'll start noticing subtle color changes that indicate depth, how birds diving means baitfish are getting pushed to the surface, and why certain tide stages make fish more aggressive.
Snook are the bread and butter of Everglades City fishing, and these ambush predators know how to put up a fight. They love hanging around docks, mangrove overhangs, and bridge pilings where they can dart out to nail unsuspecting baitfish. What makes snook so addictive is their explosive strike and acrobatic jumps - they'll go airborne multiple times trying to throw your hook. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're most active, but even winter snook fishing can be productive on sunny afternoons. These fish are smart and spooky, so precise casting and quiet boat handling make all the difference.
Grey snapper might not be the flashiest fish, but they're absolutely delicious and surprisingly scrappy for their size. They school up around structure like rock piles, ledges, and artificial reefs where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. What guests love about snapper fishing is the consistent action - when you find a school, you can often catch multiple fish before they wise up. They're also excellent table fare, making them perfect for anglers who want to take home dinner. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with larger fish moving into shallower water during spawning periods.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon in these waters. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws designed for crushing crabs and oysters, which means they fight like freight trains once hooked. What makes drum fishing exciting is the anticipation - you might feel gentle taps as they mouth the bait, then suddenly your rod doubles over as they realize they're hooked. Winter and spring offer the best drum fishing when larger fish move into shallower water. They're not the prettiest fish, but their pulling power and the challenge of landing them in structure-filled water keeps anglers coming back.
Tarpon are the ultimate gamefish - the silver king that every angler dreams about hooking. These prehistoric giants can exceed 100 pounds and will test every ounce of your strength and skill. When a tarpon eats your bait and goes airborne, shaking its massive head and gill plates, you'll understand why people travel from around the world just for a chance at one. The Everglades see tarpon year-round, but peak season runs from April through July when large schools migrate through the area. Even smaller tarpon in the 20-40 pound range will humble experienced anglers with their jumping ability and stamina.
Redfish have become legends in the sight-fishing world, and the shallow flats around Everglades City are prime real estate for these copper-colored bruisers. Watching a red drum cruise the shallows with its back out of water, then seeing it turn and crush your lure is pure adrenaline. They're year-round residents that grow big and fat in these nutrient-rich waters, with fish over 40 inches not uncommon. What makes reds so popular is their willingness to eat both live bait and artificials, plus they fight harder pound-for-pound than almost any other inshore species. Fall and spring offer peak action when they school up in
Get ready to fish the legendary Everglades flats aboard our restored 2007 Shallow Sport skiff! This nimble 18-footer cuts through skinny water like butter, powered by a dependable 115HP Suzuki that'll get you to the hot spots fast. With room for just two anglers plus Captain Slade, you'll have plenty of casting space to work those mangrove edges and grass beds where snook, redfish, and tarpon love to prowl. The shallow draft design lets us sneak into backcountry spots bigger boats can't touch. Equipped with fish finder technology to locate schools, wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches, GPS navigation, VHF radio, and an icebox to keep your drinks cold while you're hunting that trophy catch. This boat means business in the Everglades backcountry.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldozers of the flats - powerful fish that'll give you a serious workout. Around here they typically run 5-30 pounds, though we've seen monsters pushing 50-60 pounds. You'll find them on shallow muddy flats, around oyster bars, and near creek mouths where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time, especially during spawning season when they school up and you can actually hear them drumming underwater. These fish are all about the fight - they use that deep body and strong tail to pull hard and steady. The smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but the big ones get tough and wormy. Best bet is fresh crab bait fished right on the bottom. Pro tip: use circle hooks and let them eat it - don't set the hook hard or you'll pull it away from them. Patience pays off with drum.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, or mangrove snappers as we call them locally, are smart fish that'll test your patience. Most run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds around the docks and mangroves, though we catch some nice 3-4 pounders in deeper water. They hang around structure - docks, mangrove roots, rocks, anywhere they can ambush prey. These guys are opportunistic feeders but spook easily, so stealth is key. They bite best at dawn, dusk, and night when they feel more comfortable coming out to feed. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. My go-to trick is using a small 4J hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail. Let it sink to the bottom, reel up just a bit to avoid snags, then wait patiently - no jerky movements or you'll spook them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter species - reliable, fun to catch, and great eating. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but we see plenty of oversized bulls in the 30-40 inch range. Look for them tailing in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. That distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up in big numbers. Redfish are aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. They make strong runs but don't jump like tarpon. The smaller slot fish are excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. My favorite technique is sight fishing with gold spoons or topwater lures early morning. When you see that red back and black spot, cast ahead of them and work your lure past their nose. They rarely refuse a well-placed offering.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets around Everglades City. These sleek silver fish with their signature black lateral line typically run 1-3 feet, though the big females can push 4 feet. You'll find them cruising mangrove shorelines, creek mouths, and dock pilings in both salt and brackish water. They love structure and ambush points. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. Snook are fighters - they'll make powerful runs and try to cut your line on structure. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: fish the falling tide around creek mouths with live shrimp or pinfish. Keep your drag loose because they'll bolt for cover the second they feel the hook.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the holy grail of fishing - pure adrenaline on a line. These silver kings average 80-100 pounds but can hit 200+ pounds and 6 feet long. Around Everglades City, we find them rolling in the backcountry channels, along mangrove edges, and in the deeper holes during their spring and summer migration. May through August is peak season when they're most active. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size - it's those spectacular jumps. They'll launch 6-8 feet out of the water, shaking their heads trying to throw the hook. Most folks practice catch and release since they don't eat well. The fight can last 30 minutes or more on lighter tackle. Key tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip at them. This gives slack so they can't use their weight to break your line. Use live bait and be ready for the ride of your life.
Everglades City, FL