Back Country Redfish, Snook, Tarpon
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Target redfish, snook, tarpon in remote backcountry watersFull day charter accommodates two anglers maximumExpert guide access to rarely fished Everglades areas
Looking for a fishing trip that'll put your skills to the test? This full-day back country charter takes you deep into Florida's most productive skinny water around Flamingo and the 10,000 Islands. We're talking about those wild, untouched spots where the big fish live – places you'd never find without a guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in Florida: redfish, snook, tarpon, sea trout, and if we're lucky, maybe even some bonefish. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip. We're heading into the real deal back country where the fish are spooky, the water's shallow, and every cast counts.
This is pure Florida back country fishing at its finest. We'll launch early and spend the day working our way through mangrove creeks, grass flats, and oyster bars where these fish love to hunt. The 10,000 Islands and Flamingo area offer some of the most diverse fishing in South Florida – one minute you're sight-casting to a laid-up tarpon in three feet of water, the next you're working a redfish that's tailing in the shallows. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but when you add in world-class fishing opportunities, it becomes something special. We keep our groups small at just two anglers max, so you'll get personalized attention and plenty of rod time. Don't worry about bringing gear – we've got you covered with top-quality tackle suited for these conditions. Just bring your enthusiasm and maybe some snacks since we don't provide meals on this charter.
Back country fishing is all about finesse and reading the water. We'll be using light tackle – mostly spinning gear with 10-20 pound test – because these fish are easily spooked in shallow water. Artificial lures are our go-to: soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons work great depending on conditions and what we're seeing. Sometimes we'll throw live bait when the fish are being picky, especially for snook around structure. The key to success out here is staying quiet and making accurate casts. We'll be poling through shallow areas, so stealth is everything. You'll learn to read the water – looking for subtle signs like nervous baitfish, swirls, or the telltale red flash of a redfish's tail. The flats we fish range from knee-deep to barely enough water to float the boat, so sight fishing is a big part of what we do. When conditions are right, you'll actually see these fish before you cast to them, which makes for some pretty intense fishing.
Redfish: These copper-colored fighters are the bread and butter of back country fishing. Redfish in this area typically run 18-30 inches, with slot-sized fish being the most common. They're most active during moving tides, especially around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. What makes reds so exciting is their aggressive nature – they'll crush a well-placed soft plastic or topwater lure with authority. Fall and winter months are prime time when they school up in big numbers.
Snook: The most coveted inshore species in Florida, and for good reason. These ambush predators love structure – downed trees, mangrove overhangs, and creek mouths. They're moody fish that can be incredibly challenging, which makes landing one that much more rewarding. Snook hit hard and jump like crazy, plus they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black lateral line. Summer months during their spawn are typically best, but we catch them year-round in the back country.
Tarpon: The silver king doesn't get much better than this. Back country tarpon fishing means shots at fish ranging from juvenile 10-pounders to mature fish over 100 pounds. These fish are pure adrenaline – when a tarpon eats your lure and goes airborne, there's nothing like it in fishing. They're most active in warmer months, and the back country offers opportunities to sight-cast to fish you can actually see rolling or laid up in shallow water.
Sea Trout: Don't overlook these spotted beauties. Sea trout are excellent eating and fight well for their size. They love grass flats and are often the most cooperative species when others are being finicky. Spring and fall are peak times, and they'll readily take both artificial lures and live bait. They're a great confidence-builder and often keep the action going between shots at bigger fish.
Bonefish: The ultimate sight-fishing challenge. While not as common as the other species, we do encounter bones on the flats, especially during warmer months. These silver ghosts are incredibly spooky and require perfect presentations. Landing a bonefish in Florida back country waters is a real trophy catch that many anglers never achieve.
This back country charter offers something you just can't get fishing from shore or on crowded party boats. We're talking about access to pristine waters where you might not see another boat all day, combined with shot opportunities at some of Florida's most prized gamefish. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to up your game or someone ready to step beyond basic fishing, this trip delivers. The variety keeps things interesting – you never know if the next cast might bring a freight-train redfish, an acrobatic snook, or a silver king that'll test your tackle to its limits. Our top-rated charter service has been putting anglers on fish in these waters for years, and we know where to find them when conditions line up. Customer favorite trips like this book up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Ready to test your skills in some of Florida's wildest fishing waters? Let's
Albula VulpesBonefish are the "gray ghosts" of the flats, typically 3-8 pounds with silver scales that make them nearly invisible. They cruise super shallow water hunting crabs and shrimp, often with tails slapping the surface while feeding. Best fishing is on incoming tides when they move onto the flats from deeper water. What makes them special is the challenge - they spook easily but when hooked, they'll rip 100 yards of line before you blink. Most anglers release them since they're bony and not great eating. The secret is spotting them first, then casting well ahead of their path. Use small shrimp patterns or light jigs, and whatever you do, don't splash your cast or move too fast - they're gone in a heartbeat.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our backcountry trips, averaging 20-35 inches with that signature black spot near the tail. They cruise super shallow flats - sometimes with backs out of water - around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds. Fall and spring are best, but they bite year-round. Guests love them because they eat everything, fight hard, and make great table fare with mild, sweet meat. You'll often see them "tailing" while feeding head-down in the shallows. The trick is staying quiet and making long, accurate casts ahead of moving fish. Use a gold spoon or DOA shrimp and work it slow. If you see nervous water or pushing wakes, get ready - that's usually redfish on the hunt.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," typically run 14-24 inches and love our grass flats in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - dawn, dusk, and overcast days are money. What guests love is their willingness to hit topwater plugs and the satisfying fight they put up. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish we target - white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The key is finding them over grass beds where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Here's what works: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. Let it sit still for 30 seconds, then give it two quick pops. That sound drives them crazy.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier game fish, running 1-4 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and structure in brackish water - they love ambush spots. Spring through fall are prime, especially around new and full moons when they spawn. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they jump and run toward cover. They're also excellent eating with white, flaky meat. Here's a tip: when you hook one near structure, keep steady pressure and try to turn their head away from cover immediately - they'll head straight for the nearest mangrove or piling to break you off if you give them slack.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" averages 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though they can hit 8 feet and 280 pounds. These prehistoric fish love shallow flats, channels, and deeper holes around the backcountry. Late spring through summer is peak season, especially around the full and new moon phases. What hooks anglers is watching a 100-pound fish launch itself 10 feet in the air - pure adrenaline. They're catch-and-release only since the meat isn't great, but the fight is legendary. My advice: when they jump, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to give slack, or they'll throw the hook on you every time. These fish have been around 125 million years, so show some respect.
Miami, FL