Expert Guided Inshore Fishing with Captain Slade Johnson
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target snook, tarpon, redfish in Ten Thousand Islands watersCaptain Slade provides tackle, license, and expert guidance includedIntimate 2guest capacity on 18foot Shallow Sport boat
Looking for some serious inshore action in Southwest Florida? Captain Slade Johnson runs one of the most productive fishing operations out of Everglades City, putting you right in the heart of the legendary Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades National Park backcountry. His 18' Shallow Sport is built to get into those skinny water spots where the big fish hang out, and with 3 to 6-hour trip options, you can tailor your day to match your schedule and fishing goals. This isn't your typical tourist charter – Captain Slade knows these waters like the back of his hand and specializes in targeting the species that make South Florida fishing world-class. Whether you're after a bucket-list tarpon or looking to fill the cooler with snapper and redfish, this trip delivers the goods.
Captain Slade keeps things simple and focused on fishing. You'll launch from Everglades City and head into the maze of mangrove islands, oyster bars, and grass flats that make up this incredible ecosystem. The 18' Shallow Sport is perfect for this type of fishing – it drafts barely a foot of water, so you can get back into places where other boats can't go. That's where the fish are, especially the snook and redfish that love to ambush bait around structure. The vibe is laid-back but serious about putting fish in the boat. Captain Slade provides all your tackle, takes care of the fishing license, and keeps bottled water on board. All you need is a hat, sunscreen, and maybe some snacks if you're doing a longer trip. The boat maxes out at two anglers, which means more personal attention and better fishing for everyone.
This is backcountry inshore fishing at its finest. You'll be working with live bait, artificial lures, and whatever Captain Slade thinks will produce based on the conditions. The techniques vary with the target species – sight fishing for tailing redfish on the flats, working topwater plugs around mangrove shorelines for snook, or dropping live shrimp near structure for black drum and snapper. The Ten Thousand Islands area is a labyrinth of cuts, creeks, and hidden pockets that hold fish year-round. Captain Slade knows which spots to hit based on the tide, time of year, and what's been producing lately. You might be casting to visible fish in two feet of water one minute, then working deeper holes and channels the next. The shallow draft capability of the Shallow Sport means you can follow the fish wherever they go, from the shallowest flats to the deeper passes where tarpon roll.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and Captain Slade knows how to find them. These fish are aggressive predators that love to ambush prey around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars. They're most active during the warmer months and can range from slot-sized fish around 28 inches up to trophy specimens over 40 inches. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight – they'll jump, run, and do everything they can to throw the hook. The gill-rattling sound they make when hooked is music to any angler's ears.
Redfish are another customer favorite and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are built like trucks and fight accordingly. In the Everglades backcountry, you'll find reds ranging from schooling fish in the 18-24 inch range up to bull reds pushing 40 inches and 30+ pounds. They're year-round residents, though fall and winter tend to produce the biggest fish. Redfish are sight fishing at its best – watching a big red cruise the shallows and getting the perfect cast in front of it never gets old.
Tarpon fishing in the Everglades is legendary, and Captain Slade has the skills to put you on these silver kings. While the massive migratory fish get most of the attention, the resident tarpon in the 30-80 pound range provide incredible action year-round. These fish are pure adrenaline – the initial jump when you hook one is something you'll never forget. They're strong, acrobatic, and will test every bit of your tackle and technique.
Grey snapper are excellent table fare and great fun on light tackle. They're structure-oriented fish that love oyster bars, rock piles, and mangrove edges. Captain Slade knows exactly where to find the bigger snapper, often in 8-15 feet of water around hard bottom areas. They're smart fish that require finesse, but when you find a good school, the action can be non-stop.
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of the inshore world. These fish can grow huge in the Everglades system, with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon. They're bottom feeders that love crabs and shrimp, and they put up a bulldog fight that will test your endurance. Spring is prime time for big drum, though they're catchable year-round in the right spots.
Captain Slade's operation is the real deal – a working charter that focuses on results rather than flash. The 18' Shallow Sport gives you access to water that bigger boats simply can't reach, and Captain Slade's local knowledge puts you on fish consistently. With everything included except your personal items, it's a hassle-free way to experience some of the best inshore fishing in Florida. The flexible trip lengths mean you can make it work whether you've got a half day or want to spend a full day on the water. Don't sleep on booking – the good captains in this area stay busy, especially during peak season.
Captain Slade's 18-foot Shallow Sport Classic is perfect for navigating the backcountry waters around Ten Thousand Islands. This restored 2007 center console runs on a dependable 115HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fishing grounds quickly, hitting speeds up to 35 knots when conditions allow. The boat's shallow draft design lets you slip into those skinny water spots where snook and redfish like to hang out. You'll have everything needed for a productive day on the water - the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working the mangroves. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. GPS navigation ensures safe travel through the maze of islands and channels that make up this fishery. With room for two anglers plus the captain, there's plenty of space to cast without getting tangled up.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of our shallow waters, and they'll test your drag system for sure. Most weigh 5-30 pounds, but we've seen them push 50+ pounds in deeper holes. Look for them around oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. After that, they scatter and get trickier. What's cool is you can actually hear them "drumming" underwater during spawning season. They're great fighters that use their size and strength, plus the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make good eating. My go-to technique: fish fresh crab chunks on the bottom with enough weight to hold in current. The key is patience - they're not speed demons.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as we call them locally, are smart fish that make every hookup feel earned. Most run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds in our shallow waters, though you might land a 3-4 pounder if you're lucky. They hang around docks, mangroves, and any structure that gives them cover to ambush prey. Being night feeders, dawn and dusk are prime time, but they'll bite during the day if you're patient. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters and excellent table fare with that white, flaky meat. They're also abundant year-round here. Pro tip: use live shrimp on a 4J hook and let it sit still on the bottom - don't jig it around. These guys are opportunistic but spook easily with too much movement.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are probably our most reliable species and perfect for anglers of all skill levels. They typically run 18-28 inches in our shallow waters, with that copper-red back and distinctive black spots near the tail. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What guests love is their steady, bulldogging fight and excellent eating quality with that mild, sweet flavor. They're not picky eaters either, hitting everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. My favorite technique: work a gold spoon over shallow grass flats. The flash drives them crazy, and you'll get some explosive topwater strikes.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are hands down one of our favorite targets in these waters. They average 1-3 feet but can push 4 feet, with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. You'll find them hugging mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. They love both salt and fresh water, which makes our backcountry perfect for them. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're spawning. What makes them special? They fight like bass on steroids with those powerful tail kicks, plus they're great eating. Here's a tip that works every time - cast your lure past the structure and work it back parallel to the cover. They hit hard from the side.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - there's nothing like watching a 100-pound silver king explode out of the water right next to the boat. Most we see run 80-150 pounds and 4-6 feet, but they can hit 200+ pounds. They cruise our shallow flats, channels, and around the passes, often rolling on the surface. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through. What makes them special isn't the eating (we release them all) - it's that raw power and those aerial shows. They'll jump repeatedly, trying to throw the hook. The fight can last an hour on bigger fish. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip. It gives them slack so they can't use their weight against the hook. Live bait works best, but sight-casting flies on the flats is pure magic.
Naples