Private 3 Hour Bass Fishing Trip - Florida Everglades
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Target largemouth bass and peacock bass in Florida EvergladesAll equipment and live bait provided on equipped boatPerfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike
Looking for a fishing adventure that's off the beaten path? This 3-hour bass fishing charter takes you deep into the Florida Everglades, where freshwater canals and hidden pockets hold some of the state's most diverse fish populations. You'll be targeting everything from chunky largemouth bass to colorful peacock bass, plus exotic species like Mayan cichlids and oscars that most anglers never get to fight. Whether you're new to fishing or you've been chasing bass for decades, the Everglades delivers non-stop action in scenery you won't find anywhere else. Captain Weekley knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish while sharing stories about this unique ecosystem that's been his fishing playground for years.
Your adventure starts on a fully rigged 21-foot Skeeter bass boat that's built for navigating the Everglades' shallow waters and tight channels. This isn't your typical lake fishing trip – you'll be cruising through canals lined with sawgrass, past alligators sunning on the banks, and into pockets where the water barely covers the boat's prop. The diversity here is what makes it special. One cast you might hook a 5-pound largemouth, the next a brilliant orange peacock bass that fights like it's twice its size. Captain Weekley provides all your gear, tackle, and live bait, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about what lures to bring. The boat's equipped with a cooler to keep your drinks cold and any fish you want to take home fresh. Just remember to grab your Florida freshwater fishing license before you arrive – you'll need it if you're 16 or older.
Everglades fishing is all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day. Captain Weekley keeps multiple rod setups ready – spinning gear for finesse presentations when fish are finicky, baitcasting rigs for working heavier cover, and everything in between. You'll likely throw both artificials and live bait during your trip. Topwater plugs can produce explosive strikes from peacock bass in the early morning, while live shiners freelined near structure often trigger monster largemouth. The key here is reading the water and adjusting your approach. Some spots require precise casts tight to overhanging mangroves where bass ambush prey. Others call for working soft plastics through submerged grass beds where exotic species like oscars hang out. The boat's trolling motor lets you position quietly for those money shots, and the shallow draft means you can access areas that bigger boats can't reach.
Largemouth Bass - These are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing, and they grow fat feeding on the abundant forage in these nutrient-rich waters. Everglades largemouth average 2-4 pounds, but don't be surprised when you hook into a 6-7 pounder that's built like a football. They're most active during cooler parts of the day and love to ambush bait from heavy cover. What makes catching them here special is the setting – landing a quality bass while surrounded by this wild landscape beats any manicured lake experience.
Peacock Bass - Originally from South America, these colorful fighters have made the Everglades their home and provide some of the most exciting action you'll find in Florida freshwater. They're aggressive predators that hit lures hard and jump repeatedly when hooked. Peacocks typically run 1-3 pounds here, but their fight-to-weight ratio is off the charts. They prefer rocky areas and canal walls where they can corner baitfish. Fall through spring offers the best peacock action when water temperatures drop into their comfort zone.
Oscar - These South American natives are like underwater bulldogs – thick, powerful fish that test your drag system. Oscars can reach 2-3 pounds in the Everglades and they're surprisingly smart, often requiring a subtle presentation to fool. They're most active in warmer months and tend to hang around structure where they can find crawfish and smaller fish. Catching an oscar is always a treat because they're beautiful fish with distinct personalities, and they put up a determined fight that's different from any native species.
Alligator Gar - The dinosaurs of the Everglades, alligator gar are prehistoric predators that can reach impressive sizes in these waters. They're ambush hunters with rows of sharp teeth and an ancient appearance that makes every encounter memorable. Gar fishing requires patience since they often mouth bait before committing, but once hooked, they provide long, powerful runs and occasional jumps. They're most active in warmer months and can be found in deeper canal bends where they patrol for prey. Landing a big gar is a bucket-list experience that few anglers forget.
This Everglades bass fishing trip offers something you won't find on typical Florida charters – variety, scenery, and fish that fight like they've got something to prove. Captain Weekley's local knowledge and fully equipped Skeeter put you in position to catch multiple species while experiencing one of Florida's most unique environments. The 3-hour format is perfect for families, visiting anglers, or anyone wanting to sample what makes Everglades fishing special without committing to a full day. With gear, tackle, and bait included, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and that freshwater license. Book now and get ready to discover why anglers who fish the Everglades once usually can't stay away for long.
My 2020 Skeeter bass boat is built for serious Everglades fishing action. This 21-footer packs a 250HP Yamaha that'll cruise us to prime fishing spots at 72 mph, then we'll drop down to whisper-quiet with the wireless trolling motor when we're working the flats for those monster largemouth and colorful peacock bass. The boat's loaded with everything we need - fish finder to locate structure and schools, GPS to navigate the maze of channels, plus a bait tank to keep our live shiners frisky. Cold drinks stay ice-cold in the onboard cooler during those hot Florida afternoons. Three anglers fit comfortably with plenty of casting room. The shallow draft gets us into backcountry spots where the big fish hide, while the stable platform gives you solid footing whether you're sight-casting to cruising peacocks or working topwater baits along grass lines at dawn.
Atractosteus SpatulaThese prehistoric giants are the ultimate Everglades trophy - think armored torpedo with a mouth full of needle teeth. We're talking 4-6 feet long and 100+ pounds of pure muscle wrapped in bone-hard scales. They cruise deep river bends and backwaters, coming up to gulp air since they can breathe both above and below water. Late summer during hot, dry spells is when they're most active and easier to locate. What draws anglers is the sheer size and that ancient look - they're living dinosaurs that put up a legendary fight. The challenge is hooking them right since those teeth will cut most lines. I always rig cut mullet or shad on heavy treble hooks with wire leaders, fishing deep near structure. Remember, these are catch-and-release only in Florida - it's illegal to keep them. But landing one is a memory that lasts forever.
Micropterus SalmoidesThe classic Everglades bass that made this place famous - olive-green with dark stripes and that huge mouth that opens past their eyes. These fish average 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, but the big mommas can go much heavier in our nutrient-rich waters. They love hanging around vegetation, fallen trees, and any structure where they can ambush prey. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active, but our year-round warm weather keeps them biting. What makes largemouth special is that explosive strike and the way they jump and fight once hooked. Plus they're excellent eating when prepared right. My best tip: use swim baits around grass lines and don't be afraid to throw big lures - these fish have huge appetites. They're attracted to bright colors, especially red, so keep that in mind when picking baits. Perfect for beginners but challenging enough for pros.
Astronotus OcellatusOscars are the bulldogs of the Everglades - chunky, stubborn, and surprisingly smart fish that'll test your drag system. These South American cichlids average 10-12 inches but the big ones can push 18 inches and several pounds. They hang around the bottom in canals and marsh areas, moving slow until something edible comes by, then they pounce. What's cool about oscars is they come in wild color patterns - tiger stripes, solid reds, even blues and greens. They're not seasonal fighters; you can catch them year-round in our warm water. Guests love them because they're scrappy as hell once hooked and they're actually great eating with firm, white meat. The trick with oscars is simple: they'll eat almost anything, but crickets and worms work best. Use light tackle for more fun - these fish know how to use their weight and that big mouth to their advantage.
Cichla OcellarisThese South American imports are hands down the most colorful fish you'll hook in the Everglades. Running 12-14 inches on average, they're built like missiles with that signature black eyespot on their tail that looks just like a peacock feather. Unlike largemouth bass, these guys are aggressive daytime hunters that slam topwater lures and crankbaits hard. You'll find them cruising the canal edges and around structure during our warmer months - they can't handle temps below 60 degrees. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they fight dirty with jumps and head shakes. My go-to trick? Cast golden shiners near bridge pilings or fallen trees where they ambush prey. March through June is prime time when they're most active and their colors really pop. They're not picky eaters but skip the plastic worms - they won't touch them.
Everglades