Private 5 Hour Bass Fishing Trip - Florida Everglades
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Private 5hour bass fishing adventure in Florida EvergladesTarget largemouth bass, peacock bass, and exotic cichlidsIncludes expert guide, quality gear, and 21' Skeeter boat
Get ready to fish some of the most productive and wild waters Florida has to offer. This private 5-hour bass fishing adventure takes you deep into the Florida Everglades, where the fishing is hot and the scenery is like nowhere else on earth. You'll be targeting hard-hitting largemouth bass, flashy peacock bass, and some exotic species that'll surprise you - all while cruising through backwater canals and grass flats that most anglers never get to see. With room for up to 3 anglers, this trip gives you the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make for a day you'll be talking about for years.
Your day starts aboard a fully rigged 21' Skeeter bass boat - the perfect platform for navigating the shallow waters and tight spots where the best fish hide. We'll be working through hidden canals, grass flats, and structure-rich areas where bass love to ambush their prey. The Everglades is a maze of waterways, and having a guide who knows every bend, every hole, and every productive spot makes all the difference. You'll fish waters that range from gin-clear shallows where you can sight-fish to darker canals where bass explode on topwater lures. The variety keeps things exciting, and the constant wildlife sightings - from gators basking on logs to herons stalking the shallows - add to the magic of fishing this world-class ecosystem. All your gear is provided, including top-quality rods, reels, and tackle, plus live bait that the fish here can't resist.
The Everglades demands versatility, and that's what makes fishing here so rewarding. We'll be flipping and pitching to heavy cover, working spinnerbaits through grass edges, and throwing topwater plugs when the fish are feeding aggressively. The terrain changes constantly - one minute you're casting to cypress trees and the next you're working open water where peacock bass cruise in schools. Live shiners are deadly here for big largemouth, while artificial lures shine when targeting peacocks and the exotic species. The boat's shallow draft lets us get into spots where bigger boats can't go, giving you access to pristine waters that see minimal fishing pressure. Expect to cover water throughout the day as we follow the bite, adjusting techniques based on conditions and what the fish are telling us. The grass flats require finesse, while the deeper canals let you work heavier presentations - it's this variety that keeps both novice and experienced anglers engaged all day long.
Peacock Bass are the showstoppers of Everglades fishing, and for good reason. These colorful fighters are aggressive, acrobatic, and absolutely gorgeous with their bright yellows, oranges, and that distinctive eyespot. They average 2-4 pounds but can push 6+ pounds in these waters. Peacocks are most active during warmer months and love to smash topwater lures and spinnerbaits worked along grass lines. When you hook one, get ready for jumps, runs, and a fight that'll test your drag system.
Oscar are another exotic species that'll surprise you with their power and personality. These chunky, colorful fish can reach 3-5 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They're opportunistic feeders that'll take live bait, soft plastics, and even topwater presentations. Oscars are most active year-round in South Florida, and their willingness to bite makes them a customer favorite, especially for anglers looking to add something unique to their catch photos.
Alligator Gar are the apex predators that get everyone's adrenaline pumping. These prehistoric fish can exceed 4 feet and 20+ pounds in Everglades waters, making them the trophy catch of a lifetime. They're ambush predators that lurk in deeper holes and canal bends, often taking large live baits meant for bass. Gar fishing requires patience and heavy tackle, but when one of these monsters takes your bait, you'll understand why anglers travel from around the world to target them. Best fishing is typically during cooler months when they're more active.
Largemouth Bass are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing, and these aren't your typical pond bass. Everglades largemouth are thick, healthy, and aggressive from feeding on the abundant forage. They average 2-5 pounds with plenty of opportunities at fish pushing 6+ pounds. The year-round growing season means they're always feeding, though spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action. They'll hit everything from topwater plugs at dawn to deep-diving cranks in the heat of the day, making them perfect for anglers who want steady action throughout the trip.
This private 5-hour Everglades bass fishing trip delivers everything serious anglers want: diverse species, pristine waters, top-notch equipment, and expert guidance that puts you on fish all day long. Whether you're a seasoned bass angler looking for something different or a newcomer wanting to experience Florida's legendary fishing, this adventure has you covered. The combination of native and exotic species, stunning scenery, and productive waters makes this a top-rated choice for anyone visiting South Florida. With only 3 spots available per trip, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing time that larger groups can't offer. Book your Everglades fishing adventure with Weekley Fishing Charters today and discover why anglers keep coming back to these remarkable waters season after season.
Your 21-foot Skeeter bass boat comes loaded with everything you need to hunt down largemouth and peacock bass in the Everglades' maze of canals and grass flats. This 2020 rig features a powerful 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish fast, hitting speeds up to 72 mph across open water. Once you reach the productive spots, switch to the wireless trolling motor for silent stalking through shallow cover where the big bass hide. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure and schools, while GPS keeps you on track through winding backwaters. Fresh live bait stays ready in the built-in tank, and the spacious ice box keeps your drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. With comfortable seating for up to 3 anglers, this boat handles everything from casting tight to shoreline vegetation to working deeper channels where exotic species like Mayan cichlids and oscars cruise. The shallow draft design lets you access prime fishing water that bigger boats can't reach.
Atractosteus SpatulaThese prehistoric monsters are the ultimate photo fish - pure dinosaur with those bone-like scales and razor teeth. Running 4-6 feet and over 100 pounds, they're living fossils that can breathe air and water. You'll spot them cruising deep river bends and backwater areas, especially during hot summer months when they surface more. The challenge isn't just the size - it's the technique. They're catch-and-release only here in Florida, so it's all about the experience. I rig big baits like mullet or shad on treble hooks under bright bobbers. The key is patience - they're ambush predators that study their prey. When one hits, you know it. The fight is legendary, and getting a good photo with these ancient beasts is something you'll never forget.
Micropterus SalmoidesFlorida strain largemouth are what bass fishing dreams are made of. These green machines average 2-4 pounds but the Everglades holds some true giants pushing 8-10 pounds. They love the grass flats and canal edges, especially anywhere with cover like fallen trees or vegetation. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding, but summer early mornings can be dynamite. What guests love is the classic bass fight - those aerial jumps and bulldogging runs. The meat's good eating too when handled right. My local edge: throw a weightless Senko in the thick stuff where other lures get hung up. Work it slow and let it fall naturally. These fish have seen it all, but that subtle action still fools them every time.
Astronotus OcellatusOscars are some of the most underrated fighters in these waters. These chunky cichlids average 10-12 inches but can push over 20 in the right conditions. They're bottom huggers, cruising slow along canal floors and around structure until something catches their eye. What makes them special is that explosive burst when hooked - they're scrappy as hell and will test your drag. Found year-round in the warmer Everglades canals, they're not picky eaters which makes them great for beginners. The meat is surprisingly good too, firm and white. My go-to trick is simple: crickets or nightcrawlers on a basic rig. They come in wild color variations - tiger, red, blue - making each catch feel like a surprise. Light tackle makes the fight even better.
Cichla OcellarisThese colorful South American imports are absolute bucket-list fish for most anglers. Running 12-14 inches on average, they're built like tanks with that signature peacock spot on their tail. Unlike our native bass, these guys are pure aggression - they'll crush topwater lures and put up a serious scrap. You'll find them in the warmer canals and shallow areas, especially around structure like downed trees or bridge pilings. Peak action runs March through June and again September to December when water temps are just right. Here's the local trick: forget the plastic worms they hate them. Stick with live golden shiners or throw bright crankbaits and spoons. The strike is violent and the fight is worth every second.
Everglades