Private 7 Hour Bass Fishing Trip - Everglades
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Sevenhour bass fishing adventure in Florida's remote Everglades watersTarget largemouth bass, peacock bass, and exotic cichlids speciesIncludes 21foot Skeeter boat, professional gear, and live bait
When you've got a full day to burn and bass on the brain, this 7-hour private charter puts you right where you want to be. We're talking about getting deep into the Everglades backcountry, away from the crowds and into water that most anglers never see. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Seven hours gives us the luxury of exploring multiple spots, switching up tactics when the bite slows, and really dialing in on what the fish want. You'll be working prime largemouth bass water, but the Everglades throws curveballs - peacock bass, oscars, and those scrappy Mayan cichlids that'll test your drag system. Captain provides everything you need gear-wise, including live bait and a fully rigged 21' Skeeter that'll get us into skinny water where the big girls hide.
Your day starts early because that's when the magic happens. We'll launch before the sun gets too high and the bass start getting picky. The beauty of a 7-hour trip is we can chase the bite all day long - start with topwater action at dawn, work structure during midday, then get back on the feed as things cool off in the afternoon. The Everglades isn't just one type of water - we've got everything from open basins to tight canals, grass flats to cypress heads. Each spot fishes differently, and with this much time, we can hit multiple zones based on what's producing. You're looking at a mix of casting and flipping, maybe some trolling if we're covering water. The 21' Skeeter gives us the platform to fish comfortably all day while getting into places bigger boats can't reach. We'll adjust our approach based on what the fish are telling us, but expect to throw everything from spinnerbaits to soft plastics.
The Everglades is bass fishing paradise, but you've got to know how to read the water. We'll be working a lot of structure - submerged trees, rock piles, grass lines where the baitfish stack up. Early morning means topwater presentations - buzzbaits, poppers, anything that makes noise and draws strikes from aggressive fish. As the sun climbs, we switch to working deeper structure with jigs, Texas-rigged worms, and crankbaits that get down where the bass are holding. The peacock bass are a whole different game - they're visual feeders and absolutely crush topwater lures, especially around rocky areas and current breaks. Oscars and cichlids are opportunistic and will hit just about anything, but they fight way above their weight class. Live bait comes into play when the artificial bite slows down - nothing beats a live shiner under a cork for consistent action. The key is staying mobile and adapting. Seven hours gives us time to really work an area if it's producing, or move on quickly if it's dead.
Largemouth bass are the bread and butter here, and the Everglades grows them fat and healthy. You're looking at fish averaging 2-4 pounds with plenty of opportunities for bigger ones. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavy, but summer fishing can be outstanding if you know where to look. These aren't pressured fish - they'll eat with confidence and fight like they mean it. Peacock bass bring the exotic factor that keeps things interesting. They're not native, but they've made themselves at home in the rocky areas and canal systems. When they hit, it's explosive - no subtle takes here. They'll jump, run, and generally raise hell once hooked. Oscars might not get the respect they deserve, but pound-for-pound they're some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish around. They're chunky, powerful, and know how to use structure to their advantage. Don't sleep on the Mayan cichlids either - they're smaller but scrappy as anything, perfect for keeping the action going when the bigger fish aren't cooperating.
Largemouth bass are why most anglers make the trip, and for good reason. These fish have everything going for them - abundant forage, perfect habitat, and year-round growing season. Peak times are early morning and late afternoon, but in the Everglades' shaded areas, they'll feed all day. What makes them special here is their willingness to eat big baits and fight in heavy cover. You'll find them around structure, in grass beds, and along any kind of transition area. They're opportunistic predators that respond well to both finesse and power fishing techniques.
Peacock bass add serious excitement to any Everglades trip. Originally from South America, they've adapted perfectly to Florida's canal systems and rocky areas. They're sight feeders with incredible eyesight, so presentation matters. Best fishing is during warmer months when they're most active, but they can be caught year-round. What anglers love most is their aggressive strike - they don't just take your bait, they attack it. Once hooked, expect aerial displays and powerful runs that'll test your equipment.
Oscars might surprise you with their fighting ability. These South American natives have established solid populations throughout the Everglades canal system. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit both live and artificial baits, but they're incredibly strong for their size. Most run 1-3 pounds, but they use every ounce to their advantage. They're great confidence builders and keep the action going when other species aren't cooperating. Plus, they're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
A 7-hour private charter gives you the full Everglades bass fishing experience without feeling rushed. You'll have time to learn the water, try different techniques, and really get into
This 21-foot Skeeter is built for serious bass fishing in the Everglades' shallow waters and backwater channels. With a powerful 250HP Yamaha pushing speeds up to 72 mph, you'll cover ground fast to reach those hidden honey holes where the big largemouth and peacock bass hang out. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're working structure or sneaking up on feeding fish in the shallows. GPS and fish finder help locate drop-offs and underwater cover where bass stack up. The live bait tank keeps your shiners lively while the icebox handles your drinks and lunch during this full-day adventure. Built tough for Florida's flats fishing, this boat handles everything from open water runs to tight mangrove tunnels where trophy bass hide.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator gar are Florida's living dinosaurs - prehistoric beasts that can stretch 4-6 feet and weigh over 100 pounds. These armor-plated fish cruise deep river bends and backwater areas, especially during hot summer months when water levels drop. What makes them special is that prehistoric look with razor-sharp teeth and bone-like scales. They're ambush predators that can breathe air, so you'll sometimes spot them rolling on the surface. Late summer is prime time when they concentrate in deeper holes. Use big baits like mullet or shad on heavy tackle - we're talking 5/0 treble hooks under bright bobbers. The thrill is hooking into something this ancient and powerful. Remember, these are catch-and-release only in Florida, so bring your camera. Pro tip: be patient - they mouth the bait before committing, so wait for that steady pull before setting the hook.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing, running 12-24 inches with plenty of 4+ pounders in our waters. These olive-green fighters love structure - fallen trees, thick vegetation, bridge pilings, and weed lines where they can ambush prey. They're most active during cooler parts of the day, especially early morning and late afternoon. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavy. What makes largemouth special is that classic bass fight - they'll jump, run, and use every trick to shake your hook. They're also great eating when taken from clean water. Swimbaits, topwater plugs, and live shiners all work well, but don't overlook plastic worms in heavy cover. Local tip: Florida strain bass are known for being aggressive, so don't be afraid to work your lure fast and loud around structure.
Astronotus OcellatusOscars are chunky South American cichlids that pack a serious punch for their size. Most run 10-12 inches, but we see plenty pushing 18+ inches in the Everglades canals. They cruise the bottom of warm, slow-moving water - think canal bends, deep holes, and areas with cover. These fish aren't picky eaters at all, but crickets and worms consistently produce the best results. What guests love is the fight - once hooked, they're bulldogs that use every inch of their thick body to resist. They're also surprisingly smart fish that'll test your drag. Year-round fishing is solid since they prefer our warm Florida waters, but summer heat really gets them active. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. They'll tire themselves out fighting if you let them.
Cichla OcellarisPeacock bass aren't actually bass at all - they're cichlids from South America that were brought to Florida in '84. These colorful fighters average 12-14 inches but can hit 35 inches in good conditions. Look for them around rocky structure, bridges, and canal intersections where they ambush prey during daylight hours. They're aggressive predators that'll slam topwater lures, spoons, and live golden shiners. What makes them special is that explosive strike and stubborn fight - they don't give up easy. Peak action runs March through June and September to December when water temps are right. Skip the plastic worms with these guys - they want something flashy that moves fast. Pro tip: cast past the structure and work your lure back through it. They like to sit tight to cover before they strike.
Everglades