Expert-Guided Everglades Fishing Adventure

Published Date: October 18, 2025
Fishing

Everglades
$450 - $800 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fishing in the heart of the Everglades! We'll head out at 7 AM for a 6-hour adventure along the Wilderness Trail. This trip is perfect for two anglers looking to explore the park's hidden backwaters and target some of Florida's most sought-after fish. We'll use light tackle to go after Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and Spotted Seatrout in quiet creeks and winding mangrove channels. No need to worry about gear – we've got you covered with all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need, plus fishing licenses for the day. It's a great chance to see a side of the Everglades that most visitors miss, all while trying your luck for some impressive catches. Just remember, the deposit for this trip is non-refundable, so be sure you're ready for an early start and a full day on the water!

Expert-Guided Everglades Fishing Adventure

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Everglades Fishing: Wilderness Trail Adventure

Get ready to hit the backwaters of Everglades National Park on a 6-hour light tackle fishing trip that'll have you casting in some of Florida's most pristine mangrove channels. We're talking about the kind of fishing that'll make you forget your phone exists. Our Wilderness Trail adventure kicks off at the crack of dawn (well, 7 AM) and is perfect for pairs looking to escape the crowds and hook into some real Florida action.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: you're gliding through narrow creeks, the only sound is your line zipping through the air as you cast towards a likely-looking snook hideout. Our seasoned guides know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to put you on fish. We're talking Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and Spotted Seatrout - the grand slam of Everglades fishing. And the best part? We've got all the gear covered. Rods, reels, tackle, bait, even the licenses. Just bring your game face and maybe a snack or two.

Techniques & Terrain

Light tackle is the name of the game here. We're not muscling in monster fish (though you might hook into something that'll make your arms burn). It's all about finesse and reading the water. You'll be tossing soft plastics, working topwater lures, and maybe even fly fishing if that's your jam. The Wilderness Trail takes us through a maze of mangrove tunnels and open flats. One minute you're sight-fishing for tailing reds, the next you're pitching under overhanging branches for snook. It's the kind of fishing that keeps you on your toes and makes every cast count.

Top Catches This Season

Our anglers have been crushing it lately. Snook in the 30-inch range are practically jumping in the boat, and we've had a few oversized reds that had drags screaming. Tarpon season's been hot too, with some high-flying silvers in the 40-60 pound class giving folks the fight of their lives. And let's not forget about those bulldogging jacks - they might not be the prettiest, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: The unofficial mascot of Florida inshore fishing. These linesiders are ambush predators that love to hang around structure. They've got a distinctive black lateral line and a bucket mouth that inhales baitfish and lures alike. Spring and fall are prime time for snook, but in the Everglades, you can tangle with them year-round. Nothing beats the heart-stopping moment when a big snook blasts your topwater lure.

Goliath Grouper: These gentle giants are the tanks of the underwater world. Protected since 1990, Goliaths can grow over 800 pounds. While we can't target them directly, hooking into one by accident is an experience you'll never forget. They love to hang around structure and wrecks, and if you hook one, hold on tight - it's like trying to stop a Volkswagen.

Tarpon: The silver king. These prehistoric gamefish are why many anglers make the pilgrimage to Florida. Known for their acrobatic leaps and stubborn fights, tarpon in the Everglades can range from 20 to over 100 pounds. Peak season is April through June, but our backwater tarpon stick around most of the year. Watching a 100-pound tarpon clear the water by 6 feet is something that'll stay with you forever.

Redfish: These copper-colored brutes are a staple of inshore fishing. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail and can often be found "tailing" in shallow water, giving anglers a visual target to cast to. Reds in the Everglades can grow to over 40 inches, and they pull like a freight train. Fall is typically the best time for big schools, but we catch them year-round.

Crevalle Jack: Pound for pound, one of the hardest fighting fish in the sea. These brutal brawlers will test your stamina and your tackle. They often hunt in schools, creating exciting blitzes on the surface. While they're not known for their table fare, hooking into a big jack is like being tied to a speedboat - hold on and enjoy the ride!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish - though let's be honest, that's a big part of it. The Everglades offers a fishing experience you can't get anywhere else. One minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish on a shallow flat, the next you're battling a tarpon in a narrow creek. The scenery is off the charts too. Gators sunning themselves on logs, roseate spoonbills wading in the shallows, maybe even a manatee cruising by. It's wild Florida at its finest, and being out here with a rod in your hand? That's the stuff lifetime memories are made of.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, we could go on all day about the fish you might catch or the sights you'll see, but here's the bottom line: this trip is the real deal. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to scratch that Everglades itch or a newcomer wanting to experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, our Wilderness Trail trip delivers. We've only got room for two on the boat, so spots fill up fast - especially during peak seasons. Don't let this one slip away. Grab your fishing buddy, book your trip, and get ready for a day on the water you'll be talking about for years to come. Just remember, those deposits are non-refundable, so when you book, come hell or high water (and in the Glades, you might get both), we'll be seeing you on the water!

Learn more about the animals

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of the flats. These hard-fighting fish usually run 3 to 15 pounds, though they can get much bigger. Look for them in open bays, around channel edges, and near structure. They're most active in warmer months, often chasing bait schools to the surface. Jacks aren't known for their eating quality, but they more than make up for it with their aggressive strikes and stamina-testing fights. They'll hit just about anything that moves - topwater lures, spoons, or live bait. My favorite way to catch them is to watch for birds diving on bait schools. When you see that, cast beyond the frenzy and retrieve fast. Hang on tight - when a jack hits, it feels like you've hooked a freight train!

Goliath Grouper

These monsters of the mangroves are a sight to behold. Goliath Grouper can grow over 8 feet long and weigh up to 800 pounds. You'll find them hanging around structure in shallow coastal waters, often in less than 30 feet deep. They're most active in warmer months, from late spring through fall. Catching one is like hooking a Volkswagen - they're all power, no speed. Anglers love the challenge, but remember, these fish are protected. We practice strict catch-and-release to help their populations recover. When targeting Goliaths, use heavy tackle and big baits like live jack crevalle or mullet. My secret? Fish the edges of deep holes near mangrove islands during incoming tides. That's when these gentle giants come out to feed.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are the bread and butter of Everglades backcountry fishing. These copper-colored bruisers, with their tell-tale tail spot, typically run 20 to 30 inches in our waters. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or prowling mangrove shorelines, often in water so skinny their backs are out. Fall and winter are peak seasons, but we catch them year-round. Reds are known for their hard-pulling, dogged fights and they're excellent table fare. Anglers love sight-fishing for them - it's like hunting on the water. I like to use gold spoons or soft plastics, but nothing beats a live shrimp under a popping cork. Here's a local trick: on cloudy days, look for pushing water instead of tails. That's often a dead giveaway for feeding reds.

Snook

Snook are the rockstars of the Everglades backwaters. These sleek predators, with their distinctive black lateral line, can reach up to 4 feet long, though most are in the 1.5 to 2-foot range. You'll find them lurking around mangrove roots, oyster bars, and creek mouths, always on the hunt. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch 'em year-round. Snook put up an amazing fight - they'll test your drag with powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. Plus, they're delicious if you decide to keep one for dinner. When targeting snook, I like to use live bait like pilchards or pinfish, but they'll also hit topwater plugs at dawn and dusk. My top tip: work your lure right up against the mangroves. That's where the big ones hide, waiting to ambush their next meal.

Tarpon

The "Silver King" is the ultimate game fish in the Everglades. Tarpon can reach over 6 feet and 200 pounds, known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. You'll find them rolling in deep channels, around bridges, and in backcountry bays. Spring and early summer are prime, when they migrate through our waters. Anglers come from all over to battle these prehistoric beasts - it's a true test of skill and endurance. They're not for eating, just for the thrill of the catch. Live bait like mullet or crabs works well, but nothing beats the rush of a tarpon crushing a topwater plug at dawn. Pro tip: when a tarpon jumps, lower your rod tip. It helps keep the hook set and prevents those heartbreaking shake-offs.

About the Maverick

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 70

Get ready to explore the hidden gems of Everglades National Park on this 6-hour fishing adventure along the scenic Wilderness Trail. Setting off at 7:00 AM, you and a companion will delve into the park's secluded backwaters, winding through quiet creeks and mangrove-lined channels. Your expert guide will lead you to prime spots where you can try your hand at light tackle fishing for popular species like Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and Spotted Seatrout. No need to worry about equipment – all the essentials are provided, including rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even fishing licenses. This trip offers a perfect blend of nature and angling, allowing you to experience the raw beauty of the Everglades while pursuing some of Florida's most sought-after fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, this journey through the park's lesser-known waterways promises a day of discovery and potential catches. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so be sure to check the Trips & Rates page for full details before booking your backcountry fishing expedition.

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