%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F55604%2Fimages%2F1760672693341chatgptimageoct17202511_32_11am.png&w=1200&q=100)
Family-Friendly Everglades Fishing Charter
- Published Date: October 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Everglades
- Updated Date: November 6, 2025
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F0f4fb2cb-42f2-44dd-aabb-7916be6591a2%2Fratecard%2F6-mgsv0gp2.jpeg&w=1200&q=75)
Backwater Catches
Family Fishing Fun in the Everglades
Ready for a laid-back day of fishing with the fam? Our 6-hour Everglades backcountry trip is just the ticket. We'll cruise the calm waters of the Wilderness Trail, where even the kiddos can cast a line and have a shot at reeling in some awesome fish. Whether you're total newbies or seasoned anglers, our guides know all the sweet spots where Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and Spotted Seatrout like to hang out. It's the perfect way to introduce the little ones to fishing or just enjoy a chill day on the water together.
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: you're gliding through narrow mangrove channels, the only sound is the gentle lapping of water against the boat. Your guide's pointing out alligators sunning themselves on the banks and ospreys diving for their lunch. The kids are wide-eyed, taking it all in. Then suddenly, there's a tug on the line! That's what our Everglades trips are all about. We keep things simple with light tackle fishing, perfect for beginners and pros alike. No need to lug any gear – we've got all the rods, reels, and bait you'll need. Plus, we handle the fishing licenses, so you can focus on having a good time.
Fishing 101: Everglades Style
Ever tried sight fishing? It's a blast, especially in these clear, shallow waters. We'll teach you how to spot fish from the boat and make the perfect cast. For the little ones, we might start with some good old-fashioned bobber fishing – there's nothing quite like watching that float disappear when a fish takes the bait. As you get the hang of things, we'll introduce you to some more advanced techniques like working a soft plastic lure along the mangrove edges. Don't worry if you're not a pro caster yet – our guides are patient teachers and will have you feeling like a local in no time.
Top Catches This Season
The Everglades is a year-round fishery, but each season brings its own highlights. In the cooler months, Redfish and Spotted Seatrout are the stars of the show. As things heat up, we start seeing more Snook and the occasional Tarpon rolling through. And let's not forget about the Goliath Grouper – these massive fish can grow bigger than some of our younger anglers! No matter when you visit, there's always something exciting on the end of the line.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Snook: These silver-sided bruisers are the rockstars of Florida backcountry fishing. They love to hang out near mangrove roots and put up one heck of a fight when hooked. Snook are famous for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. They're most active in the warmer months and make for some fantastic catch-and-release action.
Goliath Grouper: Talk about a fish story! These gentle giants can grow up to 800 pounds. While we practice catch-and-release with these protected species, hooking into one is an experience you'll never forget. They're ambush predators, often hiding in underwater structure, and when they decide to eat, it's like trying to reel in a Volkswagen.
Tarpon: Known as the "Silver King," Tarpon are the ultimate game fish. They're famous for their spectacular jumps and can grow over 200 pounds. Spring and early summer are prime Tarpon time in the Everglades. Even a small one will give you the fight of your life – it's like trying to land a missile with fins!
Redfish: With their copper-colored scales and distinctive black spot near the tail, Redfish are a favorite target for many anglers. They love to cruise the shallow flats and often feed with their tails sticking out of the water – a sight that gets every angler's heart racing. Fall is typically the best time to target these hard-fighting fish.
Crevalle Jack: These guys are like the bulldogs of the fish world – all muscle and no quit. Jacks hunt in schools and when they're feeding, it's a frenzy. They'll test your stamina and your gear, often making blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. You can find them year-round, but they're especially active in the warmer months.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing the Everglades that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the peace and quiet, broken only by the splash of a jumping fish. Or the way the landscape seems to swallow you up, making you feel like you're the only ones out there. For the kids, it's often their first time seeing gators in the wild or watching a Great Blue Heron snag a fish right out of the water. And let's be honest, nothing beats the look on a kid's face when they reel in their first fish. It's not just about what's on the end of the line – it's about the memories you're making together.
Time to Book Your Spot
So, what do you say? Ready to trade the theme parks for some real Florida adventure? Our Everglades Family-Friendly Backcountry Fishing Charter is calling your name. With room for up to two guests, it's perfect for a parent-child duo or a couple looking for a unique date idea. Remember, we provide all the gear and know-how – you just bring the enthusiasm and maybe a camera to capture those "big fish" moments. The Everglades are waiting, and the fish are biting. Don't let this chance for an unforgettable family day slip away. Give us a call or book online – we can't wait to show you why the Everglades is our favorite office in the world!
Learn more about the animals
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the backcountry. These hard-fighting fish average 3-5 pounds but can top 30. You'll find them busting bait schools in open bays and channels, often giving themselves away with bird activity overhead. Jacks aren't prized for eating, but they more than make up for it with their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. They'll hit just about any lure or bait that moves. Look for them year-round, but summer and fall are best. When you see a school feeding on the surface, cast a topwater plug or spoon into the fray and hold on tight. Jacks often travel in big schools, so be ready for multiple hookups. One local trick: if you see pelicans diving, there's a good chance jacks are pushing bait to the surface. Head that way and get ready for some rod-bending action.
Goliath Grouper
Goliath grouper are the true giants of the Everglades. These massive fish can grow over 8 feet long and weigh up to 800 pounds. You'll find them hanging around deeper holes, bridges, and artificial reefs. Goliaths are ambush predators - they'll inhale anything that fits in their huge mouths. While we can't target them directly due to protected status, hooking one by accident is always possible. If you do, it's like hooking a VW Beetle. They're incredibly powerful and often break lines or straighten hooks. The fight is usually short but intense. Summer is when you're most likely to encounter one. If you do hook up, get the fish in quick and release it carefully. Use heavy tackle if fishing areas where they're common. These prehistoric-looking fish are a rare sight - appreciate the opportunity if you get one boat-side.
Redfish
Redfish are a staple of Everglades fishing, loved for both their fight and flavor. These copper-colored bruisers usually run 5-15 pounds but can get much bigger. Look for them tailing in shallow grass flats or hanging around oyster bars. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Redfish are fun on light tackle - they make strong runs and pull hard. They're also great eating, with a sweet, mild flavor. To spot redfish, watch for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in shallow water. A gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp is tough to beat for lures. Live bait like finger mullet or cut pinfish works well too. One tip: when you see a school, cast beyond them and slowly retrieve your bait through the group. Hit 'em on the head and they'll spook.
Snook
Snook are one of the most exciting fish to target in the Everglades. These sleek predators usually run 1-3 feet long and put up an amazing fight. You'll find them lurking around mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and deeper channels. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move in and out of the backcountry. Snook are known for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs - hang on tight when you hook one! They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat. To land a big snook, try freelining live mullet or pinfish along mangrove edges during incoming tides. Watch for their distinctive black lateral line as they cruise by. Just remember, snook can be tricky - they have a knack for cutting leaders on structure. Bring some 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader to improve your odds.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the kings of the backcountry, growing up to 8 feet and 280 pounds. These silver giants are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. You'll find them rolling in deeper channels and basins, especially in spring and early summer as they migrate. Tarpon fishing is all about the thrill of the fight - they're not good eating, but boy do they put on a show. Be ready for long runs and multiple jumps. Light tackle anglers love the challenge. We typically use live bait like mullet or crabs, but artificial lures work too. Patience is key - sometimes you'll see hundreds of tarpon but struggle to get a bite. When you do hook up, remember to bow to the king when it jumps. That'll help keep the hook set. Landing a big tarpon is a true bucket list experience for any angler.
About the Maverick
%2F%2Fusers%2F0f4fb2cb-42f2-44dd-aabb-7916be6591a2%2Fvehicle_picture%2Funnamed-mgs5w721.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 70
