Everglades Fishing Charters

The Everglades is a haven for anglers seeking a memorable experience. This unique subtropical region on Florida’s southern tip is home to diverse habitats like mangrove forests, grassy flats, and brackish estuaries which cultivate a thriving ecosystem for a wide range of gamefish.

Whether you prefer fly fishing or conventional methods, Everglades fishing charters offer exhilarating excursions. In the shallow waters, you’ll spot redfish, snook, tarpon, and spotted sea trout — presenting exciting sight-casting opportunities. Venture further into the labyrinthine mangroves, and you’ll encounter black drum, sheepshead, flounder, largemouth bass, bowfin, and other species. 

As one of the best U.S. National Parks for fishing, the Everglades includes a rich ecosystem — home to some of the most sought-after game fish in Florida. October through March is a busy time underwater here, as many fish are migrating from salt to fresh water - depending on the season. You’ll target redfish, tarpon, snook, snapper, sea trout, and largemouth bass in these waters. The Everglades is as vast as it comes for fishing grounds, so be sure to book with an expert, seasoned AnyCreek guide for the best experience.

The vast and diverse habitats of the Everglades are home to a wide variety of fish species living in the freshwater, brackish, and saltwater environments. While fishing in the Everglades, anglers will have the opportunity to target some of the most sought-after game fish in saltwater. Your local AnyCreek guide will know where to target these species best. Several of them are highlighted below.

Redfish

Redfish, also known as red drum, are abundant year-round in the Everglades' shallow waters and marshland, making them a popular target for inshore anglers. Redfish will typically grow to be about 40 inches and weigh 25 pounds. Despite their prevalence, don't underestimate the fight they put up when hooked. For more on how to target redfish in the Everglades, check out our Ultimate Guide to Florida Redfish.

Snook

Good snook fishing in Florida is largely determined by water temperature, but the Everglades uniquely offers great snook fishing opportunities nearly year-round. You may find Everglades snook near shallow grass beds, oyster bars, brackish canals, mangrove-lined ponds, small bays, expansive flats, or winding creeks. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Fly Fishing for Snook for more on this iconic South Florida pursuit.

Tarpon

In the Everglades, tarpon thrive in their natural state, unaffected by fishing pressure and boat traffic, creating an angler's utopia. Tarpon in the Everglades average between 60 to 120 pounds, but can grow much larger. During calm and stable weather with water temperatures, tarpon will display their famous acrobatics. Check here for more info on tarpon fishing in Southern Florida.

Speckled Sea Trout

Speckled sea trout, also called sea trout, are among the most common and favorite fish species of Florida anglers. They can be found inshore in the Everglades, particularly on grass flats. Check potholes and small indentations in the grass for sea trout lying in wait to ambush their prey. Most sea trout average around 4 pounds, but be ready to hook into a gator weighing well into the double digits.

Snapper

Snapper are top of the list for both fun fishing and great eats. There are many species of snapper in Florida — including mangrove snapper, lane snapper, mutton snapper, and cubera snapper. Snapper can be caught near mangroves, inlets, bridges, docks, grass flats, and nearshore reefs. They mainly seek refuge in the nooks and crannies of large structures in the water column, waiting for their next meal to drift by with the tide.

Largemouth Bass

When it comes to bass fishing in the Everglades, largemouth bass reign supreme. These fish are abundant in the brackish and freshwater canal systems surrounding the Everglades. While trophy largemouths may not be typical, the sheer number of bass helps to make up for it. Target bass around the plentiful vegetation, such as lily pads, cattails, and Kissimmee grass.

Peacock Bass

For a different sort of bass fishing experience, the vibrantly-colored peacock bass takes center stage. This fish is native to South America and was introduced in the 80s to Southern Florida. These fish are easily differentiable by their striking yellow and orange coloration. Peacock bass can range from 15 to 19 inches and weigh up to 5 pounds. The roadside canals, such as the "Alligator Alley" and Tamiami Canal, serve as some of the Everglades' best peacock bass fishing opportunities. If you are staying closer to Miami, the peacock bass fishing only gets better.

The diverse range of fish in the Everglades also entails a wide variety of seasonal fishing opportunities. Each season presents unique challenges and rewards for anglers. Understanding the species you aim to target during each season can inform your expectations and boost your chances of success. We recommend researching the fish species you intend to target before booking your fishing trip. Many fish species in the Everglades migrate or have seasons of lesser feeding activity, so try to coincide your trip with the heightened activity of fish you hope to target. Here is some information on seasonal patterns for a few of our favorite Everglades fish species.

Preserving the Everglades ecosystem and fisheries requires responsible angling practices. Familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations and licensing requirements that protect fish populations and habitats before you go on your trip. Visit official resources and websites for detailed information on licenses and current regulations as they can change. Depending on where you are fishing in the Everglades, you will need a Florida freshwater fishing license to fish in freshwater or to possess freshwater species or a Florida saltwater fishing license to fish in saltwater or to possess saltwater species or both. Children under 16 years of age do not require a license. If you are fishing with a licensed charter captain, you do not need to purchase your own fishing license. There are different regulations on fishing depending on where in the Everglades you plan on angling. Everglades National Park has strict rules on baits, bag size, rules on hooks, catch and release, and more.

As one of the best U.S. National Parks to go fishing, the Everglades is also home to a diverse range of local wildlife. The best way to see the park on land is with a ranger-led expedition, either by cycling, canoeing, hiking, or camping out for a few nights. Be sure to check with the Everglades National Park Rangers about guided trips. Everglades City is the closest to staying within park boundaries. However, just nearby, you can comfortably stay in Key Largo, Islamorada, and Miami with easy access to the National Park.

When planning your fishing expedition to the Everglades, start your journey with AnyCreek. We’ll connect you with the best fishing guides in the Everglades so that you may have on-the-ground guidance throughout your planning process. You can chat with your guide anytime before your trip by using AnyCreek’s Chat Feature, located under your ‘Account Info’ tab on our website. Booking for a large group? No problem! Check out this article to get you and your crew on your way.

If you have questions about when to go fishing in the Everglades or the gear you should bring, you can always go to a local fly shop, or if you’ve hired a guide, reach out to them.