Expert Inshore Fishing in Everglades National Park

Reel in the Big 3: Snook, Redfish & Trout

Hey there, anglers! Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Join me, Capt. Ward Michaels, for a 4-hour fishing adventure you won't forget. We'll be targeting the inshore slam - snook, redfish, and trout - in the rich waters of Chokoloskee and Everglades National Park. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, I'll put you on the fish and show you the ropes of inshore fishing in this unique ecosystem.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick off early, when the fish are most active and the water's calm. I'll pick you up in one of my specialized inshore boats - either the 21' Hewes Redfisher, 17.8' Hells Bay, or 16' Lowe Roughneck. These boats are perfect for navigating the shallow backwaters and getting into those tight spots where the big ones hide. We'll start by hitting some of my favorite spots, using live bait or artificial lures depending on what's working best that day. I'll show you how to read the water, spot fish, and present your bait for the best chance at a strike. And don't worry if you're new to this - I've got all the gear and know-how to get you catching fish in no time.

Techniques for Inshore Success

Inshore fishing is all about finesse and knowing the habits of your target species. We'll use a mix of techniques, from sight fishing in the shallows to working structure along mangrove shorelines. For trout, we might drift over grass flats, using popping corks or soft plastics. When targeting snook, we'll focus on ambush points like downed trees or dock pilings, using live bait or topwater lures. Redfish often require a stealthy approach, so we'll pole along the flats, looking for their tell-tale tails in the shallows. I'll teach you how to make accurate casts, work your lures effectively, and most importantly, how to set the hook when that big one strikes!

Top Catches This Season

Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately. Just last week, we had a father-son duo land a 32-inch snook that put up one heck of a fight. A few days before that, a group of buddies visiting from up north nailed the inshore slam - a 24-inch trout, a 26-inch redfish, and a 28-inch snook, all in one trip. And don't even get me started on the tarpon - we've been seeing some monsters rolling through, with a few lucky anglers hooking into silver kings over 100 pounds. Every day's different out here, but that's what keeps it exciting!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These hard-fighting fish are the prize of inshore fishing here in Florida. They're ambush predators, often hanging around structure like mangrove roots or dock pilings. Snook are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They can grow up to 40 inches or more, with the average catch being around 24-30 inches. Spring and fall are prime times for snook, but we catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big snook inhaling a topwater lure at first light.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They're often found tailing in shallow water, rooting for crabs and shrimp. Redfish are bulldogs of the flats, known for their powerful runs and ability to strip line from your reel. We typically catch them in the 20-30 inch range, but trophy-sized "bull reds" over 40 inches are not uncommon. Fall is the best time for big schools of redfish, but we target them successfully all year.

Speckled Trout: While maybe not as glamorous as snook or redfish, speckled trout (or spotted seatrout) are a blast to catch and great eating too. They school up over grass flats and around oyster bars, often feeding aggressively on small baitfish and shrimp. We catch them from 15-20 inches on average, with gator trout over 24 inches always a possibility. Winter is prime time for big trout, but they're a reliable target throughout the year.

Tarpon: The silver king! While not an everyday catch, tarpon are the ultimate prize for many inshore anglers. These prehistoric fish can grow over 6 feet long and weigh well over 100 pounds. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, often jumping multiple times during a fight. Late spring through summer is prime tarpon season, when they migrate through our waters. Landing a tarpon is a true test of an angler's skill and endurance - it's an experience you'll never forget.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Florida's top inshore species, now's the time to lock in your trip. For just $600, you and a buddy can join me for 4 hours of non-stop fishing action. We've got room for up to two more anglers at $50 each if you want to make it a group outing. Remember, I provide all the gear, bait, and local knowledge - you just need to bring your sense of adventure and maybe a cooler for your catch. The fish are biting, and the weather's perfect, so don't wait. Give me a call, and let's get you hooked up with some of the best inshore fishing Chokoloskee and the Everglades have to offer. Trust me, once you feel that first big snook on the line, you'll be planning your next trip before we even get back to the dock!