Premier Everglades Inshore Fishing Adventure

Full-Day Inshore Fishing in the Everglades

Get ready to spend a day on the water like a true Florida local. This 8-hour trip with Capt. Ward Michaels takes you deep into the heart of Chokoloskee and Everglades National Park, where the fishing is as wild as the scenery. You'll be chasing after some of South Florida's most prized inshore species - we're talking Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, and Trout. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is the real deal for anyone looking to experience the best of Everglades fishing.

What to Expect on the Water

You'll be hitting the water aboard one of Capt. Ward's specialized boats - either the 21' Hewes Redfisher, 17.8' Hells Bay, or 16' Lowe Roughneck. These aren't your average rental boats; they're built for the unique challenges of Everglades fishing. Expect to cover a lot of ground as we hunt for the best spots. We'll be weaving through mangrove-lined channels, exploring hidden bays, and maybe even venturing out to the outer islands if the conditions are right. The beauty of inshore fishing is that there's always somewhere to fish, even if the wind kicks up. And with 8 full hours on the water, we've got plenty of time to find the fish and put you on some serious action.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. You might find yourself tossing soft plastics along mangrove shorelines for Snook, or maybe sight-casting to tailing Redfish in the shallows. If the Tarpon are rolling, we might switch to heavier gear and chunk some mullet or pinfish. Don't sweat the gear - Capt. Ward provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need. We're talking quality stuff here, not some beat-up rental gear. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat. Oh, and sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen.

Top Catches This Season

The Everglades is a year-round fishery, but each season brings its own highlights. In the cooler months, Redfish and Trout are often the stars of the show. As things heat up in spring and summer, the Tarpon migration kicks into high gear, and you've got a shot at landing the fish of a lifetime. Snook are always around, but they really turn on when the water warms up. And let's not forget about the "bonus" species like Sheepshead, Black Drum, and even the occasional Permit that might crash the party. Every trip is different, and that's what keeps anglers coming back year after year.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the crown jewel of inshore fishing. These prehistoric beasts can top 100 pounds and will test every bit of your fishing skills. When they're on, it's not uncommon to see dozens rolling on the surface. Hooking one is a rush, but landing one? That's a story you'll be telling for years. Tarpon fishing peaks from April through July, but you can find resident fish year-round if you know where to look.

Snook: If there's a fish that defines South Florida inshore fishing, it's the Snook. These ambush predators love to hide around structure, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting bait. They hit hard and fight harder, often making spectacular jumps that'll have your heart racing. Snook fishing is good year-round, but it really heats up in the warmer months when they move into the backcountry.

Redfish: Also known as Red Drum, these copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among light tackle anglers. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, which makes sight-fishing for them in shallow water an absolute blast. Redfish are around all year, but the fall months often see big schools of oversized bulls cruise into the area.

Trout: Spotted Seatrout might not be the biggest fish in the Everglades, but they're one of the most reliable. These speckled beauties are often found over grass flats and around oyster bars. They're great eating and can be a ton of fun on light tackle. The colder months tend to see bigger trout move into the backcountry, making winter an excellent time to target gator trout.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, there's a reason why the Everglades is considered one of the top inshore fishing destinations in the world. Where else can you catch four different gamefish species before lunch, all while surrounded by some of the most unique landscapes in the country? One minute you're sight-casting to Redfish in gin-clear water, the next you're battling a Tarpon that's trying its best to jump into the next county. And let's not forget about the wildlife - it's not uncommon to see dolphins, manatees, and all sorts of birds throughout the day. Heck, you might even spot an alligator sunning itself on a mud flat. It's fishing, sure, but it's also a full-on Everglades experience that you can't get anywhere else.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, this is your chance. For $850, you and a buddy can spend a full day exploring the Everglades with a guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand. And if you want to bring along a couple more friends, it's just an extra $50 per person. Trust me, split between a group, that's a steal for a full day of guided fishing in one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and Capt. Ward's ready to put you on them. Book your trip now and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Just remember to leave some fish for the rest of us, alright?