Pro Inshore Fishing: Chokoloskee Trophy Hunt

Chokoloskee's Ultimate Inshore Fishing Challenge

Ready to push your angling skills to the limit? Capt. Ward Michaels is serving up an 8-hour fishing marathon that'll have you chasing trophy fish through the twisting mangroves and crystal flats of Chokoloskee and Everglades National Park. This isn't your average day on the water – we're talking about a full-throttle pursuit of monster Tarpon, crafty Snook, bull Redfish, and elusive Sea Trout. If you've got the chops and the stamina, this trip will put you on fish that'll make your drag sing and your arms burn.

What to Expect on the Water

From the moment we shove off, it's game on. We'll be running top-of-the-line boats built for these skinny waters – maybe the 21' Hewes Redfisher for covering ground, the 17.8' Hells Bay for sneaking into tight spots, or the 16' Lowe Roughneck when we need to get really shallow. Capt. Ward knows every hidden creek and oyster bar in these parts, and he'll have us on fish faster than you can say "tight lines." This trip is tailored for experienced anglers who want to maximize every minute, so come ready to cast, fight, and repeat. We've got room for up to 4 anglers, but the sweet spot is 2 – giving you plenty of elbow room and personal attention from the captain.

Techniques & Terrain

We'll be mixing it up all day, adapting our tactics to what the fish are doing. One minute we might be sight-casting to tailing Reds in inches of water, the next we could be working deep mangrove edges for monster Snook. Expect to throw everything from topwater plugs to soft plastics, and don't be surprised if we break out the fly rods when conditions are right. The Everglades backcountry is a maze of channels, flats, and hidden bays – it's technical fishing that'll keep you on your toes. And when those big Tarpon start rolling? Hold onto your hat, because the action gets real intense, real quick.

Top Catches This Season

The fishing's been on fire lately. We've been putting clients on some real bruiser Redfish – talking 30-inchers that'll test your drag and your biceps. The Snook bite has been insane too, with fish crushing topwater at first light and then transitioning to structure as the sun gets up. And let's not forget about the Tarpon – we had a 120-pounder last week that took us on a 30-minute Everglades tour before we could get a hand on the leader. That's the kind of day we're aiming for – multiple species, quality size, and the kind of fights that'll have you grinning for weeks.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These are the prize fighters of the flats. Snook are ambush predators with a mean streak – they'll smash your lure, then immediately try to wrap you around the nearest mangrove root or dock piling. We target them year-round, but the bite really heats up in spring and fall. Nothing beats the explosion of a big Snook on a topwater plug at dawn.

Tarpon: The silver king is the ultimate game fish in these waters. We're talking about prehistoric beasts that can top 150 pounds, with aerial acrobatics that'll leave you speechless. Peak season is late spring through summer, but we get shots at resident fish all year. Landing a big Tarpon is a true test of an angler's skill and endurance – are you up for it?

Sea Trout: Don't let their size fool you – these spotted assassins are a blast on light tackle. We find them schooled up on grass flats, often mixed in with other species. They're suckers for a well-presented soft plastic, and their delicate mouths mean you need to finesse them to the boat. The bigger gator trout are a real trophy, and they make excellent table fare if you're looking to take home dinner.

Redfish: Ah, the bulldogs of the backcountry. Redfish are the perfect all-around target – they'll eat just about anything, fight like crazy, and you can sight fish for them in skinny water. We get them year-round, but fall is prime time when big schools push into the flats. There's nothing quite like watching a big Red's tail wave in the air as it roots for crabs, then placing your cast just right to watch it pounce.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

This isn't just fishing – it's a masterclass in inshore angling. Capt. Ward doesn't just put you on fish; he'll break down the why and how of every spot and every bite. You'll leave with new techniques, a deeper understanding of the ecosystem, and probably a few fish stories that'll be hard to believe. The Everglades backdrop doesn't hurt either – between casts, you might spot gators sunning themselves, ospreys diving for bait, or even the occasional manatee cruising by. It's wild, it's remote, and it's the kind of fishing that gets in your blood.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're still reading this, you know you want in on the action. At $850 for a full day with up to 2 anglers (and the option to add 2 more), this trip is a steal for the level of fishing and guiding you're getting. Capt. Ward's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't sleep on this. Whether you're looking to check some bucket list species off your list, hone your skills, or just experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, this is your ticket. Grab your favorite rod, stock up on sunscreen, and let's get out there and make some memories. The fish are waiting – are you ready to meet them?