Top-Rated Beginner Fishing in Chokoloskee, FL

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Chokoloskee, FL
$600 - $850 price range

Summary

Ready for a laid-back day of fishing in the Everglades? Join Captain Ward Michaels for an 8-hour trip perfect for beginners. You'll cruise through Chokoloskee and Everglades National Park, learning the ropes while targeting Redfish, Snook, Sea Trout, and maybe even Tarpon. No need to stress about gear or know-how – Capt. Ward's got you covered with all the equipment, bait, and patient guidance you need. Fish from one of three stable, comfy boats: a 21' Hewes Redfisher, 17.8' Hells Bay, or 16' Lowe Roughneck. At $850 for two anglers (with room for up to four), it's a great way to dip your toes into the fishing world. Capt. Ward's easygoing style makes for a relaxed day on the water, where you can soak in the scenery and pick up new skills at your own pace. Whether you're looking to land your first catch or just enjoy a day out on the flats, this trip's got you covered.

Top-Rated Beginner Fishing in Chokoloskee, FL

On the Water

Snook, a 36-inch fish caught while fishing in Chokoloskee

I'll show you what you're missing, this Snook!

Take a look at this Snook! Only in Florida!

Four fish caught while fishing in Chokoloskee

Limit out with Florida fishing charters

Two anglers fishing in Florida with a large catch

What's better than a Redfish? Another Redfish!

Beginner's Paradise: Full-Day Fishing in Chokoloskee

Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive waters? Captain Ward Michaels has you covered with this laid-back, full-day trip perfect for newcomers to the fishing scene. You'll spend 8 hours exploring the rich fishing grounds of Chokoloskee and Everglades National Park, targeting hard-fighting species like redfish, snook, and sea trout. No experience? No problem. Capt. Ward's patient instruction and top-notch gear mean you'll be casting like a pro in no time.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day kicks off bright and early as you meet Capt. Ward at the dock. He'll get you set up on one of his comfortable boats - either the roomy 21' Hewes Redfisher, the nimble 17.8' Hells Bay, or the sturdy 16' Lowe Roughneck. These stable platforms are perfect for learning the ropes without worrying about your sea legs. As you cruise out into the maze-like waterways, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Dolphins, manatees, and all sorts of wading birds call this area home.

Fishing 101: Techniques & Gear

This trip is all about building your fishing skills from the ground up. Capt. Ward will start you off with the basics - how to hold a rod, tie knots, and make accurate casts. You'll learn to read the water, spotting telltale signs of fish activity. Depending on conditions, you might try live bait fishing, tossing artificial lures, or even sight-casting to visible fish. The captain provides all the gear, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so you can focus on honing your technique. By the end of the day, you'll be amazed at how far you've come!

Top Catches This Season

Chokoloskee's waters are teeming with gamefish year-round, but some species really shine depending on when you visit. In the cooler months, redfish school up in the backcountry, offering non-stop action. As things warm up, snook become more active, ambushing bait around mangrove shorelines. Sea trout are reliable targets throughout the year, and if you're lucky, you might even tangle with the legendary silver king - the tarpon. Capt. Ward knows exactly where to find the hot bite, no matter the season.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among anglers for good reason. They put up a stubborn fight, often making powerful runs and head-shakes. Look for their distinctive spot near the tail. Reds in Chokoloskee can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds up to bulls pushing 40 inches. They love hanging around oyster bars and grass flats, and will readily take live shrimp or artificial lures.

Snook: The wily snook is the ultimate ambush predator. These streamlined fish love to hide around structure, darting out to grab unsuspecting bait fish. Catching a big snook requires finesse and patience, as they're known for their acrobatic leaps and knack for wrapping around mangrove roots. Spring and summer are prime snook seasons in Chokoloskee, with fish congregating around passes and shorelines.

Sea Trout: Often overlooked but never disappointing, sea trout (or spotted seatrout) are abundant in these waters. They're perfect for beginners, eagerly striking a variety of baits and lures. Trout have soft mouths, so a gentle touch is key when fighting them. Look for them over grass flats, especially during moving tides. A limit of keeper trout makes for an excellent fish fry!

Tarpon: While not an everyday catch, hooking into a tarpon is an experience you'll never forget. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow well over 100 pounds, and are famous for their gill-rattling jumps and long, dogged fights. Spring and early summer see big schools of tarpon migrating through the area. Even if you don't land one, just seeing a tarpon roll at the surface is enough to get your heart racing.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Chokoloskee isn't just about the fishing - it's a gateway to one of America's most unique ecosystems. As you cruise through winding mangrove tunnels and across shallow flats, you're getting a front-row seat to the wild heart of the Everglades. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but add in the chance to catch some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish, and you've got a recipe for an unforgettable day. Capt. Ward's easygoing nature and wealth of local knowledge make this trip perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of inshore fishing.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're a complete novice or just looking to sharpen your skills, this full-day trip with Capt. Ward Michaels is the perfect way to experience the magic of Chokoloskee fishing. At $850 for two anglers (with room for up to four), it's an incredible value for 8 hours of guided fishing in one of Florida's premier inshore destinations. All the gear is provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a cooler for your catch. Don't miss out on this chance to create lasting memories and potentially catch the fish of a lifetime. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so give Capt. Ward a call and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats, known for their power and stamina. Most run 18-27 inches, but bulls over 40 inches show up in deeper water. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising mangrove shorelines, often in water barely deep enough to cover their backs. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish are prized for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. Their copper color and distinctive tail spot make them a favorite sight-fishing target. To improve your odds, try a gold spoon or scented soft plastic on a light jighead. Work it slowly along the bottom, mimicking a crab or small baitfish. And here's a tip - on sunny days, scan ahead for their coppery backs flashing in shallow water. A stealthy approach can lead to some heart-pounding sight-casting action!

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of inshore fishing here. Most run 15-20 inches, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them over grass flats and along mangrove shorelines in 3-6 feet of water. They're active year-round but really turn on in fall and spring. Sea trout are known for their aggressive strikes and delicate white meat. They're not the strongest fighters, but their willingness to hit artificial lures makes them a blast on light tackle. For best results, try working a soft plastic jig or topwater plug with a slow, twitching retrieve. And here's a local secret - on calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances called "nervous water." That's often a school of trout feeding just below the surface.

Snook

Snook are a prized catch around here, known for their sneaky nature and hard-fighting spirit. These silver-sided beauties typically run 24-34 inches but can grow over 4 feet. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow coastal waters. They love ambushing prey, so look for them in current seams and eddies. Fall and spring are prime seasons as water temps change. Snook put up an impressive fight with powerful runs and acrobatic leaps. Their meat is also top-notch eating when in season. To boost your odds, try freelining live bait like pilchards or pinfish on an outgoing tide. And here's a local tip - snook often face into the current, so cast upstream and let your bait drift naturally to them. Just be ready for that sudden, aggressive strike!

Tarpon

Tarpon are the crown jewels of Chokoloskee fishing. These prehistoric-looking giants can reach over 6 feet and 150 pounds, though 80-100 pounders are more common. Look for them rolling and gulping air in deeper channels and along the edges of flats. Spring and early summer are prime as they migrate through our waters. Tarpon are legendary for their explosive strikes and gravity-defying aerial displays. It's all catch-and-release, but the thrill of battling one makes it worthwhile. To hook up, try drifting live crabs or mullet on the tide. A stealthy approach is key - these fish have keen eyesight. When you do get a bite, remember to bow to the king when it jumps. That slack line can mean the difference between heartbreak and glory. Just be ready for a long, arm-burning fight!

About the Michaels' Hewes Redfisher

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Hop aboard for a laid-back day of fishing in the picturesque waters around Chokoloskee and Everglades National Park. Captain Ward Michaels welcomes beginners on this 8-hour trip, where you'll get hands-on experience targeting redfish, snook, sea trout, and maybe even tarpon. No need to worry about gear or know-how - the captain provides everything and offers friendly guidance to help you build your skills. You'll be cruising on one of three comfy boats perfect for a relaxed outing: a 21' Hewes Redfisher, 17.8' Hells Bay, or 16' Lowe Roughneck. The $850 rate covers two anglers, but there's room for up to four if you want to bring friends along. It's a great way to dip your toes into the world of fishing without any pressure - just soak up the scenery and enjoy learning the ropes at your own pace.

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