Everglades Backcountry Fishing: 6-Hour Charter

Extended Half Day Fishing in the Everglades

Captain Mark knows these Everglades waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why this backcountry is considered some of the best fishing in South Florida. This extended half-day trip takes you deep into Everglades National Park, where crystal-clear flats and maze-like mangrove creeks hold some serious fish. You'll be targeting redfish, snook, tarpon, and more using both fly fishing and light tackle techniques. With just two anglers max, you get personalized instruction and plenty of shots at trophy fish. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or looking to dial in your sight casting, Captain Mark keeps things relaxed while putting you on fish.

What to Expect on the Water

This trip starts early to beat the crowds and catch fish when they're most active. You'll launch from Flamingo Marina and head into the heart of Everglades National Park, where shallow flats stretch for miles and mangrove shorelines create perfect ambush spots for predators. The scenery alone is worth the trip – think endless blue skies, crystal-clear water, and wildlife everywhere you look. Captain Mark runs a top-rated operation here, and he'll have you fishing productive spots within minutes of leaving the dock. The extended half-day format gives you around five to six hours on the water, which means more time to learn, more shots at fish, and better chances of connecting with something special. You'll cover different types of water throughout the day, from open flats where you can sight cast to cruising fish, to tight mangrove creeks where snook and tarpon love to hide.

Fly Fishing & Light Tackle

Captain Mark specializes in both fly fishing and light tackle fishing, so you can choose your weapon or try both during the trip. For fly fishing, he'll set you up with 8 or 9-weight rods perfect for these conditions, with flies that match what the fish are eating. Don't worry if you've never thrown a fly rod in saltwater – he's got the patience to teach you the basics and get you casting effectively. Light tackle fishing uses spinning gear with live bait, soft plastics, and topwater lures that drive these fish crazy. The shallow water here is perfect for sight fishing, where you'll actually see the fish before you cast to them. Captain Mark will pole the skiff silently through the shallows, spotting fish and setting up shots. The technique is all about stealth and precision – these fish are spooky in shallow water, so quiet movements and accurate casts make all the difference.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and mangrove edges. They typically run 18 to 30 inches here, with some real bulls pushing 35 inches or more. Reds feed aggressively in skinny water, and watching one inhale your fly or lure in two feet of gin-clear water never gets old. They're available year-round but peak in fall and spring when they school up and feed heavily.

Snook are the glamour fish of South Florida, and the Everglades holds some of the biggest ones around. These ambush predators love structure – think mangrove overhangs, creek mouths, and oyster bars. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag and jump repeatedly when hooked. Snook are temperature sensitive, so they're most active during warmer months from April through October. A slot snook from these waters is a real trophy that'll have you grinning for days.

Tarpon show up in good numbers, especially during spring and summer months. While the big migratory fish get most of the attention, the Everglades holds plenty of juvenile tarpon from 20 to 60 pounds that are absolute dynamite on light tackle. They jump, they run, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. These silver kings love the deeper creeks and channels throughout the park.

Black drum might not be the prettiest fish, but they're tough fighters that love to dig deep and test your tackle. The Everglades holds some quality drum, especially around oyster bars and grass flats. They're great targets when other species are being finicky, and they'll eat both fly and conventional baits readily.

Tripletail are the wild cards of this fishery – you never know when you'll spot one floating near debris or structure. These oddball fish are excellent eating and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Finding one is always exciting because they're not super common, but when conditions are right, Captain Mark knows where to look.

Time to Book Your Spot

This extended half-day trip fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and the weather's perfect. Captain Mark's reputation for putting clients on fish and providing world-class instruction means his calendar books solid months in advance. The Everglades offers some of the most consistent fishing in Florida, but having a guide who knows every creek, flat, and honey hole makes all the difference. You'll leave with new skills, great memories, and hopefully some photos of trophy fish. This customer favorite trip delivers exactly what you're looking for – quality time on productive water with a captain who genuinely loves sharing this fishery with others. Don't wait to secure your dates, because the best fishing days disappear quickly, and you don't want to miss out on this renowned Everglades experience.