Learn Everglades Fishing with Top-Rated Guide

Reel in the Everglades: Beginner's Fishing Paradise

Ready to wet a line in one of Florida's most iconic ecosystems? Mark Cherney's 8-hour guided trip is your ticket to mastering the basics of Everglades fishing. Whether you're drawn to the finesse of fly fishing or prefer the versatility of light tackle, this trip caters to total newbies and curious anglers looking to expand their skills. We'll cruise the pristine flats and weave through mangrove tunnels, all while you learn the ropes in a low-pressure, breathtaking setting. No need to sweat the gear or licenses – we've got you covered from rod to reel.

What's the Buzz on the Water?

Picture this: you're gliding across glass-like water as the sun peeks over the sawgrass. Herons wade in the shallows, and there's a good chance you'll spot a gator sunning on a log. This isn't just a fishing trip; it's a front-row seat to the wild heart of Florida. Mark's patient approach means you'll be casting like a pro in no time, whether you're trying to tempt a redfish with a fly or working a jig for snook along the mangroves. We keep the group small – just you and a buddy – so you'll get plenty of one-on-one coaching and have ample elbow room to practice your newfound skills.

Rigging Up for Success

Don't stress if you can't tell a popper from a streamer – we've got all the gear you need, and Mark will walk you through every step. For fly fishing newbies, you'll start with the basics of false casting and roll casting before we move on to presenting flies to likely spots. Light tackle enthusiasts will learn the ins and outs of working soft plastics, spoons, and maybe even some topwater lures if conditions are right. We'll cover everything from knot tying to reading the water, setting you up with skills you can use on future adventures. The beauty of the Everglades is that there's always a sheltered spot to practice, so even if the wind kicks up, we can find calm water to hone your technique.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook are the rock stars of Everglades fishing, and for good reason. These hard-fighting, silver-sided predators love to ambush prey around mangrove roots and oyster bars. They're known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps that'll have your heart racing. Spring and fall are prime times to target snook, but they can be caught year-round if you know where to look.

Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight. These bruisers can grow to over 100 pounds, though we usually target the "puppy drum" in the 5-20 pound range. They love crustaceans, so we might use shrimp imitations or scented soft plastics to entice them. The cool thing about black drum is they often give themselves away by "drumming" – a deep croaking sound they make with their air bladders.

Tarpon, the "silver king," is the holy grail for many Everglades anglers. These prehistoric-looking giants can top 150 pounds and are famous for their gill-rattling jumps and long, dogged fights. While the big boys show up in spring and summer, juvenile tarpon in the 10-30 pound range hang around the backcountry year-round. Landing one of these on light tackle or fly gear is an unforgettable rush.

Redfish, with their copper-penny scales and distinctive spot near the tail, are a favorite target for sight-fishing enthusiasts. They love to cruise the shallow flats, often with their backs out of the water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time for "tailing" reds, where you can spot their fins breaking the surface as they feed. There's nothing quite like the thrill of stalking these fish and making the perfect cast.

Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats. These muscular, green-backed fish hunt in packs and can turn a calm flat into a frothing feeding frenzy in seconds. They'll crush just about any lure or fly you throw their way and then peel off line like they're auditioning for a drag commercial. Jacks are around all year but are especially fun to target when they're blitzing bait schools in the warmer months.

Time to Wet a Line

Look, I get it – taking up a new hobby can be intimidating. But that's the beauty of this trip. It's all about learning at your own pace in one of the most stunning classrooms Mother Nature ever cooked up. Whether you're looking to kick-start a lifelong passion or just want a unique way to experience the Everglades, this trip checks all the boxes. You'll come away with new skills, awesome photos, and maybe even a fish story or two to share. So why not give it a shot? The fish are waiting, and trust me, once you feel that first tug on the line, you'll be hooked for life. Give Blackwater Guide Co. a call and let's get you out on the water. The Everglades are calling, and the fishing's just too good to miss.