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Expert-Guided Everglades Fishing: 8-Hour Adventure
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Key Largo, FL
- $400 - $1,150 price range
- Updated Date: November 19, 2025
Summary
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Everglades Fishing Moments
Full Day Everglades Fishing: Jack, Barracuda & More
Ready to reel in some of the Everglades' most sought-after fish? Local Grown Charters has you covered with this full-day adventure that'll have you casting lines from sunup to sundown. We're talking non-stop action, folks – whether you're after the lightning-fast barracuda or the hard-fighting jack crevalle. Captain Andrew Atwill knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the fish of a lifetime. So grab your hat and sunscreen, 'cause we're headed out for a day you won't soon forget!
What's the Deal?
This ain't your average fishing trip. We're talking a full day on the water, giving you plenty of time to target a smorgasbord of species. From the winding mangrove backwaters to the open Gulf, Captain Andrew's got the inside scoop on where the fish are biting. You'll be switching up techniques and locations throughout the day, keeping things fresh and the fish coming. And let's not forget the scenery – the Everglades is unlike anywhere else on Earth, and you'll be soaking it all in between battles with some serious fighters.
Rods, Reels, and Tactics
We'll be using a mix of light and heavy tackle, depending on what we're after. Expect to do some live bait fishing, but we'll also break out the artificial lures when the situation calls for it. For the snook and redfish, we might find ourselves pitching jigs or live bait under the mangroves. When we're after those big barracuda or jacks, we could be sight-casting or trolling in open water. Captain Andrew's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, so be ready to learn some new techniques that'll up your fishing game.
Raves from the Boat
"Captain Drew was awesome. We did two excursions with him for a total of 12 hours and it still wasn't enough. He put us on fish constantly and we caught a huge variety of fish. We loved it! It's been an unforgettable couple of days. Thanks so much!" - Tyson
Fish on the Menu
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among Everglades anglers. They love to hang around structure and can put up one heck of a fight. Fall and winter are prime time for big bulls, but you can catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like the thump of a redfish taking your bait – it'll get your heart racing every time.
Gulf Grouper: These bottom-dwelling heavyweights are the kings of structure. We're talking serious muscle here, folks. They'll try to wrap you around any rock or wreck they can find, so you've got to be quick on the reel. The meat is top-notch, making them a prized catch for the dinner table. We target them year-round, but they really turn on in the cooler months.
Crevalle Jack: If you want a fish that'll test your stamina, look no further. These guys are like pure muscle with fins. They school up and can create feeding frenzies that'll have your reel screaming. Spring and fall are great times to target them, but they can show up any time of year. They're not known for their table fare, but the fight more than makes up for it.
Snook: The wily snook is a bucket-list fish for many anglers. They're ambush predators that love to hang around mangroves and docks. Known for their acrobatics, a big snook can clear the water multiple times during a fight. We catch them year-round, but the bite really heats up in the warmer months. Just remember, these guys are catch-and-release only in many areas, so have your camera ready!
Grey Snapper: Don't let their size fool you – these guys punch above their weight class. They're notorious bait stealers and can be finicky, but when you dial in the bite, it's non-stop action. They hang around structure and reefs, often in big schools. The meat is excellent, making them a popular target for anglers looking to bring home dinner.
Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the holy grail for many anglers. These prehistoric beasts can grow well over 100 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays. Spring and early summer are prime time, as they migrate through the area. Landing one of these giants is a true test of skill and endurance – it's an experience you'll never forget.
Sea Trout: These speckled beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They're not the biggest fish in the sea, but they make up for it with their eagerness to bite and their delicate flavor. We catch them year-round, but the cooler months can produce some real gators (that's big trout in local lingo). They're a blast on light tackle and great for anglers of all skill levels.
Great Barracuda: With their menacing teeth and lightning-fast strikes, 'cudas are one of the most exciting fish to target. They love to hang around structure and will hit topwater lures with explosive force. We catch them year-round, but they really turn on in the warmer months. They're not known for their table quality, but the adrenaline rush of the catch is second to none.
Time to Get Hooked
Listen, if you're itching for a day of non-stop fishing action in one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet, this is your ticket. Captain Andrew's got the know-how to put you on the fish, whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet. From the heart-pounding strike of a barracuda to the bull-dog determination of a big red, you're in for a day of battles you'll be talking about for years to come. The Everglades is calling, folks – don't let this chance slip away. Give Local Grown Charters a shout and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. Tight lines!
Customer Review
Fishy Fun with Drew
Tyson Dye
January 15, 2024
Learn more about the species
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats, known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. These silver missiles typically range from 3-15 pounds, with some monsters pushing 30. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, channels, and around structure in depths up to 350 feet. Jacks are most active in warmer months, often busting bait on the surface. Anglers love them for their relentless fights - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish out there. When targeting jacks, look for diving birds or bait spraying on the surface. A local trick: use a popping cork with a live shrimp underneath. The commotion attracts jacks from a distance, and they can't resist an easy meal. Be ready for explosive strikes and screaming drags when these speedsters hit. Just watch those teeth when unhooking them!
Great Barracuda
Great barracuda are the speed demons of the flats, known for their lightning-fast strikes and menacing teeth. These sleek predators can reach lengths over 5 feet and weights up to 50 pounds in the Everglades. You'll find them patrolling flats, channels, and around structure in depths from 5 to 100 feet. They're active year-round but especially in warmer months. Anglers target cudas for their explosive hits and acrobatic fights. When fishing for barracuda, use shiny lures or flashy bait - they're attracted to the glint. A local tip: try trolling a tube lure with a wire leader. The erratic action drives cudas crazy. Be ready for blistering runs and aerial leaps when they hit. Just watch those teeth when unhooking them - long pliers are a must. While not the best eating, the sheer excitement of battling these toothy missiles makes them a blast to catch and release.
Grey Snapper
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are the wily veterans of the inshore scene. These tasty fish typically run 1-5 pounds, with some pushing 10. You'll find them around structure like docks, bridges, and reefs in depths from 5 to 180 feet. They're active year-round but bite best in warmer months. Anglers love targeting them for their finicky nature and excellent table fare. When fishing for greys, patience and stealth are key - they're easily spooked and can be tough to fool. Here's a local trick: use a light fluorocarbon leader and small live shrimp. Free-line it near structure and wait for that telltale tap. Grey snapper often hang in schools, so once you catch one, there are likely more nearby. Just be ready for their quick runs towards cover when hooked. These fish punch above their weight and make for some great light tackle action.
Gulf Grouper
Gulf grouper are bruisers of the reef, typically weighing 20-80 pounds when mature. These ambush predators hang out near structure in depths from 60 to 250 feet. Look for them around wrecks, reefs, and rock piles. Spring and fall are prime seasons as grouper move to shallower waters. Anglers target them for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. When you hook one, be ready for a battle - they'll try to dive back into their rocky lairs. Here's a pro tip: use a hand-cranked bottom fishing reel instead of a spinning reel. It gives you more torque to muscle these fish away from structure. Live bait like pinfish or grunts works well, but large jigs can be effective too. Remember, gulf grouper are slow-growing and long-lived, so practice catch and release when possible to help maintain the population.
Redfish
Redfish, also known as red drum, are a prized catch in the Everglades. These copper-colored beauties typically range from 20 to 30 inches and can weigh up to 40 pounds. You'll find them in shallow waters, often tailing in grass flats or hanging around oyster bars. Redfish are most active in the fall when water temperatures cool down. Anglers love targeting them for their strong fights and delicious meat. When fishing for reds, look for that distinctive black spot near the tail - they can have multiple spots, but at least one is always there. A local tip: try using a gold spoon lure in murky water. The flash mimics baitfish and can trigger strikes even when visibility is low. Remember, redfish have great eyesight, so stealth is key. Wade quietly or use a push pole to sneak up on them for your best shot at landing one of these hard-fighting fish.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. These spotted beauties typically range from 1-4 pounds, with gator trout pushing 8. You'll find them over grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper holes during winter. They're active year-round but bite best in spring and fall. Anglers love sea trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. When targeting specks, cover water and look for bait activity. A local trick: use a popping cork with a soft plastic jig underneath. The noise attracts trout from a distance, and they can't resist the fluttering jig. Work it with sharp jerks and pauses. Sea trout often school up, so once you catch one, there are usually more nearby. Just be careful not to overfish a spot - move around to keep the action hot. There's nothing quite like a topwater trout bite at dawn or dusk.
Snook
Snook are the prize fighters of the mangroves, known for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. These silver-sided gamefish typically range from 5-15 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 30. You'll find them lurking around mangrove shorelines, docks, and in the passes during their spawning runs. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temperatures are ideal. Anglers target snook for their challenging fights and tasty fillets (when in season). When fishing for linesiders, stealth is key - they're wary and have excellent eyesight. A local tip: use a live pilchard or pinfish and let it swim naturally under the mangroves. The key is to keep it in the strike zone without spooking the fish. When a snook hits, be ready to turn its head fast or it'll wrap you around the roots. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big snook crashing a topwater lure at dawn.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the silver kings of the flats, known for their spectacular aerial displays and brute strength. These prehistoric gamefish can reach sizes over 150 pounds in the Everglades. You'll find them rolling in deeper channels and basins or cruising the flats in depths from 4 to 30 feet. Spring and early summer are prime times as tarpon migrate along the coast. Anglers chase them for the thrill of the fight - landing one is a true accomplishment. When targeting tarpon, patience is key. Look for rolling fish and present your bait naturally. A local tip: use a circle hook with a live crab or mullet. Let the tarpon eat and turn before setting the hook. Be ready for explosive jumps and long, powerful runs. Remember, tarpon have bony mouths, so a good hook set is crucial. Even if you don't land one, just seeing these majestic fish in action is unforgettable.
About the Pathfinder
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 52
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
Captain Drew was awesome. We did two excursions with him for a total of 12 hours and it still wasn't enough. He put us on fish constantly and we caught a huge variety of fish. We loved it! It's been an unforgettable couple of days. Thanks so much!