Expert-Guided Everglades Fishing: 8-Hour Adventure

Full Day Fishing Frenzy in the Everglades

Ready to catch some of the toughest fish swimming in the Everglades? Local Grown Charters has you covered with a full day of non-stop action. We're talking redfish, snook, grouper, and more – all waiting for you in one of the most unique fishing spots in Florida. Whether you're itching to cast a line in the open ocean or weave through mangrove tunnels, Captain Andrew Atwill knows exactly where the fish are biting. This isn't your average day on the water – it's a chance to land some serious bragging rights while soaking in views you won't find anywhere else.

What to Expect on the Water

Hop aboard for a full day of fishing that'll keep you on your toes from sunup to sundown. We'll cruise through the diverse ecosystems of the Everglades, switching up our tactics to target different species throughout the day. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, the next you're battling a hefty grouper near a deep channel. Captain Drew's got a sixth sense for where the fish are hiding, so expect to hit multiple honey holes. And don't worry if you're new to fishing – he'll make sure you're rigged up right and show you the ropes. Just be ready for some arm-burning action when those big ones start hitting!

Fishing Techniques & Terrain

We'll be using a mix of light tackle and heavy-duty gear, depending on what we're after. For inshore species like snook and redfish, we'll often use live bait or artificial lures, working the mangrove edges and grass flats. When we're chasing bigger game like grouper or barracuda, we might switch to bottom fishing with cut bait or trolling. The Everglades offers a smorgasbord of fishing environments – from skinny water flats where you can spot fish tailing, to deeper channels where the monsters lurk. We'll adapt our approach based on tides, weather, and where the fish are most active. It's all about being flexible and ready to switch gears at a moment's notice – that's the key to a successful day in these waters.

What Anglers Are Saying

"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

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among Everglades anglers. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish put up a great fight and can be found year-round. They love to cruise the shallow flats and mangrove shorelines, often revealing their presence with a tell-tale tail sticking out of the water. Fall and winter are prime times for big bull reds, but you can catch slot-sized fish any time of year. There's nothing quite like the thrill of watching a red crush a topwater lure in skinny water.

Gulf Grouper: These bucket-mouthed brutes are the heavyweights of the Everglades fishing scene. Gag and red grouper are the most common species we target, and they can grow to impressive sizes. They're ambush predators that love to hang around structure, so we'll often fish near underwater ledges, rock piles, or artificial reefs. Grouper fishing is all about power – once they grab your bait, they'll try to dive back into their hidey-holes, so you need to turn them quick. The fight is intense, but the reward is some of the best-tasting fish in the sea.

Crevalle Jack: If you want a fish that'll test your stamina, look no further than the crevalle jack. These hard-fighting fish are like the pit bulls of the ocean – all muscle and attitude. They travel in schools and when they're feeding, it's a sight to behold. Jacks will hit just about anything that moves, from live bait to topwater plugs. They're not prized for their eating quality, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter in the Everglades. Expect screaming reels and sore arms after tangling with these guys.

Snook: Snook are the rock stars of inshore fishing in the Everglades. With their distinctive black lateral line and bucket mouth, they're as beautiful as they are challenging to catch. Snook are ambush predators that love to hang around structure – mangrove roots, dock pilings, or fallen trees are all prime snook territory. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs, making them a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. Spring and summer are peak seasons when snook move into the passes to spawn, but you can find them year-round in the Everglades' diverse habitats.

Grey Snapper: Don't let their size fool you – grey snapper (also known as mangrove snapper) are some of the wiliest fish in these waters. They're abundant around mangrove shorelines, reefs, and just about any structure they can find. Grey snapper are known for their light bite and ability to steal bait, so finesse is key when targeting them. They might not be the biggest fish in the Everglades, but they're one of the tastiest. Plus, when you find a school, the action can be non-stop, making for a fun day of constant catches.

Tarpon: The silver king is the holy grail for many Everglades anglers. Tarpon can grow to over 200 pounds and are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. These prehistoric-looking fish migrate through the area in spring and early summer, but you can find resident fish year-round in the backcountry. Tarpon fishing is as much about the experience as it is about landing the fish – many anglers consider just getting a tarpon to eat their bait a success. When you do hook up, be prepared for the fight of your life as these giants leap and shake trying to throw the hook.

Sea Trout: Spotted seatrout are a staple of Everglades fishing. These speckled beauties are found over grass flats and in deeper holes, often in good numbers. They're aggressive feeders and will readily hit artificial lures, making them a great target for anglers of all skill levels. While they might not pull as hard as some other species, their willingness to bite and delicious flavor make them a popular catch. Look for them around dawn and dusk when they're most active, often giving away their position with loud, croaking sounds.

Great Barracuda: With their menacing teeth and lightning-fast strikes, barracuda are the thrill-seekers' fish of choice. These sleek predators are abundant in the Everglades, especially around the outer edges where fresh and saltwater mix. Barracuda are known for their blistering speed – when they hit a lure, it's like somebody threw a switch. They'll often sky out of the water when hooked, putting on an aerial show that'll get your heart racing. While not typically kept for food, barracuda offer an exciting catch-and-release opportunity that's hard to beat.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're after a fishing trip that'll give you stories for years to come, this is it. The Everglades isn't just another fishing spot – it's a world-class fishery right in Florida's backyard. With Captain Drew at the helm, you're in for a day of serious fishing, jaw-dropping scenery, and the chance to tangle with some of the toughest fish swimming. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip's got something for everyone. Just remember, the big ones don't stick around forever, and neither do open spots on the boat. So if you're ready to experience the best fishing the Everglades has to offer, don't wait – book your trip with Local Grown Charters today. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing it sooner!