Expert-Guided Everglades Fishing | ARF Charters

Everglades Fishing: 3-Hour Inshore Adventure

Ready to wet a line in one of Florida's most iconic fishing spots? Our 3-hour Everglades inshore trip is perfect for anglers looking to squeeze in some quality fishing without burning a whole day. Whether you're an early bird or prefer afternoon action, we've got you covered with 6:30 AM and 3:00 PM departure times. It's just enough time to get a taste of what the Everglades has to offer - from hard-fighting snook to crafty redfish hiding in the mangroves.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll be surrounded by the unique beauty of the Everglades. We're talking winding waterways, lush mangroves, and the kind of quiet you can only find when you're miles from the nearest road. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll head straight for the hot spots where fish have been biting. Depending on the season and conditions, we might be sight-casting to tailing redfish, working jigs around oyster bars for snook, or maybe even hooking into a monster tarpon if luck's on our side. The Everglades fishing scene changes constantly, which is part of what makes it so exciting.

Techniques & Tackle Talk

On this trip, we'll be using light tackle and a mix of artificial lures and live bait. Your guide will set you up with everything you need, from rods and reels to the perfect lure for the conditions. We might start off throwing soft plastics around mangrove edges, switch to topwater plugs if the fish are busting on the surface, or soak some live shrimp if the bite gets tough. The key in the Everglades is versatility - you never know what you might hook into next. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques; your guide will be right there to show you the ropes and help you dial in your cast.

Top Catches This Season

The Everglades is home to some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. Here's what you might find on the end of your line:

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These hard-fighting fish are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They love to hang out around structure, especially mangrove roots and fallen trees. Snook are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They're most active in the warmer months, but you can catch them year-round in the Everglades. The challenge of outsmarting a big snook is what keeps many anglers coming back trip after trip.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among Everglades anglers. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail and pull like a freight train when hooked. Redfish love to cruise the flats and hang around oyster bars. In the fall, you might spot them tailing in shallow water - a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing. Their hard-pulling fight and excellent table fare make them a prized catch.

Grey Snapper: Don't let their size fool you - these fish punch above their weight class. Grey snappers, or mangrove snappers as they're often called, are known for their crafty nature and delicious fillets. They hang around structure and can be finicky eaters, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all skill levels. When you find a school, the action can be non-stop.

Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish are like underwater bulldozers. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks they make up for in fight. Black drum love to hang around deeper holes and channel edges. They're suckers for crabs and shrimp, and when you hook a big one, you're in for a slugfest. The larger ones can top 50 pounds, giving you a serious workout on light tackle.

Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," tarpon are the ultimate game fish for many anglers. These prehistoric-looking giants can grow over 100 pounds and are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. While we can't guarantee tarpon on a 3-hour trip, if conditions are right and we're lucky, you might just get a shot at one of these bucket-list fish. Even a brief encounter with a tarpon is enough to create fishing memories that last a lifetime.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The Everglades isn't just another fishing spot - it's a unique ecosystem that offers anglers a chance to fish in one of the most pristine and wild environments in Florida. Every trip is different, and that's what keeps our regulars coming back season after season. One day you might be sight-fishing for tailing redfish in gin-clear water, the next you could be battling snook in the mangrove tunnels. The diversity of fish and the ever-changing conditions mean you're always learning something new.

Plus, there's something special about fishing the Everglades that goes beyond just catching fish. It's about being out there in nature, away from the hustle and bustle. You might see alligators sunning themselves on the bank, osprey diving for fish, or even a manatee cruising by the boat. It's the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, our 3-hour Everglades trip is calling your name. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or a beginner wanting to learn the ropes, this trip has something for everyone. Remember, we've got morning and afternoon options to fit your schedule, and if three hours isn't enough (trust us, it often isn't), we can always extend the trip for an additional fee.

Don't forget, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So if you're ready to tangle with some Everglades bruisers, give us a call and let's get you on the water. Just a heads up - deposits are non-refundable, but trust us, once you're out there casting to tailing redfish or battling a feisty snook, you'll be glad you locked in your spot. See you on the water!