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Premier Everglades City Fishing | ARF Charters
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Everglades
- $350 - $800 price range
- Updated Date: September 3, 2025
Summary
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Everglades Fishing Moments
Exciting Florida spotted seatrout haul
Fun Florida catfish catch
Proud Florida spotted seatrout catch
Happy Florida flounder catch
Chokoloskee Spotted Seatrout haul
Vibrant Florida pompano catch
Impressive Florida black drum catch
Happy Florida snook catch
Proud Florida spotted seatrout catch
Smiling Florida redfish catch
Exciting Florida spotted seatrout haul
Fun Florida catfish catch
Proud Florida spotted seatrout catch
Happy Florida flounder catch
Chokoloskee Spotted Seatrout haul
Vibrant Florida pompano catch
Impressive Florida black drum catch
Happy Florida snook catch
Proud Florida spotted seatrout catch
Smiling Florida redfish catch
Exciting Florida spotted seatrout haul
Fun Florida catfish catch
Proud Florida spotted seatrout catch
Happy Florida flounder catch
Everglades Fishing: Where Big Catches Await
Ready for a day of non-stop action in the Everglades? ARF Charters has you covered with 6 to 8-hour trips that'll have you reeling in some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish. Whether you're after the acrobatic tarpon or the hard-fighting snook, our experienced guides know just where to find the hot spots. With the Everglades as your backdrop, you're in for a fishing adventure that's as scenic as it is exciting.
What to Expect on the Water
Hop aboard for either a 6-hour or 8-hour trip, depending on how much fishing you're itching to do. The 6-hour option is perfect for anglers who want a solid day of fishing without burning the entire day. You'll have plenty of time to target species like tarpon, snook, and drum. If you're looking to max out your time on the water, the 8-hour trip is your ticket to a wider variety of catches. We're talking speckled trout, jack crevalle, tripletail, and even sharks. Our guides will have you on fish all day, adjusting tactics as needed to keep the rods bent.
Fishing the Glades: Tactics & Terrain
Fishing the Everglades is like nowhere else. We'll be working a mix of mangrove shorelines, grass flats, and deeper channels. Depending on the tide and what's biting, we might start by tossing live bait around mangrove roots for snook, then switch to sight-fishing for redfish on the flats as the water warms up. For the bigger game like tarpon, we'll often set up in passes or channels where these silver kings like to roll. Our boats are set up with all the gear you need, from light tackle for trout to heavier setups for battling those bruiser snook.
Top Catches This Season
The Everglades fishing scene is on fire right now. Snook are crushing baits around every mangrove point, while the redfish have been tailing on the flats like clockwork during the morning low tides. Tarpon season is ramping up too, with more fish showing up daily. The trout bite has been steady, especially for those willing to work a topwater plug at first light. And for the shark enthusiasts, we've been hooking into some respectable blacktips and bulls in the deeper channels.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Snook: The ultimate Everglades gamefish. These ambush predators love to hang tight to structure, making them a blast to target. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. Snook fishing is at its peak during the warmer months, but you can catch them year-round in the Glades. The "snook slam" - catching and releasing snook of all sizes in a day - is a badge of honor among anglers here.
Grey Snapper: Don't let their size fool you; these tasty little brawlers put up a great fight on light tackle. They're often found around docks, bridges, and any underwater structure. Grey snappers, also known as mangrove snappers, are abundant in the Everglades and make for excellent eating if you're looking to take home dinner.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are a unique catch. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking one is a true test of an angler's skill. Found around pilings and oyster beds, these fish are most active during the cooler months. Their firm, white flesh makes them another great option for the dinner table.
Sea Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these fish are a staple of Everglades fishing. They're often found over grass flats and are suckers for a well-presented artificial lure. The "gator" trout - the big ones over 20 inches - are prized catches that'll test your drag. Dawn and dusk are prime times for trout fishing, making them perfect targets to start or end your day.
Redfish: With their copper color and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish are a sight-fisher's dream. They love to cruise the shallow flats, often with their backs out of the water as they hunt for crabs and small fish. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, using their broad tails to dig in and test your gear. The bull reds - the big ones over 27 inches - are catch-and-release only, but man, are they a thrill to battle.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. The Everglades offers a fishing experience like no other. One minute you're casting to a snook hiding under a mangrove, the next you're watching a pod of dolphins cruise by. Ospreys dive for fish overhead while alligators sunbathe on the banks. It's wild, it's beautiful, and it's right in Florida's backyard. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're just as excited as you are when a big one hits the line. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to experience some of the best fishing the Sunshine State has to offer? Whether you go for the 6-hour or 8-hour trip, you're in for a day of rod-bending action. Remember, we can accommodate up to 3 anglers, so bring your buddies or make it a family outing. We provide all the gear, but bring your own snacks and drinks - trust me, you'll work up an appetite out there. Don't forget to grab your fishing license before the trip. The Everglades are calling, and the fish are waiting. Let's get out there and make some memories!
Learn more about the animals
Grey Snapper
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are a blast to catch in the Everglades. Most run 1-2 pounds, but they can get up to 20 pounds offshore. Look for them around structure like mangroves, docks, and reefs in 10-100 feet of water. They're opportunistic feeders, so live bait like shrimp or small fish works great. Grey snapper bite year-round but really fire up in summer. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge - they're known for their lightning-fast bite. When you hook one, get ready for a stubborn fight as they try to dive back into cover. Here's a local tip: use a light fluorocarbon leader to get more bites from these sharp-eyed fish. And don't set the hook too soon - wait until you feel weight on the line.
Redfish
Redfish are an Everglades favorite, known for their copper color and distinctive tail spot. Most are in the 3-8 pound range, but bulls over 20 pounds show up too. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often in water so skinny their backs are out. They also hang around oyster bars and mangroves. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love sight-casting to tailing reds and their powerful, bulldogging fights. They're also excellent eating. Live bait like mullet or crabs work great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. Here's a local trick: on low tides, look for pushed-up water or mud boils. That's often a redfish rooting for crabs. Cast ahead of it and hang on - when a red hits, it's game on!
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple in the Everglades. Most run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them in grassy flats, channels, and around oyster bars, usually in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially around moving tides. Spring and fall are prime seasons. Anglers love sea trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. They're not the hardest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers - when you find one, you've often found a school. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but artificial lures work great too. Here's a tip: on calm days, look for their subtle v-wakes as they cruise the flats. Cast ahead of them and hold on tight!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are a quirky target in the Everglades, easily recognized by their black and white stripes. Most run 2-5 pounds, but they can reach up to 15. You'll find them around barnacle-covered structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. They're notorious bait stealers with their human-like teeth, so small hooks and patience are key. Winter is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers enjoy the challenge of hooking these crafty fish and their delicious, white meat. They put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Here's a local secret: use fiddler crabs for bait and a light touch on your rod tip. When you feel the slightest tap, wait a second, then set the hook hard. It takes practice, but landing a big sheepshead is super satisfying.
Snook
Snook are one of the Everglades' top gamefish. These sleek predators typically run 1-2 feet long but can reach over 4 feet. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structure in both fresh and saltwater. They're ambush feeders, so work your lures tight to cover. Spring and fall are peak seasons as snook move between habitats. Anglers love their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The fight of a big snook is unforgettable. Their white meat is also prized for eating, though heavily regulated. For best results, fish early morning or evening with live bait like pilchards or lures that mimic baitfish. My go-to trick is twitching a suspending jerkbait right in their face - they can't resist smashing it.
About the C-Hawk (Bay boat)
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Honda
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225
