Premier Everglades City Fishing | ARF Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Everglades
$350 - $800 price range

Summary

Hop aboard with ARF Charters for a 6 to 8-hour fishing trip in the rich waters of Everglades City. The 6-hour option is perfect for anglers looking to tangle with Tarpon, Snook, and Drum species. If you're after more variety or bigger game, the 8-hour trip opens up opportunities for Speckled Trout, Jack Crevalle, Tripletail, and even Sharks. With room for up to 3 guests, you'll have plenty of space to cast and reel in your catch. The longer you're out, the better your chances of hooking something special. Your experienced guide will put you on the fish and offer tips to improve your technique. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to inshore fishing, these trips are tailored to give you a great day on the water. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so come ready to make the most of your time in the Everglades!

Premier Everglades City Fishing | ARF Charters

Everglades Fishing Action

Three sheepshead fish caught in Chokoloskee

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Thrilling Everglades Angling Adventures!

Unforgettable Everglades Fishing Trips

Snook fish caught in Chokoloskee, Florida

Explore Everglades waters, reel in snook

Everglades City Fishing: 6-8 Hour Adventures

Ready for a real Florida fishing experience? Our 6-8 hour trips out of Everglades City put you right in the action. Whether you're chasing that trophy snook or looking to fill the cooler with tasty redfish, we've got you covered. With ARF Charters, you're not just booking a trip – you're signing up for a day of serious angling in one of the most productive fisheries around.

What to Expect on the Water

We kick things off early, meeting at the dock just as the sun's coming up. The 6-hour trip is perfect if you want to get in, catch fish, and still have time for other plans. But if you're looking to really max out your day, the 8-hour option is the way to go. We'll hit multiple spots, targeting everything from the backwater creeks for snook to the open flats for sea trout. And don't worry – we've got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to live bait. Just bring your sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a snack or two.

Top Catches This Season

Fishing the Everglades isn't your average day on the water. We use a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where. Some days we're sight-fishing for redfish tailing in the shallows, other times we're working jigs along mangrove shorelines for snook. For the sea trout, we might drift the grass flats, using popping corks to entice strikes. And if the tide's right, we'll set up on some structure to target sheepshead and grey snapper. It's all about reading the water and knowing where the fish are holding – that's where our local knowledge comes in handy.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These are the rockstars of inshore fishing. Hard-fighting and known for their acrobatic leaps, snook are a blast to catch. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be working docks, mangrove roots, and oyster bars. Best time to target them is during the warmer months, especially around the new and full moons when they're actively feeding.

Grey Snapper: Don't let their size fool you – these guys put up a solid fight. Also known as mangrove snapper, they're cunning and quick to steal bait. We typically find them around rocky bottoms and reefs. They're year-round residents but really fire up in the summer months. Tasty too, if you're looking to take some home for dinner.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are a unique catch. They've got a mouth full of teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. We target them around pilings, bridges, and other structure. Winter is prime time for sheepshead, when the water cools and they school up. Light tackle and a sensitive touch are key – these guys are notorious bait stealers.

Sea Trout: Speckled seatrout are a staple of Everglades fishing. They're abundant, willing to bite, and make for great eating. We find them over grass flats and deeper holes, often using artificial lures or live shrimp under a popping cork. Fall through spring is typically the best time, when the water temperatures are more moderate.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among anglers. They can be found in the shallow flats, often with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. Spring and fall are excellent seasons for reds, but we catch them year-round. Nothing beats the thrill of sight-casting to a tailing redfish in skinny water.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The Everglades isn't just a fishery – it's a living, breathing ecosystem unlike anywhere else. One minute you're casting to snook under the mangroves, the next you're watching a pod of dolphins cruise by. Ospreys diving for fish, gators sunning on the banks, maybe even a manatee lumbering through a channel. It's not just about what's on the end of your line; it's about being out there, surrounded by the raw beauty of Old Florida.

And let's talk about the fishing itself. The variety is insane. In a single day, you might hook into a hard-fighting jack crevalle, then switch gears to finesse some speckled trout, before capping it off with a bruiser of a snook. It's this mix of action and skill that keeps folks coming back trip after trip.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, the Everglades fishery is no secret. Anglers from all over the world come here to get in on the action. But there's a big difference between just showing up and actually knowing where to find the fish. That's where we come in. With years of experience on these waters, we know the spots, the tides, and the patterns that put you on fish consistently.

Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to dial in on some trophy catches, or a first-timer wanting to bend a rod, we've got you covered. Our 6-8 hour trips give you the flexibility to fish hard and still have time for other plans. But fair warning – once you get a taste of Everglades fishing, you might find yourself wanting to extend that trip.

So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the water. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so when you book, be ready for some serious fishing. See you at the dock!

Learn more about the species

Grey Snapper

Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper, are sneaky little devils that'll test your skills. Most run 1-2 pounds, but the big ones can hit 10+ pounds offshore. You'll find them around docks, reefs, and mangrove roots in 10-100 feet of water. They're crafty and quick to steal bait, so use a light touch. Fall through spring is prime time when the water cools. Anglers love targeting them for their mild, sweet meat and the challenge of outsmarting them. To improve your odds, try a small live shrimp on a circle hook. Let it sink slowly near structure and watch your line - grey snapper are masters of the subtle bite. Once hooked, get them away from cover fast or they'll break you off. With practice, you'll be pulling these tasty buggers in left and right.

Redfish

Redfish are a favorite target for shallow water anglers. Most run 5-10 pounds, but bull reds over 20 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them tailing on grass flats or cruising mangrove shorelines in 1-3 feet of water. They often give themselves away with their copper-colored backs and distinctive tail spots. Fall is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love sight-fishing for them and their powerful, dogged fights. To catch reds, try a gold spoon or soft plastic jerk bait. Cast beyond the fish and retrieve it across their path. When you see that wake turn and follow your lure, get ready - the strike can be explosive. Once hooked, keep steady pressure to tire them out. There's nothing quite like battling a big red in skinny water.

Sea Trout

Speckled trout are a staple for light tackle anglers here. Most run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them over grass flats and around oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. They're ambush predators, so look for them in potholes or along edges. Spring and fall are peak seasons when bait is plentiful. Anglers target them for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. To catch specks, try a popping cork rig with a live shrimp or soft plastic underneath. Work it with short, sharp pops to mimic fleeing bait. When you feel that distinctive thump, set the hook and hold on - big trout can put on quite a show. Just remember to handle them gently if you're releasing them.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are one of the more unique fish you'll catch around here. They usually run 2-5 pounds but can get up to 15. Look for them around docks, pilings, and oyster bars in 5-15 feet of water. They have human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs, their favorite foods. Winter and early spring are best when they school up to spawn. Folks love catching them for the fight and excellent table fare. To hook one, use a small piece of shrimp or fiddler crab on a #1 or #2 hook. Drop it right next to structure and wait for the telltale tap-tap-tap. Set the hook quick or they'll steal your bait clean off. It takes some practice, but once you get the hang of it, sheepshead fishing is addictive.

Snook

Snook are a favorite for anglers around here. These sleek predators usually run 1-3 feet long and put up an amazing fight. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and other structures in shallow water. They love ambushing bait, so look for them in current breaks and eddies. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Snook are prized for their tasty white meat, but the real thrill is their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. To land one, try freelining live bait like pilchards or pinfish near structure. Let it swim naturally and be ready - when a snook hits, it hits hard. Just watch out for those gill plates when you're unhooking them. Pound for pound, snook are some of the best fighting fish in these waters.

About the C-Hawk (Bay boat)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Honda

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 225

Ready for a full day of fishing in the Everglades? Choose between a 6-hour or 8-hour trip to explore the rich fishing grounds near Everglades City. The 6-hour option gives you plenty of time to target popular catches like Tarpon, Snook, and Drum species. If you're up for more variety, the 8-hour trip opens up possibilities for Speckled Trout, Jack Crevalle, Tripletail, and even Sharks. With room for up to 3 guests, you'll have personalized attention from your experienced guide. They'll help you make the most of your time on the water, whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing. The longer you're out there, the better your chances of landing something impressive. So grab your gear, bring your patience, and get ready for a rewarding day of fishing in one of Florida's most unique ecosystems. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so book when you're sure you're ready for this Everglades adventure.

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