Ready for a real Florida fishing experience? Our 4-hour Everglades charter puts you right in the action. Whether you're chasing reds in the shallows or testing your skills against hard-fighting snook, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll cruise through the mangroves, hit the honey holes, and show you why the Glades is a bucket-list spot for anglers worldwide. Bring your A-game and let's see what's biting!
Picture this: You're gliding through gin-clear waters, mangroves on one side, sawgrass marshes on the other. That's the Everglades for you – a fishing paradise like no other. Our half-day trip gives you the best of both worlds – enough time to get into some serious fishing without eating up your whole day. We'll kick things off early morning when the fish are most active, or if you're not an early bird, we can hit it in the afternoon when the light's just right for sight fishing. You'll be working with light tackle, feeling every nibble and run. And don't worry if you're new to this – our guides know these waters like the back of their hand and will have you catching like a pro in no time.
The Everglades is teeming with game fish, and we're targeting some real beauties. Redfish are the stars of the show – these copper-colored bruisers put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Snook are another favorite, lurking around structure and exploding on topwater lures. And let's not forget about the mighty tarpon – if you hook into one of these silver kings, hold on tight! We also see plenty of black drum and the occasional crevalle jack to keep things interesting. Our guides know where these fish hang out and what they're biting on, so you're in for some steady action.
"Great charter to go on, captain ariel dj put us on multiple species of fish. He kept us moving spots to stay where the fish are biting. Did a great job keeping us away from the bugs. He cleaned our fish for us and gave us a local restaurant that cooked it for us. Awesome experience. Definitely recommend!" - Ryan
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing. They love to cruise the flats and mangrove shorelines, often tailing in shallow water. Sight-casting to a tailing red is about as exciting as it gets. They put up a stubborn fight, often making powerful runs and even some acrobatic leaps. Fall and winter are prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round in the Glades.
Snook: If you're looking for a fish that'll test your skills, snook are it. These ambush predators love to hang around mangrove roots, docks, and other structure. They're known for their explosive strikes and gill-rattling head shakes. Snook fishing is best in the warmer months, especially during their spawn in late spring and early summer. Landing a big snook is a real trophy – they can grow over 40 inches long!
Tarpon: The silver king of the flats, tarpon are the ultimate game fish. These prehistoric giants can grow over 200 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic leaps and long, powerful runs. Hooking a tarpon is one thing – landing one is a whole different story. They migrate through the Everglades in spring and early summer, but you can find resident fish year-round. Even a small tarpon will give you the fight of your life.
Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum are a blast to catch and can grow to impressive sizes. They're bottom feeders, so we'll target them with live bait or cut bait around deeper holes and channels. What they lack in looks, they make up for in fight – larger drum can really put your gear to the test. They're most active in cooler months, making them a great winter target.
Goliath Grouper: These massive fish are a true bucket-list catch. Protected since 1990, goliaths are strictly catch-and-release, but that doesn't make them any less exciting. They can grow over 800 pounds and are known for their bone-crushing strikes and powerful runs to structure. We'll target them around wrecks and deep holes using heavy tackle. Hooking into a goliath is an experience you won't forget!
At ARF Charters, we're all about giving you the best day on the water possible. Our boats are set up for inshore fishing, with plenty of deck space and all the gear you need. We provide top-notch rods, reels, and tackle – all you need to bring is your fishing license and a good attitude. Our guides aren't just skilled anglers; they're locals who know these waters inside and out. They'll put you on fish, sure, but they'll also share stories about the area, point out wildlife, and make sure you're having a blast the whole time.
Want to make the most of your Everglades fishing adventure? Here are a few pro tips: 1. Dress for success: Light, breathable clothing and a good hat are must-haves. Don't forget the sunscreen! 2. Bring a camera: The scenery is stunning, and you'll want to capture those fish pics. 3. Stay hydrated: Florida heat is no joke, so bring plenty of water. 4. Listen to your guide: They know these waters and want you to catch fish just as much as you do. 5. Be ready to move: Sometimes the fish aren't where we expect, so we might hop around to different spots.
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, our 4-hour Everglades charter is calling your name. With world-class fishing, breathtaking scenery, and guides who know how to put you on the fish, this trip is a can't-miss for any angler. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online today, and let's make some fishing memories in the Everglades!
July 14, 2025
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the flats, typically 5-30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in brackish water around oyster beds, mudflats, and creek mouths. They're most active in spring during spawning season. Anglers love their powerful fight and how they use sound to communicate - you might hear them "drumming" underwater. To catch one, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. They've got strong jaws for crushing shellfish, so use sturdy hooks. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for "muds" - cloudy water where drum are rooting for food. Cast your bait nearby and wait for the thump. Just remember, bigger isn't always better with these guys - the smaller ones taste way better.
Crevalle Jack are hard-fighting fish that'll test your gear. They average 12-24 inches but can hit 4 feet and 60 pounds. You'll find them inshore and offshore, often around structures like reefs or oil rigs. They hunt in schools, so watch for birds diving - that's a dead giveaway. Spring and fall are great times to target them. Anglers love the challenge - these guys are like bulldogs on the line. To hook one, cast a silver spoon or topwater plug into the school and retrieve fast. They love the chase, so keep that bait moving. Pro tip: listen for a watermelon smell when they're feeding at the surface. Strange but true!
Goliath Grouper are the tanks of the reef world. They can grow over 8 feet long and weigh up to 800 pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and bridges in relatively shallow water, usually less than 100 feet deep. Summer's the best time to target them, during spawning season. Anglers love the challenge of wrestling these giants, but remember, they're catch-and-release only. Use heavy tackle - we're talking 80-100 pound class gear. Whole fish like jacks or ladyfish make great bait. Drop it near structure and hold on tight. Local tip: when you feel the bite, don't set the hook. Just start reeling and let the circle hook do its job. These fish have massive mouths, so give them time to take the bait.
Redfish are a favorite around here, usually weighing 3-5 pounds but can get up to 50. Look for them in shallow water, 1-4 feet deep, hanging around oyster beds and grass flats. They love a muddy bottom. Fall and winter are prime seasons when they school up. Anglers love 'em for their strong fight and that distinctive tail spot. To catch one, try sight fishing on calm days - you might see their tails sticking up as they feed. Throw a gold spoon or live shrimp near structure, and be ready for an explosive strike. Just remember, they can be picky eaters, so patience pays off. Oh, and that copper-colored flesh makes for some mighty fine eating too.
Snook are sneaky ambush predators, usually 1-3 feet long. You'll find them around mangroves, seawalls, and inlets - anywhere with structure and moving water. They're most active spring through fall, especially around new and full moons. Anglers prize snook for their acrobatic fights and smart tactics. These fish will try to wrap you around pilings, so be ready. Live bait like pilchards works great, but artificials like soft plastics and topwaters can be deadly too. Here's a local trick: fish the outgoing tide at night with a slow-sinking lure. Let it drift with the current past structure. Snook can't resist an easy meal floating by in the dark.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Honda
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225
Great charter to go on, captain ariel dj put us on multiple species of fish. He kept us moving spots to stay where the fish are biting. Did a great job keeping us away from the bugs. He cleaned our fish for us and gave us a local restaurant that cooked it for us. Awesome experience. Definitely recommend!