August Fun Fishing Weekend – Lobster & Everglades Adventure

Midnight Start – Lobstering with Captain Rd. Goodman

Our August Fun Fishing Weekend actually started long before the sun came up. At 2:00 AM, longtime angler Brian teamed up with Captain Rd. Goodman for a true Florida Keys tradition — bully netting for lobster.

Using a small, specialized bully net boat, they worked the shallow waters under the glow of powerful spotlights. Within a short time, Brian was able to catch his limit of spiny lobsters, a perfect way to kick off the weekend. Nothing says “Florida Keys” like fresh lobster right out of the water, and bully netting is an adventure in itself.

Sunrise Start from Marathon – Fishing with Captain Rich

After a few hours of lobstering success, Brian met back up with Captain Rich at 6:00 AM at the dock in Marathon. This time, the adventure shifted from the shallows to the backcountry as we fired up our 18’ Hell’s Bay Marquessa skiff, powered by our new Yamaha 115 SHO outboard engine. The SHO ran smooth as ever, cruising comfortably at 30 MPH for the 30-mile ride up to the Everglades.

The ride itself is breathtaking — calm Gulf waters, endless mangrove islands, dolphins surfacing, seabirds flying overhead, and a sense of true wilderness as the sunrise lights up the horizon. 🌅🐬

Exploring East Cape Canal & Lake Ingram

We reached the East Cape Canal, the gateway into the Everglades, and pushed into Lake Ingram. With the tide out, the mudflats were alive with activity. Wading birds like egrets and spoonbills feasted on shrimp and baitfish, while a few American Crocodiles lounged along the banks. One massive croc sat with his jaws wide open, displaying a menacing smile of sharp teeth. 🐊

Custom Gear & Fishing Action

This trip was all about light tackle fishing. Brian came prepared with his custom-built spinning rods, crafted by renowned rod builder Randy Towe of Islamorada Fishing Outfitters. Paired with Shimano Stella reels and 15 lb braided line, they were perfectly suited for throwing artificial lures.

We rotated between:

  • Gold spoons for flash and vibration

  • Rapala X-Rap surface plugs for explosive topwater strikes

The fish were hungry! Over the course of the morning, we caught and released:

  • Several Snook 🎣

  • Redfish prowling the mangroves

  • A few Sea Trout

  • And even a surprise small Goliath Grouper on light tackle!

Every fish was released safely to fight another day, part of our commitment to sustainable fishing.

Wildlife & Dragonfly Encounter

Fishing in the Everglades is about more than the catch — it’s about the wildlife and raw beauty. Between crocs, birds, and mangrove scenery, it felt like stepping back in time. On the ride home, we even had a tiny dragonfly cling onto the boat for miles, hitchhiking its way back with us. A small but magical reminder of the Everglades’ uniqueness. 🐉✨

Why This Was the Ultimate August Fun Fishing Weekend

From lobster bully netting at 2 AM to sunrise fishing in the Everglades by 6 AM, this trip had everything — Florida Keys seafood, custom fishing gear, powerful boats, wildlife encounters, and memories that will last a lifetime.

At Angling Adventures, we love building trips like this that go beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re chasing offshore mahi, lobstering under the stars, or hunting snook in the Everglades, every day on the water is unforgettable.

📍 Book Your Next Adventure

Ready for your own August Fun Fishing Weekend or custom Florida Keys experience?

👉 Visit us at www.captainrichsmith.com