Everglades Fishing

Everglades Backcountry Fishing Charters from Marathon, Florida

Call or Text: (786) 508-2483

Everglades National Park

We have all heard of this place in the middle of nowhere called the Everglades. But did you know that it is considered one of the best fishing destinations in the entire world? Yes, this is true and the best part is that the Everglades fishing grounds are just a short ride from the Florida Keys. At Angling Adventures in Marathon, Captain Rich Smith takes you into Everglades National Park and its 2,500 square miles of pristine backcountry waters. In some areas, it’s common to catch Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, and even Large Mouth Bass all with the same lure. This is because many of our species migrate between salt and fresh water depending on the time of year.

Everglades Fishing Charter Options & Pricing

Everglades Aerial View

Full-Day Charter (8 Hours) ⭐ Recommended
Because of the longer commute to the fishing grounds (20-30 miles across Florida Bay), we recommend a full day trip to make it worth the time spent to get there. This gives you maximum time fishing in one of the world’s most pristine backcountry environments.

Trip Options:

1-2 Anglers (18′ Flats Skiff) – Use flats skiff to access remote fishing creeks and ponds on light tackle spin or fly fishing equipment
1-4 Anglers (23′ Bay Boat) – Live bait trips using light tackle spinning gear

Departure Options:

Flamingo
Islamorada
Marathon

For pricing and availability, visit our Booking & Reservation Page →

The Everglades Fishing Season: When to Book

Everglades Snook Fishing

Best Time of Year (October through March)
October through March is the best time to fish in the Everglades. These months offer the most consistent conditions and access to prime locations throughout the backcountry.

Other Months (April through September)
The other months are still good fishing, however afternoon thunderstorms will often prohibit us from accessing prime locations and can cut the trip short. The Everglades is still a great place to fish year-round.

Why Captain Rich Smith is Your Best Bet for Everglades Fishing

Everglades Fishing Sunset

Decades of Backcountry Experience
We have spent decades learning the secrets of the Backcountry and can honestly say there is much to still be explored. It’s not uncommon for us to pass a shoreline that even we haven’t had a chance to fish yet. We love it because it always keeps that element of “The Unknown” as a factor in our daily charters.

Expert Navigation Skills
The Everglades’ size can be quite intimidating to many anglers wishing to explore it, but that’s where your expert guide’s experience comes in. You can see just how difficult it can be to navigate around the small islands and narrow creeks. We know these waters intimately and can safely guide you to the most productive fishing areas.

Pristine Wilderness Experience
Along the shorelines of these islands you can see Alligators, Crocodiles, Exotic Birds, Turtles, Dolphins, Manatees, and many other critters that call the Everglades home. This rugged environment has remained virtually untouched by man and since the creation of Everglades National Park in 1950 it should remain that way for generations to come.

What Makes Everglades Backcountry Fishing Special

Flamingo Fishing

Everglades National Park’s 2,500 square miles are home to many species of fresh and saltwater gamefish:

Snook
Hard-hitting predators that ambush prey around mangrove creeks and structure. The backcountry mangroves provide perfect habitat for these aggressive fish.

Tarpon
Juvenile Tarpon cruise mangrove shorelines and creek mouths. These hard-fighting fish provide explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps in the pristine backcountry waters.

Redfish
Found in shallow bays and along mangrove edges. Perfect targets for sight-casting in the crystal-clear backcountry waters.

Large Mouth Bass
In some areas of the Everglades, you can catch bass alongside saltwater species. This unique mix of fresh and saltwater fishing makes the Everglades truly special.

Mixed Species Opportunities
In some areas it is common to catch Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, and even Large Mouth Bass all with the same lure. This is because many species migrate between salt and fresh water depending on the time of year.

Logistics: Boats, Location, and What to Expect

Our Everglades Fishing Fleet

Great Inshore Fishing

18′ Flats Skiff (1-2 Anglers)
Perfect for accessing remote fishing creeks and ponds. Gets into shallow, skinny water where few other boats can reach. Ideal for light tackle spin or fly fishing equipment in the most pristine areas of the backcountry.

23′ Bay Boat (1-4 Anglers)
Perfect for live bait trips using light tackle spinning gear. Comfortable platform for longer runs across Florida Bay and fishing throughout the day in the Everglades backcountry.

The Journey to the Everglades

Distance from Marathon:
Usually, we go 20-30 miles across Florida Bay before we start fishing in the Everglades. This is why we recommend full-day trips to maximize your fishing time in this incredible environment.

Departure Options:

Flamingo – Direct access to Everglades National Park
Islamorada – Upper Keys departure point
Marathon – Middle Keys departure (our primary location)

What to Expect

Wildlife Viewing:
Along the shorelines you’ll see Alligators, Crocodiles, Exotic Birds, Turtles, Dolphins, Manatees, and many other critters that call the Everglades home.

Pristine Environment:
This rugged environment has remained virtually untouched by man. Since the creation of Everglades National Park in 1950, it has been protected for future generations.

Element of the Unknown:
The Everglades’ vast size means there’s always new water to explore. Even after decades of guiding, we still discover new areas and fishing opportunities.

What’s Provided:
All fishing gear, tackle, lures, bait, licenses, cooler with ice

What to Bring:
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat, camera, rain jacket, food and drinks. Check our Getting Prepared page for a complete packing list.

Departure Point

Angling Adventures
Island Fish Company Restaurant
Mile Marker 54, Oceanside
Marathon, FL 33050

Get Directions on Google Maps →

We also offer departures from Flamingo and Islamorada depending on your location and preferences.

Everglades Fishing FAQ

What species can we catch?
Snook, Tarpon (juvenile), Redfish, Large Mouth Bass, and various other fresh and saltwater species. In some areas, you can catch multiple species with the same lure due to the unique mix of salt and freshwater.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat, camera, rain jacket, food and drinks. The Everglades backcountry is remote, so bring everything you’ll need for a full day. Check our Getting Prepared page for a complete list.

Are fishing licenses included?
Yes. All Florida fishing licenses are covered under your charter.

Do I need Everglades fishing experience?
Not at all! We welcome anglers of all skill levels. We teach you the techniques that work in the backcountry: reading mangrove structure, accurate casting to tight spots, and fighting fish around obstacles.

Why only full-day trips?
Because we travel 20-30 miles across Florida Bay to reach the prime Everglades fishing grounds, full-day trips (8 hours) ensure you get maximum fishing time. The journey is worth it—the Everglades offers world-class fishing in pristine wilderness.

What’s the best time of year?
October through March offers the most consistent conditions. April through September can have afternoon thunderstorms that limit access to some areas and may cut trips short, though fishing is still good.

Can we fish with fly rods?
Absolutely! The 18′ flats skiff trips (1-2 anglers) are perfect for fly fishing. The backcountry creeks and ponds offer excellent sight-casting opportunities for Snook, Tarpon, and Redfish.

What wildlife will we see?
Alligators, Crocodiles, Exotic Birds, Turtles, Dolphins, Manatees, and many other species that call the Everglades home. This is one of the most biodiverse environments in North America.

Is the Everglades safe to fish?
Yes! With an experienced guide who knows how to navigate the narrow creeks and small islands, Everglades fishing is perfectly safe. The environment may look intimidating, but our decades of experience ensure a safe and productive trip.

See the Action: Everglades Fishing Video Gallery

Watch More Epic Videos →

Everglades fishing charters offer world-class backcountry experiences.

Book Your Everglades Backcountry Fishing Trip Today!

Experience world-class fishing in one of the most pristine wilderness environments on Earth. Everglades National Park’s 2,500 square miles of backcountry waters offer unique opportunities to catch Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, and even Bass in the same areas. Navigate narrow creeks, explore remote mangrove shorelines, and discover why the Everglades is considered one of the best fishing destinations in the entire world.

Call or Text: (786) 508-2483
Email: info@captainrichsmith.com

Visit our Booking & Reservation Page for pricing and availability.

Check our Getting Prepared page for what to bring on your trip.