Ready to test your skills against some of Florida's hardest-fighting freshwater fish? This 5-hour charter in the heart of the Everglades is tailor-made for experienced anglers looking to up their game. You'll be targeting trophy largemouth bass, vibrant peacock bass, and a host of exotic species in an ecosystem unlike anywhere else. With room for up to three guests, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work those grass mats and timber-lined banks. Your guide's fully rigged 21' Skeeter bass boat will get you into the skinny water where the big boys lurk. Expect a fast-paced day filled with tight-quarters combat fishing and the chance to land some real Florida bruisers.
This isn't your average bass fishing trip. We're talking about navigating narrow canals and weaving through cypress knees to reach honey holes most anglers never see. Your captain will have you pitching jigs into submerged logs one minute and working topwater frogs across lily pads the next. The Everglades' diverse habitat means you'll need to be on your toes, ready to switch tactics at a moment's notice. Don't be surprised if an alligator decides to check out your catch or a roseate spoonbill flies overhead – the wildlife viewing here is just as good as the fishing. With premium rods and reels at your disposal and a livewell full of prime bait, you'll have everything you need to make the most of your time on the water.
Get ready to put your casting accuracy to the test. We'll be focusing on pinpoint presentations to isolated cover and structure. You might find yourself skipping soft plastics under overhanging branches or working a chatterbait along grasslines. Flippin' and pitchin' are essential skills here, as many of the biggest bass hold tight to heavy cover. Your guide will help you dial in your presentations and show you how to effectively work different lures. When it comes to fighting fish, be prepared for some serious pull. These Everglades bass grow big and mean, so a stout rod and braided line are must-haves. The peacock bass add another dimension with their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. It's technical fishing that demands skill, but the rewards are well worth it.
Largemouth Bass: The kings of the Everglades, these bucket-mouths can grow to trophy proportions in the nutrient-rich waters. Look for them around laydowns, grass edges, and other structure. They're most active early and late in the day, but can be caught year-round. Landing an 8-pounder here isn't uncommon, and 10+ pounders are always possible.
Peacock Bass: Originally from South America, these colorful fighters have made themselves right at home in South Florida's warm waters. They're pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter. Peacocks love to ambush prey, so working lures near structure often triggers explosive strikes. Their vibrant colors make for amazing photos.
Oscar: Another South American transplant, oscars have thrived in the Everglades. While not typically targeted, they provide great action on light tackle. These cichlids put up a surprisingly good fight for their size and are often found in the same areas as peacock bass. Their unique patterns and "personality" make them a fun catch.
Alligator Gar: These prehistoric-looking fish can reach massive sizes in the Everglades. While not a primary target, hooking into one of these toothy giants is always a possibility. They're often found in deeper channels and can put up an intense battle. Landing a big gar is a true Florida fishing accomplishment.
It's the combination of world-class fishing and the unique Everglades environment that keeps skilled anglers hooked on this trip. Where else can you catch a trophy bass, tangle with an exotic peacock, and spot a panther all in the same day? The constantly changing conditions and diverse fish species mean no two trips are ever the same. Plus, the knowledge you'll gain from fishing with a seasoned Everglades guide is invaluable. Many guests find themselves applying techniques learned here to their home waters with great success.
If you're an experienced angler looking for a true test of your skills, this Everglades bass fishing trip is calling your name. With only three spots available per charter, you'll want to lock in your date early – especially during peak seasons. Remember, the deposit is non-refundable, so check your calendar and commit to an epic day on the water. Whether you're after that new personal best largemouth or want to cross peacock bass off your bucket list, this trip delivers the goods. Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the unique challenge and beauty of Everglades bass fishing. Book now and get ready to create some serious fish stories.
Alligator gar are prehistoric-looking monsters that'll make you feel like you've traveled back in time. These beasts can grow over 6 feet long and top 100 pounds, though most are in the 4-foot range. You'll find them in the deeper parts of rivers, bayous, and backwaters. Late summer is prime time when the water's hot and low. Gar are tough to hook with their bony mouths, but that's part of the challenge anglers love. They put up a heck of a fight and look like something straight out of Jurassic Park. Live bait like mullet or carp works best. Here's a local trick: use a frayed nylon rope as a lure - their teeth get tangled in it. Just be careful handling these toothy critters. Remember, it's catch and release only for alligator gar in Florida. They're not the easiest fish to land, but hooking into one of these living fossils is an experience you won't forget.
Largemouth bass are the bread and butter of Everglades fishing. These bucket-mouths typically run 2-5 pounds, but trophy fish pushing 10 pounds or more aren't unheard of. You'll find them around vegetation, fallen trees, and other structure in shallow waters. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active. Largemouth are ambush predators, so look for them near cover. They're famous for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive nature and the challenge of figuring out what they'll bite on any given day. Plastic worms, topwater frogs, and spinnerbaits all work well. Here's a local tip: when the water's high, flip heavy jigs into thick cover where big bass hide. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, hooking into a big Everglades largemouth is always a thrill.
Oscars are an odd but fun fish to target in the Everglades. These cichlids usually run 10-12 inches, but can grow up to 18 inches in the right conditions. You'll find them in canals, ponds, and slow-moving backwaters, often hanging near the bottom. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they can put up a surprising fight when hooked. Oscars are most active in warmer months, so spring through fall is prime time. Anglers enjoy catching them for their unique look and the challenge of enticing these sometimes-picky eaters. They've got strong teeth in the back of their throat, so watch your fingers when unhooking. My go-to bait is live crickets or worms, but small cut bait works too. If you're after a fun, different species to mix things up, oscars are worth a shot. Just remember, they're non-native, so we practice catch and release.
Peacock bass are a colorful, hard-fighting fish that'll give you a run for your money in the Everglades. These guys typically range from 2-8 pounds, with some trophy fish pushing 10 pounds or more. You'll find them lurking around structure in canals, ponds, and slow-moving waters. They love warm water, so the best fishing is spring through fall. Peacocks are ambush predators - look for them near bridges, fallen trees, and canal intersections. They put up an impressive fight and make for some great photos with those vibrant colors. Live golden shiners are peacock candy, but they'll also smash topwater lures and crankbaits. My top tip? Work your bait fast and erratically to trigger their predatory instincts. These fish aren't native, but they've become a prized catch for many anglers looking to tangle with something different in South Florida.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 72
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250