Fishing in the Everglades is one of those bucket-list moments for anglers from all over the world. As one of only two everglades in the world, it’s a unique ecosystem that has been defying all odds. The only truly wild area left in all of Florida, it’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.
Spanning from the Ten Thousand Islands all the way down to the Keys, it’s a vast sanctuary for the most exotic wildlife in the country. Nicknamed the “River of Grass” due to its comprehensive system of slow-moving water, it’s an unmissable natural gem for every angling enthusiast.
The Everglades National Park is a protected area of the Everglades, home to a variety of endangered species. However, owing to the abundance of fish in its waters, fishing is allowed and encouraged. If you decide to give it a go, you’ll be fishing alongside alligators, a variety of exotic birds, amphibians, and mammals. It’s a truly immersive experience!
Best Fish to Catch in the Everglades
Considering that the Everglades is a mix of different habitats, including freshwater, brackish waters, and saltwater, the variety of fish species will leave you in awe. This is truly an angler’s paradise, as it’s possible to go after vastly different fish depending on the area you visit. With marshes, mangrove islands, wetlands, and enchanting waterways, as well as Florida Bay all at your disposal – get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience.
Redfish
The shallow waters of the Glades are filled with this Florida favorite. And it’s not surprising – the Everglades is a marshland first and foremost, and Redfish love marshes! Available all year round, it’s the go-to target for most inshore fishermen. And, given the way it fights, fishing for Redfish is a truly rewarding experience.
The bigger “Bull” specimens are a force to be reckoned with, but it’s the fun of the fight that you won’t forget. Oh, and one more thing, it’s finger-licking good! If the challenge of the fight doesn’t attract you, the food quality of this species will surely convince you.
Tarpon
Looking for a fight? You’ve come to the right place! Famous for its game qualities and putting up an extraordinary battle, Tarpon is one fish on everybody’s list. This silver giant doesn’t back away, and the dance it performs as you’re trying to reel it in is a unique experience. So if the thrill is in the chase, then going after the Silver King is an adrenaline injection.
With both migratory and resident Tarpon at your fingertips, you’ll have no shortage of choices here. Visiting the Ten Thousand Islands will see you reeling in some “sleepers” – Tarpon that come here to rest and feed. Heading down to the Everglades National Park will have you targeting some of the quieter residents of Florida Bay where you can even try fly fishing for Tarpon, an adventure like no other. Whatever your expectations, this silver giant will meet them.
Snook
Snook is truly an unmissable Floridian target. What puts this fish at the top? For one, it’s mouthwatering! What’s more, it puts up a real fight. And, with the size of Everglades Snook, photos speak louder than words. It’s easy to see how this is the one to be reckoned with!
Expansive mangrove islands and shallow flats are the staples of the Everglades, and this is exactly what Snook is all about. Exploring these winding waterways is as thrilling as it is productive. Filling the freezer with delicious table fare has never been so fun!
Largemouth Bass
There’s a reason why this game fish is the official state freshwater fish of Florida. Anglers enjoy targeting Largemouth Bass due to the thrilling nature of the fight it puts up. What makes it so fun to catch? Well, often it will jump out of the water while trying to get off the hook, making for some great game qualities.
As the largest species of the Black Bass family, with average catches around 5 pounds, there’s no denying that Largemouth is one to look out for. And it’s found in a variety of habitats, including lakes, reservoirs, rivers, creeks, and canals. So you know the Everglades will deliver!
Peacock Bass
Want an even more ferocious fight? Perceived as one of the most beautiful game fish in the world, this South America native was introduced to Florida in the ‘80s. Peacock Bass is a tough freshwater species that puts up an incredible fight, making it a true angler favorite. The Butterfly Peacock Bass has found a home in the Everglades, and fishing for it is just wonderful.
While you can target any of the top species we’ve mentioned, we’d be doing you a disservice if we didn’t tell you about the abundance of other fish species found in the area. Bowfin, Garfish, Crappie, Bluegill, Sunfish, Warmouth – these are all found in the freshwaters of the Everglades. And we shouldn’t forget the saltwater beasts like Speckled Trout, Pompano, Black Drum, Sheepshead – just take your pick!
How to Go Fishing in the Everglades
With such a wide natural area spanning 1.5 million acres of marshes and wetlands, there’s a variety of fishing styles you can choose from. You can opt for the best way to do it depending on where you want to go. Read on for our selection of top fishing spots in the Everglades.
Charter Fishing
Considering the vastness of this wild habitat, hopping aboard a fishing charter will save you a lot of time. This way, you’ll be able to cover a lot more ground, and the help of a professional charter captain is invaluable. Visiting the Florida Bay and targeting prized inshore fish species is always a good idea.
A fishing charter will allow you more versatility as well. Seeing as there are both fresh and saltwater fishing options, you can hop aboard a boat and do it all! The Gulf of Mexico is another exciting opportunity you can take advantage of with a charter captain. So if your goal is to maximize your chances and fill the freezer, this is the way to go.
Kayak Fishing
One of the most exciting ways of fishing in the Everglades is getting in a kayak. You can enjoy the natural views of the area up close and personal, and there’s a variety of places you can head out of. Visit Everglades City where you’ll find kayak rentals and professionals ready to help you out.
With the winding waterways and canals all throughout the park, you’ll be in awe of the last Florida wilderness. Sink a line and relax under the Everglades sun, making your trip one to remember. Paddle out along with alligators, dolphins, manatees… this is a true melting pot of wildlife!
Shore Fishing
The Everglades National Park is committed to protecting the environment of the Everglades as the unique ecosystem that it is. However, fishing is allowed, and it’s a very popular activity in and around the area. When it comes to shore fishing, there’s a variety of options you can explore.
There’s something for everyone here! You can visit one of the freshwater lakes closer to the park’s entrance. Or you can head a little further and fish in brackish and saltwater lakes. If all you want to do is grab a rod and relax in the sun, this is the way to go. After all, fishing is all about enjoying yourself surrounded by nature and water, and that thrill of the fight.
Everglades Fishing Spots
With such a big area, finding a spot to fish in the Everglades can be a bit of a challenge. Depending on your preferences, you can fish in different types of waters, including salt, fresh, and brackish waters. We’ve compiled a list of top fishing spots you can hit up, so read on!
- Ten Thousand Islands: With the southern portion of the islands falling under the Everglades National Park, there’s easy access to the channels and bays of this backcountry. You can target big Tarpon in the area, as well as Redfish, Trout, Snook, and more.
- Florida Bay: At the opposite end lies Florida Bay, stretching from the southernmost tip of the mainland out to the Keys. With Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Trout, and a variety of other species, you’ll have your hands full.
- Snake Bight: Redfish and Snook like cruising the flats and mangrove shorelines of various islands in Florida Bay. One of the most productive spots for these species is Snake Bight, just east of Flamingo. As it happens, many anglers are in on this secret and the Bight is often crowded on weekends.
- Whitewater Bay: You might also spend your time in the lower portion of the Everglades fishing Whitewater Bay, one of the largest bodies of water in this neck of the woods. You’ll find Snook, Jacks, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Tarpon biting vigorously here.
- West Lake and Bear Lake: Carved into the shoreline between Snake Bight and Whitewater Bay is a series of lakes. If you’re willing to get on a kayak and row your way through, stellar fishing awaits. As a result, be rewarded with Snook, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Snapper, Black Drum, Jacks, and Baby Tarpon.
- Holiday Park: Many local Bass fishing guides head out of Holiday Park, which gives you access to the L67A canal – one of the best Bass fishing spots around. This canal runs all the way to the Tamiami Trail, where you’ll find waters with less fishing pressure.
- Lake Okeechobee: Everglades Bass fishing might also take you to Lake Okeechobee – the largest freshwater lake in Florida. The lake feeds all of the Everglades with freshwater, and you can catch Crappie and Bluegill along with more big Largemouth Bass.
- Pine Glades Lake: Another great freshwater lake to visit if you’re up for some well-sized Largemouth Bass, as well as Crappie and Bluegill. Just 9 miles from the Everglades National Park Entrance, you can access it fairly easily, and dip a rod as soon as you arrive.
When to Go Fishing in the Everglades
The Everglades area offers good fishing throughout the year. However, how you go about it and the species you can catch can vary depending on the time of year. In fall and winter, when things start to cool off, you can target Snook, Redfish, and Tarpon. This is when the area is less frequented, so it’s the best time to just relax and enjoy yourself.
Spring and summer can be very good, especially when it comes to sight fishing. And of course, this is when Tarpon are at their best, so this is the time to target those big ones. Note that there are different open seasons and regulations depending on the targeted species, so make sure to check the FWC website ahead of time.
Everglades Fishing Tournaments
There’s a variety of tournaments going on in the Everglades on a regular basis. So if you want to try your luck at reeling in a trophy Bass, check out the Everglades Bassmasters schedule. You can sink your line with some of the best anglers around for an exciting day of fishing.
Looking for more family-oriented fun in the sun? Hook ’em in Glades is your best bet. This family-friendly annual tournament in Everglades City is the perfect choice to get out and have fun with the little ones. As a result, you’ll get to teach them all about sportfishing in the beautiful Ten Thousand Islands.
Everglades Fishing Regulations
The Everglades feature both saltwater and freshwater fishing. This means you’ll need a freshwater license if you intend to target species such as Bass. Conversely, you’ll need a saltwater license if for the likes of Redfish, Tarpon, and Snook. This applies to all anglers aged 16 and older. However, if you’re fishing aboard a saltwater charter in Florida, the captain will over you with his 6-pack license. Check the video below for more info.
Besides the licenses you should also keep in mind that some areas of the Everglades are heavily regulated and prohibited for fishing. You can get acquainted with all the regulations before your visit on the Everglades National Park website.
Why fish in the Everglades? There’s no other place like it!
Seeing as this is a unique ecosystem in this part of the world, exploring the Everglades is something out of the ordinary. Fishing in the area is as varied as it can get. Also, it’s the habitat of a really impressive list of exotic wildlife. There’s no other place in Florida that is as wild as the Everglades – and visiting will feel like coming back home.
Have you ever tried fishing in the Everglades? Did you enjoy the vast wilderness of the area? Or are you just planning to go? Tell us all about it in the comments below, or ask anything you want to know!
