Everglades Fishing Guide

Fly and Light Tackle

Snook, Tarpon, Redfish
beginners-experts welcome

Snook Fishing is considered by many to be some of the most exciting shallow water game fishing in the world. Also known as an opportunistic feeder, snook fishing can be just as frustrating as it can be rewarding. At times they will attack a fly or lure with lightening speed and other times they will timidly follow a presentation all the way to the boat before turning away. Their complex and spooky behavior makes them a supreme challenge. Snook can be caught all year long, but as the temperature of the water changes, the snook will migrate to different locations in the Everglades making it imperative to fish different locations to continue catching this elusive fish. Snook can be found from tiny brackish water creeks far in the backcountry to the pristine white beaches that border the Gulf of Mexico.

Tarpon are by far the most powerful and fearless gamefish in the Everglades. The "Silver King" as they are known can range from 5 to 150 pounds and can be caught using a variety of baits and tackle. Tarpon can be caught year round but the best time to catch the large fish on fly and light tackle is March through July.

As the summer months heat up and the rainfall increases, tarpon between 5 and 50 pounds move into the brackish tea colored water of the backcountry rivers. These medium sized tarpon can be very cooperative in the morning smashing topwater plugs and flies. When hooked these prehistoric bucketmouths can be the most explosive and acrobatic fish in the Everglades.

Redfish are the bulldogs of the Everglades. Although they do not soar through the air when hooked like snook and tarpon, they make up for the lack of airtime with a never give up attitude. Redfish can be found tailing and cruising down shallow oyster bars that border the mangrove landscape in search of crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Being less wary than snook or tarpon, any type of lure or fly that resembles their forage will trick a hungry redfish. Fishing for redfish, which usually run between 4 and 10 pounds, is typically good year round, but they are especially abundant and rambunctious in the fall months.

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