Fishing in the Everglades

Everglades City, located in Southwest Florida, offers a unique ecosystem with incredible fishing opportunities. From freshwater marshes to brackish estuaries, the area presents many species of fish to catch, such as smaller species like bluegill and bass, to bigger fish like tarpon and snook. 

Depending on where you are fishing from, you can catch various types. In freshwater areas you can cast your line out and catch largemouth bass, bluegill, and sometimes even peacock bass if you’re lucky! In the brackish water areas, which is a mixture of both salt and fresh water combined,you can cast out a line and catch species such as snook, redfish, tarpon, and even sharks! Sometimes a strong fish will run my line out and when I reel it in, I find a blacktip shark on the end! The best time to fish is from about April to November. However, if you are trying to catch bigger tarpon,February is when the big tarpon start to roll in the Ten Thousand Islands and Barron River. 

When I go fishing, I always go to my local bait and tackle store, Everglades Fishing Company, to get some live shrimp and crabs. After I get my bait and tackle that I need, I go from dock to dock and drop down a knocker rig with the shrimp or crabs on it. A knocker rig is when you have a weight above your fishing hook that can move freely up and down your line. I like using this because when you drop it down, it holds the bait down until a fish eats the bait, then the weight stays and the line moves easily, preventing the fish from getting spooked. On my best days with this rig, I’ve caught redfish, grouper, and snook. 

The next time you plan a trip, think about coming down to the Everglades, where you can catch plenty of fish, enjoy the amazing views that the Everglades offers, and eat some delicious food from our local restaurants. If you catch a fish or two, you can take them to one of our many restaurantsin the area and they will cook them however you like. Always be ready to have a good time when you’re in the Everglades and enjoy the thrill of not knowing what you will reel in!