Fishing the Everglades

Summer Fishing 

As summer persists and the heat, mosquitoes, and rain all continue to remind us we are in the Everglades, we continue to catch good fish. It seems if we can get a good morning rising tide, we are going to have a good day fishing. Snook, Redfish, Trout and yes, even some Tarpon are all still around. But added in now that we have some calmer waters,  is offshore fishing. Red Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, and Lane Snapper are all biting. Go early and beat the afternoon rainstorms coming in early. The nearshore wrecks will also be more easily accessed due to calm winds. Whichever you decide to do can make for a great day on the water! Kids will be going back to school before you know it, so get the family out before their summer ends! 

Inshore fishing right now is mostly Snook fishing. They love the warmer water temps, and summer is when the big females are spawning, so they will be feeding in between spawns. Handle them with care and get them back in the water quickly, as they are the future. Also, as the waters are warmer, the sharks have moved inshore in large numbers. Be careful when releasing fish after a fight as the sharks have a way of finding them after you release them. Sometimes you may have to move the fish to a safer place if you see a large shark circling. If I see a big shark patrolling, I will move to a new location so I don't accidentally feed a big Snook to these guys. This is something we all have to be aware of, and as a guide, I am always wanting to ensure the safe release of these big female Snook. The outside Islands are producing the best action on big Snook, but the river mouths are also going to hold fish. Incoming tide means bait is moving, but it also means cooler water moving. Both of these will produce some good action. 

Redfish always seem to love the incoming tide, also. The water is pretty clear right now in a lot of places, so we have actually been sight casting some decent Reds. Live baits or jigs are both getting bit. And of course, a live shrimp is always a sure way to get some Redfish action. Work them under a cork, free-lined, or with a small lead. Fishing just along the edges of Mangrove Islands will get action. And you never know what will happen. A couple weeks ago, Capt. Bobby Johnson had a client and a huge Permit doing just this. So, keep on fishing and good things will happen. 

Trout are still biting and if you need some fish for a fish fry, these are great. Live shrimp or a DOA shrimp under a popping cork will work. And of course, a jig will always produce. The color tail you use will depend on water clarity. Chartreuse is hard to beat when the water is dark. I use a lot of Glow and Chartreuse tails. Trout are not as plentiful as in the winter months, and you may not find as many big Trout, but they are still here. Timing your tides depending on what area you fish, and which species you are after takes experience and practice. But part of the fun is figuring things out. There are tons of apps out there to help you become a more successful fisherman, but nothing beats experience. So, get out and experience the Everglades' shallow water fishing we have to offer. Stay hydrated and bring your rain gear! Till next time, good luck fishing! Capt. Mike Merritt 

Captain Mike Merritt was born in Coral Gables, Floriday, lived in Australia as a child, and then moved back to Everglades City, Florida where he graduated from Everglades City High School. He caught his first snook at the age of eight and has been catching them ever since.  

He is a third-generation fisherman and has been guiding in the Everglades National Park for over 30 years. While the glades are his primary fishing grounds, he also owns The Amazon Prime Ecolodgeand has been fishing in Brazil’s Amazon for the last 12 years.