Chokoloskee Fish Species

Seasonal Fishing Guide for Chokoloskee Waters

What Fish Are Biting Each Season in the Everglades

Fishing in Chokoloskee is productive year-round, but knowing when certain species peak can help you plan the most rewarding trip. In the cooler winter months, anglers can expect steady action with sheepshead, black drum, and redfish. These fish hold near oyster bars and deeper channels, offering a reliable bite even during cold fronts. Snook fishing in Chokoloskee slows slightly during winter but picks back up rapidly as spring approaches and water temperatures rise.

Spring and summer are prime seasons for tarpon fishing in the Everglades, especially in the back bays and river mouths. Large migratory tarpon begin showing up in late April and remain active through early fall. This is also when snook and redfish feed aggressively along mangrove shorelines and grass flats. Seatrout, jack crevalle, and ladyfish are abundant and provide consistent inshore action throughout the warmer months.

By fall, Chokoloskee waters begin to cool again, bringing another push of redfish and snook into the area, particularly around bait-rich estuaries. Offshore options, though limited due to the shallow nature of the region, can include trips targeting tripletail and permit along nearby structure when weather permits. Whether you're fishing with live bait or artificials, understanding the seasonal fish movement in Chokoloskee ensures you target the right species at the right time for a successful Everglades fishing experience.

1. What fish are in season in Chokoloskee right now?

Depending on the time of year, anglers with Captain Randal Charters can target redfish, snook, sea trout, black drum, and sheepshead. Spring through fall is especially productive for snook and tarpon, while cooler months bring reliable action with redfish and drum.

2. Can I catch tarpon in Chokoloskee?

Yes—Captain Randal Charters offers trips during peak tarpon season, which runs from late April through September. Tarpon are often found in the backcountry, river mouths, and deep channels near the Ten Thousand Islands.

3. Are redfish available year-round in Chokoloskee?

Absolutely. Redfish are a reliable target throughout the year. Captain Kent Daniels frequently guides anglers to productive redfish spots around oyster bars, mangroves, and mud flats in all seasons.

4. What is the best time to fish for snook in Chokoloskee?

The best months for snook fishing in Chokoloskee are from March to October, when water temperatures rise. Captain Randal Charters specializes in locating snook along shorelines, inlets, and deep mangrove cuts during active feeding times.

5. What other species can I catch on a Chokoloskee fishing trip?

In addition to redfish, snook, and tarpon, trips with Captain Randal Charters may also produce speckled trout, jack crevalle, ladyfish, and the occasional tripletail or permit. The variety of inshore species makes each trip diverse and rewarding.