Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to chase some of the most exciting gamefish in Florida's backwaters? Captain Randal here, and I've got just the trip for you. Our 4-hour fly fishing adventure takes you deep into the heart of Chokoloskee Island's pristine waters. We're talking world-class fishing that'll get your heart racing and your reel singing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet in fly fishing, I'll make sure you have a day on the water you won't forget.
Picture this: You're gliding through crystal-clear shallows, mangroves lining the shores, and there's a tailing redfish just begging for your fly. That's what we're all about here in Chokoloskee. Our backwater fishing is some of the best you'll find anywhere. We're not just fishing; we're exploring the wild beauty of the Everglades. You'll see dolphins playing in the distance, birds diving for their lunch, and maybe even spot an alligator sunning on a log. But let's be real - we're here for the fish, and boy, do we have fish!
Now, let's talk technique. We're all about light tackle and artificial lures here. No need for live bait when you've got skills and the right fly. I'll show you how to work those mangrove edges where the big snook like to hide, or how to spot those subtle signs of a redfish tailing in the grass flats. We'll use everything from poppers to Clouser minnows, depending on what's biting. And the best part? The action starts just minutes from the dock. No long runs eating up your fishing time - we're in the zone fast.
Snook are the stars of our show here in Chokoloskee. These hard-fighting linesiders are like the supermodels of the flats - beautiful, elusive, and boy, can they run! They love to hang out around mangrove roots and oyster bars, so we'll be targeting those spots. Spring and fall are prime times for big snook, but honestly, they're a year-round target here. When you hook one, hold on tight - their first run is legendary!
But don't sleep on the redfish. These copper-colored beauties are a fly angler's dream. They're often found tailing in shallow water, giving you a perfect target for your cast. The thrill of watching a red track down your fly and inhale it is hard to beat. Winter and early spring are fantastic for reds, but we catch them all year long.
And if you're lucky, we might even tangle with the silver king - tarpon. These prehistoric monsters can top 100 pounds and will test every bit of your skill and gear. Watching a tarpon go airborne after taking your fly is a heart-stopping moment every angler dreams about. Late spring and early summer are prime tarpon time, but we see some year-round.
Look, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I still get excited every time I head out. Each trip is different - that's the beauty of the Everglades. One day you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in gin-clear water, the next you could be working mangrove edges for monster snook. And it's not just about the fish. The scenery here is straight out of a nature documentary. You'll see things that'll make you forget all about your phone and social media. This is real, raw Florida at its finest.
So, what do you say? Ready to experience some of the best fly fishing Florida has to offer? Whether you're looking to check some bucket list species off your list or just want a fun day on the water, I've got you covered. We keep our groups small - just two anglers max - so you get plenty of one-on-one instruction and time on the bow. Don't worry if you're new to fly fishing; I'll have you casting like a pro in no time. And if you're an experienced angler, well, get ready for some of the most exciting fishing of your life. The fish are waiting, the skiff is ready, and the Everglades are calling. Let's go catch some memories!
Snook are one of our top targets here in Chokoloskee. These sleek predators typically run 1-3 feet long and love to hide around mangroves and oyster bars. You'll find them in both fresh and saltwater, from shallow flats to deeper channels. Spring through fall is prime snook season, especially around the new and full moons when they're spawning. That's when the big females move to passes and inlets. Snook put up an incredible fight - they'll make blistering runs and try to wrap you around structure. Anglers prize snook for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To land one, work soft plastic swimbaits or topwater plugs around mangrove shorelines early in the morning. My secret tip? Fish the falling tide when snook get forced out of the mangroves and stack up on nearby points. Just be ready for that first explosive strike!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115