Tarpon fishing charter in Everglades National Park with captain

Sight-cast for flats species in shallows with expert captain guidance

An 8-hour fishing charter in Everglades National Park where you fish the flats for Tarpon and other species on fly or light spin tackle with an experienced captain who teaches technique as you go. The charter includes all rods and tackle, fresh bait, ice, fuel, and fish cleaning. A fishing license is provided. Choose between a half-day or full-day option depending on how much time you want on the water.

The experience

The boat ride to the fishing grounds takes 20 to 40 minutes across Florida Bay, over the grass flats and through the mangrove islands where the captain knows the productive water. Once you arrive, the captain walks you through the techniques and approach that work for flats species (how to read the water, how to cast, what the fish are looking for), and then you're hunting. The focus is on sight-casting, which means spotting the fish in the shallows and presenting the fly or lure to them rather than blind casting and hoping. It's active fishing, not passive waiting.

All the gear is there: fly rods, spin rods, tackle, fresh bait if you want it. The captain handles the boat positioning and the navigation. You handle the cast and the fight. If you land something, the captain cleans and fillets it before you leave, so you can take the catch home or to a restaurant to cook. Bring sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses to cut the glare off the water, and shoes with white soles that won't mark the boat deck. The charter runs 8 hours for a full day or half that for a shorter outing, and either way you're on the water during the hours when the fish are feeding.

What’s included

• All fly and spin rods and tackle.
• fresh bait.
• fishing license.
• ice and fuel for the boat.
• fish cleaning and filleting.

Options for this experience

2 options

Half day charterGuide in English · Available from 7 Dec · 08:00Lasts 4 hours, includes pickup

Golden Glare Fishing Charter led by an Experienced CaptainGuide in English · Available from 7 Dec · 08:00Full day lasting 8 hours, includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMondayDeparts at 08:00

GroupUp to 2

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Golden Glare Fly Charters LLC

Is this one for you?Book the full 8-hour charter if you want to spend the whole day learning the flats and have the best shot at landing a Tarpon. The half-day option works if you have a shorter window and still want to experience sight-casting in the Everglades shallows.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the spring Tarpon migration and when does it happen?

The spring Tarpon migration is when large Tarpon move through the shallow flats of the Everglades and upper Florida Keys, typically in the spring months. The charter is built around targeting these fish during this peak season, though the captain fishes for other flats species year-round as well.

Do I need fishing experience to book this charter?

No prior experience is required. The captain teaches you the techniques and approach as you fish, so you learn sight-casting and flats fishing methods during the day. A moderate level of physical fitness helps, since you'll be standing and casting for hours.

What happens if I catch a fish?

The captain cleans and fillets your catch before the charter ends, so you can take it home or have it cooked at a local restaurant. The charter includes fish cleaning as part of the service.

What's included in the charter and what do I need to bring?

The charter includes all fly and spin rods, tackle, fresh bait, ice, fuel, a fishing license, and fish cleaning. You'll need to bring polarized sunglasses to see the fish in the water, white-soled shoes that won't mark the deck, a rain jacket, and sunscreen. Lunch is not included.

How do I get to the boat, and where does the charter start?

Pickup is included, and public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to meet the boat at the dock. The captain will confirm the meeting point and time when you book.