Florida Fishing Guide Service

Fishing The Everglades
From Marco to Chokoloskee

Marco Island is a community within itself. It has world class hotels, restaurants, golf and tennis. You can stay on Marco Island and have the best of all possible worlds. Goodland is a small entity of Marco and that is my homeport. Goodland is the gateway to southern Marco and the 35,000 acre Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The boundary of the Everglades National Park is just a few miles to the south. Within minutes of Marco, you can be in a vast expanse of wilderness.

The mangrove estuary starts at Marco Island and sprawls to the southeast just past Chockoloskee. The myriad of rivers, creeks, bays and flats are endless. These systems are home and nursery to countless species of fish. This is where we hunt for snook, redfish, trout and tarpon. Methods range from live bait or plugs with light spinning tackle. You may also try your hand with the fly rod.

The Islands tend to be classified into three regions; 1) the "front,"consisting of the islands adjacent to the Gulf, 2) the "back," consisting of the back bays, lakes and creeks, and 3) the "middle", which is everything in between. Gamefish species tend to occupy these regions (and the Gulf itself). At various times depending on the tides, water temperatures, salinity, food availability, etc. the secret is to learn the effect of these and other variables to locate the species, identify their local prey, and chose a method of attack. That is why it is wise to hire a guide. When you hire me, you can cut to the chase. I provide everything you need to ensure a successful day on the water.

Once you are on the water, you are already enjoying the price of admission. My flats boats are shallow drafted and very agile. The area is studded with mangrove islands, oyster bars and small passageways. Most folks enjoy the boat ride as much as they do the fishing. You will see a variety of birds, dolphin and wildlife. It is not uncommon to see manatees on your trip as well. Bring binoculars and hop on.