Everglades Fishing Guides

Fishing Guide

Everglades Fishing Guides for Largemouth bass and Peacock Bass

When it comes to Everglades bass fishing, there’s hardly a better place with better weather or fishing than Florida. Now, just if fishing GOOD guide was that easy. Consider jumping aboard a peacock bassfishing charter with one of our fishing guides, and you’ll show you why it a great idea. Why the urban jungle is a force of nature and one of Florida’s most popular thing to do and it’s open and available throughout the year. Thanks to the beautiful climate, it holds some of the most exciting native and exotic fish species anywhere.

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Capt Brett Isackson

United States Coast Guard 25USCG Credential Verified

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Capt Brett Isackson is and has been a full-time fishing guide in South Florida for over 15 years. Is the go to guide for all exotic species specialist, peacock, clown knife fish and [Read More]

Capt Mark Rogers

United States Coast Guard 25USCG Credential Verified

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Capt Mark Rogers is a full-time Southwest guide, Naples Marco Island fishing report charters for bass and saltwater offshore fishing. Fished 15 yrs as a professional as a B.A.S.S. Elite Pro. Mark was raised [Read More]

Capt Robery Miley

United States Coast Guard 25USCG Credential Verified

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Capt Robert Miley is a full-time Everglades fishing charters started fishing Everglades in 1970. A well known as the “King of Peacock,” and has over 20 years of knowledge [Read More]

Capt Mark Rose

United States Coast Guard 25USCG Verified

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Capt Mark Rose does fishing report Naples Marco Island. Mark has been fishing Lake Erie and Lake Okeechobee since 1999. He fishes Lake Erie in the spring for smallmouth he loves [Read More]

Capt Kirk Osborne

United States Coast Guard 25USCG Credential Verified

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Capt Kirk OsborneIt all started in 1969 when my father started taking us to the Everglades to go fishing. First, it was a small panfish, but then one of my best memories. It was when my dad took [Read More]

Capt Rick Mitchell

United States Coast Guard 25USCG Credential Verified

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Capt Rick Mitchell report Naples Marco Island fishing full-time freshwater and saltwater inshore guide. After 25yrs as a 2nd lieutenant in the US Army he is falling his passion fishing tournaments and [Read More]

Capt Tim Nichols

United States Coast Guard 25USCG Credential Verified

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Tim Nichols has been fishing for the past 15 years and a professional South Florida bass fishing guide for over 5 years and has had many accomplishments along the way. He has been very [Read More]

Capt Dave Rhoden

United States Coast Guard 25USCG Credential Verified

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Capt Dave Rhoden was born-and-raised Floridian that loves the outdoors and fishing. Hop on board his 22’ Sun Tracker Pontoon boat perfect for the whole family up to 6-anglers. [Read More]

Capt John Larsen

United States Coast Guard 25USCG Credential Verified

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Capt John Larsen started guiding to share his passion and knowledge with others. John has enjoyed the Florida waters all his life as a Native. It could be said that he was raised for this. It started [Read More]

Capt DJ Timms

United States Coast Guard 25USCG Verified

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Capt DJ Timms is a full-time South Florida fishing guide. He guides for both Trophy Large Mouth Bass and Peacock Bass. He is a Marine Corps Veteran born and raised in [Read More]

Capt Kayman Mills

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Captain Kayman Mills is a full-time guide on Lake Okeechobee and the Florida Everglades for trophy largemouth bass on the big O and peacock bass in the Everglades. Experience the local waters with a true local in a luxury Ranger boat [Read More]

Capt Bill Boliek

United-States-Coast-GuardUSCG Credential Verified

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Captain Bill Boliek is a full-time guide in the Florida Everglades for trophy largemouth bass and peacock bass and Lake Ida for peacock bass & Clown Knifefish. A true local with a luxury Storm boat [Read More]

Capt Spencer Cookson

United States Coast Guard 25USCG Verified

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Capt Spencer Cookson is a full-time fishing guide in Florida from September – May and in New England during the summer months. While in Florida he will be guiding for Peacocks, Largemouth, and Clown Knifefish on the Lake Ida [Read More]

Capt Jonathan Polanco

United States Coast Guard 25USCG Verified

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Capt Jonathan Polanco Your Premier Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guide Capt Jonathan Polanco, hailing from Erie, PA, is a dedicated full-time fishing guide specializing in smallmouth, largemouth & peacock bass with over [Read More]

Capt Brian Sweeney

United States Coast Guard 25USCG Verified

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Capt Brian Sweeney is a fishing guide who charters Everglades fishing, Lake Osborne, and the Florida Everglades. Originally from Maryland, Brian grew up fishing the rivers and lakes in the mid-Atlantic area before studying at the University of South Carolina [Read More]

Capt Levi Hutchison

United States Coast Guard 25USCG Credential Verified

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Capt Levi Hutchison grew up in Texas, although they spent Florida Everglades largemouth bass. He’s a Texas native that left fishing Texas lakes for peacocks and exotics! He can offer you many options here in South Florida! [Read More]

About Everglades Fishing Guides

The opportunities are endless when fishing in South Florida. The canals for peacock bass, the weedy banks for Snakehead, deep holes for Clown Knife fish, and the shallow flats of the Everglades for trophy largemouth bass are just some of the opportunities. Fishing with a South Florida fishing guide will yield numerous peacock bass and largemouth. These species are plentiful like Oscars, so going on a half-day charter will get you great action for the whole family. If everyone is enjoying themselves, extend the trip by an hour or two!

The numerous area around South Florida boasts great convenience and opportunity for anglers. Aside from the great freshwater, there are great offshore species like Mahi Mahi, tuna, grouper, snapper, and amberjack, while fishing inshore for snook, tarpon, redfish, and other sport fish.

South Florida is the mecca of fishing, and you’ll have no trouble finding a fishing guide to take you out. Fishing charters are like a 7-11, there on every corner, so you can’t use that excuse. But the question is, who do you hire? How do you know?

Why Choose Us?

We’re not just another fishing charter. We’re a team of passionate Everglades anglers dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, we’ll make sure your trip is exciting, educational, and tailored to your fishing dreams.

  • Expert Guides: We’re local anglers who know the Everglades inside and out!
  • Proven Track Record: Check out our 5-star reviews!
  • Family Fun: We make fishing exciting and easy for the whole family.
  • Customized Trips: Tell us your fishing dreams, and we’ll make them a reality.
  • Conservation-Minded: We practice ethical fishing to protect the Everglades

What to Expect on Your Charter

Get ready for an action-packed day on the water! Our Everglades fishing charters are designed to maximize your fishing time and provide you with a truly authentic experience.

Look for this in a Fishing Guide

Don’t use a booking service; the captain is paying them a commission. Use companies like Bass Online, where we all fish! We’re a group of South Florida fishing guides that have gotten together as a TEAM. Under the best conditions to provide you the customer, the most satisfactory service in the area that the South Florida fishing industry has ever seen.

The finest bass fishing guides in South Florida on “the Everglades, Lake Ida, Lake Osborne, Markham Park, Sawgrass, and Miami area for hard fighting Peacock bass,” you have come to the right place, Florida’s most extensive and #1 rated Guide Service.

We specialize in working with new anglers and experienced bass anglers looking for prime waters and modern techniques. Bass anglers who are out for an authentic, fun learning experience. But what we enjoy the most is getting those first-timers “hooked” on fishing. We provide everything you need for that big day.

Best Practices of a South Florida Fishing Guides

When taking a group of people fishing, the objective is safety first, fun, and education, especially if kids are onboard. It is not just about fishing, conservation, and the outdoors because they are future fishing guides.

This goal is to catch fish and create an atmosphere of fun and intrigue on the water. It should not be just about fishing; you should see lots of different fish and wildlife. The ecosystem depends on us promoting conservation, which starts where necessary with catch-and-release.

When being a South Florida fishing guide, we take the novice, amateur at best, and hard-core anglers and adjust our style and techniques for them. We get anglers that want to target specific species, like the Clown Knife Fish, and that okay as well.

The Everglades is a hidden gem in South Florida; it is located between Naples and Fort Lauderdale and South of Lake Okeechobee. The water flows south into Everglades National Park, where it becomes salty. You can sight-fish on the flats for Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and Sea Trout.

When you’re ready to embark on your next fishing charter, be sure to contact one of our South Florida fishing guides for their expert advice.

Rules & Regulations

Florida fishing licenses are not included in freshwater charters, but saltwater they are. This is not a choice of the captain but a way for Florida to get additional money for its resources. Making sure you get the proper license is the guide’s job, but actually getting it can only be done by you. Specific regulations are in place, and reputable captains will ensure you’re fishing within the laws of South Florida.

For detailed information on Everglades National Park fishing regulations, including licensing requirements, bag limits, and permitted fishing areas, please visit the official Everglades National Park fishing regulations page.

Our experienced fishing guides are knowledgeable about all applicable regulations and will ensure you have a legal and ethical fishing experience.

Learning About the Area

As mentioned, South Florida is located from Naples to Fort Lauderdale and from Okeechobee South. So that puts Miami, Palm Beach, and Ft Lauderdale in the heart of Florida’s healthiest fishing locations. Because of this, there is plenty of fishing locations. Remember, if it’s posted no fishing, then cast a line!

Fishing is a family activity; there are plenty of fishing lakes, ponds, and canals in the area that can keep them happy and outdoors.

Everglades Fishing Guides: Tips and Information

Planning your Everglades fishing adventure? Here are some insider tips to help you make the most of your trip:

 

Best Time to Fish

Year-Round Fishing: The Everglades offers excellent fishing year-round thanks to Florida’s warm climate. However, certain seasons are better for specific species:

  • Spring (March-May): Tarpon season is in full swing, and largemouth bass are actively spawning.
  • Summer (June-August): Excellent for peacock bass, snook, and redfish.
  • Fall (September-November): Cooler temperatures bring out the big largemouth bass.
  • Winter (December-February): A great time to target sheepshead, redfish, and speckled trout.
  • Tides: Pay attention to the tides, especially when fishing in saltwater or brackish areas. Incoming tides often bring baitfish and active feeding fish.

Fishing Tackle

  • Rods and Reels: Medium-heavy spinning rods with 20-30 lb braided line are a good all-around choice for most Everglades species.
  • Tackle: Pack a variety of hooks, weights, and swivels to adapt to different fishing conditions.
  • Essentials: Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and insect repellent.

Lures/Live Baits

  • Topwater lures: Poppers, frogs, and buzzbaits are effective for exciting surface strikes, especially for peacock bass and largemouth bass.
  • Subsurface lures: Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and plastic worms can entice a variety of species.
  • Jigs: Bucktail jigs and soft plastic jigs are versatile choices for snook, redfish, and tarpon.
  • Shrimp: A universal favorite for many Everglades fish.
    Shiners: Excellent for attracting largemouth bass and peacock bass.
  • Mullet: A good choice for snook, redfish, and tarpon

 

Book Your Dream Everglades Fishing Trip

Ready to explore the wild beauty of the Everglades and reel in some incredible fish? Booking your dream fishing adventure with us is easy and hassle-free! We offer a variety of options to suit your needs and ensure an unforgettable experience.

Why Book Online?

Skip the phone tag and instantly secure your preferred date and guide with our online booking system. It’s the quickest and most efficient way to reserve your spot, plus you’ll have written confirmation of your reservation.

Our Simple Booking Process:

  1. Browse Available Dates: Check our online calendar for available dates and guides.
  2. Choose Your Adventure: Select a half-day or full-day charter, and specify your target species or preferred fishing style.
  3. Select Your Guide: Browse our guide profiles and choose the one that best fits your needs.
  4. Book and Pay: Securely pay online with a credit card or bank transfer.
  5. Get Ready to Fish! We’ll send you a confirmation email with all the details you need for your trip.

Everglades Fishing FAQs

What types of fish can I catch in the Everglades?

  • The Everglades is home to a diverse range of fish species, including:
  • Freshwater: Largemouth bass, peacock bass, butterfly peacock bass, clown knife fish, snakehead, and oscars.
    Saltwater: Snook, redfish, tarpon, sea trout, snapper, grouper, and even sharks.

Do I need a fishing license?

  • Yes, a fishing license is required for both freshwater and saltwater fishing in Florida.
    Freshwater: You’ll need to obtain a Florida freshwater fishing license.
  • Saltwater: Saltwater fishing licenses are included in the cost of our charters.
    Our guides can help you determine the correct license for your trip and ensure you comply with all regulations.

What should I bring on my fishing charter?

We provide all the fishing gear and tackle you’ll need. We recommend bringing:

  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Snacks and drinks (though we provide water and ice)
  • Camera to capture your catches!

What is the best time of year to fish in the Everglades?

The Everglades offers excellent fishing year-round. However, certain seasons are better for specific species:

  • Spring (March-May): Tarpon and largemouth bass
  • Summer (June-August): Peacock bass, snook, and redfish
  • Fall (September-November): Largemouth bass
  • Winter (December-February): Sheepshead, redfish, and speckled trout

Are your fishing charters suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! We love taking families fishing. Our guides are experienced in working with children and will ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience.

What if I’ve never been fishing before?

No problem! Our guides are patient and skilled instructors who will teach you the basics and help you land your first catch.

What is the typical duration of a fishing charter?

We offer both half-day (4 hours) and full-day (8 hours) fishing charters. You can also customize the duration to fit your schedule.

Do you have any other questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re happy to help you plan the perfect Everglades fishing adventure.

Everglades Fishing Guides Reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars based on 6526 customer reviews.

Bill took my husband and I out for just a “four hour tour” to celebrate our 31st anniversary We are “fishing buddies “ and we had a blast with Captain Bill. Very personable and helpful. All around good guy and we caught about 40 fish. Would hire him again!!
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Maryann 3/27/2025
Bill took my husband and I out for just a “four hour tour” to celebrate our 31st anniversary We are “fishing buddies “ and we had a blast with Captain Bill. Very personable and helpful. All around good guy and we caught about 40 fish. Would hire him again!!
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Maryann 3/26/2025
Bill took my husband and I out for just a “four hour tour” to celebrate our 31st anniversary We are “fishing buddies “ and we had a blast with Captain Bill. Very personable and helpful. All around good guy and we caught about 40 fish. Would hire him again!!
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Maryann 3/21/2025
My son and I had a great trip with Captain Mark. He fit Us in on short notice when another guy had equipment problems. He taught us to fish a fluke on straight braid in the sawgrass. It was really fun yanking bass out of the grass. We had an awesome time throwing flukes in the grass.
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Ryan K 3/09/2025
Mark Rose was excellent. Got us on the peacock bass. My daughter, son-in-law and grandson had a blast peacock bass was on my grandson‘s bucket list. He’s only eight years old. Mark was very helpful and got him on the peacocks. Highly recommend Mark.
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John Mcauley 3/08/2025
Mark Rose was excellent. Got us on the peacock bass. My daughter, son-in-law and grandson had a blast peacock bass was on my grandson‘s bucket list. He’s only eight years old. Mark was very helpful and got him on the peacocks. Highly recommend Mark.
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John Mcauley 3/07/2025
My 13 year old son has wanted to catch a peacock bass ever since he first saw one on tv years ago. We flew down from Mississippi and booked a trip with Capt Mark to try and make it happen. Man he did not disappoint!!! I told Capt Mark we only had a couple hours to fish due to other obligations and he said no problem. Within 10 minutes of leaving the boat launch he had us on fish, and the action never stopped! We caught more fish than we could keep count of. Almost every cast resulted in a hook up. We left the dock with 100 shiners and almost everyone of them resulted in a hook up or missed fish ( our fault not getting a good hook set etc). Not only did we catch a bunch of fish but we caught some really nice ones as well with multiple fish over 3 pounds. I cannt recommend him enough, I’ve done several trips from the keys to Texas and Capt Mark was by far the best charter Capt I have ever fished with! If your looking for a great fishing trip book Capt Mark, you will not regret it!
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Ben mcquagge 1/02/2025
Captain Mark was a lot of fun and put us on some real nice fish! Highly recommend!
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Haley Schnuck 12/19/2024
Dj will put you on all the peacock you can handle! What a great trip, especially for the kids! If you van afford a memory, this is the one!
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Randy Bootes 8/10/2024
My wife & I took our 3 kids out afternoon fishing with Mark and slayed the peacock bass. This was one of the best fishing trips I have even been on. Thanks again Mark.
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Kyle Cafferty 4/08/2024
We had an awesome trip with Captain DJ. Our sons and my wife loved the opportunity to catch peacock bass together, with a bonus tarpon! Thanks for the great memories!
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VanGorder Family 3/16/2024
Everglades Mile Marker 35 - 4 Hour Trip Schedule : Afternoon Session (Private)
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Brian Hayes 10/14/2023
Everglades Bass Fishing 4 Hour Trip Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
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Fran Good 9/02/2023
Would recommend Captain Mark Rose to anyone looking to catch Peacock Bass.
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Clark Schlatter 3/20/2023
We initially chose Everglades Fishing because of positive reviews. The response from Bass Online to my initial inquiry was friendly and professional and the whole booking experience was great.
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Greg H 2/05/2023
5 trips with Captain Mark Rose and they were great fishing!
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Jim Harding 1/21/2023
Mark always finds this fish. This time I brought my son and we caught over 40 Peacock Bass in the Everglades. I would have caught more if I had paid more attention to the line versus the big Iguanas in the trees. :) I highly recommend Mark for your next fishing adventure.
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Tom A 1/13/2023
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary, on 12/30/22, fishing with one of the most knowledgeable guides we have encountered! We had a great time. Thank you again Bass Online, we can’t wait to go out again!
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Cape K 1/03/2023
We got to catch some very nice peacock bass. The extremely cold weather a few days before had killed hundreds of the Peacock bass. Mark Rose still put us on some very nice Peacock and even caught an Oscar.
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M. Hill 1/01/2023
We had a perfect (minus the cold wearher) fishing trip with Cpt. Kirk Osborn! Our son was wanting to cross a Peacock Bass of his list and our Kirk delivered! He was very patient with those of us who weren’t very experienced (me!) and he brought us to all the good spots! We also appreciated his sense of humor. Wish it would have been warmer but highly recommend booking these guys!
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Kirsten Berry 12/24/2022
Capt David was awesome. He knows where the peacock bass hide out! Great adventure and times!!!
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Yvan Houle 11/25/2022
We had a wonderful day on the water with Capt. DJ. My daughter and I caught about 20 peacocks and a couple largemoth. Since watching a fishing show when i was a kid where they were catching peacock bass on the Amazon I always wanted to go. My daughter started school at FGCU and when researching local fishing (we are from Wisconsin) I discovered I didn't have to go to the Amazon to catch them. They are a lot of fun to catch and beautiful fish.
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Rick P. 11/04/2022
No exaggeration it was none stop Peacock bass to the point I could hardly get photos if you haven't booked with Capt Bill Boliek I highly suggest you request for him to guide you. He knows his stuff and was an awesome person all around and had a very clean boat I will definitely be coming back and requesting him.
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Jose Montalvo 8/26/2022
positive review  Captain Kirk Osborne is AWESOME and showed us a great time. We went fishing in the area: The alley at mm35 caught a monster amount of Peacock Bass and a variety of other species. Definitely will be back.

At moment for some reason it will not let me see all my photos so I will upload as soon as I can.
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Tammy Seay 8/17/2022
positive review  Capt Levi Hutchison is an amazing tour guide!! Highly recommend!!
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Morgan Darlene Patterson 6/06/2022
5/16/2022
Great trip as we.caught fish almost every cast. My grandson out-fished me as always and was excited to catch Largemoth, Peacock Bass, Bowlin, Oscar, gar and Mayan Cichlid. What a fun day!! We can't wait to come back!!
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Skip and Ronnie Anderson 5/16/2022
Capt., Mark Rose said on the beginning of our ride to the fishing area," Terry, you're going to be awful, tired catching fish today". Two hours later, this 70-year old's, arms, back, and whole body ached. I decided to sit and let my husband take over the bow, to fish. Mark was very attentive to my lack of fishing experience and gave me the fishing trip of a lifetime. Can't wait till next time.
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Terry L Sobolewski 4/10/2022
Great trip with a great Captain, Mark Rose. He came highly recommended and he did NOT disappoint. We caught a ton of Peacock Bass today with Mark and it was a blast. Will go out with him again.
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Becky & Eddie Karban 4/07/2022
Capt Mark took me and my family out on part of the everglade canals for 2 days and it was beyond belief! We caught fish just about every cast and a big variety of fish. Got to mark peacock bass off my bucket list fish. He was able to manage all 4 of us on his boat with ease. Highly recommended guide!!!!
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Tony Miles 4/07/2022
Captain Mark Rose met us for an afternoon Peacock bass trip. He said the bite had been hot for the previous three weeks and he was right. It didn't take 5 minutes for the first fish to be caught, steady action throughout. They do a great job of staying on top of the action, all you have to do is get a line wet. Had a blast!
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Adam Grinde 3/23/2022

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Florida Fishing Guide Locations

We are continuously adding new guides to this page. If you have went with a guide before and he is not listed please call the office for details, they have most likely got moved to a different page. If you’re considered to be an Everglades fishing guides in the Southeast Region of Florida, tired of struggling, wanting to work with a team please contact us by using this guide contact form!

Everglades Fishing Guides Locations