Everglades National Park/10,000 Islands

There is only one Everglades in the World.

Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. The area boasts rare and endangered species, such as the American crocodile, Florida panther, and West Indian manatee. It has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance, in recognition of its significance to all the people of the world.The open waters of Florida Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands represent roughly one-third of the park's total acreage. Boats are the perfect way to explore some of the more remote areas of the park.

Wilderness Camping

One of the best ways to experience the Everglades is to get out into it for an extended visit. With 156 miles (251 km) of canoe/kayak and walking trails and 47 designated wilderness campsites, opportunities for solitude are abundant. Most of the wilderness campsites are only accessible by boat. Safely exploring a wilderness by water requires careful preparation and planning. Permits are also required. Look over our Wilderness Trip Planner to learn more and help you plan.

Clubhouse Beach: campsite accessible by water only (Coastal Prairie Trail closed).

Harney River Chickee: only one permit available per night with a limit of 6-campers.There are other camping areas available.

Everglades fishing is for anglers that really want to get away, and enjoy fishing in unspoiled locations. As one of the last remote outposts, and designated as a "World Heritage" site, fishing in Everglades National Park is a "must do".

Everglades fishing is vibrant and diverse, from the brackish shallow back country bays and rivers to the outside islands and oyster bars all frequented year-round by Tarpon, Snook and Redfish.Fishing in Everglades National Park is

closer than you think...

Just 30 Minutes from Naples and Marco Island...

and only 45 Minutes from Miami.

The FL Everglades climate is mild and pleasant from December through April, though rare cold fronts may create cooler conditions. Average temperatures in winter - High 77°F (25°C); Low 53°F (12°C). Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures around 90°F (32°C). The Atlantic Hurricane Season is June-November. Average Rainfall: 60 inches (152 cm) per year. The rainy season is typically June through October.

have switched exclusively to Power Pro braided fishing line, as It is superior to monofilament in every aspect. Your casting distance is greatly increased, and the sensitivity you gain of what is going on at the business end of your fishing line often can make the difference between catching or missing a fish. In addition, there is no stretch so you are in complete control of your hook or lure. As an added bonus, the Power Pro line will last many times longer than traditional monofilament lines. NOTE: If you are going to have your reel re-spooled with Power Pro, just have the first half of the spool filled with monofilament and only the last half of the spool with the Power Pro.

My experience has been that the best knots to use with the Power Pro line are a Spider Hitch to double the end of the Power Pro line, followed by a Double Uni-Knot to attach the leader.

If you like to catch fish on artificials (lures, jigs, plugs, etc.), I have found that the D.O.A. Lures will produce more bites over a wider range of situations than any other. I have three favorites, the quarter oz D.O.A. Shrimp in glow color, the deep running D.O.A. Bait Buster in pearl with black black, and the D.O.A. TerrorEyz in root beer color. Simplify your tackle box, and save yourself some money - All you need to catch just about everything that swims here in the Everglades is one of the above.

Generally I carry several rods rigged and ready to go as follows:

Spinning Rods # 1 & 2 - St. Croix PS70MF seven foot medium power, fast action spinning rod; Quantum Catalyst CI30PTs reel spooled with fifteen pound Power Pro line; 36 inch 30 pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader secured to the running line with a double uni-knot; small weedless twitch bait, jig, or hook - This rig is used for a quick, quiet presentation at small to medium sized fish in clear shallow water, or for working in and around potholes in shallow grass.

Spinning Rods # 3 & 4 - St. Croix PS70MF seven foot medium power, fast action spinning rod; Quantum Catalyst CI30PTs reel spooled with fifteen pound Power Pro line; 36 inch 40 pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader secured to the running line with a double uni-knot; weedless twitch bait, jig, or Mustad 94150 hook - This rig is for medium sized fish in and around the Mangrove roots.

Spinning Rods # 5 & 6 - St. Croix SWS70MF seven foot medium power, fast action spinning rod; Shimano Baitrunner 3500 reel spooled with sixty five pound Power Pro line; 6 feet of 80 pound Andy monofilament leader secured to the running line with a double uni-knot; deep running D.O.A. Bait Buster, plug, or Owner SSW hook - This rig is for medium to large fish in all but a select few conditions.