Everglades National Park Fishing (view Photo Album)

Everglades National Park History

In the 1800s, bands of Seminole Indians eluded the US Army by hiding out in the marshes of the Everglades on the southern tip of Florida. Today, the Everglades continues to provide shelter, not only for diverse wildlife, but also for the sensitive yet integral wetlands ecosystem in which they live. Called pa-hay-okee (grassy water) by the Seminoles, the Everglades is a wide expanse of mostly sawgrass, hammock-peppered land that extends from Lake Okeechobee in the north to Florida Bay in the south.

Over the years, both the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee have been reined in and rerouted in an attempt to make the land more inhabitable and farmable (and less mosquito-ridden). As a result, much of the ecosystem has been starved of its natural water supply, as it is pumped into manmade canals, retaining ponds and even out to sea. Today, vegetable and sugarcane are farmed on former wetland areas, and the political power of big sugar still dominates in discussions about Everglades restoration. The biggest threat to the Everglades, however, is residential and commercial development . Ironically, the areas Native Americans are now encamped in their own casinos, towering high above the grassy terrain that was their former refuge.

But there's still hope for the area. Within the Everglades, which encompasses about 1.5 million acres , visitors can get a glimpse of one of the earth's most unique ecosystems. With freshwater water habitats, the park is still a generative cauldron of wildlife diversity. Whether you're driving or boating you'll be amazed at the other-worldly atmosphere you encounter here. The sounds are musical, and the sights - with both sunrise and sunset visible on the horizon - are magical.

Then there are the gators , which look like half-sunken logs floating calmly in the water, until you see their eyeballs at the waterline peeking up at you. The Florida Everglades is the largest remaining sub-tropical wilderness in the continental United States. The abundant wildlife includes rare and colorful birds, and is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles exist side by side. So be sure to bring your camera!

Everglades Fishing

By the way, the Florida Everglades holds the record this year for the highest number of fish per person quoted be the Florida fish and game wildlife department. When you consider all the great lake and rivers in Florida that's impressive.

The best season for the glades is the same as Lake Okeechobee Nov. thru April. During the winter months your chances are better for catching as trophy largemouth bass. You fish for Largemouth bass in the open water canals and the heavy weeded cover of the flats especially during the spawn.

Other species you can catch while fishing the Everglades are alligator gar, Oscars, Bo-fin A.K.A. mudfish, chain pickerel, brim, tarpon, snook, or redfish.

Everglades 1/2 Day Fishing & Air Boat Ride Combos- Includes Lunch for 2 people Only $325.00 (book it)

Sawgrass Recreational Park Everglades Tours
Climb aboard and glide thru the trails amidst the "Sea of Grass" with an experienced guide who will make brief stops along the way to show you nature's highlights ... the Kings and Queens of the Everglades... the Alligators!

Our informative and fun tour will show you in great detail one of the world's most unique eco-systems... the only one of its kind.

You'll learn all about the wildlife by seeing it in person.

View our Florida Everglades Fishing Photo Gallery

See also:

Florida Everglades Fishing

Let's Go Bass Fishing!