Everglades

HISTORY:

Everglades is a long mangrove island located in the southern part of Florida. Known today as the “fishing and stone crab capital of Southwest Florida”, Everglades was a small fishing village until Barron Collier made this sleepy town the center of Tamiami Trail road building project in 1923.

 

In the early part of 1920’s Barron Collier and his company purchased hefty amount of land in the Southern Lee County (now Collier County). Everglades City then served as the County seat of Collier County until 1961. After Collier’s office was moved to Naples, fishing, stone crabbing and shrimping flourished.

 

The Everglades includes areas of Everglades City, Lee Cypress, Plantation island, Carnestown, Chokoloskee, Monroe station, Seaboard village and Port of the Islands.

 

Today, Everglades is now an eco-resort, offering fun filled activities including camping, nature and bird watching, camping and fishing.

 

 

GETTING THERE:

 

Everglades is accessible via air flight or land travel.  The nearest commercial airports are in Miami and Naples if you prefer air travel.  From Miami, Palm Beach, Orlando, Everglades is accessible via Interstate 75 North to Exit 80; then state road 29. Or you can take the alternative route if from Miami via U.S. 41 or Tamiami Trail.

 

WEATHER:

 

Everglades region enjoys a mild to hot climate with year-round sunshine. Day time temperature reaches 90 Fahrenheit and high humidity during summer, 70s to 80s during spring and fall. For the winter season, average temperature is in mid 60s. Rainy season is from June to September where the region experiences heavy rainfall.

 

WHAT TO WEAR:

 

To fully enjoy an Everglades vacation, it is essential to dress appropriately.  Everglades is a region with year-round sunshine so remember to wear hat, sunglasses and apply sunscreen to protect you from the harmful UV rays. Wearing shorts and cotton shirt is ideal if you are traveling on the summer months. If you opt to travel in the winter months, long sleeved tops and pants are advised. Most importantly, make sure to wear a comfortable shoes  especially if you plan to spend more time outdoors.

 

 

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS:

 

Whether you’re spending a night or two in Everglades, tons of activities are available providing visitors the opportunity to experience the vast ecosystems and stunning beauty of Everglades wilderness. National Parks and preserves like Big Cypress National Preserve and Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve and Everglades National Park are the most popular tourist attractions.

An airboat ride is a fun alternative if you want to explore Everglades swamplands. A 30 minute to 3 hours tour will let you see more impressive sights, closer look to reptiles, marine life and other wildlife. Camping sites are also available outside of the Everglades National Park, another must try to experience a sleeping environment close to nature. Kayaking, canoeing, bird watching, hiking and swamp buggy tour must also be in your to-do list.

 

EVERGLADES FISHING

 

Fishing has been a long time activity in Everglades. Thousands of years ago, fishing was the town’s main source of livelihood. Time may change but not Everglades abundance of marine life. As a matter of fact, Everglades is one of the best fishing destinations in the world. Its sub-tropical environment drive thousands of anglers from different parts of the globe to try Everglades’ rich marine life. Today, fishing is one of the main tourist attractions in Everglades.

Different fish species can be found in Everglades lakes, rivers, springs, bays, canals and ponds that can be caught year-round.  Some of these common fish include:

  • Snook
  • Tarpon
  • Redfish
  • Black drum
  • Large mouth bass
  • Trout
  • Bluegill
  • Swamp darter
  • Sheepshead
  • Flagfish

 

Everglades fishing type include shallow water, backwater, fly rod, light tackle, backcountry, inshore and offshore. Here, fishing is mostly done with moving baits, shrimp, crabs, buzz baits and artificial bait depending on the fish you want to catch.

Although fishing season in Everglades is your-round, it is recommended to know when is the best time to fish. Determining the best season for every fish species will give you the chance to catch your target in great number and size.

 

BEST MONTHS TO FISH:
April to November – these are the best months if your target is to catch one of Everglades prime game fish, Redfish.

 

March to November – fishing for Snook this time of the year is at its best. During these months you are sure to catch bigger/larger fish in great number.

 

March to June – this is the best time to fish and catch large Tarpons in great number.

 

WHAT TO WEAR & BRING WHEN FISHING:

 

  • light weight cotton long sleeve or shirt
  • bottled water
  • polarized sunglasses
  • sunblock
  • hat

 

ROOM & ACCOMODATION:

 

Accommodation plays an essential role for that comfortable and unforgettable fishing experience. Hotels, lodge, cabins and villas abound offering a variety of accommodation to suit every guests budget and needs.

 

Captains Table Hotel

102 East Broadway, Everglades City, Florida 34139

For more information visit their website:

http://captainstablehotel.com/home.cfm

 

Glades Haven Cozy Cabins and Marina

875 South Copeland Ave, Everglades City, FL 34139

For more information visit their website:

http://www.gladeshaven.com/index.php

 

River Wilderness Waterfront Villas

210 Collier Blvd. • P.O. Box 380 • Everglades City, FL 34139

For more information visit their website:

http://www.river-wilderness.com/home.html

 

Everglades Isle

803 Collier Ave. Everglades City, Florida 34139

For more information visit their website:

http://www.evergladesisle.com/

 

Ivey House Bed & Breakfast

107 Camellia Street, | Everglades City, FL | 34139

For more information visit their website:

http://www.iveyhouse.com/

 

Everglades City Motel

310 Collier Ave (State Road 29) | Everglades City, FL | 34139

For more information visit their website:

http://www.evergladescitymotel.com/

 

 

WHERE TO DINE:

 

After a busy day outdoor its time to feast on Everglades local cuisine. Explore your options by checking these listed restaurants, grill and cafe. This will give you an idea which place to visit, one that offers sumptuous food that best suit your dining preference and budget.

 

Backcountry Cafe

305 Collier Avenue,Everglades City,FL34139

Contact Number: (239) 695-2552

 

Camellia Street Grill

Camellia Street,Everglades City,FL34139

Contact Number: 239 695-2003

 

The Oyster House Restaurant

901 Copeland Ave,Everglades City,FL

For more information visit their website:

http://www.oysterhouserestaurant.com/

 

Everglades Seafood Depot

102 Collier Ave., Everglades City, FL, 34139

For more information visit their website

http://evergladesseafooddepot.com/default.aspx

 

Pit Bar-B-Q

16400 Tamiami Trail, 5 mi west of Florida Tpke., Miami,FL, 33194

For more information visit their website:

http://www.thepitbarbq.com/