By Kevin and Amanda Mims

Fishing for bass in the famed Florida Everglades and fishing offshore for Atlantic species off the coast of Fort Lauderdale are both bucket list-worthy angling adventures. Do both using this itinerary for two days of fishing in South Florida with iOutdoors.

Day one

Wake up early, grab some breakfast, and be ready for your captain to pick you up from the lobby of the hotel. After a quick 20-minute ride, you’ll arrive at Everglades Holiday Park, where you’ll launch. For six hours, you’ll fish in the world-famous Everglades, casting your lines for largemouth and peacock bass.

When you’re done, grab some lunch and relax back at the hotel. After spending some time hanging out by the pool, head over to nearby Sawgrass Mills for shopping and dinner.

Day Two

Spend the morning of your second day exploring the area. The hotel is just 20 miles from Bonnet House Museum & Gardens and Fort Lauderdale beaches.

After lunch, head to your sportfishing charter boat at the dock at 801 Seabreeze Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. From there, you’ll motor through the Intracoastal Waterway and past luxury homes until you reach the Atlantic Ocean. For four hours, you’ll fish for a variety of sought-after species, including mahi-mahi, grouper, hogfish, tuna, and wahoo, which will vary depending on the time of year. When you return to your hotel, rest up and grab a late dinner at Sawgrass Mills or at Peyton’s Place, the hotel restaurant.

Time Allowance

This itinerary takes two full days and three nights to complete.

Distance from Population Centers

Sunrise is 45 minutes north of Miami and less than 30 minutes west of Fort Lauderdale.

Walking/Driving Distance Between Things to Do

The hotel is a 20-minute drive from the boat launch at Everglades Holiday Park and within walking distance of Sawgrass Mills, which has more than 350 stores and 16 full-service restaurants. The dock where you’ll meet the sportfishing charter boat on the second day is a 30-minute drive from the hotel but a short distance from Fort Lauderdale beaches.

What to Bring

Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes suitable for a long day on the water and comfortable shoes such as sneakers or flip-flops. For most of the year, shorts are typical attire. You’ll need to bring your Florida fishing license, live bait, if desired, and snacks for the fishing trips. Alcoholic beverages aren’t provided but you are welcome to bring them. The boat has a cooler with ice, and fishing gear and bottled water will be provided.

What to Expect

On this trip, you’ll fish for freshwater species in the Everglades and saltwater species in the Atlantic. You’ll spend plenty of time outdoors and on the water with time to explore the surrounding areas, including the beaches of Fort Lauderdale.

Physical Demands

These activities are generally not strenuous. Guests will need to be able to climb into and out of the boat.

Accessibility Enhancements/Inclusion Highlights

The boats do not have wheelchair lifts, but iOutdoors frequently takes anglers with disabilities on its fishing trips. Inquire before booking to confirm accessibility.

Trip Highlights

This trip combines an Everglades bass fishing excursion with sportfishing off the coast of Fort Lauderdale.

Lodging and Accommodations

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sunrise - Sawgrass Mills is recommended for this trip, but there are several other hotels nearby.

Culinary Adventures

Sawgrass Mills is within walking distance of the hotel and has 16 full-service restaurants. When you’re in Fort Lauderdale, choose from countless waterfront restaurants where you can enjoy fresh, local eats and sit outside enjoying the ocean air. At the hotel, you can try Peyton’s Place, the hotel restaurant, which serves American-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a sports bar environment.

When to Visit and Seasonal Differences

High season is from January to May. Off season is from June to December. The variety of fish you’ll get in the Atlantic depends on the time of year. In June, you might catch mahi-mahi, grouper, and hogfish. In the fall, you might catch grouper, tuna, and wahoo. Rain and thunderstorms happen more frequently in the summer, especially in the afternoons.

Surprises/Bonuses

The Everglades is teeming with wildlife. While you’re out there, look for large alligators and myriad bird species.

Rules

A valid Florida fishing license is required to participate.

Advice

Keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for unexpected changes in the weather.

How to Book

Get more information and this trip with iOutdoors online.

Places to Remember