Helpful Information

Kayak Eco-Tours FAQs  
(Kayak Fishing FAQs are below)

Why use the kayaks?   Our tours are not the typical canned tours where raccoons that have become used to humans are hand fed.  We venture deep into the natural environment.  The wildlife there is just that ... wild.  They shy from large boats and loud noises.  We use the kayak transport board to get us near to an area and then deploy the kayaks.  So, there are no long aggressive paddles ... just the opposite.  The kayaks, along with being very stable and easy to paddle, are quiet, stealthy and unobtrusive to most wildlife.  They allow you to get as close as possible the wading birds, for example.  Further, these trips are as much an educational experinence as anything.  With the kayaks, we can get up close to things. Close enough to touch.  We can actually pick up the "ball of oysters" and to see the crabs and critters that live in the small eco-system.  The experience is much more personal. 

What if I do not want to paddle far?  You do not need to.  Distances are covered in via the transport boat. We only deploy the kayaks once we arrive. We have some guests that choose to stay in the boat or roam the beaches while others are on the paddle tour.  We do encourage you to join the paddle part of the trip, however. Your everglades experience will be much more complete if you do.

What can I realistically expect to see?  It is nature and it is wild.  Every trip is different.  Some days we are fortunate to see a lot of wildlife, some days less.  That is up to Mother Nature.  However, all our guides are experienced outdoors men and women, naturalists and educators.  We will have a handle on where the wildlife is on a any given day, but we only can view what is there.  Most days, you can view ospreys, various breeds of herons and egrets, pelicans, numerous species of shorebirds and raccoons.  Manatees are typically spotted from the transport boat.  However, our guests also commonly see rosette spoonbills, bald eagles, various hawks, white pelicans, owls, sea turtles, kites and black vultures.  We have seen wild hogs, bobcats, white-tail deer and even black bear on some occasions from the kayaks.  You really never know until you are there.

What do I Need to Bring? We have ice water and soft drinks aboard in large iced cooler. You are welcomed to bring anything else that you wish to eat or drink.  Just please adhere to our "Leave No Trace" policy.  Clothing appropriate for the season and the day's weather is needed.  The transport boat is open and we travel swiftly. A light jacket is needed on most trips.  Sun protection is always a good idea ...hats, sun block, etc.  Along the beaches, you may wish get out of the kayaks and walk in the water or you may wish to take a bit of time on the beach by yourself.  Protective footwear, that you do not mind getting wet, is a good recommendation. Bring a camera (in a plastic zip lock bag if it is not waterproof).  Binoculars and field glasses are also a good idea. You will also need to complete a Kayak Rental Release Form (PDF).

Will I get wet?  The kayaks that we use are state-of-the-art "sit-on-top" kayaks.   You actually sit on a comfortable cushioned seat with a good back support.  You simply sit down in the seat just as you would sit in a chair. You do not crawl into these kayak as with other types.  They are sealed and will not fill with water or sink.  They are dry, very easy to paddle and very stable.  However, as you paddle, drops of water can run down the paddle shaft. This paddle drizzle can get on your legs.  Many wear shorts or light fast drying pants (like nylon fishing clothing) when on these trips ... some bring the pants from there rain suits.  

How long are the tours? There is about ½ boat trip each way the paddling part of the trip is about 2 ½ hrs.  The boat trip alone is "worth the price of admission"  .These trips are not canned, so the times can vary depending on the day.

Are the kayaks stable?  Yes, very much so, and they are very easy to paddle  Many actually use the kayaks as fishing platforms and some fishermen even standup to fish while in the kayaks.

What about alligators?  The everglades area is famous for alligators.  During the raining season (June through September) we commonly see them on our trips. However, they are fond of fish and fowl.  A person in a kayak simply does not resemble anything close to a wading bird.  The alligators are not a problem. They keep a safe distance away, however, so do we.  However, in the dry months of winter, most of the alligators are not in the areas that we frequent and it is uncommon to see them.

What about to cancellations?  Everglades Area Tours requires a credit card with a deposit to secure your reservation,  Once confirmed, we will send you a confirming email with all the needed details. As we are using boats and kayaks in a wet environment, we have found through time, that using a credit card for the balance of your tour fees makes everything simpler .   As a matter of convenience, we will charge the balance of your trip to your card within several days of the trip.  Should you wish to pay with cash, please let us know ahead of time.   
     Fortunately, we are in an area where weather rarely forces us to cancel a tour.  We have many choices and options in this wonderful area.  However, the captain and guide has the ultimate responsibility for your safety and will make all "GO and NO-GO" decision.  In the case of a "NO-GO" decision, you will have an option to re-schedule,  receive a full refund or join another tour that is not affected.
    Everglades Area Tours.com (EAT) wants you enjoy our tours and have a great time so you can tell others!!!  All our tours are reserved in advance.  However, we realize that situations occur that alter travel schedules and plans. If  you cancel your tour prior to 14 days from the schedule tour date, your deposit will be completely refunded.  If you cancel the tour within 14 days prior to the tour date, you will be offered a option to re-schedule the tour to another date.  However, if the tour can not be rescheduled, the deposit amounts may be forfeited or a gift certificate issued for the deposited amount at EATs sole descretion.  If a tour date is cancelled within three days of the tour date, the complete tour booking fees may be forfieted or the trip re-scheduled at the sole descretion of EAT. 


Kayak Fishing FAQs

Where do we leave from?  Typically we depart from the docks located behind City Seafood Café.  However, we do leave from other places sometimes.  If that changes, we'll let you know.  Here is map to get you there ... http://www.evergladesareatours.com/map_directions.htm

When do we leave and how long are the trips?  There is not set time frame or schedule ... it is fishing. However, on the full day trips, we are usually away from the dock for about nine hours.  The half-day trips are about five.   When we leave depends on the tides, when the fish have been biting, what we are targeting and the weather the day of the trip.  Most instances we do leave very early in the morning (sunrise) as the weather and water conditions are usually better for kayak fishing then.

Where are we going to fish?  The Park is vast with many different types of ecosystems.  Where we fish depends on many factors, such as what species we are targeting, where we have been catching fish in previous days, tides, etc.  However, many anglers request that we fish in particular areas when they book the trip, if it practical on the day of the trip we try to accommodate. Very popular are the trips to Wizard Creek, Chatham River, Huston River, Lostman's River, the Turkey Keys, House Wood and Highland Beach.  We do special trips frequently to unique locations ... check the website and the schedule regularly.

Kayak Fishing Drift Trips.  Beginning in 2007, we will be offering several unique trips to fish the mangrove lakes and creek tunnels.  On these trips, we actually truck the kayaks to a launch site at the head waters of a creek or river.  Timed with an outgoing tidal flow, we drift/paddle through lush mangrove canopies and tunnels between connecting lakes.  The scenery is spectacular.  These lakes and creeks can be loaded with tarpon and snook.  At the end of a the drift fishing, we have a transport boat waiting for us for the return trip to the dock.   

Can I harvest fish?  These scheduled kayak trips are CPR ... catch, photo and release. Handling and storing the harvest of six anglers on the Yak Attack is not practical.  However, some anglers do bring insulated catch bags.  You are welcomed to do the same, but please be prepared to clean, store and ice your own catch.  We do not allow fish in the drink and food coolers.  Also, from a safety perspective, we do not allow the use of stringers.    

What does Everglades Kayak Fishing furnish?  We provide complete rigged and outfitted fishing kayaks & "sit-on-tops".  Presently, we are using Heritage Redfish 12s.  These are very dry and stable boats.  Many anglers are able to stand up and sight fish from these kayaks.  Each is rigged with three rod holders. Behind your seat, there is one flush mount and one "Scotty's" rod holder.  Forward of the seat is a another "Scotty's".  The Scotty's can handle spinning, bait cast or fly rods.  The flush mount will not hold a fly rod.

Each kayak also is equipped with a comfortable, cushioned adjustable seat.  A fiberglass paddle, paddle leash, PFD and signal whistle.  Each has a anchor system consisting of a anchor trolley, folding grapple anchor and drift chute.

We do not supply rods, reels and tackle.  A vast majority of our anglers prefer to bring there own. However, we do have rental setups (spinning rod and reel and tackle box) available for $25.

There is a large iced cooler aboard the Yak Attack to hold your drinks, snacks and lunches.

What do I need to bring?  You will want to have good sun protection ... hats, polarized sunglasses, sun block at a minimum. We also suggest light weight, long sleeve "fishing" shirts and pants.  We do have oysters here and they are sharp, so, protective footgear that you do not mind getting wet is required.  Most use "flat boots", some bring waders, but old sneakers are used by many.  However, sandals and "slaps" are not acceptable.  If you have a hand-held VHF radio, please bring it.. they are very useful on these trips

We have given up trying sort out who wants pickles and who does not like mustard.  Please bring your own lunch, snacks and drinks.  There is a large iced cooler on board, but the little soft-sided "six-pack" coolers are handy.  The Yak Attack is an open boat and she is quick.  A light jacket for the morning ride is usually advisable.  It is cooler than you think moving at 35 mph in a open boat.  Bug juice is also a good idea ... just in case.

As your are in your own boat, you will need to have a valid Florida fishing license.  These are available online for about $10.   You will also need to complete a Kayak Rental Release Form (PDF).  If you can down load it and have it filled out before we leave, that would be helpful ... one less thing to do in the morning. 

What tackle to you recommend? 
Traditional gear ... medium to medium heavy rods work well & 6.5 to 7' in length.  Ten to twelve pound mono or 20 lb (8lb diameter)  braids like "Power Pro" are perfect for most trips.  I use a light action 7' rod with 10/2 Power Pro. (However, I often get "spanked" by bigger fish when fishing near the mangroves).  You should have a bite tippet of 20-40 pound floro ... 30 lb is a good compromise.

Lures ... My standard is a ¼ oz. red Cotee Jig head with their three inch gold metal flake shad tail.  The nickel Zara Puppy is great, but in the summer, I toss a Super Spook with 3X strength hooks.  Berkley Gulps baits are very good.  The most productive that I have found are the small molting shrimps and the small white twister tails on the red jig heads.  White salt water Bass Assassins rigged to a 1/16 oz jig head drives the small tarpon nuts.  The 19MR and 17MR MirroLures are great bait for snook..  The smaller DOA shrimp are also good ... I use the "glow" and chartreuse.  A DOA bait buster (white) is also good bait for tarpon and snook.