Shark vs. Goliath Grouper: Creek Monsters in the Florida Everglades
By Tom Rowland
When you think of big fish battles, you probably imagine deep water, offshore rigs, or heavy tackle offshore. But in this episode of Saltwater Experience, we found ourselves in a remote, muddy creek deep in the Florida Everglades, sight fishing for Goliath Grouper—and fending off 100+ pound Lemon Sharks on nearly every cast.
This is combat fishing at its most intense.
Fishing Florida’s Backcountry for Goliaths and Sharks
We set up on a narrow tidal creek where the current was ripping and the water was thick with sediment. The first thing we noticed? We put out a pinfish hoping for Tarpon but was almost immediately hooked up to a Lemon Shark. Soon, the tide started pushing harder and Rich noticed a fish next to the mangroves—Goliath Grouper right on the surface, dorsal fins out of the water. This fish was waiting in ambush, and ready to crush anything that moved.
But it wasn’t just Goliaths in this backcountry ambush zone.
The Lemon Shark population in the Everglades has exploded, and these apex predators were keyed in on our hooked fish. For every Goliath we tried to land, we had to wrestle two or three 100-pound sharks —and our fish from being eaten boatside.
Why This Style of Fishing Is So Unique
This wasn’t blind casting or dragging bait. We were sight fishing for goliath grouper against the mangroves. With the visibility just good enough to pick your target, you could literally choose your fish—and then brace for impact. If the bait was out for more than just a second, a lemon shark was on it.
Add the current, the mangroves, the mud, and the constant threat of your fish getting sharked... and it becomes one of the most intense and technical styles of inshore fishing you’ll ever do.
We used relatively light tackle—much lighter than you’d think for these species—because precision mattered more than raw power. But landing a 30- to 40-pound Goliath Grouper while dodging sharks and structure takes a mix of finesse, aggression, and a little bit of luck.
Florida Everglades: Still One of the Wildest Fishing Frontiers
The Everglades isn’t just about snook and redfish. It’s home to a thriving juvenile Goliath Grouper population, and Lemon Sharks that are increasingly bold, aggressive, and often overlooked in shallow water ecosystems.
This trip was a reminder of why the Florida Keys and Everglades backcountry continue to deliver unmatched variety, intensity, and visual drama.
