A young Seminole indian boy comes of age outside the Florida Everglades by trying to enter the establishment (white man's world). He gets work as crew member on (Brian Keith's) fishing boat, hunts for alligators and has cathartic encounters with bad guys trying to bring illegal aliens into Florida on fishing boats.

Young troublemaker Michael learns about his native American roots from his grandfather who lives at a reservation. The boy starts to bond with a horse his grandfather buys him, whom he decides to call 'Three Warriors'. When a trio of horse rustlers get hold of the horse, Michael gets to put his newfound appreciation for his grandfather's ways into effect.