Weekend Naples Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing charter targeting snook, grouper, and redfishSmall group experience accommodating up to four guestsHalf-day trips exploring Naples' productive fishing waters
When you're looking for some serious inshore action in Southwest Florida, 2 Thumbs Up Fishing Charters delivers exactly what Naples anglers have been talking about. This top-rated weekend fishing charter puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive inshore waters along the Gulf Coast, where the fish are biting and the memories start building from the moment you cast your first line. With space for up to four anglers, this trip keeps things intimate and focused – no crowded boat, no waiting around for your turn at the hot spots. Just you, your crew, and some of the best fishing Naples has to offer.
Your Naples fishing adventure kicks off in the shallow backwaters and grass flats that make this area legendary among inshore anglers. We're talking about those crystal-clear shallows where you can actually watch redfish cruise the flats, and mangrove shorelines where snook are waiting to ambush your bait. The beauty of fishing these Naples waters is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds in two feet of water, the next you're working a deeper channel where gag grouper are stacked up waiting for an easy meal. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the tides and finding the fish whether they're schooled up around structure or scattered across the flats. Don't worry about bringing your own tackle – everything's provided, from the rods and reels down to the bait and terminal tackle. Just bring yourself, some snacks and drinks for the trip, and get ready to bend some rods.
Inshore fishing in Naples means adapting your approach based on what the fish are telling you and what the conditions are serving up. We'll be running both live bait and artificials depending on what's working best. Live shrimp under popping corks is a go-to setup for redfish and snook, especially when they're feeding in the shallows around oyster bars and dock pilings. When the Spanish mackerel are running, we'll switch to lighter tackle with small jigs or spoons – these fish are fast and aggressive, so the action comes quick. For the bigger snook holding around mangrove points and bridges, live pinfish or pilchards on circle hooks get the job done. The captain sets up all the gear based on what we're targeting and where we're fishing, so you spend more time with a line in the water and less time retying rigs. Whether you're a seasoned angler who wants to work the rod all day or a beginner who needs some coaching on hook sets and fighting techniques, the approach gets tailored to make sure everyone on board is catching fish.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Naples inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs fight like they've got something to prove, peeling drag and making runs that'll test your tackle and your patience. Red drum in these waters typically run anywhere from slot-sized fish around 18-27 inches up to oversized bulls that can push 40 inches and beyond. They're most active during moving tides, especially around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. What makes reds so special is that you can often sight-fish them – watching their backs and tails break the surface as they root around in shallow water looking for crabs and baitfish. The fight is pure power from start to finish.
Crevalle Jack bring the muscle to your Naples fishing trip. These silver rockets are built for speed and endurance, often traveling in schools and attacking bait with reckless abandon. Jacks in Southwest Florida waters can range from smaller school fish around 5-10 pounds up to bruisers pushing 20-30 pounds. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit live bait, jigs, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. When you hook into a big jack, get ready for a fight that involves multiple runs, head shaking, and enough pulling power to make your arms burn. They're year-round residents in these waters, but they really turn on during the warmer months when baitfish are thick.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore waters around Naples. These streamlined predators rarely grow bigger than 3-4 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure aggression and lightning-fast strikes. Mackerel are most active during the cooler months from fall through early spring, when they move into the shallows chasing glass minnows and other small baitfish. They're perfect for light tackle fishing – small jigs, spoons, and even fly gear work great. The bite is usually fast and furious when you find a school, and they make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat.
Gag Grouper add some serious bottom-fishing excitement to your Naples charter. These ambush predators hang around hard bottom, ledges, and structure, waiting to inhale anything that looks like an easy meal. Gags in these waters typically run 15-25 inches, with some real nice fish pushing into the upper slot. They're known for their hard initial run toward cover when hooked, so you've got to turn them quick and keep steady pressure. Grouper fishing requires patience and precision – you're often dropping baits right into tight spots around rocks and ledges where these fish feel comfortable. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Snook are the ultimate inshore game fish in Southwest Florida, combining impressive size, acrobatic fights, and a reputation for being finicky eaters. These ambush predators love structure – bridges, docks, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars where they can hide and wait for baitfish to swim by. Naples snook can range from smaller fish around 15-20 inches up to true giants pushing 30+ inches and 10+ pounds. They're
Our 4-person motorboat is built for serious Naples inshore fishing action. The wireless trolling motor keeps you moving silently through shallow waters without spooking the snook and redfish lurking in the mangroves. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle, while the GPS keeps you on course to the hottest fishing spots around Southwest Florida. The onboard ice box ensures your catch stays fresh from the moment you hook that trophy goliath grouper until you're back at the dock. Whether you're targeting mangrove snapper in the backcountry or black drum along the flats, this boat handles Naples' diverse inshore waters with ease. Perfect setup for small groups wanting to experience some of the best fishing Florida's Gulf Coast has to offer.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of Naples waters, averaging 12-24 inches but capable of hitting 60 pounds. These brassy-gold fighters travel in aggressive schools that push bait to the surface - just look for diving birds. They'll hit anything that moves fast: silver spoons, swimbaits, or topwater plugs work great. What makes them special is their raw power and willingness to fight. They're not great table fare, but the battle more than makes up for it. You'll find them around structure both inshore and offshore, especially during warmer months. Here's the key: cast beyond the school and retrieve fast - they love the chase and won't hesitate to slam a lure moving at full speed.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are bottom-dwelling bruisers that average 20 inches but can push 50+ pounds around Naples. These gray, marbled fish love hard structure like reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in 30-100 feet of water. They're ambush predators that'll inhale live pinfish, mullet, or cut bait. What guests love is the initial shock when one grabs your bait - they hit hard then dive straight for cover. They're also some of the best eating fish in our waters with firm, white meat. Cooler months are prime time when they move shallower to feed. Critical tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them any slack line. They'll try to wrap you around structure immediately, so muscle them up fast.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of Southwest Florida's most prized catches, running 20-40 inches around Naples. You'll spot them by their copper-bronze backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. These fish love super shallow water - often just 1-4 feet deep around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. They're not picky eaters and will hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, or live shrimp. The fight is solid and consistent, plus they taste great with that mild, sweet flavor. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they're more active in the shallows. Pro tip: when you see their backs cruising the flats, cast well ahead of them and work your bait slowly - they spook easily in skinny water.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature gamefish and a must-target species around Naples. These sleek predators with the distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-30 inches and pack serious fighting power. They're structure lovers, hanging around mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths where fresh and salt water mix. Spring through fall are prime seasons, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. Guests chase them because they're smart, strong fighters that'll test your drag and jump when hooked. Plus, they're excellent eating with flaky white meat. My local secret: fish the shadow lines under docks and piers with live pilchards or soft plastics. Work the bait slowly and be ready - their strike is lightning fast.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that make Naples fishing fun for everyone. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and move in large schools near the surface. They're some of the fastest fish we target, so be ready for quick, slashing strikes. You'll find them around structure, jetties, and open water flats, especially when the water warms up. Light tackle works best - they've got sharp teeth that'll cut through line easily. Guests love them because they're aggressive, fight hard for their size, and make excellent table fare when grilled or smoked. My tip: use a small wire leader and keep your lures moving fast. When you hook one, there's usually more in the area.
Naples, FL