Premium Weekend Fishing Adventures in Naples Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing charters targeting snook, grouper, and redfishSmall group trips accommodate up to four guestsHalfday adventures in Southwest Florida waters
Naples, FL sits right in the heart of some of the most productive inshore fishing waters on Florida's Gulf Coast. When you hop aboard with 2 Thumbs Up Fishing Charters for a weekend trip, you're getting access to shallow grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and backcountry passes that hold serious fish year-round. This is prime territory for sight fishing and structure fishing, where you'll work everything from oyster bars to creek mouths. The water clarity here lets you see fish before they see you, and the variety of habitat means you're never stuck targeting just one species. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, these trips give you plenty of elbow room to work your lines without bumping into your buddy every cast.
Your day starts early, meeting at the dock while the water's still calm and the bait's moving. Naples inshore fishing means working the shallows - sometimes in just two feet of water where you can watch redfish cruise the grass beds. The captain knows these waters like his backyard, reading the tides and positioning you over productive spots where fish feed. You'll spend time drifting oyster bars, working mangrove edges, and maybe poling across some flats if the conditions are right. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the constant action - when one spot slows down, there's always another honey hole just a short boat ride away. Bring your own snacks and drinks because once you start hooking up, you won't want to head back to shore for lunch.
Inshore fishing in Naples calls for medium-action spinning gear that can handle everything from finicky snapper to bulldogging drum. You'll be throwing live shrimp under popping corks, working soft plastics through the grass, and maybe pitching some cut bait around structure. The captain provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you need, plus he knows which baits are working best that week. Expect to use circle hooks for the bigger species and light wire for the toothy mackerel. When you're sight fishing, it's all about accurate casting and knowing when to let the bait work versus when to give it some action. The shallow water means you need to stay quiet and keep your movements smooth - these fish are spooky in the skinny water.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Naples inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the grass flats in schools, especially during the cooler months from October through March. They average 20-30 inches here and fight like freight trains, making long runs and using their broad sides to pull drag. What makes reds so special is how you can sight fish for them - watching their backs and tails as they root around in shallow water never gets old. They're not picky eaters either, crushing live shrimp, cut mullet, or well-placed soft plastics.
Crevalle Jack bring the muscle to your fishing day, showing up in aggressive schools that attack bait with reckless abandon. These silver torpedoes average 15-25 pounds around Naples and are available year-round, though summer months see the biggest numbers. When you hook a jack, get ready for a workout - they dive deep and pull hard, testing your drag and your arms. They're perfect for anglers who want to feel that rod bend and hear the reel scream. Live bait works great, but they'll also crush topwater plugs when they're feeding on the surface.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore waters, hitting fast and fighting fast. These streamlined fish average 2-4 pounds and show up in big numbers during spring and fall migrations. They've got razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. What makes Spanish mackerel fun is their willingness to hit just about anything moving - small spoons, jigs, or live bait. They're excellent table fare too, making them a favorite for families who want to take dinner home.
Gag Grouper represent the prize catch of your Naples trip, hanging around structure in 15-30 feet of water. These thick-bodied fighters average 5-15 pounds and are masters of using their habitat against you. When you hook a gag, they immediately dive for the nearest rock pile or ledge, so you need to turn them fast. Fall through early spring offers the best action when they move into shallower water to feed. Their white, flaky meat makes them one of the most sought-after species on the Gulf Coast.
Snook are Florida's signature inshore species, and Naples waters hold some beauties. These ambush predators love mangrove shorelines and creek mouths, especially during summer months when they're most active. They average 24-32 inches and are famous for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs. Snook are strictly catch-and-release during certain seasons, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting. They're structure-oriented fish, so expect to work your baits tight to cover where they like to hide and wait for prey.
Naples inshore fishing delivers consistent action for anglers who want variety and excitement without dealing with rough offshore conditions. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, these waters have something to offer. The combination of clear water, diverse habitat, and year-round fishing makes this a top-rated destination that keeps customers coming back. 2 Thumbs Up Fishing Charters knows these waters inside and out, putting you on fish while sharing local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. Don't wait for the perfect weather - Naples fishing is world-class in all seasons, and the best trips book up fast during peak times.
Our 4-passenger motorboat is built for serious Naples inshore fishing adventures. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip into shallow mangrove areas without spooking the snook and redfish hiding in the roots. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating those prized grouper holes, while GPS keeps you on productive fishing spots trip after trip. When you hook into that jack crevalle or spanish mackerel, there's plenty of fighting room on deck. The onboard ice box ensures your catch stays fresh in the Florida heat, plus it's perfect for keeping drinks cold during those long afternoons targeting black drum and mangrove snapper. This boat handles Southwest Florida's backcountry waters with ease, getting you to those productive fishing areas where the big ones are biting.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of our local waters - pure muscle wrapped in silver and gold. These aggressive fighters average 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds, and they'll test your drag every time. Look for diving birds offshore - that's where schools of jacks are pushing baitfish to the surface. They roam both inshore flats and deeper offshore structure, but the real action happens when they're feeding on top. Spring through fall brings the best fishing when baitfish are thick. What guests love most is the non-stop fight - jacks don't give up. They're curious too, often approaching the boat in schools. Here's my go-to trick: when you find a school, cast a silver spoon or white bucktail well past them and reel fast. The aggressive retrieve triggers their predatory instinct.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the strongmen of our offshore reefs and wrecks. These mottled gray fighters average 20 inches but can reach impressive sizes up to 50+ pounds. They hang around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-120 feet of water. The cooler months from late fall through early spring offer the best bite when they move shallower to feed. What draws anglers to gags? They're bulldogs that'll try to drag you straight to the bottom, plus they're top-shelf eating - firm, white meat that's perfect for any recipe. Once hooked, they dive for cover, so you need to muscle them up fast. My advice: use heavy tackle with at least 40-pound line, keep your drag locked tight, and don't let them run. Live pinfish or cut bait works great, but keep your rod tip low and be ready to horse them away from structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable inshore targets here in Naples. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches and love our shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their distinctive black spots near the tail - nature's fake-out to confuse predators. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter offer the best action when they school up. What makes them special? They fight hard, pull drag, and taste great with that mild, sweet flavor. Plus, they're not spooky - perfect for beginners. Pro tip: when you see their backs or tails breaking the surface in skinny water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly. Live shrimp under a popping cork is money, but don't overlook gold spoons and soft plastics on jig heads.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature inshore gamefish and the crown jewel of our local waters. These golden beauties with the bold black lateral stripe average 18-28 inches and pack serious attitude. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths where they ambush prey in the shadows. Summer brings peak action during spawning season when they gather near passes and inlets. What makes snook special? They're smart, strong fighters that jump and make blistering runs, plus they're catch-and-release only, making each one precious. They're temperamental too - water temperature drops can shut them down completely. My favorite technique is working live shrimp or pilchards around structure at dawn or dusk. Cast tight to cover and be ready - snook hit hard and head straight back to their hideout. Use heavy leader because they've got sandpaper mouths.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll keep your rod bent all day. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 pounds but make up for size with blazing runs and acrobatic jumps. They cruise near-shore waters around structure and are perfect for pier fishing, though we catch plenty from the boat too. Spring and fall migrations bring thick schools through Naples waters. What makes them favorites? They bite aggressively, fight above their weight class, and are fantastic table fare - mild, flaky, and perfect grilled or smoked. They travel in big schools, so when you find one, expect more. My secret weapon is a small silver spoon on light tackle with fast retrieval. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so bring a wire leader or you'll lose plenty of lures to those clean bite-offs.
Naples, FL