5.0(7 Reviews)Private 4 Hour Fishing Trip in 10,000 Islands
5.0(7 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Private 4hour fishing adventure targeting multiple species in 10,000 IslandsExpert captain guides guests through inshore, nearshore, and backcountry watersBottom fishing and light tackle techniques for up to 5 anglers
Looking for a fishing adventure that covers all the bases? This private 4-hour charter with Captain Jason from 4th Story Charters takes you through the legendary 10,000 Islands area around Goodland, FL. You'll fish inshore, nearshore, wrecks, flats, and backcountry waters – basically hitting every productive zone in Southwest Florida's most diverse fishing playground. With room for up to 5 anglers, this trip gives you and your crew exclusive access to some of the region's hottest fishing spots without the crowds.
Captain Jason keeps things moving on this 4-hour adventure, switching between different fishing styles based on conditions and what's biting. You'll start with bottom fishing techniques around structure and wrecks where grouper and snapper love to hang out, then move to light tackle action in the shallows for snook and redfish. The 10,000 Islands maze offers endless possibilities – one minute you're casting to mangrove shorelines, the next you're working a grass flat or dropping baits near a nearshore wreck. The beauty of this trip is the variety – if one spot isn't producing, Captain Jason knows dozens of other places to try. Families especially love this approach since it keeps kids engaged and the action coming. Just remember to bring cash for the balance due on trip day – it's old school, but that's how many of the best captains still operate down here.
This charter runs the full spectrum of Southwest Florida fishing techniques. You'll use bottom rigs with circle hooks and live or cut bait when targeting structure fish like grouper, snapper, and sheepshead around wrecks and hard bottom. When the action shifts to the flats and backcountry, Captain Jason switches to light tackle – think spinning reels with 15-20 pound test, perfect for sight fishing redfish in skinny water or working snook around docks and mangroves. The boat carries everything you need, from heavy conventional tackle for big sharks and goliath grouper to ultralight setups for ladyfish and trout. Depending on conditions, you might find yourself using live shrimp under popping corks, casting jigs to structure, or even using catfish as shark bait when the bite calls for it. The 10,000 Islands terrain includes everything from 2-foot grass flats to 40-foot nearshore waters, giving Captain Jason plenty of options to match technique to target species.
"Family of 5 on a half day trip including kids 8-11 y/o. Amazing from start to finish. Can't say enough great things about the experience and Captain Jason. We caught lady fish, snapper (enjoyed that evening for 🍽️), saltwater cats, and 3 sharks! It felt like we nonstop caught fish and the 5 hours flew by. We moved to several different spots, we lost count of all the fish. Even though the saltwater catfish are a womp womp it was great for the kids!!! We ended the day with dolphins playing in the wake of the boat!! We can't wait to come back and will be telling family and friends visiting Naples or Marco to book with captain Jason!" - Sarah
"Captain Jason, 4thStoryCharters, set us up for a unique fishing experience! Due to weather and water conditions regular fishing was not optimal, so Captain Jason suggested that we use catfish as bait for shark fishing. We had never fished for large shark before…Hooked one about 8 feet, another about 6 feet, and took turns reeling them in! What a workout! It was a fantastic experience and we got action-packed videos!…Lots of FUN! Captain Jason also shared information and stories about different kinds of fish and pertinent shark behaviors." - Gail
"Highly recommend Captain Jason at 4thstory charters! Caught shark and Goliath! I told him before we left that I wanted to catch a big fish and not did we ever! Very clean, comfortable boat! Jason was so helpful and knowledgeable! We will be back!!!" - Kelli
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and the 10,000 Islands area produces some of the best snook action in the state. These ambush predators hang around mangrove points, dock lights, and creek mouths, especially during moving tides. Summer months bring the best action when snook are actively feeding in preparation for spawning season. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and bulldogging runs that'll test your drag system. Most snook here run 20-30 inches, with occasional giants pushing 35+ inches. What makes them special is their attitude – they hit hard and fight harder, making every hookup memorable.
Goliath Grouper represent the ultimate Southwest Florida fishing experience. These massive fish, which can exceed 400 pounds, lurk around wrecks, bridges, and deep holes throughout the area. Summer through fall offers the best shot at these prehistoric-looking giants. When you hook a goliath, there's no mistaking it – they'll try to drag you straight to the bottom using pure brute strength. Since they're protected, it's all about the photo and release, but landing one of these monsters is a lifetime achievement for any angler. Captain Jason knows the specific wrecks and structures where these giants hang out.
Tarpon fishing peaks during late spring and summer when these silver kings migrate through the area. The 10,000 Islands backcountry offers some of the most consistent tarpon action in Florida, with fish ranging from juvenile "baby" tarpon around 20-40 pounds up to mature fish exceeding 100 pounds. These acrobatic fighters are famous for their spectacular jumps – some reaching 8-10 feet out of the water.
Set sail aboard The 4th Story, a pristine 2020 Robalo 25-foot center console that's built for serious fishing in the 10,000 Islands. This spacious boat comfortably handles up to 5 anglers and packs a powerful 300HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to the hotspots fast. Whether you're hunting trophy Goliath Grouper on wrecks, stalking Snook in the backcountry mangroves, or battling Bull Sharks in deeper waters, this rig is equipped for it all. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when approaching spooky Tarpon on the flats, while the GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate structure and baitfish. With room to spread out and fight fish, plus all the modern electronics you need, The 4th Story delivers the perfect platform for targeting everything from Redfish to Jack Crevalle in Goodland's productive waters. Cash balance due on trip day.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the ocean's bulldogs - powerful fighters that average 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds. These brassy-green fish school up around reefs, wrecks, and anywhere baitfish gather. Look for diving birds - that's your sign jacks are pushing bait to the surface. They're year-round residents here, but summer brings the biggest schools. What guests love is their relentless fight - pound for pound, few fish pull harder or fight longer. They're not great table fare, but the sport is top-notch. Here's the key: when you find a school, work fast with silver spoons or swimbaits. Keep your lure moving quickly - they love the chase. Once you hook one, get ready for a serious arm workout.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are the gentle giants of our wrecks and reefs, growing up to 8 feet and several hundred pounds. These massive fish hang around structure in 60-150 feet, but we also find them in shallower areas near bridges and artificial reefs. They're curious fish that aren't easily spooked - sometimes they'll even follow you around. Summer months are prime time when they gather for spawning. What guests love is the raw power of that first run - it'll test your gear and your grip on the rod. Remember, these protected fish must be released, so we use heavy tackle to bring them up quickly. My tip: use big live bait like jacks or large crabs, and be ready for that freight train pull when they take it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing, averaging 20-30 inches with that distinctive black spot near the tail. These copper-colored fighters love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines - sometimes in water so shallow their backs stick out. Fall and spring offer the best action, though we catch them year-round. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and the fact they're excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. You'll often see them tailing in skinny water while feeding. Local trick: look for nervous water and use topwater plugs early morning or late evening. When they hit a surface bait in 18 inches of water, it's pure magic. Work the bait slow and steady.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most prized inshore targets here in the 10,000 Islands. These sleek fish average 1-3 feet with that signature black lateral line running down their golden sides. You'll find them around mangrove edges, docks, and structure in shallow water - they love ambush spots. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially during moving tides. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong fight, plus they're fantastic table fare when cooked fresh. Here's a local tip: work your lure slowly along mangrove roots and be ready - when they hit, it's usually fast and hard. Keep your drag set right because they'll make powerful runs toward cover trying to break you off.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate gamefish challenge - these silver kings average 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds, but can grow much larger. We target them in shallow bays, around bridges, and near passes where they roll and breathe at the surface. Late spring through summer is peak season here in Southwest Florida. What makes tarpon fishing special is their acrobatic jumps - they'll leap 8 feet out of the water trying to throw the hook. The fight can last an hour or more. Most folks practice catch and release since they're bony and don't eat well. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - it prevents the line from snapping tight and pulling the hook free during those aerial displays.
5.0 out of 5.0Family of 5 on a half day trip including kids 8-11 y/o. Amazing from start to finish. Can’t say enough great things about the expe...
Captain Jason, 4thStoryCharters, set us up for a unique fishing experience! Due to weather and water conditions regular fishing w...
This fishing trip was the highlight of our Florida vacation! Captain Jason was awesome! He was great with our kids. We checked out...
Highly recommend Captain Jason at 4thstory charters! Caught shark and Goliath! I told him before we left that I wanted to catch a ...
We booked the 5hr trip for my wife and 3 kids and myself. We enjoyed the time on the water, fishing multiple spots, catching shar...
We had an outstanding experience with 4thstorycharters. From start to finish, the trip was exceptional. Captain Jason was incredib...
This was our second offshore fishing trip in Naples and our first with Capt. Jason. This trip far exceeded our expectations. Capt....
Naples