4 HR Inshore Fishing in Bonita Springs (PM)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon inshore fishing charter in Bonita Springs watersTarget Snook and Speckled Trout in Gulf Coast backwatersAccommodates up to four guests with Black Irish Charters
Looking for some serious backwater action without the long haul to deep water? This afternoon inshore trip with Black Irish Charters puts you right in the heart of Southwest Florida's most productive shallow water fishing grounds. We're talking about those protected bays, grass flats, and mangrove-lined creeks where the big fish come to feed when the sun starts getting low. Four hours is the perfect amount of time to hit multiple spots, work different techniques, and really dial in on what's biting that day.
Your afternoon starts around 1 PM when the midday heat begins to ease up and the fish start getting more active. We'll launch from one of Bonita Springs' premier access points and head straight into the maze of backwater channels that make this area so special. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety - one minute you're sight fishing the flats for tailing redfish, the next you're working structure for snook or picking apart oyster bars for sheepshead. The boat stays in relatively calm water, so even if you're not great with rough seas, you'll be comfortable. Plus, with a max of four anglers, there's plenty of room to cast and everyone gets personal attention from your guide.
We fish light tackle primarily - spinning reels with 15-20 pound test that gives you the sensitivity to feel those subtle bites but enough backbone to turn a big snook away from the mangroves. Live bait is king out here, and we'll have a livewell full of pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp depending on what's working. Artificial lures play a huge role too - soft plastics on jig heads for working the grass, topwater plugs for early morning surface action, and suspending twitch baits for snook around structure. Your guide will have you covered with all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod or lucky lure, bring it along. The fishing here is all about reading the water and adapting - sometimes you're sight fishing in two feet of water, other times you're bouncing bottom in deeper channels.
Florida Pompano are the silver bullets of the flats, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. These fish are built for speed with their deep, compressed bodies and forked tails. They love sandy bottom areas and are absolute suckers for live shrimp bounced along the bottom. Most of the pomps we see run 2-4 pounds, but the bigger ones will make multiple screaming runs that'll test your drag. Fall and early winter are prime time, and honestly, pound for pound, they might be the best eating fish in these waters.
Snook are the signature species of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love structure - docks, mangrove overhangs, bridge pilings, anywhere they can hide and wait for baitfish to swim by. They're moody fish that can be incredibly aggressive one day and completely shut down the next. The slot fish we target (28-32 inches) typically weigh 8-15 pounds and will put on an absolute show with their gill-rattling jumps. Summer months are catch and release only, but the action stays hot year-round.
Sheepshead might not win any beauty contests, but these black and white striped convict fish are some of the craftiest around. They've got human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure, which makes them notorious bait stealers. Finding a big sheepshead - we're talking 5+ pounds - around a dock or bridge piling is like solving a puzzle. They're excellent table fare and seem to know exactly when you're not paying attention to your rod tip.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as most locals call them, are probably the most reliable fish in these waters. They school up over grass flats and are suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. The bigger "gator trout" over 20 inches are less common but absolutely beautiful fish with distinctive canine teeth. They bite year-round, with spring and fall producing the biggest fish as they move into shallow water to spawn.
Redfish are the workhorses of inshore fishing, and Bonita Springs has some genuine bulls that'll straighten hooks if you're not careful. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water, especially around oyster bars and grass flats where they root around for crabs and shrimp. When you see a red's back out of the water with that distinctive black spot near the tail, your heart rate jumps. They're strong, stubborn fighters that use their broad sides to bulldoze toward cover, and anything over 30 inches is going to be a memorable battle.
Four hours of afternoon inshore fishing gives you everything Southwest Florida backwater fishing has to offer without eating up your whole day. The variety of species, the beautiful scenery, and the chance to learn from experienced local guides makes this a top-rated choice for both serious anglers and families looking to get everyone on some fish. The afternoon bite can be absolutely phenomenal as the sun starts dropping and baitfish move shallow. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table or just want to experience some world-class inshore fishing, Black Irish Charters has the local knowledge and equipment to make it happen. Book now and get ready to see why Bonita Springs is becoming the go-to destination for inshore fishing enthusiasts.
Get ready to fish the productive waters around Bonita Springs aboard our restored 2021 Action Craft center console! This 20-footer runs smooth with a reliable 150HP Mercury engine, giving you quick access to those prime inshore spots where snook and speckled trout love to hang out. The boat's designed for serious fishing - we've got a fish finder to locate your targets, GPS to keep us on the best structure, and a wireless trolling motor for those sneaky approaches in shallow water. The center console layout gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish, while the icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. Whether you're working the mangroves for snook or drifting the grass flats for trout, this boat handles the Gulf Coast backwaters like a champ. Perfect setup for up to 4 anglers who want to experience some of Florida's best inshore fishing action.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of our inshore waters - that distinctive black lateral line and golden color make them unmistakable. Most run 1-3 feet long, but the big girls can push 4 feet and really test your drag. They're structure lovers, hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water. Spring through fall is peak season, especially during spawning when their fins turn bright yellow. What keeps anglers coming back? These fish hit hard and fight dirty, using every bit of cover to their advantage. They're also fantastic table fare when kept within regulations. My go-to technique is working soft plastics or topwater plugs tight to cover - snook rarely chase bait into open water. Cast right into the structure and be ready for that explosive strike. Remember, they're temperature sensitive, so focus on warmer months for best action.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida Pompano are some of the most sought-after fish in our waters, and for good reason. These silvery beauties with bright yellow fins typically run 1-3 pounds, though we occasionally see monsters up to 8 pounds. They love hanging around Gulf beaches and bay areas where they can feed on shrimp, crabs, and mollusks. Summer and fall are prime time since they head deeper when it cools off. What makes them special? They're absolute fighters from the jack family, plus they're restaurant gold - that buttery, flaky meat is tough to beat. Here's my tip: use small hooks since their mouths are tiny, and go with live shrimp or sand fleas. Fish right on the bottom near structure, and when you feel that subtle nibble, set the hook hard. These guys are notorious bait thieves, so stay sharp and keep your bait fresh.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our copper-colored bullies of the shallows, and they'll give you a workout every time. These bruisers typically run 20-35 inches, but the big bulls can hit 45 inches and 50 pounds. They love super shallow water - sometimes so skinny their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes reds special? They eat almost anything, fight like freight trains, and that distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify. Plus, they're excellent on the table with mild, sweet meat. My favorite technique is sight fishing the flats with topwater plugs or soft plastics. Look for tailing fish or nervous baitfish. Once you spot them, make a quiet approach and cast ahead of their direction. When a red hits topwater in skinny water, hang on tight.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are our resident "convict fish" with those distinctive black stripes, and they're absolutely delicious if you can land one. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though the occasional 20-pounder shows up to make your day. You'll find them glued to any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, pilings, and reefs. They're year-round residents, but spring brings the best action when they spawn in big schools. What makes them fun? Those human-like teeth make them notorious bait stealers, and once hooked, they use every piling to try cutting you off. The sweet, mild meat makes the fight worthwhile. Here's the key: get your bait right against the structure using small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp. Feel that subtle tap-tap-tap? Set the hook immediately and hard - they'll steal your bait faster than you can blink. Use heavier tackle than you think you need.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are bread-and-butter fish around here, and they're perfect for anglers wanting steady action. These spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with their soft mouths requiring a gentle touch. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and potholes. They're most active during cooler months, and dawn or dusk fishing really shines. In winter, they school up tight in deeper channels. What's great about trout? They're aggressive feeders, readily hit artificials, and make excellent table fare with that flaky white meat. Just don't overcook them or they'll turn mushy. My favorite approach is working soft plastics or topwater plugs over the grass beds at first light. Keep your drag light - those paper-thin mouths tear easily. When you feel the bite, resist the urge to horse them in. A steady, gentle retrieve will boat more fish.
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