3/4 Day Inshore Fishing - Naples, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Tripletail, Tarpon, Snook, and Redfish in Naples watersAccommodates up to 3 guests with equipment includedProfessional inshore fishing with Capt. James Webb Charters
When you're looking for a top-rated inshore fishing experience in Southwest Florida, Capt. James Webb knows where the fish are biting. This three-quarter day charter puts you right in the heart of Naples' most productive shallow waters, where snook lurk in the mangroves and tarpon roll just offshore. With room for up to three anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your favorite techniques. All your tackle and gear comes included, so just bring yourself, some snacks, and get ready to bend some rods on these world-class flats.
Your morning starts early as Capt. James fires up the engine and heads toward Naples' legendary backcountry. The beauty of a 3/4 day trip is having enough time to really dial in the bite without feeling rushed. You'll cover everything from grass flats dotted with potholes to oyster bars where redfish cruise the edges looking for an easy meal. The shallow draft boat lets you slip into spots where bigger vessels can't reach - those honey holes where the locals have been catching fish for decades. Expect to throw everything from live shrimp under popping corks to topwater plugs that'll make your heart skip when a big snook explodes on it. The captain reads the water like a book, adjusting tactics based on tide, wind, and what the fish are telling him that particular day.
Inshore fishing in Naples is all about matching your approach to the conditions and target species. You'll be working with medium to medium-heavy spinning gear spooled with 15-20 pound braided line - perfect for the structure-heavy environment where these fish live. Live bait fishing with shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards accounts for a lot of the action, especially when you're targeting snook around docks and mangrove shorelines. But don't sleep on the artificial bite - soft plastics on jigheads work magic on grass flats, while topwater walking baits can trigger explosive strikes during dawn and dusk periods. The captain switches up presentations throughout the day, from sight fishing in skinny water to drift fishing deeper channels where tarpon stage before heading to the beaches. This isn't just chuck-and-chance fishing - it's strategic angling that puts the odds in your favor.
Snook are the crown jewel of Naples inshore fishing, and these ambush predators know how to use every piece of structure to their advantage. You'll find them tucked under docks, lying in wait along mangrove edges, or cruising grass flats during moving water. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and bulldogging runs that'll test your drag system. Best action typically happens during the warmer months from spring through fall, with dawn and dusk being prime time. What makes snook so special is their attitude - they hit hard, fight harder, and always keep you guessing about where the next one might be lurking.
Tarpon fishing around Naples is something every angler needs to experience at least once. These silver kings range from juvenile fish in the 20-40 pound class that'll give you a workout, all the way up to triple-digit giants that can straighten hooks and snap lines if you're not careful. Peak season runs from late spring into summer when schools move through the area during their annual migration. The first jump is always a sight to behold - six feet of angry fish clearing the water and shaking its head like it's trying to throw the entire boat. Tarpon don't make for good table fare, but the memories from battling one of these prehistoric beasts will last a lifetime.
Redfish are the workhorses of the flats, and Naples has some real bruisers swimming in its backwaters. These copper-colored fighters love shallow water where they can tip down and root around oyster bars for crabs and shrimp. You'll spot them by their dark backs cutting through the surface or by the nervous water they create when feeding. Reds fight with pure power - no fancy jumps or acrobatics, just steady pressure that'll make your arms burn. They're around year-round but really turn on during cooler months when they school up in big numbers.
Cobia are the bonus fish that can make your whole trip. These brown sharks of the flats are curious creatures that'll often swim right up to the boat for a look. When you spot one cruising the surface, it's all about making a quick, accurate cast and working your bait naturally. They're powerful fighters that make long runs and aren't afraid to dive deep when hooked. Spring and early summer offer the best shots at cobia as they move through the area during their spawning runs.
Tripletail might be the quirkiest fish on this list, often found floating on their sides near channel markers, crab traps, or debris. Don't let their lazy appearance fool you - they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf. These oddball fish require a stealthy approach and precise presentation, making them a favorite target for anglers who enjoy the challenge of sight fishing.
A 3/4 day charter with Capt. James Webb gives you the perfect taste of what makes Naples inshore fishing so renowned among anglers. You'll have enough time to hit multiple spots, try different techniques, and really get a feel for how these fish behave in their home waters. With all gear provided and a captain who's spent years learning these waters, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or someone wanting to experience Florida's legendary fishing scene, this trip delivers the goods. The intimate three-person limit means you won't be fighting for rod space or waiting your turn to get bit. Book now and get ready to see why Naples consistently ranks as one of Florida's best fishing destinations.
This well-equipped motorboat puts you right where the fish are biting in Naples' productive inshore waters. Built for serious angling, she handles the shallow flats and backcountry perfectly while keeping your small group of three comfortable. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh, and GPS navigation gets you to the hotspots where Snook lurk around mangroves and Redfish cruise the grass beds. When Tarpon start rolling or Tripletail appear around markers, you'll have the mobility to get there fast. All your tackle is ready to go - just bring yourself and get ready to bend some rods on these fish-rich waters that make Naples such a legendary fishing destination.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of our near-shore waters and some of the best eating fish you'll ever catch. These brown, shark-looking fish typically run 30-50 pounds around Naples, with some pushing 70-80 pounds. You'll spot them cruising near the surface around wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their spawning migration. What makes them special is they're usually alone - no schools to find, just individual fish to sight-cast to. The fight is all power and endurance, and the meat rivals any high-end restaurant fish - firm, white, and delicious. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat. Here's the secret: don't cast right at them when you see one. Cast 20 feet ahead and let them find the bait as they swim - they spook if you plop something right on their head.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers wanting steady action and great table fare. Around Naples, they typically run 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds, with that signature bronze color and black spot near the tail. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes so skinny their backs show above the surface. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them popular is their willingness to eat almost anything and their bulldogging fight style. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters - mild, sweet, and firm. The key trick is being quiet in shallow water. These fish spook easily, so kill your motor early and pole or drift into position. Watch for tailing fish or nervous water.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Naples' most popular inshore targets, and for good reason. These sleek, golden-colored fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 1-3 feet long around here, though the bigger ones can push 4 feet. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in water from 2-15 feet deep. They love structure and ambush prey with surprising speed. May through September is prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. What makes them special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make powerful runs that test your drag. The meat is excellent too, white and flaky. Pro tip: cast past the structure and work your bait back through it - snook rarely chase into open water, so you've got to put it right in their face.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish here in Naples waters. These silver kings average 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds, but can grow much larger. We find them in shallow flats, channels, and around structure in 5-30 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season when they're migrating and feeding heavily. What draws anglers from everywhere is their aerial show - they'll jump 8-10 feet out of the water and can run at 35 mph. The fight is legendary, often lasting an hour or more. While they're not great eating due to all the bones, catching one is pure adrenaline. Most folks practice catch-and-release anyway. Here's a key tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip - it keeps tension off the line and prevents them from throwing the hook. Patience is everything with these giants.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique catches - they look like floating leaves until they strike your bait. These chunky, mottled fish average 2-5 pounds but can reach 15-20 pounds. They float near the surface around weed lines, channel markers, and debris in 10-50 feet of water. Summer and fall are peak seasons when they're most active near shore. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect - you actually see the fish before you cast. They're surprisingly acrobatic for their bulky build and fight harder than you'd expect. The meat is outstanding too, similar to grouper or snapper. Their razor-sharp gill plates can cut you, so handle carefully. The trick is being stealthy - cast well past them and slowly work your bait within striking distance. They're ambush predators that will spook if you get too aggressive with your presentation.
Naples