Half Day Inshore Fishing - Naples, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing adventure in Naples watersTarget Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, and multiple speciesAll fishing equipment and gear provided onboard
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip in Southwest Florida waters? Captain James Webb knows these Naples inshore flats like the back of his hand, and he's got you covered for a morning or afternoon that'll put some serious fish in the boat. Whether you're bringing the family or just want to get away from the desk for a few hours, this charter delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. We're talking prime territory for some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish – Snook, Tarpon, Sea Trout, Redfish, and Cobia – all within a short boat ride from the Naples area.
This top-rated half-day charter keeps things intimate with just three guests max, so you're not fighting for rod time or elbow room. Captain Webb provides all the tackle you'll need, from live bait rigs to artificial lures that work magic in these waters. The trip starts early when the fish are most active, or you can grab an afternoon slot if mornings aren't your thing. Naples' inshore waters offer incredible variety – one minute you're working mangrove shorelines for snook, the next you're sight-fishing redfish on grass flats so shallow you can see their tails breaking the surface. The water clarity here is something else, especially during the cooler months, and you'll often spot your target before you even make a cast. Don't worry about bringing anything except sunscreen and a cooler for your catch – Captain Webb's got the rest handled.
Inshore fishing in Naples is all about adapting to conditions and reading the water. Captain Webb runs a variety of techniques depending on what's working best – live bait fishing with shrimp, pinfish, or pilchards when the bite is tough, and switching to topwater plugs or soft plastics when fish are aggressive. The shallow nature of these flats means using lighter tackle that won't spook fish in clear water. You'll be casting to structure like docks, mangrove edges, and oyster bars where gamefish ambush prey. The boat's equipped with a shallow-water motor that lets you get into spots bigger vessels can't reach, giving you access to those honey holes where the smart fish hang out. Depending on tides and time of year, you might be sight-casting to cruising fish or working deeper channels where species like cobia and sharks patrol. The beauty of Naples inshore fishing is the variety – you never know what's going to grab your bait next.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida fishing, and Naples waters hold some real bruisers. These ambush predators love hanging around structure during the day, then moving shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized up to true wall-hangers over 30 inches. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight – they'll jump, run for cover, and test every knot you've got. Plus, they're one of the best eating fish in these waters when you keep one within the slot.
Tarpon fishing peaks during summer months, and even juvenile tarpon put up a fight that'll leave your arms aching. These silver kings are pure muscle and attitude, known for their spectacular jumps and long runs. Naples waters see both resident fish year-round and migratory schools that pass through during warmer months. Landing a tarpon, even a smaller one, is something you'll remember for years – they're called the "silver king" for good reason.
Sea Trout are your reliable producers when other species get finicky. These spotted beauties love grass flats and are active throughout most of the year, with peak action during cooler months. They're excellent table fare and fight well on light tackle, making them perfect for newer anglers or kids. You'll typically find them in 2-4 feet of water over sandy bottom mixed with grass patches.
Redfish, or "reds" as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Florida inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers are built for power, not speed, and they'll test your drag system with bulldogging runs toward structure. Fall and winter months are prime time for big reds, with fish often found in shallow water where you can sight-cast to them. There's something magical about watching a redfish eat your bait in crystal-clear water.
Cobia are the wildcards of the inshore scene – curious fish that often approach the boat and provide exciting opportunities for sight-fishing. Spring migration brings the best cobia action, with fish following rays and cruising shallow flats. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) are excellent eating and put up a strong, steady fight that'll make you earn every inch of line.
Captain James Webb's half-day charters fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing really turns on. This world-class Naples fishing experience gives you everything you need for a successful trip without the commitment of a full day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you'll leave with stories to tell and hopefully some fresh fish for dinner. The three-person limit means personalized attention and plenty of fishing time for everyone. Book now and see why this customer favorite keeps anglers coming back to experience some of the best inshore fishing Southwest Florida has to offer.
Hit the productive inshore waters around Naples aboard our well-equipped motorboat, perfect for up to 3 anglers looking to target some of Florida's most sought-after species. This reliable fishing machine comes loaded with an ice box to keep your catch fresh and GPS navigation to put you right on the fish. You'll have shots at hard-fighting Snook lurking around mangrove edges, rolling Tarpon, speckled Sea Trout over grass flats, and copper-colored Redfish tailing in shallow water. Cobia and various shark species also cruise these fertile waters. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, so just bring your fishing license and get ready to bend some rods. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or seasoned anglers want a quick half-day session, this setup delivers consistent action in Naples' fish-rich inshore zones.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our area's premium gamefish, averaging 30-60 pounds of pure power. These brown, shark-looking fish are usually loners, cruising reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, but we see them year-round near offshore structure. What makes cobia special is they're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities. They fight like freight trains with long, powerful runs. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. These fish are smart and can be picky eaters. When you spot one, don't rush the cast. Let them get comfortable near the boat, then drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them. Patience pays off with these fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down one of the most exciting fish to target in our shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches but can push 40-plus pounds. You'll spot them tailing in 1-4 feet of water over grass flats, around oyster bars, and near mangrove shorelines. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter bring the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is that distinctive black spot near their tail and their bulldogging fight - they'll pull drag and make powerful runs. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. Unlike some species, redfish will eat almost anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials. Pro tip: when you see their backs or tails sticking out of shallow water, approach quietly and cast well ahead of where they're moving. They spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or speckled trout as we call them locally, are perfect for anglers wanting steady action. They typically run 14-24 inches and fight harder than their size suggests. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and channels. They're most active during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes, but we catch them year-round. What guests love about trout is they bite consistently on both live shrimp and artificial lures, making them great for beginners and kids. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. These spotted beauties feed heavily at dawn and dusk, but here's something many don't know: on overcast days, they'll feed all day long. Try a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are some of the most sought-after fish around Naples, and for good reason. These sleek predators typically run 1-3 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. They're ambush hunters that love hanging around mangroves, docks, and structure in shallow water - usually 6 feet or less. The best action happens during warmer months when they're more active, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight once hooked. They'll make blistering runs and try to cut you off in the mangroves. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: when you see one, don't cast right at it. Lead them by a few feet and let your bait drift into their strike zone naturally.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of our local waters, averaging 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds of pure muscle. These silver giants patrol our shallow flats, channels, and bridges year-round, with peak season running May through September during their spawning runs. What sets tarpon apart is their aerial show - they'll jump 10 feet out of the water trying to throw your hook. It's a sight that'll get your heart pumping every time. Most folks fish catch-and-release since they're tough eating, but the fight is what brings people back. They're prehistoric survivors that can gulp air when oxygen gets low. My advice: when one jumps, bow to the fish - drop your rod tip toward them to give slack, or they'll use that jump to snap your line. It takes patience, but landing one is worth every minute.
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