Inshore Fishing in Southwest Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target tarpon, redfish, and sea trout in productive Southwest Florida watersCaptain Jon provides all equipment and handles fish cleaning servicesSmall group experience with maximum two guests per charter
Southwest Florida's inshore waters are hands down some of the best fishing grounds you'll find anywhere. Captain Jon knows these flats, mangroves, and grass beds like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish that'll make your trip one to remember. With crystal clear waters holding everything from aggressive tarpon to sneaky redfish, this two-angler charter gives you the personal attention and local knowledge that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic day on the water.
Your day starts with Captain Jon getting all your gear sorted while you grab your coffee and get ready to fish. No need to stress about tackle, bait, or rigging – he's got everything dialed in and ready to go. We'll cruise out to the productive flats and structure where the fish are feeding, and Jon will put you in the right spots at the right time. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One cast might bring up a feisty trout, the next could hook into a slot redfish, and if you're lucky, a tarpon might roll up and test your drag system. The water's typically calm, making it perfect for sight fishing when conditions are right. At the end of your trip, Jon handles all the fish cleaning so you can head home with fresh fillets ready for the dinner table.
Captain Jon runs a clean operation with quality tackle matched to whatever species we're targeting. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might be throwing live bait under popping corks for trout, pitching jigs to redfish in the shallows, or free-lining pilchards near structure for snook. The gear is sized right for each situation – medium spinning setups for most species, but heavier tackle if tarpon are in the area. Jon knows when to fish moving water around the passes, when to work the grass flats during incoming tides, and where to find fish holding around docks and mangroves during different times of year. Live bait is the go-to most days, but artificial lures definitely have their place, especially when fish are actively feeding. The key is reading the water and adapting to what the fish want on any given day.
Snook are the kings of these inshore waters, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around structure like docks, bridges, and mangrove edges where they can surprise baitfish. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often jumping clear out of the water when hooked. Snook are temperature sensitive and really turn on when water temps are in the 70s and 80s. The best part about targeting snook is they can show up anywhere – shallow grass flats, deep channels, or right under your favorite waterfront restaurant. Their slot limit keeps the population healthy, so you'll find plenty of fish to catch and release.
Tarpon fishing in Southwest Florida is world-class, especially during the spring and summer months. These silver kings can range from juvenile fish in the 20-40 pound range all the way up to giants over 100 pounds. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's their incredible jumping ability and stamina. A good tarpon will test every knot, every connection, and every technique you've got. They roll on the surface, gulp air, and put on a show that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The key to tarpon success is patience and proper technique. Jon knows where they school up and migrate through these waters.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. These spotted beauties are fun to catch, great to eat, and available year-round in good numbers. They love grass flats where they can hunt for shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Trout respond well to live shrimp under popping corks, and they'll also hit soft plastic baits worked slowly across the bottom. Spring and fall are prime times when bigger "gator" trout move into the shallows to feed. They're not the hardest fighters, but they make up for it with their willingness to bite and excellent table fare.
Redfish are probably the most sought-after species for inshore anglers, and Southwest Florida has some fantastic red fishing. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water where they can root around in the grass and sand looking for crabs and shrimp. Sight fishing for reds on the flats is about as exciting as it gets – watching them tail in skinny water, making the perfect cast, and feeling that solid thump when they eat your bait. Reds fight hard and dirty, using their broad tails and bulldog strength to test your tackle. The slot-sized fish make excellent eating, while the big bulls over 27 inches are catch-and-release trophies.
Tripletail are one of the more unique species you might encounter on this charter. These odd-looking fish get their name from their extended dorsal and anal fins that make them appear to have three tails. They're masters of disguise, floating near the surface and mimicking debris or floating grass. Tripletail are excellent eating and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They're not always easy to find, but when Captain Jon spots them floating around crab trap floats or other surface structure, it's game on. Their curious nature makes them willing biters if you can get your bait in front of them without spooking them.
Southwest Florida's inshore fishing delivers year-round action with Captain Jon's local expertise putting you on the best bite available. Whether you're after your first snook, hoping to tangle with a tarpon, or just want to load up on dinner, this charter covers all the bases. The two-angler limit means you get personalized instruction and prime fishing time without feeling rushed. Captain Jon handles all the details from tackle to fish cleaning, so you can focus on what
You'll be fishing aboard a 22-foot Bluewave Purebay that's perfectly set up for Southwest Florida's inshore waters. This shallow-draft boat is powered by a reliable 175hp Suzuki four-stroke engine that gets you to the fishing spots quickly and quietly. The real game-changer is the twin MinnKota Raptor trolling motors – these allow Captain Jon to position the boat silently over productive flats and structure where tarpon, redfish, and sea trout like to hang out. The GPS navigation system keeps you on the fish, while the fish finder helps locate schools and bottom structure that hold sheepshead and tripletail. With space for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines and fight fish without bumping elbows. The boat's design handles Southwest Florida's shallow bays and grass flats with ease, letting you access those prime fishing spots that bigger boats can't reach. Captain Jon takes care of all the gear and will clean your catch at the end of the day.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches with that signature black spot near the tail. They cruise our shallow flats in just 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs showing. Look for them around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats with soft bottom. Fall and spring offer prime fishing when they school up, but we catch them year-round. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and stubborn fight in shallow water - plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. They're not picky eaters and will hit live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials. Best advice: when you see one tailing on the flats, cast well ahead and let your bait sink to the bottom before they get there.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or speckled trout as we call them locally, are consistent producers year-round in our grass flats and shallow bays. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with their spotted silver sides making them easy to identify. You'll find them cruising seagrass beds in 2-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and potholes. They bite well in cooler months when they school up in deeper channels, but spring and fall offer the best action on the flats. Trout are popular because they fight well for their size and make excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. During winter, look for them in deeper water around 15-20 feet where they group up. Key tip: use light tackle and soft plastics worked slowly - they have soft mouths and light bites.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets here in Southwest Florida. These sleek fighters average 1-2 feet but can stretch over 4 feet. You'll spot them by that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and structure in our shallow bays and estuaries. Best fishing happens during warmer months, especially around new and full moons from May through September when they're spawning. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and stubborn fight - they'll use every bit of cover to try and break you off. The meat is white, flaky, and excellent eating. Pro tip: cast past the structure and work your bait back to them slowly. They're ambush predators and spook easily, so keep noise to a minimum.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of our inshore waters - pure silver muscle that can reach 6+ feet and over 200 pounds, though most we see run 4-5 feet and 80-100 pounds. They frequent our shallow flats, channels around mangrove islands, and deeper holes in 10-60 feet of water. Prime season runs May through August when they migrate through our area. What brings anglers back is watching a 150-pound fish launch itself 10 feet in the air - it's something you'll never forget. Their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs test every ounce of your tackle and skill. We practice catch and release since the meat is bony and not great eating. Best tip: bow to the king when they jump - lower your rod tip to give slack, or they'll throw the hook on you every time.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our more unique catches - they look like floating debris until you get close. These chunky fish average 18 inches and 2-5 pounds but can reach 3 feet. They float on their sides near the surface around weed lines, channel markers, and floating structure, mimicking leaves or trash. Summer months from July through September are prime time when they're spawning inshore. What makes tripletail fishing special is the sight-casting challenge and their surprising acrobatics for such a stocky fish. The meat rivals snapper or grouper - firm, white, and delicious. They spook easily, so stealth is key. Pro tip: cast well past them and work your bait slowly into their zone. Don't cast directly at them or they'll disappear like ghosts.
Fort Myers, FL