5.0(2 Reviews)6-Hour Naples Offshore Fishing Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore fishing charter in Naples Gulf watersProfessional guides navigate to prime fishing locationsSmall group experience with maximum three guests
When you're ready to get serious about fishing the Gulf of Mexico, this 6-hour charter out of Naples gives you the time you need to really work the water. We're talking about a full day on a well-equipped boat with captains who've been reading these waters for years. You'll head offshore where the real action happens – those deeper drop-offs and structure that hold the fish everyone's talking about. With just three anglers max, you're not fighting for rod space or competing for the captain's attention. This is quality fishing time, plain and simple.
Your day starts early at the Naples marina, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on tackle, techniques, and what's been biting lately. The boats Down South Charters runs are set up right – good electronics, quality rods and reels, and enough space to fight fish without getting tangled up with your buddies. We'll motor out past the nearshore crowd and start working the offshore structure where the bigger fish live. Six hours gives us real flexibility – if the bite's hot in one spot, we stay put. If it's slow, we move until we find them. Your captain knows the productive ledges, wrecks, and drop-offs that consistently hold fish, and he'll adjust the game plan based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are telling us.
Offshore fishing here means variety in both techniques and tackle. We'll be live baiting with pinfish, pilchards, and threadfin herring when the situation calls for it – especially effective for tarpon and permit that can be finicky about presentations. For the bottom species like gag grouper, we'll drop cut bait and live offerings down to the structure using circle hooks and enough weight to stay planted. When sharks are around, we'll switch to wire leaders and chunk bait or deploy some serious live bait. The tackle on board ranges from spinning gear for the lighter stuff to conventional reels that can handle whatever decides to eat your offering. Your captain will match the rod and reel to the target species and technique, so you're always fishing with the right tool for the job.
"Full day trip was absolutely awesome. Beautiful boat and knowledgeable Captain. This is the best charter I've been on. Even in the summer heat we caught a ton of fish. He knows all the best spots. We will definitely be going out with Captain Christian again!" - Meme
"On his wonderful and professional fishing boat our captain, Robbie Sommer, took us to extraordanary spots offshore, to hidden canals and shallow water where we had great catches. He is very experienced, unexcited, patient, friendly and humorous! The three of us, Justus, Roman and Tina, had a great day that we will not forget. Thanks to Robbie!" - Lydia
Tarpon: These silver kings are what fishing dreams are made of. Naples tarpon typically run 80 to 150 pounds, with some real giants pushing 200-plus. They're most active from April through October, with peak action in late spring and early summer. What makes them special isn't just the size – it's the fight. When a tarpon takes your bait, you're in for multiple jumps, long runs, and a battle that can last 30 minutes or more. They're found around structure, bridges, and passes where they ambush baitfish. The key is live bait presented just right, and when they eat, you better hold on tight.
Permit: If tarpon are the kings, permit are the PhDs of the flats and nearshore waters. These disc-shaped fighters are incredibly smart and notoriously difficult to fool, which makes landing one a real achievement. Naples permit average 15 to 30 pounds and are present year-round, though they're most cooperative in warmer months. They feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish around wrecks and structure. What anglers love about permit is the challenge – they require perfect presentations and have a habit of following baits forever before deciding whether to eat. When they do commit, they make strong runs and use their body shape to pull hard against the drag.
Blacktip Shark: These are the perfect introduction to shark fishing – aggressive, acrobatic, and plenty strong without being unmanageable. Naples blacktips typically range from 20 to 60 pounds and are present year-round, with peak numbers in spring and fall. They're known for their spectacular jumps when hooked, often clearing the water completely multiple times during the fight. They hunt in relatively shallow water for their size, making them accessible on half-day and full-day trips. Live bait works great, but they'll also hit cut bait and artificials. The fight is fast and furious, making them a favorite among anglers who want action without the marathon battles of bigger sharks.
Cobia: These brown submarines are one of the most underrated fighters in Gulf waters. Naples cobia can range from 20-pound schoolies up to 50-plus-pound bulls that fight like they're twice that size. They're most abundant from March through November, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action. Cobia are curious fish that will often follow the boat or investigate baits before eating, giving you a chance to see exactly what you're dealing with. They hit live bait hard and make strong runs toward structure, testing your drag and your nerve. What makes them special is their pulling power – pound for pound, few fish fight harder than a good cobia.
Gag Grouper: When it comes to bottom fishing, gag grouper are the prize everyone's after. These guys average 15 to 30 pounds in Naples waters, with some real doormat-sized fish pushing 40-plus. They're available year
This 2022 25-foot Pathfinder serves as your fishing headquarters for six hours on Naples' productive Gulf waters. Built specifically for serious anglers, this motorboat handles offshore conditions while keeping up to three guests comfortable during long fishing sessions. The spacious layout gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. The boat comes equipped with everything needed to locate and land Gulf species - a quality fish finder pinpoints schools and structure below, while GPS navigation gets you to the hottest fishing spots efficiently. When visibility drops, onboard radar keeps you safe and on course. The wireless trolling motor lets you approach spooky fish silently in shallow areas. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the heat of the day, while the multimedia system provides entertainment during travel time between fishing locations. Your experienced captain knows these Naples waters intimately and will position you over productive bottom where snapper, grouper, and other Gulf favorites feed. Whether you're targeting reef fish or working the flats, this Pathfinder delivers the stability and features serious fishing demands.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are pure excitement on the end of your line - they're the acrobats of the shark world, known for launching themselves 20+ feet out of the water when hooked. These sharks typically run 4-5 feet and around 40-60 pounds, with those distinctive black-tipped fins that give them their name. Around Naples, we find them in 30-100 feet of water around reefs, wrecks, and anywhere baitfish are schooling. They're here year-round but really show up in numbers during warmer months. What guests love about blacktips is their aggressive strikes and spectacular jumps - plus they're great eating if you decide to keep one. Heavy braided line and circle hooks are a must since they get pretty wound up once hooked. Pro tip: get a good chum slick going with oily fish like mackerel or sardines - these sharks follow their noses.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of the Gulf - brown, stocky, and built for power. These fish average around 30-50 pounds but can push 100+, and they're some of the best eating you'll find out here. What's cool about cobia is they're usually solitary, so when you spot one cruising near the surface, it's game on. We find them around reefs, wrecks, buoys, and any structure in 30-70 feet of water, especially during their spring migration March through June. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. The fight is solid and steady - no crazy jumps, just pure muscle. What really makes cobia special is the dinner table - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. Here's my secret: when you see one following, don't rush the cast. Let them get comfortable, then drop a bucktail jig right in front of their face.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the workhorses of bottom fishing - not the prettiest fish, but they make up for it with solid fights and excellent eating. These gray, marbled-looking fish typically run 3-8 pounds around Naples, though bigger ones lurk around deeper structure. You'll find them on rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 40-150 feet of water. They're here year-round, but spring and fall tend to be most productive when they're more active. What guests love about gags is the initial surprise - they hit hard and immediately try to drag your bait back into the rocks. Once hooked, it's a tug-of-war as they use every ledge and crevice to try breaking you off. The reward is some of the best table fare in the Gulf. My advice: keep that reel locked tight and don't give them an inch, or they'll bury you in the structure every time.
Trachinotus FalcatusThe permit is the holy grail of flats fishing - a tall, silvery disc that'll test every ounce of your patience and skill. These fish average around 20-30 pounds but can hit 50+, and they've got golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees, so they see everything. You'll find them cruising shallow grass flats, sometimes in just 2 feet of water, plus around offshore wrecks and structures. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, especially April to October. What makes permit so addictive is their reputation as one of the toughest fish to hook - they're incredibly spooky and selective. Blue crabs are the go-to bait, but here's the trick: when you see one tailing or cruising, get that crab well ahead of them and let it sit still. Any sudden movement and they're gone like ghosts.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants averaging 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds are what fishing dreams are made of. When a tarpon hits your line, expect pure chaos - they'll jump 10 feet out of the water trying to throw your hook. Around Naples, we find them in shallow coastal waters, channels, and near structures from spring through fall, with peak action May through August. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating (they're mostly catch and release) - it's that heart-stopping moment when 100 pounds of fish goes airborne right next to your boat. These prehistoric fish can live 50+ years, so treat them with respect. My tip: keep your rod tip low during the fight and resist the urge to horse them in. Let them tire themselves out with those spectacular jumps, then work them in steady.
5.0 out of 5.0Full day trip was absolutely awesome. Beautiful boat and knowledgeable Captain. This is the best charter I’ve been on. Even in the...
On his wonderful and professional fishing boat our captain, Robbie Sommer, took us to extraordanary spots offshore, to hidden cana...
Naples