5.0(2 Reviews)Full Day Offshore Fishing in Naples, Florida
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore fishing adventure in Naples Gulf watersProfessional guides navigate to prime fishing locationsCharter accommodates up to 4 guests for personalized experience
When you're looking for the real deal in Gulf fishing, an 8-hour full day charter with Captain Robbie and Down South Charters delivers everything serious anglers want. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. With eight solid hours on the water, we're talking about the kind of fishing day that lets you hit multiple spots, try different techniques, and really dial in on what's biting. Naples sits right in the sweet spot where the Gulf's structure and currents create some of Florida's most consistent fishing, and a full day gives us the time to make the most of it.
Your day starts early – that's when the fish are most active and the Gulf is typically at its calmest. We'll load up on a charter that's built for offshore work, not some glorified bay boat trying to play in big water. These boats handle the Gulf swells like they should, with enough room for four anglers to fish comfortably without getting in each other's way. Captain Robbie knows these waters like his backyard, and with eight hours to work with, he can take you to spots that shorter trips just can't reach. We're talking about structure 15-20 miles out, where the big fish live and the crowds thin out. The beauty of a full day is flexibility – if one area isn't producing, we've got time to move and find where they're feeding.
Offshore fishing around Naples means we're using a mix of techniques depending on what we're targeting and what the conditions look like. We'll troll for kings and tarpon when we're moving between spots, drag live bait around structure for those big sharks, and work the bottom with cut bait for pompano and sheepshead. The tackle is sized right for Gulf fishing – medium to heavy action rods that can handle a 100-pound tarpon but still let you feel a pompano's fight. Live bait is king out here, and we'll start the day with a good selection of pilchards, pinfish, and whatever else is available. Circle hooks are standard for most applications – they're better for the fish and they hook up solid when something big decides to eat. Don't worry about bringing your own gear unless you really want to; the boat comes equipped with everything you need to handle whatever we run into.
"This is my third charter trip with captain Robbie Christian Sommer. I have gone with other guides here in Naples, it was never like fishing with Robbie. The customer care that he has and also the excitement to put you on fish is extraordinary. Growing up here in Naples as a local I have seen many people charter fish no one is like this. I use this captain on a regular basis to also take my business clients out for a yearly trip. When you go fishing with Captain Robbie he makes sure not only to put you on fish, but to put you on the biggest fish and rarest fish in Naples . I have referred him to many friends and family and every single time they told me not only they had a good trip but a great unforgettable trip. If you are serious about fishing this is the captain for you. Thanks captain can't wait for our next trip!!!!" - Joyce
"Had an awesome time with Robbie. Was told that the fishing might not be so great because the weather, but he was still able to put us on some really nice fish. We hooked up with a few good sized snook and caught some other really cool species as well. Will definitely be back on a nicer day to do some deep water fishing with the captain!" - Jane
Florida Pompano are hands down one of the most sought-after fish in these waters, and for good reason. These silver bullets fight way above their weight class and make some of the best table fare you'll find in the Gulf. Pompano typically run 2-4 pounds around Naples, but don't let the size fool you – they'll bend a rod and make runs that'll surprise you. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the water temperature sits in that 75-80 degree sweet spot. They love structure and sandy bottom areas, and we'll often find them feeding around wrecks and artificial reefs. What makes pompano special is how they fight – quick bursts, lots of head shaking, and they use that flat body to their advantage in the current.
Tarpon fishing around Naples is as good as it gets anywhere in Florida. These silver kings show up in serious numbers during the spring and summer months, with fish ranging from 50 pounds up to giants pushing 150 pounds or more. May through August is absolutely prime time, when the big schools move through on their annual migration. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive isn't just the size – it's the way they fight. First there's that crushing bite, then they go airborne, and that's when you realize you're connected to something truly special. A big tarpon will jump, run, and test every piece of tackle you've got. Even a smaller 50-pounder will give you a fight you'll talk about for years.
Sheepshead might not look like much, but they're one of the smartest fish in the Gulf and catching them consistently takes real skill. These black and white striped convict fish have human-like teeth and they know how to use them. They're structure-oriented, hanging around pilings, wrecks, and rock piles where they feed on barnacles, crabs, and other crustaceans. Winter months are when they really shine, especially January through March when they're spawning around the nearshore structure. What makes sheepshead challenging is their bite – they're notorious bait stealers who can clean a hook without moving your rod tip. When you do hook one, they fight hard and dirty, using every piling and piece of structure to try to break you off.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and when
Get ready to fish Naples waters like a pro aboard our 2022 25' Pathfinder! This boat was built for serious angling - spacious enough for 4 anglers but intimate enough that everyone gets prime fishing spots. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stalking fish, while the fish finder helps locate where they're holding. GPS and radar ensure we hit the best offshore spots safely, even when conditions get tricky. Between bites, chill with cold drinks from the icebox and tunes from the multimedia system. Whether you're targeting snapper, grouper, or whatever's running, this Pathfinder delivers the perfect platform for a full day chasing fish in the Gulf.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks bring serious excitement to any trip with their aerial shows and powerful runs. These sleek predators average 4-5 feet and 30-60 pounds, though bigger ones patrol our deeper waters. You'll find them in 30-100 feet around reefs, wrecks, and anywhere baitfish congregate. Spring through fall gives the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes blacktips special? They jump like crazy when hooked and put up one heck of a fight on medium tackle. Their acrobatic nature and willingness to bite make them crowd favorites. Pro tip: use oily baits like mackerel or sardines, and set up a chum slick to draw them in. Heavy braided line and circle hooks are essential - these fish can get pretty energetic once they're on, and you'll want gear that can handle their power.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida Pompano are hands down one of the most prized fish in these waters. These silvery beauties typically run 1-3 pounds, though we occasionally hook into 8-pounders that'll make your day. You'll spot them by their compressed, disc-like bodies and bright yellow fins. They love cruising Gulf beaches and shallow flats where shrimp and mollusks are plentiful. Summer and fall are prime time when they're most active in warmer waters. What makes them special? They fight like crazy for their size and the meat is absolutely buttery - restaurants pay top dollar for good reason. Pro tip: use small hooks since their mouths are tiny, and try live sand fleas or fiddler crabs when you can get them. These fish travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll get your heart pumping fast. These olive-backed missiles typically weigh 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds when conditions are right. We find them in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure and temperature breaks where baitfish gather. Spring through fall offers the best action as they migrate through Gulf waters. What makes kings special? Pure speed and aggressive strikes that'll test your drag and reflexes. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat perfect for the grill. Here's a local secret: rig live sardines with a stinger hook setup - one through the nose, another free-swinging near the tail. Kings love to hit bait from behind, and that back hook will save you from a lot of missed fish.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are Naples' sneaky structure fish that'll test your patience and skills. These convict-striped beauties average 2-5 pounds but can hit 15+ around the right spots. They're famous for those human-like teeth they use to crush barnacles and crabs around docks, bridges, and artificial reefs. Winter through early spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. What makes them popular? They're notorious bait thieves with incredible table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The challenge is their light bite and quick mouth. My go-to trick: use fiddler crabs or live shrimp on small hooks, get tight to structure, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They'll steal your bait all day if you're not quick enough.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of our waters and for good reason. These silver giants typically range 80-100 pounds and 4-6 feet, though we've seen monsters pushing 200+ pounds. They're built for speed and acrobatics - expect multiple jumps and screaming runs when you hook one. You'll find them in shallow flats, around bridges, and near deeper channels, especially during their spring and summer migrations. What draws anglers from everywhere? Pure adrenaline. Nothing compares to watching a 6-foot tarpon launch itself 10 feet out of the water. While they're catch-and-release only due to mercury levels and bony meat, the fight is unforgettable. Best advice: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This keeps tension off and prevents them from throwing the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0This is my third charter trip with captain Robbie Christian Sommer. I have gone with other guides here in Naples, it was never lik...
Had an awesome time with Robbie. Was told that the fishing might not be so great because the weather, but he was still able to put...
Naples