5.0(4 Reviews)Three-Quarter Day Naples Inshore Fishing Charter
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore charter targeting pompano, grouper, and tarponAll fishing licenses, bait, tackle, and gear includedExpert guidance through Naples productive coastal waters
Looking for that sweet spot between a quick half-day trip and a marathon full-day adventure? This 6-hour inshore charter with Dreamaker Fishing Charters hits the mark perfectly. Captain Sean knows these Naples waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on some of Southwest Florida's most sought-after species. We're talking Florida Pompano, massive Goliath Grouper, acrobatic Tarpon, sneaky Snook, and bull Redfish that'll test your drag system. With all your licenses, bait, tackle, and gear included, you just need to show up ready to fish. The extended time on the water means we can hit multiple spots and adjust our strategy based on what's biting that day.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip where you're rushed from spot to spot. Six hours gives us real fishing time to work the mangrove edges, grass flats, and deeper channels that make Naples inshore fishing so productive. We'll start early to beat the heat and catch the morning bite, then adapt our approach as conditions change throughout the day. Captain Sean runs a well-maintained boat that can handle the skinny water where the big fish hide, plus he stays connected with his anglers before the trip to set realistic expectations based on current conditions. Whether we're sight-casting to cruising Tarpon or working live bait around structure for Grouper, you'll learn techniques that'll make you a better angler. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, so there's plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up.
We'll be running a mix of live bait and artificial lures depending on what the fish are telling us. For Pompano, we'll work small jigs and live shrimp along the sandy bottom near passes and beaches. Tarpon fishing means switching to heavier tackle with circle hooks and live pinfish or crabs - these silver kings can easily hit 100+ pounds in these waters. When we're targeting Snook around the mangroves, we'll use everything from topwater plugs at dawn to live pilchards worked along the edges. The Goliath Grouper require serious gear - heavy conventional reels with at least 50-pound test because these giants can weigh several hundred pounds. Captain Sean provides all the rods, reels, and tackle, but he's also happy to let experienced anglers bring their own gear if they prefer. We'll adjust our techniques throughout the day based on tides, weather, and what species are most active.
"Had an awesome trip! This time of year can be slow, but Captain Sean put us right on the fish. Ended up catching about 20 in just 3.5 hours!" - Connor
"Captain Sean knows the fishing spots and keeps his boat in great shape. The water temperature was not ideal for fishing. Way too hot. But we still had a great time, caught fish, and enjoyed the time out. Sean connected with us prior to the trip and in the week of the trip. Gave us all the details on the heat, water temp, and fishing forecast. He loves what he does and knows his profession. You could see all that right away. I highly recommend Captain Sean." - Rich
"Sean did a great job finding the fish today. I would highly recommend Sean as your fishing guide. We caught fish and had a great day!" - Jesse
Florida Pompano are the gold standard of inshore table fare, and Naples waters produce some real slabs. These silvery fighters typically run 2-4 pounds but can push 6+ pounds during peak season from March through May. They're bottom feeders that love sandy areas near inlets and beaches, especially when the water temperature hits that sweet 70-75 degree range. What makes Pompano fishing so addictive is their finicky nature - one day they'll hit anything you throw, the next they want a specific bait presentation. When you hook one, expect short, powerful runs and excellent table fare that tastes like a cross between snapper and crab.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and these ambush predators make Naples mangroves their home year-round. They're incredibly structure-oriented, hanging around docks, bridges, and mangrove points where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. During warmer months, they're more active and can be caught on topwater lures that create heart-stopping surface explosions. A good Naples Snook will run 24-32 inches, with trophy fish pushing 40+ inches. They're catch-and-release only during certain seasons, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward structure will test both your drag system and your nerves.
Goliath Grouper represent the ultimate inshore power fishing experience. These prehistoric-looking giants can exceed 400 pounds and are completely protected, so it's catch-photo-release only. They hang around structure like bridges, wrecks, and deep holes where they inhale anything that looks like food. When you hook a Goliath, forget finesse - it's pure muscle against muscle as they try to get back to their structure. The sound they make when brought to the surface is unforgettable, almost like a growling dog. Naples waters hold some true monsters, especially around the Gordon Pass area and deeper residential canals.
Tarpon fishing in Naples peaks during the spring and summer months when these "silver kings" migrate through our coastal waters. These acrobatic giants can reach 200+ pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked. They're one of the most challenging inshore species because they have bony mouths that are hard to penetrate and they're notorious for throwing hooks during their aerial displays. The key is using circle hooks and keeping steady pressure without trying to muscle them. A typical
Your fishing platform for this Naples inshore adventure is a brand-new 2022 Pathfinder bay boat stretching 22 feet. This sleek vessel cuts through Southwest Florida's coastal waters with authority, powered by a strong 250HP Yamaha outboard that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a comfortable 35 knots. Built specifically for inshore work, the Pathfinder handles shallow flats and deeper channels with equal confidence while you target pompano, grouper, and tarpon around Naples' productive waters. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines without crowding. Essential fishing electronics include GPS navigation to mark your hotspots, radar for those early morning runs in low visibility, and a quality fish finder to locate structure and baitfish. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and beverages cold during the 6-hour trip. This modern bay boat design offers the perfect blend of shallow water capability and offshore stability for serious inshore fishing around Naples.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida Pompano are some of the most sought-after fish around Naples - and for good reason. These silvery beauties with their distinctive yellow fins typically run 1-3 pounds, though we occasionally see them pushing 8-9 pounds. They love cruising our Gulf beaches and shallow flats where there's plenty of shrimp and mollusks to feed on. Summer through fall gives you the best shot at them before they head deeper in winter. What makes pompano special? They're scrappy fighters from the jack family, plus they're absolute table fare gold - that buttery, flaky meat commands top dollar in restaurants. Here's a local tip: use small hooks and live shrimp or sand fleas, and don't be afraid of those bright yellow or orange jigs in clear water. They'll grab your attention fast.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are the giants of our reefs - true bucket list fish that can stretch 6-8 feet and weigh 200-400+ pounds. These prehistoric beasts hang around wrecks, ledges, and artificial reefs in 30-100 feet of water, though juveniles start life in mangroves before moving offshore. They're protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release, but that first pull will remind you why they're called Goliaths. Summer and early fall tend to be most productive when they're more active. What makes them special? Pure raw power and that unforgettable moment when something the size of a small car decides to head for the bottom. My advice: bring serious tackle - 80-pound class gear minimum - and position yourself where you can pull them away from structure quickly. Use big live baits like jacks or ladyfish, and hold on tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are our go-to shallow water targets that never disappoint. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots typically run 18-30 inches around Naples, perfect eating size. They love skinny water - we're talking 1-4 feet deep on grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines where their backs sometimes show above the surface. Year-round fishing with spring and fall being hottest. What makes redfish great? They eat aggressively, fight hard in shallow water, and taste fantastic on the plate. Plus, they're not shy about crushing topwater baits, which makes for exciting visual fishing. Pro tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats during moving tides. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but don't overlook gold spoons and paddle-tail soft plastics worked slow along the bottom.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our signature inshore species here in Naples, and they'll test your skills every time. These ambush predators with their distinctive black lateral stripe typically range from 18-30 inches, though the big girls can push 4 feet and 40+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths in water from 2-20 feet deep. They love structure and current breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the spawning months when their fins turn bright yellow. What draws people to snook? They fight like bulldogs, make explosive topwater strikes, and their white, flaky meat is outstanding eating. One key tip: they're incredibly structure-oriented, so get your bait tight to cover. Live shrimp, pinfish, or pilchards work great, but don't overlook topwater plugs at dawn and dusk.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of Southwest Florida - pure athletic power wrapped in chrome scales. These prehistoric fish average 80-120 pounds around Naples, but we see them up to 200+ pounds during peak season. They cruise our beaches, passes, and backcountry flats in water from 3-30 feet, often rolling and gulping air at the surface. Late spring through summer is prime time when they migrate through our waters. What makes tarpon fishing special? Those explosive jumps and acrobatic fights that can last an hour. They're not great eating due to their bony structure, so it's all about the experience. Here's what works: live crabs, pinfish, or threadfins fished on circle hooks. When you hook up, bow to the king during those jumps - it gives them slack and keeps that hook pinned. Medium-heavy tackle handles them fine if your drag is smooth.
5.0 out of 5.0Had an awesome trip! This time of year can be slow, but Captain Sean put us right on the fish. Ended up catching about 20 in just ...
Captain Sean knows the fishing spots and keeps his boat in great shape. The water temperature was not ideal for fishing. Way too h...
Sean did a great job finding the fish today. I would highly recommend Sean as your fishing guide. We caught fish and had a great d...
Naples, Florida, USA