Expert Guided Tarpon and Snook Trips in Naples Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour private inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesFish mangroves and grass flats aboard fully equipped Pathfinder skiffAllinclusive experience with licenses, gear, and live bait provided
Captain Tim's 6-hour private fishing charter puts you right in the heart of Southwest Florida's most productive inshore waters. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking extended time on the water to really dial in on those trophy fish that call Naples and Marco Island home. You'll fish from a top-rated Pathfinder skiff designed specifically for these shallow backcountry areas, complete with all the gear, licenses, and live bait you need. Whether you've been chasing fish for decades or just picked up your first rod, this all-inclusive experience gives you the best shot at hooking into snook, redfish, tarpon, trout, and crevalle jack in some of the most beautiful water you'll ever see.
Your day starts early when Captain Tim picks you up at the dock with everything rigged and ready to go. The Pathfinder skiff is the perfect boat for this kind of fishing – it draws just inches of water so we can get back into places where the big fish like to hide. We'll spend the morning working through different areas depending on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately. Some days that means starting in the mangroves where snook love to ambush baitfish, other days we might head straight to the grass flats where redfish cruise in packs. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is we've got time to move around and find the action. You're not stuck in one spot hoping the fish show up – we go find them. Captain Tim knows every oyster bar, creek mouth, and structure in these waters, and he's not afraid to run to new spots if the first few aren't producing. This is backcountry fishing at its finest, where every cast has potential and the scenery alone is worth the trip.
We fish with quality spinning gear that can handle everything from 14-inch trout to 100-pound tarpon. The tackle box is stocked with everything from topwater plugs for early morning snook action to live shrimp for picky redfish. Captain Tim provides fresh live bait – usually pilchards, pinfish, or shrimp depending on what's available and what the fish are keying on. You'll learn to work soft plastics along grass edges, pitch jigs under mangrove overhangs, and maybe even get a shot at some tarpon on live bait if they're rolling. The fishing style changes throughout the day as conditions shift. Morning might be all about topwater action when the water's calm and fish are feeding aggressively. As the sun gets higher, we switch to live bait and work deeper edges and structure. Late in the trip, if the afternoon bite turns on, we might go back to artificials and cover water looking for that last big fish. It's all about reading the conditions and adapting, which is what makes Captain Tim such a renowned guide in these waters.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and these waters hold some real giants. They love structure – docks, mangroves, oyster bars, anywhere they can ambush prey. Peak season runs from spring through fall, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. What makes snook so special is their attitude. They hit hard, jump, and use every trick in the book to shake the hook. A 28-inch snook is a fish you'll never forget, and we've got plenty of them in these backwaters. They're also incredibly line-shy, which makes the fight even more rewarding when you finally get one to the boat.
Redfish are probably the most consistent fish we target, and they're absolutely perfect for anglers of all skill levels. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallow flats and grass beds in schools, often with their backs out of the water. They eat just about anything you put in front of them, fight like freight trains, and grow big in these nutrient-rich waters. Spring and fall are prime time when they school up, but summer fishing can be world-class too if you know the right spots. The best part about reds is watching them eat – you'll see them cruise up to your bait, tip down, and that big tail will wave at you before your rod doubles over.
Sea trout might not be the flashiest fish, but they're a customer favorite for good reason. They bite consistently, taste great, and the bigger ones – what we call "gator trout" – put up a surprising fight. These fish love grass flats and drop-offs, especially where the bottom changes from sand to grass. Winter is actually prime time for trophy trout, when the big females move shallow to feed. They're also one of the best fish for beginners because they're not too picky about presentation and they bite throughout the day.
Tarpon fishing in these waters is something special. We're not talking about the 150-pound monsters you see offshore – these are juvenile tarpon, usually 20 to 60 pounds, but they jump just as high and fight just as hard. They move into the backcountry to feed on the abundant baitfish, and when you hook one in shallow water, it's game on. Summer is peak tarpon season, but we see them sporadically throughout the year. Even a 30-pound tarpon will test your tackle and your nerves, especially when it goes airborne right next to the boat.
Crevalle jack are the bullies of the flats, and they'll eat just about anything that moves. These fish travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're incredibly strong for their size and will drag you all over the boat if you're not ready. While they're not great table fare, they're fantastic sport fish and perfect for getting kids or beginners fired up about fishing. They hit topwater baits with reckless abandon and never give up until they're in the net.
Your fishing platform for Southwest Florida's backwaters is this nimble 22-foot Pathfinder, built for serious angling in shallow water. The 200 HP Yamaha pushes you through mangroves and across grass flats at 32 mph, getting you to the fish fast. Once you're on the spots, the wireless trolling motor lets you work structure silently without spooking wary tarpon or redfish. The livewell keeps your bait frisky, while GPS helps navigate tight channels where the big snook hide. Fighting chair gives you leverage when tangling with feisty crevalle jacks, and there's snorkeling gear aboard for when the fish take a break. Perfect setup for two anglers to target trout in the shallows or hunt for that silver king rolling in deeper water.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our local waters. These brassy-green fighters typically weigh 3-5 pounds but can hit 20 pounds or more. You'll find schools of them around structure, grass flats, and especially where birds are working baitfish. They're most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round. What makes jacks exciting is their raw power - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fighters out here. They'll test your drag and make long, stubborn runs. While they're not the best eating, the fight is pure adrenaline. Watch for diving birds to locate feeding schools, then cast silver spoons or fast-moving lures into the chaos. Keep your retrieve quick and aggressive - jacks love the chase and will crush a fast-moving bait.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down the most exciting sight fishing we do. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots average 20-30 inches around here. Look for them tailing in skinny water over grass flats and around oyster bars, sometimes in water so shallow their backs show. They feed year-round but are most active during spring and fall transitions. What makes redfish special is watching them hunt in inches of water - pure sight fishing at its best. They fight hard with powerful runs and make excellent eating too. The trick with reds is staying quiet and making long, accurate casts ahead of cruising fish. Once spooked, they're gone. A gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp works magic when presented properly.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout, or sea trout as we call them, are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches and make great table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and potholes. They bite year-round, but cooler months see them schooled up in deeper holes. What guests love about trout fishing is the steady action - where you catch one, you'll usually find more. They hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. My go-to trick is fishing a popping cork with live shrimp underneath. The noise draws them in, and that suspended bait looks natural as it drifts.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of my favorite targets around Naples and Marco Island. These sleek fish with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though we occasionally hook into bigger ones. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and structure where they ambush baitfish. They love shallow water, especially during warmer months from spring through fall. What makes snook special is their aggressive strike and strong fight - they'll make several hard runs before giving up. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. The key to landing more snook is working your lure slowly around cover. Don't rush it - let your bait sit in likely spots for a few extra seconds. They often follow before striking.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate gamefish around here. These silver giants average 80-100 pounds but can push 200 pounds or more. You'll spot them rolling in deeper channels, around bridges, and along the flats during their migrations. Peak season runs May through September when they're most active. What draws anglers from everywhere is their aerial show - tarpon jump repeatedly when hooked, sometimes clearing 10 feet of water. The fight can last an hour or more. While they're not great eating due to their bony meat, the thrill is all about the battle. Most folks practice catch-and-release anyway. Pro tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip. This keeps tension off the line and prevents them from throwing the hook.
Naples, FL