3.0(1 Reviews)Fishing Charters Goodland FL
3.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing charters in Florida's 10,000 island backwatersTarget Goliath Grouper, Permit, Snook, Tarpon, and RedfishFlexible 6-hour or 8-hour trips for up to 5 guests
If you're looking for world-class inshore fishing in Southwest Florida, you've found the right crew. Fishing Freak Charters LLC runs some of the most productive trips in the 10,000 Islands, where pristine backwaters hold some serious fish. We're talking about waters that consistently produce trophy snook, powerful tarpon, and elusive permit. Our 6 and 8-hour charters put you right in the heart of this legendary fishery, where mangrove shorelines and grass flats create the perfect ambush spots for Florida's most sought-after gamefish. With space for up to 5 anglers, these trips work great for families, buddies' trips, or anyone wanting to experience what makes Goodland such a renowned fishing destination.
Your day starts early when we meet at the marina in Goodland, perfectly positioned to access the maze of islands and channels that make up this top-rated fishery. The 10,000 Islands region offers everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise in inches of water to deeper channels where tarpon roll and feed. Our experienced captains know these waters like the back of their hands – every oyster bar, every mangrove cut, and every tide change that triggers feeding activity. You'll fish a variety of structures throughout the day, from secluded creeks where snook ambush baitfish to open flats where permit show their tails. The beauty of this area isn't just the fishing – it's wild Florida at its finest, with dolphins, manatees, and incredible bird life as your backdrop.
We run a mix of live bait and artificial lures depending on conditions and target species. Live shrimp and pilchards are absolute dynamite in these waters, especially when sight-fishing the flats or working mangrove edges. For the bigger fish like tarpon and goliath grouper, we'll step up to heavier tackle and larger baits. Artificial lures shine here too – topwater plugs at dawn create explosive strikes from snook, while soft plastics on jig heads work magic on redfish and sea trout. We provide all the gear, but if you've got favorite rods or lures, bring them along. The key to success in the backcountry is reading the water and matching your presentation to what the fish want. Our guides excel at putting you on fish by adjusting techniques throughout the day as conditions change with the tides.
"Great time - especially for this time of year." - Thomas
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and the 10,000 Islands backcountry holds some real bruisers. These ambush predators love structure – mangrove overhangs, oyster bars, and creek mouths where they can pin baitfish against the shoreline. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but we catch quality snook year-round in these protected waters. What makes them special is their fight – they'll jump, run for cover, and use every trick to throw your hook. A slot-sized snook in the 28-35 inch range is pure gold, and we regularly see fish pushing 40 inches that'll test your skills and tackle.
Tarpon bring a whole different level of excitement to these waters. From May through September, these silver kings patrol the deeper channels and passes, with fish ranging from juvenile "baby" tarpon around 30-50 pounds up to monsters exceeding 150 pounds. When a big tarpon eats your bait and launches skyward, shaking its massive head, you'll understand why anglers travel from around the world to fish here. The 10,000 Islands serve as a nursery for tarpon, so we see incredible numbers during peak season. Even the smaller fish provide world-class action on lighter tackle.
Sea trout are your consistent producers throughout the year, especially over grass flats and sandy potholes. These spotted beauties love cooler months when they school up in deeper holes and channels. While they might not have the raw power of snook or tarpon, a good "gator trout" over 20 inches is a prized catch that fights surprisingly hard. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for families wanting to bring dinner home. The key to targeting big trout is finding the right depth and structure combination – they love edges where grass meets sand.
Redfish are the reliable workhorses of the flats, and sight-fishing for "reds" in shallow water ranks among the most exciting angling experiences anywhere. These copper-colored fighters cruise grass flats and oyster bars, often with their backs out of water as they root for crabs and shrimp. A big red drum in the 27-inch slot is incredibly strong, using its broad tail and bulldogging ability to test your drag system. They feed aggressively year-round in these waters, though fall months often produce the biggest fish as they stage for their spawn.
Permit represent the ultimate challenge for serious anglers. These spooky, intelligent fish are notoriously difficult to hook, making every permit encounter special. They cruise the flats looking for crabs and small fish, but they're easily spooked by boat noise or poor presentations. When you do connect with a permit, the fight is spectacular – long runs, powerful pulls, and aerial displays that'll leave you breathless. Peak permit fishing happens during warmer months when they're most active on the flats. Landing one is a badge of honor that serious anglers chase for years.
The 10,000 Islands backcountry offers some of the best inshore fishing anywhere in Florida, and Fishing Freak Charters LLC knows how to put you on fish. Whether you're after the slam of snook, redfish, and trout, or you want to tangle with tar
Our 22-foot Pathfinder bay boat is built for serious inshore fishing in Goodland's productive waters. This reliable 2004 vessel packs a powerful 300HP Yamaha that'll cruise at 45 knots, getting you to the hottest fishing spots quickly. With room for up to 5 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the flats and backcountry channels where snook, redfish, and tarpon roam. The boat comes equipped with radar for those foggy mornings, a quality fish finder to locate structure and baitfish, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wireless trolling motor lets us slip quietly through shallow waters without spooking fish, perfect for stalking tailing reds or cruising tarpon. Whether we're targeting permit on the flats or working mangrove shorelines for snook, this setup handles Florida's inshore fishery beautifully.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these disc-shaped silver ghosts with tall profiles are notoriously difficult to catch. Most run 15-25 pounds, but we see some giants over 40 pounds cruising our shallow flats and wrecks. They frequent grass flats, sandy areas near structures, and deeper channels in 3-30 feet of water. April through October gives you the best shots when they're most active. What makes permit legendary is their wariness and fighting ability - they have incredible eyesight and spook easily, but when hooked, they make blistering runs. It's all about the challenge; landing one is a true achievement. Live blue crabs are the gold standard bait. Here's the secret: when you spot a permit, get your crab in front of them quietly and let it sit motionless on the bottom - any sudden movement will send them bolting.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down the most reliable fighters in our backwaters. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black eyespots near their tails average 20-30 inches and love super shallow water - sometimes with their backs sticking out. You'll spot them tailing on grass flats, cruising mangrove shorelines, and around oyster bars in just 1-4 feet of water. While we catch them year-round, fall and winter offer the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is their power and determination - they'll make long, bulldogging runs that test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, sweet meat. The trick with redfish is staying quiet and making accurate casts. When you see one tailing or cruising, lead them by a few feet with a gold spoon or live shrimp, then hang on tight.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specs" as we call them, are perfect fish for newcomers and veterans alike. These silvery beauties with dark spots average 14-20 inches and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. You'll find them over grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper channels - anywhere from 2-15 feet deep. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up, but we catch them year-round. Guests love specs because they bite readily, fight well for their size, and make outstanding table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. They're also great on artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs. My local trick: fish the deeper grass edges during cold fronts when specs move off the shallow flats. A popping cork with live shrimp underneath works magic in 6-10 feet of water.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most popular inshore targets here in the 10,000 Islands. These sleek, golden-colored fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though we see some real bruisers pushing 40+ inches. They love hanging around mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially during moving tides at dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll jump and run for cover every time. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: when fishing mangroves, cast your live shrimp or pinfish right into the roots and let the current sweep it out naturally. Snook are structure-oriented, so get that bait as close as possible to where they're hiding.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - these silver giants regularly hit 80-150 pounds and put on aerial shows you'll never forget. We find them rolling in channels, around bridges, and over grass flats in 3-20 feet of water. May through September is prime time when they migrate through our area, especially during new and full moons. What draws anglers from around the world is their sheer power and acrobatics - a hooked tarpon can jump 10 feet out of the water and peel line like nothing else. They're catch-and-release only due to their bony meat, but landing one is pure bragging rights. Most folks use live crabs or pinfish, but here's the key: when they jump, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip toward them. This keeps tension off the line and prevents them from throwing the hook during those spectacular leaps.
3.0 out of 5.0Great time - especially for this time of year.
Goodland, FL, United States