5.0(2 Reviews)Extended Half Day Fishing Trip In Bonita Springs
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Six-hour backwater fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesExpert guides lead trips through scenic Bonita Springs watersSmall group experience with maximum two guests per charter
When you want to get serious about backcountry fishing without committing to a full day, this 6-hour extended half day trip with Fred Gowdy Charters hits the sweet spot. You'll fish the productive backwaters around Bonita Springs, targeting some of Southwest Florida's most prized gamefish including snook, redfish, and tarpon. With just 2 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of water to work. Fred knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish while you soak up the natural beauty that makes this area a top-rated fishing destination.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip. Fred runs a customer favorite operation that focuses on quality over quantity - both in terms of fish and experience. You'll launch into the maze of mangrove creeks, grass flats, and oyster bars that make up Bonita Springs' world-class backcountry fishery. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but when you add productive fishing for snook, redfish, tarpon, and trout, you've got a day that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The 6-hour window gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and adapt to changing conditions like tides, weather, or even red tide events that can pop up in Southwest Florida. Fred's got backup spots and the local knowledge to find fish when others are struggling.
Fred provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to terminal tackle and bait. You'll primarily fish with spinning gear using live bait like pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp, though artificial lures definitely have their place depending on conditions and target species. Expect to do some sight fishing on the flats for tailing redfish, work mangrove shorelines for snook, and maybe even get into some tarpon rolling in deeper holes. The techniques vary throughout the day - you might be pitch casting to structure one hour and sight casting to cruising fish the next. Fred adapts his approach based on tides, time of day, and what the fish are doing. He'll teach you the nuances of reading water, understanding fish behavior, and improving your casting accuracy - skills that'll make you a better angler long after the trip ends.
"First of all I would recommend a six hour trip.Fred has many spots for a variety of fish. Weather, tides and of course red tide can affect any fishing but Fred found us a great day of fishing!" - Ronald
"I normally am a Gulf fishing person. A friend recommended Fred to go out freshwater fishing for Peacock Bass. I contacted Fred Gowdy charters. I had a fantastic day. We boated probably 20 fish. Even got a 4 lb Peacock!!! Fred is great to fish with!! Knowledgeable and fun to be with. I will be referring other friends to him." - Tom
Snook are the bread and butter of Southwest Florida backcountry fishing, and Bonita Springs has some real toads. These ambush predators love structure - downed trees, mangrove overhangs, docks, and bridge pilings. They're most active during moving water, especially around dawn and dusk, but you can catch them throughout the day if you know where to look. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs back to cover. They're also excellent table fare during open season, with firm white meat that's hard to beat. The best part about snook fishing here is the variety - you might catch schoolies around 18-20 inches or hook into a real trophy pushing 30-plus inches and 10-plus pounds.
Redfish are another renowned target that makes this fishery special. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow mangrove creeks where they root around for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Sight fishing for reds is addictive - watching them cruise the shallows with their backs out of water or tailing in knee-deep grass gets your heart pumping every time. They typically range from 18-27 inches in the slot, though you'll occasionally hook into an oversized bull red that'll test your drag and your patience. Redfish fight dirty, using their broad shoulders and bulldogging power to try wearing you down. They're also one of the most consistent biters year-round, making them a reliable target when other species get finicky.
Tarpon fishing in the backcountry is a whole different beast compared to the beach and bridge fishing most people know. These silver kings use the backwaters as nurseries and feeding areas, so you're typically targeting fish in the 20-80 pound range rather than the 100-plus pound giants found offshore. Don't let their smaller size fool you - a 40-pound tarpon in shallow water will give you all the fight you can handle. They're incredibly acrobatic, often jumping multiple times and throwing the hook if you're not careful with your drag and rod angle. The best tarpon action usually happens during warmer months, but you can find them year-round in the deeper holes and channels. Landing one is always a highlight, but even the ones that get away leave you grinning from ear to ear.
This extended half day trip offers the best of both worlds - enough time on the water to really get into some fish without burning a whole day. Fred's local knowledge, quality equipment, and personalized approach make this a trending choice for both visiting anglers and locals who want to up their backcountry game. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or a seasoned angler looking to explore new water, this trip delivers the goods. The 2-person limit means you won't be fighting for rod time or dealing with a crowded boat.
Get ready to chase redfish, snook, and tarpon through Bonita Springs' pristine backwaters aboard this reliable 20' Carolina Skiff. This 2015 motorboat packs serious fishing power with its 90hp Yamaha engine, cruising at 30mph to get you to those honey holes fast. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip into shallow spots without spooking fish, while the GPS and fish finder combo helps locate structure and schools. Perfect for 2 anglers who want room to cast and fight fish without crowding. The shallow draft design navigates skinny water where big snook hide under mangroves and redfish cruise the flats. Whether you're sight-fishing for tailing reds or working live bait around tarpon, this skiff handles Florida's backcountry like a dream. Six hours gives you plenty of time to work different spots as tides change throughout the day.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for our shallow backwater trips - they're aggressive, fun to catch, and make great table fare. Most reds we target run 20-28 inches, with occasional bulls over 30 inches that'll really test your drag. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. They bite year-round here, but fall and winter offer the most consistent action as they school up. What guests love about redfish is their hard-pulling fight and that distinctive copper color with the black spot near the tail. They're also excellent eating - mild, sweet flavor that grills up perfectly. Here's a local trick: when you spot them tailing in skinny water, cast well ahead of where they're heading and let your bait sit still. Movement spooks them in shallow water.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets in Bonita Springs' backwaters. These sleek silver fish with the distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-24 inches, though we occasionally hook bruisers up to 30+ inches. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially during moving tides at dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make multiple runs toward cover trying to break you off. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Pro tip: cast your live shrimp or pinfish right into the mangrove roots and let the current sweep it out naturally. That's where the big ones are waiting.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of our backwaters - true giants that'll test every ounce of your skill and tackle. Most fish we encounter range from 60-120 pounds, though 200+ pounders show up regularly. They cruise shallow flats, channels, and around structure in 3-15 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they're moving through on their migration. What sets tarpon apart is their aerial show - these prehistoric fish will jump 8-10 feet out of the water, shaking their massive heads to throw the hook. The fight can last over an hour on big fish. They're strictly catch-and-release since the meat isn't great, but landing one is a lifetime achievement. My advice: keep steady pressure but bow to them when they jump, or they'll snap your line on the way down.
5.0 out of 5.0First of all I would recommend a six hour trip.Fred has many spots for a variety of fish. Weather, tides and of course red tide ca...
I normally am a Gulf fishing person. A friend recommended Fred to go out freshwater fishing for Peacock Bass. I contacted Fred Gow...
Bonita Springs, FL