5.0(2 Reviews)Extended Half Day Fishing Trip In Bonita Springs
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Sixhour backcountry fishing adventure in Bonita Springs watersTarget snook, redfish, tarpon and trout with expert guidesSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests maximum
When you're looking for a serious fishing adventure that gives you enough time to really get into the groove, Fred Gowdy Charters has the perfect setup. This 6-hour backwater fishing trip takes you deep into the scenic waterways around Bonita Springs, where the fishing is as good as it gets. You'll be targeting some of Southwest Florida's most prized gamefish – snook, redfish, and tarpon – while working prime spots that only local guides know about. With just 2 anglers max, you get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great one.
Fred knows these backwaters like the back of his hand, and he's going to put you on fish. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is that you're not rushed – there's time to work different spots, adjust techniques based on what's happening with tides and weather, and really dial in on what the fish are doing that day. The Bonita Springs backcountry is a maze of mangrove creeks, grass flats, and oyster bars that hold incredible numbers of gamefish year-round. You'll be sight fishing in skinny water one minute, then working deeper pockets where big snook like to ambush baitfish the next. The scenery alone is worth the trip – pristine Florida wilderness that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle, even though you're just minutes from town. Fred provides all the tackle and knows exactly what baits and lures are producing, so you can focus on the fun part: catching fish.
Backwater fishing in Bonita Springs is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Fred's got the light tackle setups that work best in these shallow waters – spinning reels spooled with braid for casting accuracy and the backbone to turn fish away from structure. You'll be throwing everything from topwater plugs at dawn to live shrimp under popping corks when the bite gets finicky. Sight fishing is a huge part of the experience here, especially for redfish cruising the flats and snook posted up under mangrove overhangs. Fred will position the boat perfectly for your casts and coach you through the presentations that trigger strikes. When tarpon show up, which they often do in these waters, you'll step up to slightly heavier gear but still maintain that sporty feel that makes every jump and run feel electric. The key is staying quiet, making accurate casts, and being ready when opportunity presents itself.
"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 backwater fishing around Bonita Springs, and for good reason. These ambush predators lurk around every piece of structure you can imagine – docks, mangrove roots, oyster bars, and creek mouths. They're incredibly aggressive when conditions are right, exploding on topwater baits with strikes that'll get your heart pumping. Snook are most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes them so special is their fight – they'll make blistering runs toward structure, jump clear of the water, and test every knot you've got. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloration that looks amazing in photos.
Redfish are another crown jewel of these waters, and they're arguably the most fun to catch on light tackle. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the grass flats and oyster bars in schools, often with their backs out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. The sight fishing for reds is world-class here – there's nothing quite like spotting a school of tailing fish and making the perfect cast. They're available year-round but really shine in the cooler months when they school up in bigger numbers. Redfish fight like freight trains, making long, powerful runs that'll test your drag system. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters, though many anglers choose to release them to fight another day.
Tarpon are the wildcard that can turn a good day into an legendary one. These silver kings show up throughout the warmer months, with peak season running from April through October. When you hook into a tarpon, even a smaller one, you know it immediately – they go airborne in spectacular fashion, gill-rattling jumps that showcase exactly why they're called the king of gamefish. In the backwaters, you'll typically encounter fish in the 20 to 60-pound range, which are perfect for light tackle fishing. They're incredibly strong and can make runs that strip line off your reel like nothing else in these waters. The best part about tarpon fishing here is that it happens in shallow water where you can see every jump and every move the fish makes.
A 6-hour fishing trip with Fred Gowdy Charters gives you the time and opportunity to experience the best of what Bonita Springs backwater fishing has to offer. You're not just getting a fishing trip – you're getting a front-row seat to some of Florida's most pristine wilderness, guided by someone who's spent years learning every creek, flat, and honey hole in the area. Whether you're an experienced angler
This 20' Carolina Skiff is built for serious backcountry fishing in Bonita Springs' shallow waters. The 2015 model runs on a reliable 90hp Yamaha engine that'll get you to those hidden fishing spots at 30 mph, then the wireless trolling motor takes over for silent approaches to spooked redfish and snook. The GPS keeps you on track through the maze of mangrove creeks, while the fish finder helps locate structure where tarpon and trout hang out. Perfect for two anglers who want room to cast without bumping elbows. This boat handles the skinny water like a dream and gives you access to prime fishing grounds that bigger boats can't reach.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing here in Bonita Springs. These copper-colored bruisers with the distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines - sometimes in water so skinny their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. Reds fight hard with bulldog runs and make great eating with their mild, sweet flavor. They're not picky eaters either - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificial lures all work. Pro tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats during incoming tides - that's usually redfish feeding, and they'll be less spooky than in deeper water.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the perfect ambush predator in our mangroves and creeks around Bonita Springs. These sleek, golden fish with that signature black lateral line typically run 18-24 inches, though we occasionally hook into 30+ inch trophies. They love structure - docks, mangrove roots, oyster bars - anywhere they can hide and strike fast. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps stay above 70°F. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong runs, plus they're outstanding table fare with white, flaky meat. They're temperature sensitive, so on cooler mornings I always start fishing the deeper pockets where warmer water holds. Live shrimp or pilchards work great, but don't overlook topwater plugs early and late - the surface strikes are something else.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our backwaters - pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds around Bonita Springs, but 150+ pounders show up regularly. You'll find them rolling in channels, around bridge pilings, and along deeper mangrove edges in 6-15 feet of water. May through September is prime time when they migrate through our area. What hooks anglers is their aerial show - they'll jump 6-8 feet clear of the water trying to throw your hook. They're strictly catch and release since the meat isn't great, but landing one is a bucket list experience. Key tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip - it keeps slack in the line so they can't throw the hook as easily.
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