5.0(1 Reviews)Target Bass & Snook on Premier Inshore Waters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trip targeting peacock bass and snookCaptain Fred Gowdy provides expert guidance in local watersAccommodates up to two guests of all skill levels
Looking for some serious inshore action in Southwest Florida? Fred Gowdy Charters has you covered with a top-rated four-hour fishing adventure that puts you right where the peacock bass and snook are biting. Captain Fred knows these Bonita Springs waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish whether you're slinging lures for the first time or you've been working these flats for years. With room for two anglers, this trip kicks off at 10:00 AM when the bite is prime and the morning conditions are just right for some world-class inshore fishing.
Captain Fred's got this whole operation dialed in. You'll be targeting two of Florida's most sought-after species in waters that consistently produce fish year-round. The morning start time isn't just convenient – it's strategic. That's when both peacock bass and snook are most active, especially during the cooler months when they're feeding heavy in the shallows. Fred's been running these waters long enough to know exactly where to find them based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. The intimate two-person setup means you get personalized attention and more shots at quality fish. Don't worry about skill level either – Fred's got patience with beginners and the local knowledge that even seasoned anglers appreciate. Just make sure you've got that freshwater license sorted before you head out, because you'll definitely want to keep a few of these peacocks for the table.
This isn't your typical offshore grind – inshore fishing in Bonita Springs is all about reading water, working structure, and presenting baits where the fish are holding. Captain Fred knows exactly which canals, docks, and residential areas are holding fish on any given day. For peacock bass, you're looking at sight fishing around docks, seawalls, and residential canals where these aggressive predators ambush baitfish. Live shiners work great, but artificials like spoons, jigs, and topwater plugs can absolutely light them up when they're feeding. Snook fishing here is all about structure – they love hanging around docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines where they can pin baitfish. You'll be working live bait like pilchards and threadfins, plus throwing artificials like soft plastics and swimbaits around the structure. The key is presentation – these fish see a lot of pressure, so Fred knows how to approach them without spooking the school.
"Went peacock fishing, had an absolute blast! Caught lots of fish. Fred is extremely knowledgeable about the areas fished. Looking for a great charter captain, look no further!" - Kenny
Peacock bass are hands down one of the most fun fish you'll ever tangle with in Florida's freshwater systems. These South American imports have made themselves right at home in Bonita Springs' canal systems, and they fight like nothing else you've hooked. They're ambush predators that love to cruise the edges of docks and seawalls, looking for anything that moves. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive nature – when a peacock decides to eat, it commits 100%. They'll slam a lure so hard it'll rattle your teeth, then put on an aerial show that rivals any tarpon. The best part? They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that tastes nothing like the muddy freshwater fish some people expect. Prime time for peacocks is really year-round in Southwest Florida, but the cooler months from November through March see them feeding most aggressively in the shallows where they're easier to target.
Snook are Florida's signature inshore game fish, and for good reason. These silver-sided bruisers are pure muscle and attitude wrapped up in a package that can exceed 30 inches if you're lucky. They're structure-oriented fish that love hanging around docks, bridges, and mangrove lines where they can ambush passing baitfish. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll test your drag and make runs that'll have you wondering if you hooked a small tarpon. The key to consistently catching snook is understanding their seasonal movements and feeding patterns, which is exactly what Captain Fred brings to the table. They're most active during the warmer months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. The slot limit keeps the fishery healthy, but a keeper snook on the grill is about as good as it gets. These fish are notorious for their moody behavior – they might ignore every bait you throw one day, then attack anything that moves the next.
This customer favorite half-day trip gives you everything you need for a memorable day on the water without eating up your entire vacation. Four hours is the sweet spot – enough time to work multiple spots and put a solid mixed bag together, but still leaves you time for lunch and whatever else you've got planned. Captain Fred's local knowledge and patient teaching style make this perfect for anyone looking to experience Florida's renowned inshore fishing scene. Whether you're after your first peacock bass or hoping to add a quality snook to your list, this trip delivers consistent action in some of the most productive waters Southwest Florida has to offer. Don't sleep on this one – word travels fast when a captain is putting clients on fish day after day.
This 20' Carolina Skiff is built for serious fishing in Southwest Florida's productive waters. The 2015 model runs on a reliable 90hp Yamaha that'll cruise at 30 mph, getting you to the bass and snook spots quickly. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the shallows and structure where these fish love to hang out. The wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly through the backcountry without spooking fish, while the GPS keeps you on the productive spots. The fish finder helps locate schools and structure below, giving you the edge when targeting both peacock bass and snook in Bonita Springs' diverse waters. Captain Fred knows exactly how to position this skiff for the best shots at these hard-fighting species.
Cichla OcellarisPeacock bass are Florida's freshwater bulldogs, introduced from South America back in the 80s. These colorful fighters average 12-14 inches but can push over 2 feet. They're aggressive predators that hunt in warm canals, lakes, and slower-moving waters around structure like fallen trees and bridge pilings. Peak action runs March through June and September through December when they're most active. Anglers love them because they hit hard and fight dirty - no gentle bass fishing here. Their bright colors and that distinctive peacock spot on the tail make them beautiful fish too. Pro tip: forget the plastic worms and throw topwater or crankbaits during daylight hours when they're hunting.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier game fish, typically running 1-3 feet with that signature black lateral line and golden coloring. They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges - in both salt and fresh water. Here in Bonita Springs, we find them cruising the estuaries and canals where they ambush baitfish. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps stay above 60 degrees. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong runs once hooked. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My tip: work your lure slowly along mangrove edges during moving tides. Snook are ambush predators, so let them see it coming before they commit to the strike.
5.0 out of 5.0Went peacock fishing, had an absolute blast! Caught lots of fish. Fred is extremely knowledgeable about the areas fished. Looking ...
Bonita Springs, FL