Full-Day Expert Inshore Fishing Trip in Naples, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Expertlevel 8hour inshore charter targeting trophy speciesMaximum 3 guests aboard premium Skeeter bay boatProfessional guide specializes in Naples backwater fishing
When you're serious about your inshore game and ready to put in some real time on the water, this 8-hour charter with Captain Josh Parr is exactly what you're looking for. We're talking about a full day of focused fishing through Naples' most productive backwater systems, targeting the big five that make Southwest Florida legendary: Snook, Tarpon, Permit, Redfish, and Grey Snapper. With just 3 anglers max aboard a top-tier Skeeter bay boat, you'll have the space, time, and access to work premium spots without feeling rushed. This isn't your typical tourist trip – it's built for seasoned anglers who want to dial into the bite and chase some serious fish.
Captain Josh runs a tight operation that's all about maximizing your time in the most productive zones. You'll launch early and cover serious ground, working everything from mangrove shorelines to grass flats, oyster bars to deeper channels. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is the flexibility – if the morning bite is hot in one area, you can stay put and capitalize. If conditions change or fish move, you've got the time to adapt and relocate. Expect to work multiple techniques throughout the day, switching between live bait presentations, artificial lures, and sight fishing opportunities as they present themselves. The Skeeter bay boat is perfectly rigged for this kind of diverse fishing, with the shallow draft to get you into tight spots and the stability to handle whatever conditions Southwest Florida throws at you.
This trip is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish are telling you. You'll work live shrimp and pilchards around structure when fish are holding tight, switch to topwater plugs and spoons when they're actively feeding, and break out the jigs when you need to cover water or work specific depth zones. Sight fishing is huge here – especially for Redfish cruising the flats and Snook ambushing bait along mangrove edges. Captain Josh keeps the boat rigged with quality spinning and baitcasting setups, but if you've got your own favorite rods, bring them along. The key to success on these longer trips is staying versatile and being ready to shift gears when the bite changes. You'll learn to read bird activity, current flow, and bait movement – all the little details that separate good days from great ones on the water.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and Naples' backwaters hold some absolute tanks. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangroves, oyster bars – anywhere they can sit in the shadows and blast unsuspecting baitfish. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with the best action often coming during moving tides when bait gets funneled through passes and channels. A 30-inch Snook will give you a fight you won't forget, with those gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs that test your drag system.
Tarpon bring the heavy artillery to inshore fishing, especially during their peak migration from April through July. These silver kings can range from juvenile fish in the 20-50 pound range to massive adults pushing triple digits. When you hook into a good Tarpon, everything else stops – these fish will take you into your backing, clear the water multiple times, and test every knot in your system. The backwaters around Naples offer perfect staging areas for feeding Tarpon, particularly where deeper channels meet shallow flats.
Permit are the holy grail for many serious inshore anglers – smart, spooky, and absolutely beautiful fish that demand perfect presentations. Southwest Florida's grass flats and sandy areas provide ideal Permit habitat, particularly during warmer months when they move shallow to feed on crabs and other bottom dwellers. These fish are notorious for being finicky, often requiring multiple presentations and split-second timing. When you finally connect with a good Permit, that initial run is pure power – they'll strip line like nothing else in the flats.
Redfish are the reliable workhorses of the inshore scene, and Naples' diverse habitat produces everything from schooling juveniles to massive bull Reds. These copper-colored fighters are relatively cooperative compared to Permit or Snook, but don't let that fool you – a big Red will put serious heat on your tackle. They're year-round residents, making them a dependable target when other species are being difficult. The sight fishing opportunities for Reds cruising shallow water are second to none, especially during cooler months when they congregate in large schools.
Grey Snapper round out the target list as excellent table fare and scrappy fighters on appropriate tackle. These reef-associated fish move into the backcountry around structure and deeper holes, particularly during their spawning season in summer months. While they might not have the glamour of a Tarpon or the mystique of a Permit, a good-sized Snapper on light tackle provides consistent action and fills the cooler nicely. They're also great confidence builders when other species are being stubborn.
This full-day charter represents serious value for dedicated anglers who want to maximize their time on world-class inshore waters. With Captain Josh's local knowledge, top-tier equipment, and access to Naples' most productive fishing zones, you're set up for the kind of day that creates lasting memories and maybe even a few personal bests. The 8-hour format gives you the flexibility to really work an area when fish are cooperative and the time to bounce around when you need to find the action. Whether you're looking to check species off your bucket list, improve your technique, or just spend a full day doing what you love most, this trip delivers on all fronts. Spots fill up fast, especially during prime season, so don't wait to secure your date on the water.
Your fishing platform for this Naples adventure is a 2019 22' Skeeter bay boat powered by a reliable 150HP Yamaha outboard. This versatile rig cuts through the backwaters at speeds up to 35 knots, getting you to those productive honey holes quickly and quietly. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers while providing plenty of room to work lures and fight fish. Essential gear includes an onboard fish finder to locate structure and baitfish, GPS navigation for pinpoint accuracy on those secret spots, and a built-in icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during the long day on the water. The shallow draft design is perfect for accessing skinny water flats where trophy snook and redfish prowl.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are some of the smartest fish we target. These copper-colored fish with the dark eye stripe typically run 12-16 inches inshore, though we occasionally hook into 3-4 pounders. They're structure lovers - docks, mangroves, rock piles, and oyster bars in 2-15 feet of water. While they bite year-round, warmer months are prime time. What guests love most is the challenge - these fish are incredibly wary and require finesse. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. My go-to trick? Use the lightest leader you can get away with and let live shrimp sink naturally to the bottom, then barely lift it off - too much movement spooks them every time.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - the fish that separate good anglers from great ones. These silver, disc-shaped fish with the tall dorsal fins average 15-25 pounds around Naples, but 30+ pounders show up regularly. Despite their size, they cruise surprisingly shallow flats in 2-6 feet of water, often mixed with rays and nurse sharks. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their spawning season. What makes them legendary? They're incredibly spooky with almost 360-degree vision and refuse most offerings. Landing one is a career achievement for many anglers. They're decent eating but most get released. The trick is a perfect presentation with live crabs - cast well ahead, let it settle naturally, and when they pick it up, resist the urge to set the hook immediately.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing, and they never disappoint. These copper-bronze beauties with one or more black spots near the tail typically range 20-30 inches in our waters. They cruise the shallowest flats - sometimes in just 12 inches of water with their backs showing. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Fall and spring offer the best action, though they bite year-round here. What makes them so popular? They eat aggressively, fight hard with long runs, and taste great on the table. The younger ones are especially sweet. Here's a local tip: when you see them tailing or cruising shallow, cast well ahead of the fish and let your bait sink naturally - spook one and you'll clear the whole school.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Naples' premier inshore gamefish, and for good reason. These sleek, silver fish with that signature black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches around here, though we see plenty of slot-busters over 28". They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the spawn from May to September when they gather near passes. What makes them special? They fight hard with explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, plus they're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. The key to landing more snook is keeping your bait in the strike zone longer - they often follow before committing, so let that lure work around cover instead of rushing the retrieve.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate trophy fish - pure adrenaline on a silver platter. These giants average 80-120 pounds around Naples, with some pushing 150+. They're prehistoric looking with massive scales and that upturned jaw. We find them rolling in deeper channels, around bridges, and along the beaches in 8-20 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through our waters. What makes them legendary? Those aerial displays - they'll jump 6+ feet out of the water trying to throw the hook. We practice catch and release since they're not great eating, but landing one is a bucket-list experience. The secret is keeping steady pressure without overdoing it - bow to the fish when they jump to give them slack, or they'll use that leverage to break you off.
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