Full-Day Expert Inshore Fishing Trip in Naples
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Expert-level 8-hour inshore charter targeting trophy gamefishMaximum 3 guests aboard premium Skeeter bay boatAccess diverse Naples backwaters for Snook, Tarpon, Permit
When you're ready to step up your inshore game and fish with purpose, Capt. Josh Parr's full-day charter is where serious anglers go to dial in their skills. This isn't a sightseeing trip—it's eight hours of focused fishing through Naples' legendary backwaters, targeting trophy Snook, Tarpon, Permit, Redfish, and Grey Snapper. With room for just three anglers on his top-tier Skeeter bay boat, you'll have the time and space to really work the water, adapt your approach, and chase those fish that'll have you talking for years. Whether you're after a personal best or want to fine-tune your technique with one of Southwest Florida's most respected guides, this trip delivers the goods.
Capt. Josh runs a tight ship when it comes to maximizing your time on the water. You'll launch early and spend the day covering premium spots throughout Naples' intricate backcountry system—shallow grass flats where Redfish cruise, mangrove shorelines that hold monster Snook, and deeper channels where Tarpon roll. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is the flexibility to adapt as conditions change. Morning might find you sight-casting to tailing Reds in skinny water, while afternoon could shift to working deeper structure for Snapper or positioning for the evening Tarpon bite. Josh knows these waters like his own backyard and reads the signs—wind direction, tides, bait movement—to put you on fish consistently. The Skeeter's shallow draft and quiet trolling motor let you get into places bigger boats can't reach, giving you access to those honey holes where the big fish live.
This is where the "expert level" designation really shows. Josh matches techniques to conditions and target species throughout the day, switching between live bait presentations, artificial lures, and sight-fishing tactics as opportunities arise. You'll work with premium tackle—spinning and conventional setups rigged for everything from finicky Permit on 12-pound test to bruiser Tarpon that'll test your drag and your patience. Live shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards are staples, but don't be surprised if Josh breaks out the soft plastics, topwater plugs, or flies when the bite calls for it. The key is staying versatile and reading the water. One hour you might be flipping jigs under mangrove overhangs for Snook, the next you're sight-casting to Permit cruising a flat. Josh teaches as he guides, sharing insights on bait presentation, hook sets, and fighting techniques that separate good anglers from great ones.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and Naples' backwaters hold some true giants. These ambush predators love structure—docks, mangrove roots, oyster bars—and hitting them right requires precise bait placement and quick reflexes. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and bulldogging runs toward cover. Fall through spring offers the most consistent action, though summer fish can be found if you know where to look. What makes Snook special is their attitude—they hit hard, fight harder, and demand respect throughout the entire battle.
Tarpon are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. These silver kings migrate through Naples waters in serious numbers during spring and summer, with fish ranging from juvenile "poons" in the 20-40 pound range to monsters pushing triple digits. When a Tarpon eats, everything changes—your drag screams, the fish goes airborne, and suddenly nothing else matters. They're ancient, powerful, and humbling. The key is staying patient during the fight because these fish have stamina that'll test your resolve. Most anglers say hooking their first Tarpon changes how they think about fishing entirely.
Redfish are the perfect inshore gamefish—aggressive, abundant, and absolutely gorgeous with their bronze flanks and distinctive black spots. Naples' grass flats and mangrove creeks hold solid populations year-round, with fall producing some of the best action as baitfish concentrate in the shallows. Reds between 18-27 inches are in the slot and make excellent table fare, while the oversized bulls (30+ inches) are pure muscle and perfect for photos before release. They eat everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs, and watching one explode on a surface lure in two feet of water never gets old.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers—spooky, selective, and absolutely beautiful fish that'll humble even experienced fishermen. These disc-shaped fighters cruise Naples' flats and structure, often in small groups, feeding on crabs and small baitfish. They're notorious for their wariness and ability to disappear at the slightest disturbance. When you do connect, they make searing runs and use their broad sides to leverage against your drag. Permit are most active during warmer months, and sight-fishing opportunities on calm mornings can be world-class.
Grey Snapper round out the lineup as both excellent eating and solid fighters. These reef-associated fish move into the backcountry around structure and deeper holes, especially during warmer months. They're opportunistic feeders but can be surprisingly finicky about presentation. A nice Snapper in the 15-20 inch range makes fantastic table fare, while the bigger fish provide surprising fights on lighter tackle. They're often a welcome change of pace during slower periods and help fill out a productive day on the water.
If you're serious about your inshore fishing and want to fish with one of Naples' most respected guides, don't wait on this one. Capt. Josh's full-day trips book quickly, especially during prime seasons when the fishing is at its peak. Eight hours gives you the time to really work different techniques
Your fishing platform for this full-day Naples adventure is a 2019 22' Skeeter bay boat, purpose-built for serious inshore work. The 150HP Yamaha pushes this rig to 35 knots, getting you to the productive backwater spots quickly and quietly. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of casting space whether you're working topwater for tarpon or sight-fishing redfish in skinny water. The fish finder keeps you on structure and bait schools, while GPS navigation helps mark those honey holes for return trips. An onboard icebox handles your catch and cold drinks through the long day. This Skeeter's shallow draft and responsive handling make it perfect for navigating Naples' maze of mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and grass flats where trophy snook and permit like to hang out.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are smart fish that'll test your skills. These copper-colored fighters typically run 1-3 pounds inshore, though deeper water can produce 15+ pound bruisers. You'll find them around any structure - docks, mangroves, rocks, and wrecks. They're notorious night feeders and extremely wary, making them a fun challenge. The meat is outstanding - white, flaky, and perfect for the table. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're more active, especially around dawn and dusk. They're opportunistic, so live shrimp works great, but here's the key - let your bait sit still on the bottom. Too much movement spooks them. Use a 4/0 circle hook, thread the shrimp through the tail, and wait for that subtle tap.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail for serious flats anglers - notoriously difficult but incredibly rewarding. These disc-shaped silver ghosts average 20-40 pounds and have eyesight that's almost supernatural. You'll spot them tailing on grass flats and sandy areas in surprisingly shallow water, sometimes just 2 feet deep. Spring through fall offers the best action during their spawning period. Permit are prized for their incredible fight and the challenge they represent - many consider them harder to catch than tarpon. They're excellent eating but most get released due to their difficulty. Live crabs are the gold standard bait, but they're extremely spooky. Here's my advice: approach upwind, stay low, and make your first cast count. You rarely get a second chance with permit once they've seen you.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are Naples inshore fishing at its finest. These copper-backed beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails cruise ultra-shallow flats, sometimes with their backs out of water. Most fish range 18-30 inches and put up a bulldogging fight that'll test your drag. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter offer cooler water and hungry fish. Reds are excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. They're not overly picky eaters - live shrimp, cut bait, and artificials all work. The key is staying quiet on shallow flats and making long, accurate casts. My go-to trick: use a gold spoon and work it slowly along drop-offs where flats meet deeper water.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of our backwater fishing here in Naples. These silver-sided ambush predators love hanging around mangroves, docks, and structure where they can surprise baitfish. Most of our fish run 18-28 inches, but we regularly see trophy specimens over 30 inches. They're incredibly temperature sensitive - anything below 60 degrees sends them into shock, so our best fishing runs from late spring through early fall. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight, plus they change from male to female as they mature. During spawning season (May-September), their fins turn bright yellow. Here's a local tip: always approach structure quietly and cast past it, then work your bait back through the strike zone. Snook spook easily but hit hard when they commit.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate test for serious anglers - pure muscle wrapped in silver scales. These prehistoric giants average 80-150 pounds in our waters, with some pushing 200+. They patrol channels, bridges, and deep holes, often rolling on the surface to gulp air. Peak season runs May through August when they migrate through Southwest Florida. What sets tarpon apart is their aerial show - they'll jump 8-10 feet trying to throw your hook. Most anglers practice catch and release since they're bony and don't make great table fare. The fight can last hours, demanding patience and technique. Here's what I tell all my tarpon clients: when they jump, bow to the king. Drop your rod tip toward the fish to prevent break-offs. Use live bait near structure and be ready for the ride of your life.
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