5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Naples Inshore Fishing Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore fishing charter targeting snapper, snook, and redfishSmall group experience with maximum three guests per tripFull day backwater adventure with professional guide service
Looking for the real deal when it comes to Southwest Florida fishing? This eight-hour guided charter with JP's Backwater Adventures puts you right in the heart of Naples' most productive inshore waters. We're talking about serious fishing time here – enough to really dial in on multiple species and give you the best shot at filling that cooler. Captain Josh knows these backwaters like the back of his hand, and he's got the local knowledge to put you on fish when others are scratching their heads. With space for up to three anglers, this isn't some crowded party boat situation – it's personalized fishing at its finest.
Eight hours gives us real flexibility to adapt to what the fish are doing on any given day. We'll start early when the bite is typically strongest, working our way through different zones as conditions change throughout the day. The Naples backcountry offers everything from shallow grass flats perfect for sight fishing to deeper mangrove shorelines where ambush predators love to hang out. Depending on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately, we might hit three or four different spots during the trip. The beauty of an all-day charter is that we're not rushed – if we find a hot bite, we can stay on it. If one area isn't producing, we've got time to relocate and try different tactics. You'll experience the full range of what makes Naples inshore fishing so special, from the excitement of watching your line peel off in shallow water to the satisfaction of working structure along mangrove edges.
We'll be running a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish want that day. Live shrimp is always a go-to for these waters – it's like fish candy down here. We'll also have pilchards, pinfish, and other live baits when the situation calls for it. For artificial presentations, we're talking soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons that have proven themselves time and again in these waters. The boat is rigged with quality tackle that can handle everything from feisty trout to bulldogging redfish. We'll match the gear to the target species and fishing conditions, so you're always fishing with the right setup. Techniques vary throughout the day – we might start with topwater action at dawn, switch to live bait presentations during mid-day, and finish with artificial lures as the sun starts to set. Part of what makes this trip special is learning how to read the water and adjust your approach as conditions change.
"Josh is fabulous- he knows his business he finds fish and makes the day one the best you'll have. Head out with Josh if you want an epic day on the water." - Chris
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and Naples waters hold some real trophies. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove overhangs, and oyster bars are prime real estate. They're incredibly line-shy and can be moody, but when you hook one, you'll understand why they're so sought after. The fight is explosive, with powerful runs and acrobatic jumps that'll get your heart pumping. Best fishing is typically early morning and evening when they're actively feeding. During cooler months, look for them in deeper water, while summer finds them scattered throughout the shallows.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are one of the most reliable species in these waters and excellent table fare. They're structure-oriented fish that school up around docks, bridges, and mangrove roots. Don't let their size fool you – these fish are scrappy fighters that'll test your drag system. They're also notoriously bait-shy, so light leaders and natural presentations are key. You'll find them year-round in Naples waters, with the best action typically during warmer months when they're more aggressive.
Tarpon are simply in a league of their own when it comes to pure fighting power. These silver kings can reach over 100 pounds and are famous for their spectacular aerial displays. Naples waters see good tarpon action, especially during their spring and summer migrations. Hooking one is just the beginning – the real challenge is the 30-45 minute battle that follows. They're catch-and-release fish, but landing one is a lifetime memory that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Redfish are the workhorse of the flats, and Naples has some real bulls cruising the shallows. These copper-colored bruisers are built for power, using their broad tails to make long, sustained runs that'll test your equipment. They're year-round residents that feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Sight fishing for reds in shallow water is about as exciting as it gets – watching a 20-pound fish cruise up to your bait in two feet of water never gets old.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers – they're incredibly spooky, selective feeders that will test every bit of your patience and skill. These disc-shaped fighters are most commonly found around wrecks, bridges, and deeper flats. They're primarily crab eaters, so presentations need to be spot-on. Landing one is considered a real achievement among serious anglers, and Naples waters offer some of the best permit fishing on the Gulf Coast. They're strong fighters that make blistering runs, and their rarity makes every encounter special.
A full day on Naples' inshore waters with a captain who knows where the fish live – that's what separates a good fishing trip from one you'll be talking about for years. With eight hours of fishing time and access to some of Southwest Florida's most productive backwaters, you're setting yourself up for the kind of day that reminds you why you love
Step aboard our reliable 22' Skeeter bay boat and get ready for a productive day chasing Naples' best inshore species. This 2019 vessel packs a solid 150HP Yamaha that'll have you cruising to prime fishing grounds at 35 knots, covering more water to find where the fish are biting. The spacious layout gives you and up to 2 other anglers plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up. We've got you covered with an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus top-notch electronics including GPS and fish finder to locate structure where snook, redfish, and trout like to hang out. Whether we're working the mangroves for snook or drifting grass flats for trout, this versatile bay boat handles Naples' diverse inshore waters with ease. The shallow draft gets us into those back-country spots where bigger boats can't reach, giving you access to some seriously productive fishing areas that hold quality fish year-round.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, or mangrove snappers as we call them locally, are smart, spunky fish that'll test your skills. Most run 12-16 inches inshore, though you might hook into a 3-4 pounder around deeper structure. They love hanging around docks, mangroves, and any rocky or hard bottom they can find in 5-30 feet of water. These guys are active year-round in our warm Naples waters, but they really turn on during summer evenings and nights. What guests love is their scrappy fight for their size and their excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. They're notorious bait thieves though. My advice: use a smaller 2/0 circle hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, and be patient - they'll inspect your bait before committing.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - beautiful, challenging, and incredibly rewarding when you connect. These disc-shaped fish typically run 15-25 pounds around Naples, with their tall bodies and forked tails making them unmistakable on the flats. You'll spot them in 2-6 feet of water over sand and grass, often tailing as they hunt crabs. Spring through fall gives you the best shots, especially on calm, clear days. What draws anglers is the challenge - permit are notoriously spooky and selective. They're catch-and-release fish that'll give you a strong, stubborn fight. The reward isn't the dinner table, it's the accomplishment. My best advice: patience and stealth are key. Live crabs work best, but present them gently and be ready to wait - permit will circle and inspect before deciding.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter here in Naples' shallow waters. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots typically range 18-27 inches, with slot fish around 20-24 inches being prime targets. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. They're cooperative year-round, but fall and winter months are prime time when they school up. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat and their strong, bulldogging fight. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters either - live shrimp, cut bait, and artificials all work. Pro tip: look for "tailing" fish with their heads down feeding - cast well ahead of them and let your bait settle naturally.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Naples' most prized gamefish, and for good reason. These sleek, golden-sided fighters typically run 18-28 inches around here, though the bigger females can push 35+ inches. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and bridges where they ambush baitfish with lightning-fast strikes. Best fishing happens during warmer months from spring through fall, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their explosive fight - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to throw your hook. Plus, they're fantastic eating with white, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when fishing live shrimp or pinfish around structure, let your bait drift naturally rather than working it too much - snook prefer an easy meal that looks wounded.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - pure adrenaline on the end of your line. Around Naples, we see fish ranging from 50-150 pounds, with some giants pushing 200. They roam our shallow flats, passes, and bridges, often in just 3-8 feet of water. Peak season runs May through August when they migrate through, but we catch them year-round. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating (we release them all) - it's watching a 6-foot fish rocket out of the water multiple times. Their jumps and long runs will test every bit of your tackle and stamina. They can fight for over an hour. Best tip I can give: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - it prevents the line from breaking on their gill plates.
5.0 out of 5.0Josh is fabulous- he knows his business he finds fish and makes the day one the best you’ll have. Head out with Josh if you want ...
Naples