5.0(3 Reviews)Guided Fishing Trip In Naples, Florida
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore charter targeting Snook, Redfish, and TroutSmall group experience with maximum three guests aboardProfessional guide service through Naples backwater fishing spots
When you're looking for a serious fishing adventure in Southwest Florida, this six-hour charter with JP's Backwater Adventures delivers everything you want and more. Captain Josh knows these Naples waters like his own backyard, and he's got the local knowledge to put you on fish consistently. This isn't some cookie-cutter tourist trip - we're talking about a real fishing experience where you'll work multiple spots, learn the water, and hopefully load the cooler with some quality catches. Whether you're after that photo-worthy snook or just want to bend some rods with your family, this extended charter gives you the time to do it right.
This six-hour adventure starts early to beat the crowds and catch fish when they're most active. Captain Josh runs a clean, well-maintained boat that's perfect for navigating the shallow backwaters and grass flats around Naples. You'll hit multiple spots throughout the day, from mangrove shorelines to oyster bars, depending on the tides and what's biting. The extended time on the water means you're not rushed - if one spot isn't producing, there's plenty of time to move and find active fish. Josh provides all the tackle and bait you'll need, including fresh-caught baits that make a huge difference compared to the frozen stuff. The boat comfortably handles up to three anglers, so everyone gets plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Expect to cover a lot of water and learn about reading the conditions, spotting structure, and understanding how these inshore species behave in different situations.
Captain Josh comes prepared with top-notch spinning gear perfectly matched for Southwest Florida inshore fishing. We're talking quality reels spooled with fresh line and rods that can handle everything from schoolie snook to bull redfish. Most of the fishing involves live bait presentations - pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp worked around structure where these species like to hang out. You'll also get into some artificial lure fishing, throwing soft plastics and topwater plugs when the conditions are right. The shallow water around Naples means sight fishing opportunities too, where you'll actually see the fish before you cast to them. Josh knows when to anchor up and wait for the fish to come to you, and when to keep moving to stay on active schools. The boat setup includes a quality fishfinder to locate structure and bait, plus a shallow water anchor system that lets you stay positioned perfectly on productive spots without spooking the fish.
"Josh was able to accommodate my last minute decision to fish. Suggested an early start to beat the wind and boats. 100% worked out. First cast landed fish. Great knowledge of key spots was clear. Boat was perfect and gear top notch. Really enjoyed his company and enthusiasm. The giant Snook hook up was a thrill….Brought home dinner - sheepshead. Super trip, great guide and really solid dude. Highly recommended." - Iain
"My girls and I had a blast today fishing with Capt Josh He was very knowledgeable and took very good care of us the whole trip, He had us on a wide variety of fish in different areas in the Islands. Will definitely use him again!" - Shawn
"If you're looking for a great backcountry fishing trip while visiting the Marco Island Area a day on the water with Captain Josh is exactly what you want! He is a young aggressive local born and raised Captain who knows the waters like the back of his hand. Our trip was booked for Monday morning and he called us on Saturday afternoon and asked if we wanted to switch to Sunday afternoon because bad weather was forecast for Monday. We said yes and met him at noon at the Goodland Marina Park. He had tons of fresh caught bait (no purchased shrimp here) and top notch custom rods and reels. The boat was spotless and in great condition! I had my wife with me and she loved Josh! Oh yeah by the way we caught 25 Snook a Mangrove Snapper and a Jack. The most fun and best day ever fishing in SW Florida." - Tim
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and Naples has some of the most consistent snook fishing in the state. These ambush predators love structure - docks, mangrove overhangs, oyster bars, and bridge pilings. They're most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk. A good Naples snook typically runs 20-28 inches, though the big girls can push 35+ inches and really test your drag system. What makes snook so special is their attitude - they hit hard, jump when hooked, and have that distinctive black lateral line that makes them instantly recognizable. The slot limit means you need to know your measurements, but the fishing action is consistently good year-round in these protected waters.
Redfish are another customer favorite that patrol the shallow flats and mangrove edges around Naples. These copper-colored bruisers are built like bulldogs and fight accordingly. They're excellent sight fishing targets in shallow water, where you'll see their backs and tails as they root around in the grass looking for crabs and shrimp. Reds in the 20-30 inch range are common, and they're perfect for the dinner table when they're in the slot. What anglers love about redfish is their willingness to eat - they're not as finicky as some species and will crush both live bait and artificials when presented properly.
Grey Snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are structure-loving fish that provide consistent action throughout the trip. These guys hang around docks, bridges, and rocky areas, and they're excellent table fare. They're smart fish that require a bit of finesse - light leaders and smaller hooks often make the difference between getting bit and going fishless. Most Naples mangrove snapper run 12-16 inches, though the
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our reliable 2019 Skeeter bay boat, a 22-footer built for Naples' productive inshore waters. Powered by a smooth 150HP Yamaha outboard, this versatile craft cuts through the backcountry at up to 35 knots, getting you to the fish faster and maximizing your time on the water. The spacious layout comfortably fits up to 4 anglers, giving everyone room to cast and fight fish without crowding. Essential fishing gear includes a quality fish finder to locate schools of snapper, redfish, and tarpon, plus GPS navigation to hit those secret honey holes. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and preserves your catch fresh throughout the day. Whether we're working shallow grass flats for speckled trout or targeting structure for grouper, this Skeeter handles Naples' diverse fishing conditions with ease, making it the perfect platform for your six-hour charter adventure.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snappers, or Mangrove Snappers as locals call them, are smart fish that'll test your skills. Most run 1-2 pounds around docks and mangroves, though bigger ones to 4-5 pounds hide in deeper structure. They're night feeders by nature but will bite during the day if you're patient. What guests love about them is the steady action and excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's perfect for dinner. They're active year-round in our warm waters, but fishing picks up during summer months. Here's the key to success: use the lightest tackle you can get away with and let your live shrimp sit still on the bottom. These fish are opportunistic but spooky - too much movement will send them packing. Once you feel that tap, don't jerk hard. Let them take it and reel steady to set the hook properly.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail for serious anglers - they're incredibly challenging and beautiful fish. These silver, disc-shaped fighters average 10-20 pounds but can hit 40+ pounds. You'll spot them tailing on shallow sand and grass flats, usually in 2-6 feet of water around channels and drop-offs. They've got amazing eyesight and spook easily, making them tough to fool. Spring through fall offers the best shot, especially during spawning season April to October. What draws anglers is the difficulty - they're considered one of the hardest fish to catch on fly. The fight is strong and fast with blistering runs. Here's the secret: live blue crabs are your best bet, but present them perfectly. Hook the crab in the back corner of the shell and let it act natural on the bottom. Any sudden movements or poor presentations will send these wary fish running.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great eating. Around Naples, most run 20-28 inches with that classic copper-red color and distinctive black spot near the tail. They cruise shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Best fishing is fall through spring when water cools down, but they bite year-round. What makes them fun is their strong, bulldogging fight and willingness to hit topwater lures. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters either - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials all work. Here's my go-to technique: use a gold spoon and work it slowly over grass flats during moving tides. The flash drives them crazy, and you'll get some explosive strikes in skinny water.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Naples' most prized catches, typically running 18-30 inches with that signature black lateral line and golden color. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. They love structure and cooler water temps, so early morning and evening trips work best. What makes them special is their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps - plus they're great eating with firm, white meat. Best months are May through September when they're spawning and more aggressive. Here's a local trick: when fishing around mangroves, cast your live shrimp or pinfish right into the shadows where the roots meet the water. They can't resist an easy meal hiding in the shade, and that's where the bigger ones hang out waiting to strike.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - nothing compares to watching a 100-pound silver king launch 6 feet out of the water. Most fish we see run 80-150 pounds and 4-6 feet long. They migrate through Naples waters from spring through fall, with peak season May to July. You'll find them rolling in channels, around bridges, and along deeper flats in 10-30 feet. What makes them special isn't the eating - we release these ancient giants - it's the raw power and aerial show they put on. They'll test your tackle and your patience. The fight can last an hour on lighter gear. My tip: when you see one jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water. This gives them slack so they can't throw the hook on those spectacular jumps. Keep steady pressure but let them run when they want to.
5.0 out of 5.0Josh was able to accommodate my last minute decision to fish. Suggested an early start to beat the wind and boats. 100% worked out...
My girls and I had a blast today fishing with Capt Josh He was very knowledgeable and took very good care of us the whole trip, He...
If you’re looking for a great backcountry fishing trip while visiting the Marco Island Area a day on the water with Captain Josh i...
Naples