5.0(4 Reviews)Half Day Afternoon Guided Fishing In Naples
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon charter targeting snook, redfish, and troutSmall group experience with maximum three guests per tripBackwater fishing in Naples scenic waterways at sunset
When the afternoon sun starts its descent over Southwest Florida's pristine waters, that's when the magic happens. This four-hour guided fishing charter puts you right in the heart of Naples' best backwater action, where snook, redfish, and tarpon are just waiting to test your drag. Captain Josh knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for putting you on fish even when conditions get tough. With room for up to three anglers, this intimate charter gives you the personal attention and local expertise that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic day on the water.
You'll meet Captain Josh at the dock ready to explore Naples' legendary backwater system. These shallow, mangrove-lined channels and grass flats are where Southwest Florida's most sought-after gamefish call home. The afternoon timing is no accident – as the sun starts to angle lower, predator fish become more active, creating prime feeding windows that experienced guides know how to capitalize on. You'll cruise through scenic waterways to reach productive fishing holes, with Captain Josh reading the conditions and adjusting the game plan to put you on the best bite. The intimate three-angler capacity means everyone gets hands-on coaching and plenty of shots at quality fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Captain Josh tailors the experience to your skill level while keeping things fun and engaging throughout the trip.
Backwater fishing in Naples is all about finesse and reading the water. You'll be working with light to medium tackle, perfect for the shallow water environment where these fish live. Expect to throw live bait like shrimp and pilchards around structure, as well as work artificial lures through grass flats and mangrove shorelines. Captain Josh provides all the tackle and bait, so you don't need to worry about rigging up or figuring out what's working. The boat is equipped with a shallow draft hull that can navigate the skinny water where big fish hide, plus a quiet trolling motor that won't spook wary gamefish in the shallows. You'll learn to spot feeding signs, understand how tides affect fish behavior, and pick up techniques for working different types of structure. From sight fishing in crystal clear flats to blind casting around mangrove roots, every cast teaches you something new about this dynamic fishery.
"Captain Josh was a great guide all around. Very personable, passionate and knowledgable about the waters surrounding Marco Island. The conditions weren't great when we went out but he found a way to keep the trip interesting and fun, plus we were still able to land some good fish. He made the 4 1/2 hour trip seem like it was only an hour. Really appreciate Josh and I highly recommend his charter for anyone in the area." - Tyson
"My girlfriend and I had a great time on a 4 hour backwater trip. Josh told us it was going to be windy and it may be tough but we had an epic tour through the backwater on our way to a few go to fishing holes. We got lucky and got on fish early and didnt have to bounce around much. Dude knows what hes doing and vibes were great through and through. BOOK IT!" - Matthew
"Josh is an excellent fishing guide. We booked a fishing trip knowing it was not the ideal weather. Josh put us on fish every time. Once the bite stopped we zipped to other spots with fish. Josh knows the islands and has a great personality and good stories. Can't go wrong with booking a trip with Josh at JP's Backwater Adventures!" - Richard
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida backwater fishing, and Naples offers some of the most consistent snook action in the state. These ambush predators love to hang around mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridge pilings where they can dart out to grab unsuspecting baitfish. Snook are notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often launching themselves clear out of the water when hooked. They're most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk, which makes afternoon charters perfect timing. The slot limit keeps the population healthy, so you'll encounter fish ranging from schoolie-sized up to trophy specimens pushing 35+ inches. What makes snook special is their attitude – they hit hard, fight harder, and always keep you guessing.
Tarpon are hands down the most exciting fish you can hook in these waters. Known as the "silver king," tarpon can grow over 100 pounds and put on aerial displays that'll leave you shaking with adrenaline. Naples' backwaters host juvenile tarpon year-round, typically in the 10-50 pound range, which are perfect for light tackle fishing. These fish prefer deeper holes and channels during the day, but move shallow to feed as light conditions change. When a tarpon takes your bait, get ready for multiple jumps, long runs, and a fight that can last 20 minutes or more. Even smaller tarpon are incredibly strong, and their gill-rattling jumps create memories that last a lifetime.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of backwater fishing, offering consistent action and excellent table fare. These spotted beauties cruise grass flats and sandy bottom areas, feeding on shrimp, baitfish, and crabs. Trout are perfect for beginners because they're aggressive biters and don't require pinpoint accuracy to catch. They respond well to both live and artificial baits, making them great fish for learning different techniques. Peak trout action often happens during cooler months, but Naples' year-round fishery means you'll find them in good numbers most trips. Their distinctive spotted pattern and respectable fight make them a favorite among anglers of all skill levels.
Redfish are the ultimate sight fishing target in shallow water. These copper-colored bruisers cruise
Your afternoon fishing adventure awaits aboard our 2019 22-foot Skeeter bay boat, perfectly rigged for Naples' productive inshore waters. This versatile fishing machine packs a reliable 150HP Yamaha engine that'll cruise you to prime snook and redfish spots at up to 35 knots, giving you maximum time with lines in the water. The spacious layout comfortably handles your group of 3 anglers, with plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up. We've equipped her with a quality fish finder to locate those structure-holding targets, plus GPS navigation to hit the sweet spots when the bite is on. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and preserves your catch during the 4-hour charter. Whether you're casting around mangrove shorelines for snook or working grass flats for spotted seatrout, this Skeeter handles Naples' shallow backwaters with ease. The stable platform gives you solid footing when fighting fish, and the efficient design means we spend more time fishing and less time running between spots.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these disc-shaped silver ghosts are notoriously difficult to catch, making them the ultimate challenge. They average 15-25 pounds with that distinctive tall, compressed body and deeply forked tail. You'll spot them on shallow sand and grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, often "tailing" while hunting crabs. Spring through fall offers the best shots, with calmer conditions making them easier to spot. What draws serious anglers to permit is their reputation as one of the toughest fish to fool - they're extremely spooky and selective. Their powerful runs and stamina make the fight memorable when you do connect. Live blue crabs are the gold standard for bait, though crab-pattern flies work for the skilled angler. Critical tip: stay far back and make long, accurate casts. One wrong move and they'll vanish like smoke.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing - these bronze beauties with their signature black spots near the tail are both beautiful and fun to catch. Most range 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds, though bigger "bull" reds can push 40+ pounds. They cruise super shallow flats, often in just 1-3 feet of water where you can sight-fish them. Oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats are prime spots. They bite year-round but fall and winter offer the most consistent action. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and how they'll eat almost anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials. They're also excellent on the table with sweet, firm meat. The real thrill is watching their copper backs cruise the shallows like submarines. Best tip: look for "tailing" reds with their tails sticking up while feeding. Approach quietly and cast ahead of their direction.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great eating. Most run 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, with their spotted silver sides making them easy to identify. They love grass flats and sandy bottoms in 3-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and potholes. Cool months from October through March bring the best fishing when they school up in deeper holes. Trout hit soft plastics, live shrimp, and topwater plugs with enthusiasm. What guests love about speckled trout is their willingness to bite and excellent table quality - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also great for kids since they're not overly aggressive. Key tip: work your bait slowly near the bottom around grass edges. Trout often suspend just above the vegetation waiting for easy meals.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are hands down one of the most exciting fish you'll target in Naples waters. These sleek, golden-colored fighters typically run 18-28 inches and pack serious power with that distinctive black lateral line down their sides. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings in 2-6 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. They love structure and current breaks. Best action happens during moving tides, especially early morning and late afternoon when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag and skills. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: cast your lure past the structure and work it back through the strike zone slowly. Snook are ambush predators, so patience pays off when working likely spots.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate challenge - these silver kings can reach 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds, making every hookup a battle you won't forget. Around Naples, we find them rolling in deeper channels, around bridges, and along the beaches in 10-40 feet of water. They're most active from April through October when water temps warm up, with peak action during summer months. What draws anglers to tarpon is their raw power and aerial displays - they'll jump repeatedly trying to throw the hook. While tough to land due to their bony mouths, the fight alone makes it worthwhile. Most anglers practice catch and release since they're not great eating. My advice: keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let them run and jump, then work them back when they tire. Tarpon fishing is about endurance as much as technique.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Josh was a great guide all around. Very personable, passionate and knowledgable about the waters surrounding Marco Island....
My girlfriend and I had a great time on a 4 hour backwater trip. Josh told us it was going to be windy and it may be tough but we ...
Josh is an excellent fishing guide. We booked a fishing trip knowing it was not the ideal weather. Josh put us on fish every time....
Excellent adventure, Captain Josh new the fishing spots for a perfect day of catching fish.
Naples