5.0(4 Reviews)Half Day Naples Fishing Charter - Permit & Snook
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour afternoon inshore charter targets snook and redfishSmall group fishing for up to three guests maximumBackwater fishing adventure during prime evening hours
Picture yourself casting lines in some of the most productive backwaters around Naples while the afternoon sun starts its descent toward the horizon. This four-hour afternoon charter puts you right in the sweet spot when fish start getting active and feeding patterns shift into high gear. Captain Josh knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have you working the mangroves, grass flats, and deeper cuts where Naples' best inshore species love to hang out. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that makes you want to come back tomorrow.
Your afternoon starts with a boat ride through Naples' legendary backcountry, where winding creeks and oyster bars create the perfect hunting grounds for trophy fish. Captain Josh runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed - he's got all the gear you need, from spinning rods to live bait, plus he knows exactly where to position the boat based on tides and wind. The beauty of afternoon fishing is that you're hitting the water right when many species start their evening feeding spree. You'll be casting around structure, working the edges of grass beds, and maybe even sight fishing if conditions line up right. The boat handles up to three anglers comfortably, so everyone gets plenty of room to work without tangling lines.
This charter focuses on light tackle fishing that lets you feel every bump and run. Captain Josh provides quality spinning gear spooled with appropriate line weights for the target species - typically 15 to 20-pound test that can handle both finicky trout and bulldogging redfish. Live bait is the name of the game here, with fresh shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish making up the arsenal. You'll learn proper bait presentation for different situations: free-lining shrimp around mangrove roots, using popping corks over grass flats, and bottom fishing deeper holes where bigger fish stage. Artificial lures come into play too - soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs all have their moments depending on what's happening beneath the surface. The captain handles all the rigging and will teach you the techniques that work best in these specific waters.
"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 inshore fishing, and Naples' backwaters hold some real giants. These ambush predators love structure - you'll find them tucked under mangrove overhangs, around downed trees, and near bridge pilings. Snook are incredibly line-shy and have razor-sharp gill plates that'll cut you off in a heartbeat if you're not careful. They're most active during warmer months and around the new and full moon phases when tides really move. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, gill-rattle, and make blistering runs toward cover. A slot-sized snook between 28 and 33 inches makes for excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect on the grill.
Tarpon are pure adrenaline on a fishing line, even the juvenile "baby" tarpon you'll encounter in the backcountry. These silver rockets can range from 10 to 50 pounds in these waters, and they fight way above their weight class. Tarpon have incredibly hard mouths, so hook sets need to be firm and decisive. They're known for their spectacular jumps - sometimes clearing the water by several feet while shaking their heads violently. The best tarpon action often happens during moving water on the edges of deeper channels or around creek mouths. These fish are catch-and-release only, but landing one is a badge of honor that'll have you talking for years.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are Naples' most reliable year-round fish. They school up over grass flats and sandy potholes, making them perfect targets for both live bait and artificial lures. Trout are excellent eating fish with sweet, flaky meat, and they're usually cooperative biters that make great confidence builders for newer anglers. Look for them in 2 to 6 feet of water, especially around areas where grass meets sand. They're particularly active during cooler months when they stack up in deeper holes, sometimes dozens at a time. Popping cork rigs with live shrimp are deadly effective, but they'll also smash topwater lures during low-light periods.
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats - powerful, stubborn, and incredibly fun to catch. These copper-colored bruisers can range from schoolie-sized fish aroun
Your afternoon fishing adventure starts aboard our reliable 22' Skeeter bay boat, built in 2019 and powered by a smooth 150HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots around Naples at up to 35 knots. This versatile boat handles the shallow inshore waters perfectly, letting you chase snook in the mangroves or track redfish across the grass flats. The spacious layout comfortably fits up to 3 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish without bumping elbows. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation ensures we hit all the productive areas. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those warm Florida afternoons. Whether you're targeting speckled trout in the backcountry or hoping for that trophy snook near the docks, this Skeeter gives us the perfect platform to make it happen on the beautiful waters surrounding Naples.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of Southwest Florida flats fishing - a tall, silver ghost that tests every angler's skill. These disc-shaped fish typically run 10-25 pounds around Naples, with their distinctive sickle-shaped dorsal fin and forked tail. They cruise shallow sand and grass flats, often in just 2-3 feet of water, but their 360-degree vision makes them extremely wary. Spring through fall offers the best shots, especially during spawning season. What makes permit legendary is their difficulty - they're incredibly picky eaters and spook easily, making every hookup a major achievement. Live blue crabs are the gold standard bait. The secret is presentation: get the crab in front of them without spooking the school, then let it sink naturally. Stay quiet, make long casts, and be ready for a powerful run when one finally eats.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Naples shallow water fishing, averaging 20-30 inches with that copper-bronze coloring and signature black spots near the tail. These bruisers cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. They feed year-round but are most aggressive during fall and spring. What guests love about reds is their powerful runs and stubborn fight - they'll peel drag and make multiple runs before giving up. They're also top-notch eating with mild, firm flesh. Look for them tailing in shallow water during moving tides, especially around oyster beds where they're hunting crabs. My secret: use a gold spoon or live shrimp and make long, quiet casts ahead of cruising fish. Let the bait settle naturally - they're spooky in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are a staple of Naples backcountry fishing, typically ranging 12-20 inches with those distinctive black spots scattered across their silvery sides. These fish prefer grass flats and sandy bottoms in 2-6 feet of water, especially around structure changes. They're most cooperative during cooler months and low-light periods like early morning or late afternoon. Trout are popular because they bite consistently, fight well for their size, and make outstanding table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. They school up heavily in winter, making for fast action when you find them. The trick is using lighter tackle - they have soft mouths that tear easily. I always recommend 15-20 lb leader max and gentle hook sets. Soft plastics on jig heads work great, but don't overlook live shrimp under a popping cork.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Naples' premier inshore targets, typically running 18-30 inches with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. These ambush predators love hanging around mangroves, docks, and structure in shallow water - anywhere from 2-8 feet deep. They're most active during warmer months and around dawn/dusk when they move into the shallows to feed. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight once hooked. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Since they're temperature sensitive, focus on deeper channels during cooler weather. My go-to tip: cast live shrimp or soft plastics right up against the mangrove roots and let it fall naturally - snook can't resist that presentation.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of Southwest Florida, and Naples offers some fantastic opportunities for these giants. Most fish we encounter run 50-100 pounds, though they can push 200+ pounds. These prehistoric fish love shallow flats, channels, and around bridges where they roll and gulp air. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during warmer months when they're most active. What draws anglers to tarpon is pure adrenaline - watching a 6-foot fish launch itself out of the water multiple times is something you'll never forget. They're strictly catch-and-release due to their bony meat and conservation status. The key is patience and proper technique. Use circle hooks and keep steady pressure - don't pump and wind. When they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip to prevent break-offs.
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