Naples Afternoon Fishing & Shelling Adventure
Captain William's afternoon fishing and shelling trip gives you the best of both worlds - productive inshore fishing in the Ten Thousand Islands followed by some downtime on a pristine barrier island. This 3-hour adventure is perfectly designed for families and beginners who want to experience Naples' top-rated inshore fishing without the pressure of a full-day commitment. You'll target some of Southwest Florida's most sought-after species while enjoying the calm, protected waters that make this area a customer favorite among guides and anglers alike.
What to Expect on the Water
Your afternoon starts in the maze of mangrove islands that make up the famous Ten Thousand Islands region, just a short boat ride from Naples. Captain William knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you over grass flats, around oyster bars, and along mangrove shorelines where the fish love to hang out. The beauty of this trip is the variety - you're not stuck in one spot all day. You'll move between productive fishing areas, then cap off the experience with a relaxing stop at a barrier island where you can stretch your legs, hunt for shells, and let the kids burn off some energy on the beach. All your gear, bait, and fishing licenses are included, so you just need to show up ready to have a good time.
Light Tackle Techniques
This is classic inshore light-tackle fishing at its finest. Captain William uses spinning gear that's perfect for beginners and kids - nothing too heavy or complicated. You'll be working with live bait like shrimp and pinfish, plus some artificial lures when the conditions are right. The technique here is all about reading the water and making precise casts to structure. You'll learn to work the edges of grass flats where redfish cruise, drop baits near mangrove roots where snook ambush their prey, and fish the deeper holes where sea trout like to school up. The water in the Ten Thousand Islands is typically calm and clear, making it easy to spot fish and perfect for teaching kids the basics of sight fishing. Captain William takes the time to explain what you're looking for and why certain spots hold fish, so you'll walk away with knowledge you can use on future fishing trips.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the bread and butter of Naples inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallow flats year-round, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized 18-inchers to bull reds pushing 30+ inches. What makes redfish so special is their willingness to eat and their spirited fight - they'll make multiple runs and really test your drag. Fall and winter are prime time for big reds, but you can count on action any time of year. Kids love them because they're relatively easy to hook and provide plenty of excitement without being too overwhelming to fight.
Snook are the glamour fish of Southwest Florida, and the mangrove shorelines of the Ten Thousand Islands are prime snook habitat. These ambush predators hang tight to structure, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting baitfish. Snook are known for their acrobatic fights - they'll jump, shake their heads, and make powerful runs toward the nearest mangrove roots. The best snook action typically happens during the warmer months from spring through fall, especially around the full moon when they're more active. Landing a quality snook is something every angler remembers, and Captain William knows exactly where to find them.
Sea trout are perfect target fish for this type of trip because they're abundant, willing to bite, and great for beginners. These spotted beauties love grass flats and will readily take both live bait and artificial lures. Most sea trout you'll encounter range from 12-18 inches, with the occasional "gator trout" over 20 inches providing some real excitement. They're active year-round in Naples waters, though spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action. Sea trout have a soft mouth, so Captain William will teach you the proper technique for setting the hook without pulling it free.
Sheepshead are the quirky characters of the inshore fishing world, known for their human-like teeth and notorious bait-stealing abilities. These black-and-white striped fish love structure like dock pilings, oyster bars, and bridge abutments. What makes sheepshead fishing so entertaining is the challenge - they're incredibly finicky biters with lightning-fast reflexes. Winter months are prime time for sheepshead, when they school up around structures in impressive numbers. Kids get a kick out of their unusual appearance, and experienced anglers respect their fighting ability and excellent table fare.
Black drum round out your target species list and provide some of the most consistent action on the flats. These bottom-dwelling fish use their sensitive barbels to root around in the sand and mud for crabs and worms. Black drum can range from small juveniles to massive bulls over 40 pounds, though most fish you'll encounter are in the 5-15 pound range. They're particularly active during cooler months and provide a steady, powerful fight that's perfect for teaching proper fish-fighting techniques. The beauty of targeting black drum is their predictability - when you find them, you can usually count on multiple hookups.
Time to Book Your Spot
This world-class afternoon fishing and shelling adventure offers the perfect introduction to Naples' renowned inshore fishing scene. Captain William's combination of productive fishing spots and relaxing beach time creates an experience that works for everyone - serious anglers get their fish on, kids stay engaged with the variety, and non-fishing family members enjoy the shelling and wildlife viewing. The 3-hour timeframe is ideal for holding everyone's attention without wearing out the little ones. With all gear provided and a captain who genuinely enjoys teaching, this trending Naples fishing experience delivers memories that'll last long after you head home. Book your spot today and discover why so many families make this their go-to fishing adventure in Southwest Florida.
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
525 Newport Dr, Naples, FL, United States
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