Half Day Advanced Fishing In Goodland, Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour advanced inshore fishing trip targeting snook and redfishExpert guidance from Captain Kodie using advanced techniques and live baitModern 25foot Parker boat accommodates up to four experienced anglers
If you've mastered the basics and you're looking to push your angling skills to the next level, Captain Kodie Fridley's half-day pro trip is built for serious anglers who want more than just a casual day on the water. This isn't your typical tourist fishing charter – it's a focused, 4-hour mission targeting some of Florida's most challenging inshore species in the legendary waters around Goodland and the 10,000 Islands. Captain Kodie, a true Florida native, knows these backcountry waters like his own backyard and specializes in precision fishing techniques that separate weekend warriors from dedicated anglers.
You'll fish from a well-equipped 25' Parker that's been rigged specifically for Southwest Florida's inshore conditions. This boat handles the shallow flats and deeper channels with ease, getting you to productive spots that smaller boats can't reach while staying stable enough for technical presentations. Captain Kodie keeps the boat stocked with top-quality tackle, GPS electronics to mark fish-holding structure, and a proper live bait setup that makes all the difference when targeting finicky species like snook and redfish. The 4-hour format gives you enough time to work multiple spots without rushing, but keeps the pace focused on active fishing rather than sightseeing. With a maximum of 4 anglers, everyone gets hands-on coaching and plenty of rod time. The captain adjusts techniques based on current tides, weather conditions, and seasonal patterns – factors that can make or break an advanced fishing trip.
This trip focuses on precision presentations that match current conditions rather than just throwing lures and hoping for the best. Captain Kodie emphasizes reading water structure, understanding tidal movements, and matching your approach to what the fish are actually doing on any given day. You'll work with live bait when the bite calls for it, but also master artificial presentations that trigger reaction strikes from pressured fish. The 10,000 Islands area offers incredible variety – from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise in inches of water to deeper mangrove cuts where snook ambush baitfish. Depending on the season and conditions, you might be sight-fishing to tailing reds, working topwater plugs around oyster bars, or dropping live pilchards near structure where big snook hold. The captain shares local knowledge that only comes from years of fishing these specific waters, including which baits work best at different times of year and how to adjust your retrieve based on water temperature and clarity.
Spanish Mackerel are one of the most exciting light-tackle fighters you'll encounter in these waters. These sleek predators typically run 1-3 pounds but fight way above their weight class with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially when baitfish schools are thick near the passes. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to fast-moving spoons and small jigs, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action mixed with technical skill. When a school fires up, you can catch them one after another – but finding that school requires reading water conditions and understanding their feeding patterns.
Snook represent the holy grail of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators can stretch over 30 inches and fight like they're twice their size, using their gill plates and powerful runs to test your drag system. They're structure-oriented fish that hold around mangrove points, dock pilings, and oyster bars, but they're also incredibly spooky and selective about presentations. Summer months offer peak action, but skilled anglers can find them year-round by adjusting techniques and locations. Landing a quality snook requires patience, precise casting, and the ability to keep them out of cover once hooked.
Black Drum might not win beauty contests, but they're bulldogs that will test your tackle and technique. These bottom feeders can range from schooling "puppy drum" around 2-3 pounds up to trophy fish exceeding 20 pounds. They're year-round residents that respond well to live and cut bait presented near structure. Bigger drum require heavy tackle and patience – they're not fast swimmers, but they use their broad sides and stubborn nature to wear down anglers. Finding them often involves understanding subtle bottom changes and current patterns that concentrate baitfish.
Summer Flounder add a different dimension to your trip with their unique feeding behavior and excellent table fare. These flatfish are masters of camouflage that ambush prey from sandy bottoms and grass edges. They typically run 12-20 inches in these waters, with occasional doormat-sized fish that can stretch over 24 inches. Live bait bounced along the bottom produces consistent results, but they also respond to properly presented jigs and soft plastics. The key is maintaining bottom contact while covering ground systematically – flounder fishing rewards methodical anglers who pay attention to subtle strikes.
Redfish are the backbone of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, offering everything from exciting sight-fishing opportunities to hard-fighting battles in deeper water. These copper-colored fighters range from slot-sized fish around 18-27 inches up to oversized bulls that can exceed 30 pounds. They're year-round residents that adapt to seasonal changes by moving between shallow flats and deeper channels. Reds eat everything from live crabs to artificial lures, but success depends on matching your presentation to current conditions. Sight-fishing to tailing reds in shallow water represents some of the most technical and rewarding angling you'll find anywhere.
Captain Kodie's advanced half-day trips fill up quickly, especially during prime fishing seasons when conditions align perfectly. This experience delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – focused fishing time with an expert guide who understands both the local waters and advanced techniques. You'll come away with improved skills, better understanding of Southwest Florida's inshore fishery, and hopefully some quality fish photos. The combination of productive waters, quality
Your fishing platform for this advanced inshore adventure is a rock-solid 25' Parker rigged with a powerful 300hp Yamaha. This proven workboat cuts through Goodland's waters with confidence, getting you to productive fishing spots around the 10,000 Islands efficiently. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to four anglers without feeling cramped during the action. Captain Kodie has this Parker dialed in with serious fishing tech - GPS navigation to hit precise waypoints, fish finder to locate structure and baitfish, plus a proper live bait well to keep your offerings fresh. The onboard icebox keeps drinks cold and your catch properly chilled. Quality tackle and gear are ready to go, so you can focus on reading the water and working those technical presentations that advanced fishing demands. This setup delivers the reliability and fishability needed for a productive four-hour chase after Snook, Redfish, and Spanish Mackerel in Florida's challenging inshore waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the tanks of the inshore waters - thick, powerful fish that can run anywhere from 5-30 pounds around here. You'll find them cruising oyster bars and muddy flats in 2-8 feet, using those strong jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is when they school up for spawning and fishing gets really good. They're not the prettiest fish but they pull hard and steady - a totally different fight than anything else we target. Smaller ones eat great, but the big bruisers are better released. Best tip: use fresh cut crab on a circle hook and fish it right on bottom. When you feel that steady pull, don't set the hook - just start reeling and let the circle hook do its job.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our flats - bronze-backed beauties with those signature black spots near the tail. They run 20-30 inches typically, but we see plenty of bigger bulls pushing 35+ inches. You'll find them tailing in 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. They bite year-round but spring and fall are prime when they're really active. What makes them special is the sight fishing - watching them cruise the shallows and making that perfect cast. They fight strong and steady, plus they're excellent table fare in the slot. Local secret: look for nervous water or slight mud trails - that's usually a redfish rooting around for crabs on bottom.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature gamefish - sleek, golden fighters with that distinctive black lateral line. They average 18-28 inches around here but can push 40+ inches. You'll find them ambushing bait around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially around the full moon spawning periods. They fight like nothing else - powerful runs and that head-shaking jump. The meat is sweet and flaky when kept under the slot. My go-to tip: work your lure slow and close to structure. Snook are lazy - they want an easy meal, so put that bait right in their face and give it time to work.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, silver speedsters that run 1-3 pounds on average and love our warm Gulf waters. You'll find them schooling near the surface around structures and grass flats, especially during spring and fall migrations. They hit fast and fight hard for their size - those quick runs will test your drag. The meat is excellent eating with a mild flavor that grills up perfect. Best fishing is trolling small spoons or casting jigs when you see birds working, but here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep your bait in the water because they school tight and the others will stick around for a few more casts before moving on.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise - flat, camouflaged ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. They average 15-20 inches but can reach 5+ pounds. Look for them on sandy bottoms near structure in 8-25 feet, especially around inlet mouths and channel edges. Fall is peak season when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore. They're fun to catch because you never know when that slow drift will turn into a solid thump. Plus they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Pro tip: use a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid and work it slow along bottom - they need time to position for that sideways bite.
undefined, undefined