Half Day Family Fishing in Goodland, Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish, snook, and flounderFamilyfriendly charter accommodating up to four guests with included equipmentProfessional captain provides handson assistance in Goodland's calm waters
Looking for a fishing trip that works for everyone in the family? Captain Kodie Fridley's 4-hour inshore adventure out of Goodland is exactly what you need. This isn't some rushed tourist trap – it's a genuine Florida fishing experience designed to get kids hooked on the sport while giving adults plenty of action. You'll cruise the productive waters around the 10,000 Islands, targeting some of Southwest Florida's most popular species in an area that consistently produces fish year-round.
Captain Kodie runs a 25-foot Parker that's built for comfort and fishing efficiency. The boat's got plenty of shade when the Florida sun gets intense, and there's room for up to four anglers to fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines. This is perfect for families because the kids can take breaks in the shade while mom or dad keeps fishing. The shallow draft lets us get into skinny water where the big reds like to cruise, but we're also equipped to head to deeper structure when the snook are holding tight to mangrove edges. All your bait, tackle, and fishing licenses are covered, so you just need to show up ready to fish. Captain Kodie's been guiding these waters long enough to know where the fish are holding based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns.
We're fishing light tackle here, which means more fight in the fish and more fun for everyone. Most of the time we're throwing live shrimp under popping corks around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines, or working soft plastics when the fish are being picky. The water around Goodland ranges from 2 to 8 feet deep in most spots, so we can sight-fish when conditions are right. Captain Kodie will rig everything for you, from setting the drag to choosing the right bait for conditions. Kids get special attention with simplified rigs that won't frustrate them, while experienced anglers can try more advanced presentations. We might anchor up on productive structure or drift grass flats depending on what's working best that day. The 10,000 Islands area gives us tons of options, from protected backcountry creeks to more open water near passes where Spanish mackerel cruise.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter fish around Goodland, especially during cooler months from October through March. These silver rockets are perfect for kids because they bite aggressively and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them schooled up around structure and grass beds, and they're excellent table fare. They typically run 1 to 3 pounds here, with bigger ones showing up during peak season. The best part about targeting mackerel is the fast action – once you find a school, everyone on the boat usually gets into fish.
Snook are the premier gamefish in this area and what serious anglers really want to catch. These ambush predators love hanging around mangrove points, dock pilings, and oyster bars where they can dart out to grab unsuspecting baitfish. They're incredibly smart and can be finicky, but Captain Kodie knows their habits well. Snook season opens and closes throughout the year, but they're always fun to catch and release. A slot-size snook (28 to 33 inches) will give you a fight you won't forget, with explosive runs and gill-rattling jumps.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore flats, and Goodland's waters hold some real monsters. These bottom feeders love crabs and shrimp, making them perfect targets for families since they're not too picky about presentation. You'll feel their powerful, steady runs rather than flashy jumps. The smaller ones (puppy drum) are great eating, while the big bulls – some pushing 30-plus pounds – are lifetime memories. They're most active during cooler months and around moving tides.
Summer Flounder add another dimension to your fishing day, especially around sandy areas and grass beds. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in the bottom waiting for bait to pass overhead. They require a different approach – usually bouncing bait along the bottom – but they're excellent table fare and fun to catch. Florida's flounder tend to be smaller than their northern cousins, but they're plentiful and aggressive when you find them.
Redfish are the stars of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and the waters around Goodland consistently produce quality fish. These copper-colored fighters love shallow water, making them perfect for sight-fishing when conditions allow. Reds are notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fights – they'll pull drag and test your patience. They're also great for beginners because they're not overly spooky and will eat a variety of baits. Slot-size reds (18 to 27 inches) are fantastic eating, while the oversized bulls are pure adrenaline.
This family-friendly fishing trip hits all the right notes – experienced guide, productive waters, comfortable boat, and target species that deliver consistent action. Captain Kodie's approach makes fishing accessible for kids while keeping experienced anglers engaged. The 4-hour timeframe is perfect for families, giving you enough time to hit multiple spots without wearing out the younger crew members. Goodland's location puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best inshore fishing, and this top-rated charter consistently delivers memorable days on the water. Don't miss out on creating those fishing memories that your family will talk about for years to come.
Step aboard this well-equipped 25' Parker motorboat, your floating headquarters for chasing snook and flounder around Goodland's productive waters. Powered by a reliable 300hp Yamaha outboard, she cuts through the shallows with ease while keeping your crew of four comfortable under shade. Captain Kodie has this boat dialed in with GPS to hit the hot spots, a fish finder to locate structure where the fish hang out, and a live bait well to keep your offerings fresh. The spacious deck gives everyone room to cast without tangling lines, while the built-in icebox keeps drinks cold and your catch fresh. From exploring mangrove shorelines to drifting grass flats in the 10,000 Islands, this setup handles it all. The shallow draft gets you into backcountry spots where bigger boats can't reach, putting you right where the redfish and snook like to feed. Perfect for families wanting to experience real Florida inshore fishing without the crowds.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are bottom-dwelling bruisers that can really surprise you with their size and strength. Most we catch run 5-15 pounds, but don't be shocked if you hook into a 30-40 pounder - they get massive. These dark, chunky fish love oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they can crush crabs and shellfish with their powerful jaws. Spring is when they really turn on, especially during spawning season when they school up in shallow water. What's cool is you can actually hear them "drumming" underwater - they make this distinctive croaking sound. The smaller ones are excellent eating with firm, white meat, but the big ones are better released. My best tip: use fresh crab or shrimp on a circle hook and fish it right on the bottom near oyster beds. When you feel that steady pull, don't set the hook hard - just start reeling and let the circle hook do its job.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our most popular inshore target, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots near the tail are built for shallow water fighting. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, perfect for the table, while the big bull reds can push 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines - sometimes in water so thin their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing here, but spring and fall are peak seasons when they school up heavy. What guests love most is sight-fishing to tailing reds in skinny water and watching them absolutely demolish topwater plugs. The meat is sweet and mild, great for any recipe. My local tip: look for nervous water or tails on the flats during moving tides. Cast past them and work your bait back slowly - never cast directly on top of feeding fish or you'll spook the whole school.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the kings of our inshore waters - sleek, silver fish with that unmistakable black lateral line running down their sides. Most run 18-30 inches, but the big females can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They love hanging around mangroves, dock pilings, and creek mouths in shallow water, usually 2-6 feet deep. Spring and summer are prime time, especially around the full and new moons when they spawn. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll dive straight for cover the second they feel the hook. Plus, smaller ones make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's my local secret: target the shadow lines along mangrove shorelines during moving tides. Cast your bait right into that shade and let it drift naturally - that's where they ambush their prey.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast-moving silver fish with distinctive yellow spots along their sides. Around here, they typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds, though bigger ones show up offshore. These speedsters love to school up near the surface around grass flats, channel edges, and structure in 10-30 feet of water. Best fishing happens spring through fall when water temps are warm - they head south when it cools down. Guests love them because they hit hard, make blazing runs, and taste great grilled or smoked. The meat has a mild flavor that's perfect for families. My go-to trick is trolling small spoons or casting jigs to visible schools, but here's the key - once you hook one, keep your bait in the water because where there's one Spanish, there's usually a whole bunch more ready to bite.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators - flat, brown fish that lie perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to strike. They're like underwater chameleons, changing color to match their surroundings. Most run 15-20 inches, but the bigger females can reach 6-8 pounds and are real fighters. Look for them on sandy flats, around inlet mouths, and near structure in 8-25 feet of water. Fall is prime time, especially September through November when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they come off the bottom - plus they're hands-down one of the best eating fish in our waters. The meat is sweet, white, and flaky. Here's my trick: use a bucktail jig tipped with strip bait or live finger mullet, and work it slow along the bottom. When you feel that tap-tap-pull, give them a second to fully commit before setting the hook.
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