Full Day Naples Inshore Fishing with Captain Mattison
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Extended 8hour inshore fishing adventure with Captain MattisonTarget premium species including Snook, Tarpon, and Jack CrevalleFly fishing and inshore techniques for maximum success
When you're looking to make the most of your time on Naples waters, this extended 8-hour charter with Captain Mattison is exactly what serious anglers have been asking for. Starting at 7:00 a.m., you'll have the entire morning and afternoon to work the flats, mangrove shorelines, and backcountry waters that make Southwest Florida a world-class fishing destination. This isn't a rushed half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. With 8 full hours and a maximum of just 2 guests, you get the personalized attention and flexibility that turns good fishing days into legendary ones.
Captain Mattison knows these Naples waters like the back of his hand, and with an early morning start, you'll be positioned perfectly to take advantage of the best bite times. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is the variety you can cover. You might start the morning working grass flats for redfish, move to deeper structure for tarpon during the heat of the day, then finish strong in the mangroves as the afternoon bite picks up. The boat is rigged for both conventional and fly fishing, so whether you're throwing live bait at a school of jacks or presenting a perfectly placed fly to a laid-up snook, you're covered. Expect to move around quite a bit – that's the advantage of having all day. When one spot cools off, you simply relocate to where the fish are feeding. The pace is relaxed but purposeful, giving you time to really dial in your technique and enjoy the experience without constantly watching the clock.
This charter comes fully equipped with top-rated rods, reels, and tackle specifically chosen for Naples inshore fishing. You'll be using medium to heavy spinning gear for most conventional fishing, with circle hooks and live bait being the go-to setup for species like snook and tarpon. The fly gear is lightweight 8-weight outfits perfect for sight fishing on the flats. Captain Mattison carries an arsenal of proven lures including topwater plugs, soft plastics, and spoons that have been producing consistently in local waters. Techniques vary based on conditions and target species, but you can expect to do plenty of sight fishing, especially during the morning hours when the water is calm and visibility is best. Live bait fishing around structure is another staple, particularly effective for tarpon and larger snook. The shallow draft boat allows access to skinny water areas that bigger vessels can't reach, opening up fishing opportunities in pristine backcountry spots where the fish see less pressure.
Snook are the bread and butter of Naples inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love the mangrove shorelines and dock pilings that dot the area, making them a consistent target year-round. They're most active during the warmer months, and there's nothing quite like watching a big snook explode on a topwater lure in shallow water. Expect fish in the 20 to 30-inch range, with the occasional bruiser pushing 35 inches or more. What makes snook special is their fighting ability – they'll jump, run, and do everything they can to wrap you around the nearest structure.
Tarpon fishing in Naples is legendary, especially during the spring and summer months when juvenile tarpon flood the backcountry and adult fish migrate along the beaches. The "silver king" is arguably the most sought-after gamefish in these waters, and rightfully so. Juvenile tarpon in the 20 to 50-pound range are common in the canals and residential areas, while the giants – fish over 100 pounds – patrol the nearshore waters and passes. The acrobatic displays these fish put on when hooked are absolutely spectacular, with multiple jumps and long, powerful runs that will test your tackle and your skills.
Redfish are another customer favorite, particularly for anglers who enjoy sight fishing. These copper-colored beauties cruise the grass flats and oyster bars in shallow water, often with their backs and tail fins visible above the surface. They're cooperative year-round and make excellent targets for both conventional and fly fishing. Most Naples reds run between 20 and 30 inches, and they're known for their bulldogging fights in shallow water. The satisfaction of spotting a red, making a good cast, and watching the fish eat your bait never gets old.
Black drum are often overlooked but provide some of the best action when conditions are right. These bottom feeders are found around oyster bars and structure, and they're particularly active during cooler months when other species might be less cooperative. They're excellent eating and can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon. They fight hard and deep, testing your patience and tackle in the best possible way.
Crevalle jacks round out the slam and provide non-stop action when you find them. These aggressive fighters travel in schools and will attack just about anything you throw at them. They're perfect for warming up your arms and are especially fun on lighter tackle. While not typically kept for the table, jacks are pure entertainment and often save the day when other species aren't cooperating. They're strong, fast, and will definitely get your drag screaming.
An 8-hour charter with Skinny Water Guide Co. gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Naples inshore fishing has to offer. You're not rushing through spots or cutting the day short just when the bite is picking up. Captain Mattison's local knowledge, combined with top-quality gear and a boat that can access the most productive waters, creates the perfect recipe for a memorable day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or someone wanting to experience the variety that makes Southwest Florida fishing so special, this extended charter delivers the goods. The early start time means you'll beat the boat traffic and afternoon weather that can pop up during
Your Naples fishing adventure starts aboard a nimble 17-foot poling skiff, perfectly designed for chasing trophy fish in shallow inshore waters. This agile boat gets you into those tight spots where snook hide along mangrove shorelines and tarpon cruise the flats. The shallow draft lets Captain Mattison navigate skinny water that bigger boats can't reach, putting you right where the fish are feeding. Stay connected with marine VHF radio communication and GPS navigation to mark those hot fishing spots for future trips. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and preserves your catch during those long 8-hour days on the water. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space whether you're sight fishing for jack crevalle or working flies around structure for tripletail.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore flats, averaging 15-30 pounds with some giants pushing 50+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish cruise oyster bars and muddy bottoms using their crushing jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish - you can actually hear them feeding. We find them year-round in Naples waters, but spring is prime time when they school up for spawning in shallow bays and around structure. They fight like freight trains, using their broad bodies and strength to test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Bigger fish get tough and stringy, so we usually release the monsters. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut bait right on the bottom. These fish are nose-down feeders, so if your bait isn't bumping bottom, you're not in the strike zone.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldozers of Naples waters - thick, muscular fish that average 5-15 pounds but can hit 30+ pounds. These brassy-green bruisers school up and terrorize baitfish from spring through fall, creating some of the most visual fishing we have. Look for diving birds and bait getting pushed to the surface - that's your jackpot. They'll hit anything that moves fast, from spoons to topwater plugs to flies. What guests love is the non-stop action and freight-train fight. Jacks don't jump, they just pull and never quit. They're not great table fare, so we usually release them to fight another day. Some folks even report a watermelon smell when big schools are feeding. Pro tip: cast past the school and burn your lure back through them as fast as you can reel. These fish love the chase, and aggressive retrieves trigger violent strikes.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Naples' most reliable inshore target, running 20-30 inches on average with bronze backs and that distinctive black spot near the tail. These copper-colored beauties cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in skinny water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. We catch them year-round, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action as they school up and feed aggressively. Redfish are perfect for families because they fight hard but fair, making long runs without jumping. They're also excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. The key is their tail-up feeding behavior in shallow water - when you see that bronze back and black spot, it's game time. Cast your bait or lure well ahead of a tailing fish and work it slowly past their nose. Spook them once and they're gone, so stealth pays off big time.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most prized inshore targets here in Naples. These sleek, golden fish typically run 18-30 inches, though we occasionally hook into 40+ inch bruisers. They love hanging around mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water. The pronounced black lateral line makes them easy to spot when sight fishing. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll use every bit of structure to break you off. Plus, they're fantastic eating if you keep one in slot. Pro tip: work your bait or lure parallel to the mangroves rather than casting directly at them. Snook ambush from the shadows, so keeping your presentation in the strike zone longer pays off.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - silver giants that can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds right here in Naples waters. These prehistoric fish patrol our shallow flats, channels, and bridges from spring through fall, with peak season being May through August. What sets tarpon apart is their aerial show - they'll jump 8 feet out of the water, gill-rattling and tail-walking like no other fish. Most anglers practice catch and release since they're not great eating due to bony, oily meat. The real thrill is the fight and those spectacular jumps. We target them with live mullet, crabs, and flies around structure in 4-15 feet of water. My advice: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This slack prevents the hook from pulling during their violent head shakes. Keep steady pressure but let them run when they want to.
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