Naples Afternoon Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon fishing charter starting at 1:00 PMExpert fly fishing and inshore techniques in backcountry watersSmall group experience with maximum two guests per trip
Looking for a solid afternoon on the water? Captain Mattison's 4-hour Naples fishing charter kicks off at 1:00 PM, perfect for folks who aren't morning people or want to squeeze in a half-day trip. You'll be targeting some of Southwest Florida's most sought-after inshore species around Naples' backcountry waters, flats, and nearshore areas. With room for just two anglers, this isn't a cattle boat situation – you're getting personalized attention and prime fishing spots that bigger operations can't access.
Captain Mattison knows these Naples waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're slinging flies or throwing artificials. The afternoon timing actually works in your favor – you'll avoid the morning boat traffic and hit the water when fish start getting active again after the midday lull. You'll be fishing everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise to deeper cuts where tarpon roll. The backcountry around Naples offers endless opportunities, from oyster bars holding snook to sandy potholes where black drum root around. Don't worry about experience level – Captain Mattison works with everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers looking to dial in their technique.
This charter covers both fly fishing and conventional light tackle, so you can choose your weapon or try both. If you're into fly fishing, you'll be sight casting to cruising fish on the flats – there's nothing quite like watching a redfish eat your fly in crystal clear water. Captain Mattison provides quality gear, but feel free to bring your own rod if you've got a favorite setup. For conventional tackle, you'll be throwing everything from topwater plugs at dawn to soft plastics worked along structure. The key here is staying light – we're talking 15-20 pound tackle max. These inshore fish are spooky, especially in Naples' clear waters, so finesse beats power every time. You'll learn to read the water, spot fish, and make accurate casts to feeding opportunities.
Snook are the crown jewel of Naples inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around docks, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars where they can surprise baitfish. They're most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round in Naples. What makes snook so special? They fight like hell, jumping and bulldogging toward structure. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black lateral line. Captain Mattison knows exactly where they stage during different tide phases.
Redfish are another customer favorite, especially for fly anglers. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallow flats in small schools, tailing and rooting for crabs and shrimp. Fall and winter are prime time for big reds in Naples, when mature fish move through on their spawning runs. They're not the flashiest fighters, but they make up for it with pure bulldogging power. Watch for their backs and tails breaking the surface – that's when you know you're in for some sight fishing magic.
Tarpon fishing around Naples is world-class, particularly from April through July when big schools migrate through the area. These silver kings are the ultimate gamefish – they can reach over 100 pounds and launch themselves completely out of the water when hooked. Even smaller tarpon in the 20-40 pound range will test your tackle and technique. The key is keeping them buttoned up during those aerial displays. Captain Mattison positions you where tarpon are rolling and feeding, giving you the best shot at these legendary fish.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish, but they're absolute tanks that will surprise you with their strength. These bottom-feeders love oyster bars and grass flats where they root around for crabs and mollusks. Spring is prime time for big drum in Naples waters. They're perfect for anglers who want to feel their rod doubled over – these fish fight deep and dirty, using their broad sides to resist every inch of the way up.
Crevalle jack round out the target species list as the scrappy underdogs. These aggressive fish hit hard and fight way above their weight class. They school up around bait pods and structure, making them relatively easy to locate but challenging to land on light tackle. Jacks are available year-round in Naples and provide constant action when other species are finicky. They're also excellent bait for larger predators like tarpon and big snook.
This 4-hour afternoon charter with Captain Mattison offers everything you want in a Naples fishing experience – expert local knowledge, quality gear, prime fishing locations, and the chance to tangle with some of Florida's best gamefish. The 1:00 PM start time gives you flexibility while still putting you on the water during productive afternoon hours. With space for just two anglers, you're guaranteed personal attention and the best possible fishing opportunities. Whether you're looking to master sight fishing on the flats or just want to bend some rods, this charter delivers. Book now and get ready to experience what makes Naples one of Florida's top inshore fishing destinations.
Captain Mattison's 17-foot poling skiff is perfectly designed for Naples' shallow inshore waters and backcountry flats. This nimble boat gets you into those tight spots where the fish like to hide, whether you're sight-fishing the grass beds or working the mangrove shorelines. The shallow draft lets us pole into water barely knee-deep, giving you shots at snook, redfish, and tarpon that bigger boats can't reach. We've got an icebox onboard to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the afternoon heat. GPS keeps us on the productive spots, while the VHF radio ensures we stay connected. With space for just two anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of casting room. This boat handles Naples' diverse fishing grounds with ease - from the sandy flats near Gordon Pass to the deeper pockets around the Ten Thousand Islands. Whether you're fly fishing or spinning, this skiff puts you right where the action is.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweight champions of our inshore waters, commonly running 10-25 pounds with some bruisers pushing 40-plus. These dark, powerful fish hang around oyster beds, mudflats, and creek mouths in 3-20 feet of water - anywhere they can crunch on crabs and shellfish with those crushing jaws. Spring offers the best fishing when they school up for spawning, but we catch them year-round in our warmer Naples waters. Guests love the steady, bulldogging fight these fish put up - no flashy jumps, just pure muscle and determination. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on the bottom, and don't set the hook too hard when you feel that first tap. Let them take it and turn before you tighten up - they're notorious for dropping baits if you rush them.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our inshore waters - pure muscle wrapped in gold and green. These aggressive fighters typically run 3-8 pounds, but the big boys can hit 15-20 pounds and really smoke your drag. You'll find schools of them around structure, grass flats, and anywhere baitfish congregate in 5-40 feet of water. They're around year-round, but summer and fall are peak times when they're actively feeding. What makes jacks special is their relentless fight - no fancy jumps, just non-stop pulling power that'll leave your arms burning. They're not great table fare, but the action is addictive. Look for diving birds - that's your jackpot sign that jacks are pushing bait to the surface. Cast fast-moving lures like spoons or swimbaits right into the chaos and hang on tight. Once you hook one, others often follow, so keep that lure moving.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread-and-butter species - reliable fighters with that distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-bronze coloring. Most of our Naples reds run 18-28 inches, perfect for the table or a great photo. They cruise the grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. Year-round fishing is solid here, but fall and winter are prime time when they school up. What guests love about reds is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging fight - they'll make long runs and use their broad tails to pull hard. The meat is fantastic too, mild and firm. Here's what works: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats. When you spot them, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait settle naturally. Reds spook easily in shallow water, so quiet approaches pay off big time.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most prized inshore targets here in Naples. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-24 inches, though we occasionally hook into 3-footers that'll really test your drag. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and structure in depths from 2-15 feet - they love ambush points where they can dart out at baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to throw the hook. The meat is excellent eating too, sweet and flaky. Here's a local trick: when fishing around mangroves, cast your bait right into the roots and let it sink naturally. Snook can't resist an easy meal dropping right in front of them.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters - pure adrenaline on a fishing line. These prehistoric giants average 80-120 pounds and 4-6 feet long, with some monsters pushing 200 pounds. We find them rolling in our passes, around bridges, and on the flats in 5-30 feet of water during their migration from April through October. 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 the meat isn't great, but the fight is pure magic. These fish can live 50+ years, so every one counts. My advice: when they jump, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to give them slack. This prevents them from throwing the hook on their aerial display. It's counterintuitive, but it works.
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