Top-Rated Private Backwater Fishing in Southwest Florida
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Target tarpon, snook, redfish across Naples backwatersSmall group fishing for up to 4 guestsGuided trips through Ten Thousand Islands ecosystem
Naples, Port Charlotte, and Estero Bay hold some of Florida's most productive backwater fishing grounds, where shallow flats and protected channels create perfect habitat for prized gamefish. This private charter takes you deep into these pristine waters, extending all the way to the legendary Ten Thousand Islands region. With room for up to four anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods while targeting snook, tarpon, redfish, sea trout, and tripletail in their natural environment. These sheltered waters stay calm even when offshore conditions get rough, making this a top-rated choice for serious anglers who want consistent action without battling big seas.
Your captain knows every creek, oyster bar, and grass flat in this expansive fishery. We'll start early to catch the best bite, working structure and current breaks where fish concentrate to feed. The backwaters here are maze-like, with countless mangrove shorelines, shallow flats, and deeper channels that hold different species throughout the tide cycle. You'll fish everything from two feet of water on the flats to deeper holes where big fish ambush baitfish. The scenery changes constantly as we move between fishing spots – one minute you're casting to a mangrove edge, the next you're sight-fishing on a crystal-clear flat. The boat stays in protected water, so seasickness isn't a concern, and you can focus entirely on fishing. This trip runs year-round except during tarpon spawning season from May 1 to July 15, when we respect the closed period for these magnificent fish.
Backwater fishing requires finesse and local knowledge. We use light to medium spinning tackle and fly rods, depending on conditions and target species. Live bait like pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp work great for most species, while artificial lures shine when fish are actively feeding. You'll learn to read water color, current breaks, and bird activity to locate fish. Sight-casting is a big part of the experience – watching for wakes, tails, and shadows on the flats before making your presentation. We'll anchor up on productive spots and also do plenty of drifting to cover water. The shallow draft boat lets us access areas where bigger vessels can't go, putting you on fish that see less pressure. Your captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, plus shares techniques that work specifically in these waters. Whether you prefer live bait fishing or throwing artificials, we'll match the approach to current conditions and your skill level.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida backwater fishing. These aggressive predators lurk around structure like docks, mangrove roots, and oyster bars, ambushing prey with explosive strikes. They average 18-28 inches in these waters, with trophy fish over 30 inches always possible. Fall and winter months offer the most consistent snook action when they move into the backcountry to escape cooling offshore temperatures. Their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs make every hookup memorable, plus they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black lateral line.
Tarpon bring world-class sport fishing to the backwaters, especially during their spring and early summer migration. Baby tarpon up to 50 pounds live in these waters year-round, while the giants pass through in massive schools. Even juvenile tarpon are aerial acrobats that can clear the water six feet or more. They're incredibly strong for their size and will test your tackle and technique. The sight of a rolling tarpon never gets old, and hooking one in shallow water creates an unforgettable fight with nowhere for the fish to hide.
Sea trout are abundant throughout the grass flats and provide steady action when other species are finicky. They average 14-18 inches with occasional "gator" trout over 20 inches that are true trophies. These spotted beauties are excellent table fare and fight harder than many anglers expect. They bite well on live shrimp under popping corks or soft plastic baits worked slowly across the bottom. Spring and fall produce the biggest numbers, but you can catch trout year-round in these productive waters.
Redfish patrol the shallows in small schools or as singles, often visible in just a foot or two of water. They average 18-24 inches and are famous for their bulldogging fights and copper-colored flanks. Reds are sight-fishing targets that test your casting accuracy and presentation skills. When hooked in shallow water, they make powerful runs that strip drag and get your heart pumping. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters, making them a customer favorite for anglers who like to take home dinner.
Tripletail are the wild card species that appear around floating debris, channel markers, and crab trap floats. These odd-shaped fish are incredible table fare and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. They often float on their sides near the surface, looking like floating leaves until you get close. Tripletail require stealth and accurate casting since they spook easily, but successful anglers are rewarded with one of Florida's most prized gamefish. Summer and fall are peak seasons when they're most common in the Ten Thousand Islands area.
This private backwater charter offers the perfect blend of scenic beauty and productive fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season. With five target species and endless water to explore, every trip brings new possibilities. The protected nature of these fishing grounds means we can fish comfortably in almost any weather, making this a reliable choice when offshore conditions aren't favorable. Your experienced captain knows exactly where to find fish based on tides, seasons, and current conditions, maximizing your chances for a successful day on the water. Book now to secure your dates and experience why the Naples to Ten Thousand Islands corridor is considered some of Florida's finest backwater fishing territory.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped 24′ Avenger bay boat, powered by a reliable 300 HP Suzuki engine that gets you to prime fishing spots quickly across Naples and Estero Bay's backwaters. The spacious deck gives everyone room to cast and fight fish, while the T-top provides welcome shade during those sunny Florida mornings. With seating for up to four anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out without tangled lines. The boat's wireless trolling motor lets you approach fish silently in shallow water, perfect for sneaking up on redfish and snook in the mangroves. The GPS keeps you on productive waters, while the fish finder helps locate schools of trout and pompano holding in deeper channels. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh throughout the day. The flybridge gives your captain excellent visibility to spot tailing fish and navigate the maze of islands and flats that make this area so productive for targeting everything from sharks to tripletail.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-30 inches with that signature black spot near the tail - it fools predators into attacking the wrong end. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove edges where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall through spring offers the most consistent action when they school up. What makes reds special? They fight like freight trains with long, powerful runs, and they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. Here's the key: look for muddy water or "redfish mud" where they've been feeding - it's a dead giveaway that fish are nearby.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are a backwater staple that'll keep your rod bent all day. These silvery beauties with dark spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in deeper holes. Look for them over grass flats, around oyster bars, and near drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months when water temps drop below 75°F. What makes trout fishing fun? They're aggressive biters that'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in our waters - flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Here's my go-to technique: work a popping cork with live shrimp over grass beds during moving tides.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These sleek fish average 1-2 feet but can stretch to 4+ feet, with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. You'll find them hugging mangrove shorelines, around docks, and in deeper cuts where they ambush prey. They love structure - anywhere there's cover, snook are likely lurking. Best fishing is early morning or late afternoon when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They fight hard with powerful runs and jumps, plus they're excellent table fare when kept in season. Here's a local tip: cast your bait past the structure and work it back slowly - snook prefer to ambush from cover rather than chase down fast-moving prey.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" is what tarpon fishing dreams are made of. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds but can top 200+ pounds and 6 feet long. You'll spot them rolling in channels, around bridges, and cruising the flats in our shallow backwaters. They prefer water temps above 75°F, making spring through early fall prime time. What sets tarpon apart? Their aerial acrobatics when hooked - expect multiple jumps and blistering runs that'll test your tackle and stamina. Most anglers practice catch-and-release since they're bony and not great eating. The real reward is the fight and photo. Pro tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the king - lower your rod tip to give slack and prevent the hook from pulling free during those spectacular leaps.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our more unique targets - oddball fish that look like floating debris until they come alive on your line. These deep-bodied fish average 2-13 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds, with rounded fins that give them their "triple tail" appearance. Find them floating near the surface around weed lines, crab trap floats, or any structure where they mimic dead leaves. Summer through fall is peak season when water temps stay above 70°F. What's cool about tripletail? They're surprisingly acrobatic for such chunky fish, and they taste phenomenal - often compared to snapper or grouper. The trick is staying stealthy: cast well past them and work your bait slowly into their strike zone. Spook one and it'll disappear like magic.
Naples, FL