Expert-Guided Naples Fishing Charters | JP's Backwater

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Naples
$500 - $850 price range

Summary

Looking for a fun morning on the water in Naples? Join us for a 4-hour backwater fishing trip through the Ten Thousand Islands. We'll cruise out early to hit the best spots where you can try your luck for popular catches like snook, redfish, and trout. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area while enjoying some relaxed fishing time. Our smaller boat takes up to 3 guests, so you'll get plenty of individual attention from the captain. As we navigate the scenic waterways, keep an eye out for local wildlife and soak in those peaceful morning views. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, this laid-back trip offers a perfect taste of Naples fishing. Grab your hat and sunscreen - we'll provide everything else you need for a great day on the water.

Expert-Guided Naples Fishing Charters | JP's Backwater

Naples Backwater Catches

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Snook Naples Charter Fishing

Naples Charter Fishing Excursions

Two anglers fishing in Naples, Florida with a great catch

Redfish Bites Naples Waters

Naples Backwater Morning Fishing: 4-Hour Charter

Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to kick off your day with some prime Naples fishing action? Our 4-hour morning charters are the perfect way to get your line wet and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Ten Thousand Islands. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we've got the spots and the know-how to put you on the fish. Snook, redfish, trout – they're all waiting for you in these productive backwaters. So grab your hat and let's hit the water!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising through pristine mangrove tunnels as the sun peeks over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the calm waters. That's how we kick off our mornings here in Naples. As we weave through the maze-like backwaters, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, and all sorts of birds doing their morning routines. Once we hit our sweet spots, it's time to get down to business. We'll be targeting the inshore slam – snook, redfish, and trout – but don't be surprised if a feisty permit or snapper decides to crash the party. With four solid hours on the water, we've got plenty of time to try different spots and techniques to make sure you're in on the action.

Fishing Tactics & Gear

Alright, let's talk shop. In these backwaters, we're all about light tackle and finesse. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are in the mood for that day. Expect to do some sight casting in the shallows – there's nothing quite like spotting a tailing redfish and placing that perfect cast. We'll also work some deeper holes and creek mouths where the big snook like to hang out. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; we'll walk you through every cast and retrieve. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two).

Top Catches This Season

The backwaters have been on fire lately! Snook have been crushing topwater lures around the mangrove edges, especially on those incoming tides. We've been finding some monster redfish tailing in the shallow grass flats – sight fishing for these bruisers is an absolute blast. The trout bite has been steady, with some real gators mixed in with the schoolies. And for those looking for a real challenge, we've been spotting some permit cruising the flats on the clearer days. Nothing beats the thrill of hooking into one of these picky eaters!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: The undisputed kings of the backwater, snook are the prize catch for many anglers visiting Naples. These hard-fighting fish love to ambush their prey around structure, so we'll be targeting mangrove edges, oyster bars, and dock pilings. Snook can grow upwards of 40 inches, and their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs will test your skills and your gear. Spring and fall are prime snook seasons, but we catch them year-round in these parts.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of Naples backwater fishing. Redfish are known for their powerful fights and their distinctive spot near the tail. We often find them tailing in shallow water, rooting around for crabs and shrimp. The sight of a school of reds pushing water in the flats is enough to get any angler's heart racing. Fall is the peak season, but we have great redfish action throughout the year.

Sea Trout: Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them, are abundant in our waters and are a blast to catch on light tackle. These fish school up over grass flats and around deeper holes, making for some fast-paced action when we find them. Trout are known for their delicate mouths, so finesse is key. Winter is prime time for big gator trout, but we catch them consistently year-round.

Grey Snapper: Don't let their size fool you – grey snapper (also called mangrove snapper) are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish in these waters. These crafty predators hang around structure and are known for their lightning-fast strikes. They're a great target when the bite is tough elsewhere, and they make for some fantastic eating if you're looking to take home dinner.

Permit: The holy grail of flats fishing, permit are the ultimate challenge for any angler. These wary fish have excellent eyesight and are notoriously picky eaters. We don't see them every day, but when we do, it's a special treat. Permit prefer crabs and shrimp, and fooling one with an artificial lure is a true accomplishment. Spring and summer offer the best chances at encountering these silver ghosts.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, there's something special about these Naples backwaters that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of hooking into a monster snook as it explodes on a topwater plug. Or perhaps it's the peaceful silence of the early morning, broken only by the splash of a jumping mullet. Could be the chance to spot a family of dolphins playing in the channel or a manatee lazily cruising by. Whatever it is, this place has a way of getting under your skin. And let's not forget the fishing – with such a diverse range of species and fishing styles, every trip out here is a new adventure. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to check that backwater slam off your list or a newbie hoping to catch your first redfish, these waters have something for everyone.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best backwater fishing Naples has to offer, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 4-hour morning charters are perfect for beating the heat and hitting those prime feeding times. With room for up to three anglers, it's a great option for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies. Remember, the early bird gets the worm – or in this case, the fish! So don't wait around; give us a call or hit that 'Book Now' button. We'll take care of all the details, from licenses to gear, so all you have to do is show up ready for some rod-bending action. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Grey Snapper

Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper, are a fun inshore species to target around Naples. They usually run 10-14 inches but can reach 20+ inches in open water. Look for them around docks, bridges, and reefs in 10-100 feet of water. These opportunistic feeders will hit live bait, cut bait, or artificial lures. Grey snapper fishing is good year-round but peaks in summer when they spawn during full moons. Anglers enjoy their aggressive bites and tasty white meat. They can be finicky, so use light leaders and small hooks. Here's a trick: chum with cut bait to get a school fired up, then drop your bait right into the frenzy. Just be ready to set the hook fast - they're known for their quick, sharp strikes!

Permit

Permit are the holy grail for many Naples flats anglers. These wary fish average 10-20 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds. You'll find them cruising shallow flats or hanging around offshore wrecks and reefs. Permit have incredible eyesight and spook easily, making them a true challenge. They primarily eat crabs, so crab-imitating flies and lures are your best bet. Spring and summer are prime as permit move shallow to spawn. Anglers pursue permit for the ultimate sight fishing experience and their blistering runs when hooked. They're more about the sport than the meat. Here's a tip: when you spot a permit, make a long cast well ahead of its path. Let your bait sit motionless until the fish approaches, then give it a subtle twitch. Patience and accuracy are key with these picky eaters.

Redfish

Redfish are one of the most popular inshore species in Naples. They average 20-30 inches but can reach over 40 inches in "bull" form. Look for them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising mangrove shorelines, often in water barely covering their backs. Redfish feed aggressively on shrimp, crabs, and small fish, so a variety of lures and live baits work well. They're catchable year-round but really fire up in fall as water cools. Anglers love sight fishing for reds and their powerful, bulldogging fights. Their mild, flaky meat is also excellent on the table. Here's a local secret: on hot summer days, target redfish around oyster bars on a falling tide. The cooler water flowing off the flats concentrates bait and reds in these areas.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a staple of Naples backcountry fishing. Most run 14-20 inches, though gator trout over 24 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them in grass flats, channels, and around oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Trout hit a variety of lures and live baits, with topwater plugs providing exciting visual strikes. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temperatures are ideal. Anglers love sea trout for their willingness to bite and delicate flavor. They're not the strongest fighters, but light tackle makes for fun action. Pro tip: work your lure with a twitch-pause retrieve to trigger strikes from these aggressive predators.

Snook

Snook are a prized catch in Naples, known for their silver bodies and distinctive black lateral line. They typically range from 20-30 inches, though trophy fish can reach 40+ inches. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow waters. Snook love ambushing prey, so casting lures or live bait near cover is your best bet. They're most active spring through fall, especially around the full and new moons. Anglers love targeting snook for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Their meat is also delicious, but be sure to check regulations as they're carefully managed. Here's a local tip: when sight fishing, look for their distinct shadow or flashing sides as they turn. A well-placed cast in front of a cruising snook can trigger an instinctive strike.

About the Skeeter (Bay boat)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready for an awesome morning on the water? Join us for a 4-hour fishing trip in Naples, Florida that'll have you hooked! We'll cruise through the gorgeous Ten Thousand Islands, hitting prime spots where the fish are biting. Whether you're after snook, redfish, or trout, our backwater adventure gives you a great shot at reeling in some beauties. As the sun rises over the islands, you'll soak in the peaceful vibes and maybe spot some cool wildlife too. With room for 3 guests, it's the perfect way to spend a morning with friends or family. Don't just dream about that big catch - come make it happen! Book your Naples fishing charter now and get ready for some serious fun on the flats.

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