Ready to make the most of your afternoon in Naples? Hop aboard JP's Backwater Adventures for a 4-hour fishing trip that'll have you hooked from the start. We're talking prime time on the water, when the fish are hungry and the scenery's at its best. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this charter's got everything you need for a killer afternoon of fishing in some of Florida's most productive backwaters.
Picture this: You're cruising through the mangrove-lined waterways of Naples, rod in hand, as the afternoon sun starts to dip. That's when the action really heats up. We'll hit all the sweet spots where snook, redfish, and trout like to hang out. With room for up to three guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. No need to pack a lunch - we're all about maximizing fishing time. Just bring your game face and maybe a cold drink or two. Our seasoned guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some serious fish-catching potential.
On this trip, we're all about light tackle and live bait fishing. We'll set you up with top-notch gear - rods, reels, and all the tackle you need. Expect to do a mix of drift fishing and anchoring up in prime spots. We might toss some artificial lures if that's what's working, but live bait is usually the ticket in these parts. You'll learn to read the water, spot tells like bait movement or birds diving, and how to present your bait just right to entice those big ones. And don't worry if you're new to this - our guides are patient teachers who love showing folks the ropes.
Snook: These bad boys are the rock stars of inshore fishing. Known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, snook are a blast to catch. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting mangrove edges and oyster bars. Spring and fall are prime time for snook, but they're around all year. Get ready for a fight when you hook one of these silver bullets.
Redfish: Also called red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among anglers. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, and they pull like a freight train when hooked. Reds love to cruise the flats and hang around oyster bars. Fall is fantastic for redfish, but we catch 'em year-round. Nothing beats seeing a big red tailing in shallow water.
Sea Trout: Speckled trout are abundant in these waters and make for great eating if you're looking to take some fish home. They're known for their spotted pattern and delicate taste. Trout are often found over grass flats and around deeper holes. Winter's a great time for big gator trout, but we catch them all year. These guys are fun on light tackle and often hit topwater lures with exciting surface strikes.
Tarpon: The silver king is the holy grail of inshore fishing. These prehistoric beasts can grow over 100 pounds and are famous for their gill-rattling jumps. Late spring through summer is prime tarpon time in Naples. Hooking one is exciting, but landing one is a real accomplishment. Even if we don't target them specifically on this trip, keep your eyes peeled - you never know when one might show up.
Permit: These wary fish are a challenge to catch, which makes them all the more rewarding. With their distinctive forked tail and silvery bodies, permit are often found cruising flats or hanging around structure. Spring and fall are good times to target them. Landing a permit is a badge of honor for any angler.
Naples isn't just a fishing spot; it's a fishing paradise. The mix of mangrove backwaters, open flats, and nearshore Gulf waters means there's always something biting. Our afternoon trips hit that sweet spot when the day's heat starts to fade and the fish get active. Plus, there's something special about being on the water as the sun starts to set. It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. It's the whole package: the peaceful atmosphere, the chance to see dolphins or manatees, and the satisfaction of improving your angling skills with every cast.
So, what do you say? Ready to turn your afternoon into an angling adventure? Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy being out on the water, our 4-hour afternoon charter is the ticket. Naples' backwaters are calling, and the fish are waiting. Don't let this chance slip away - the best afternoon of your trip is just a booking away. Grab your spot now, and let's make some fishing memories!
Permit are the holy grail for many Naples flats anglers. These wary, disc-shaped fish typically run 10-30 pounds but can reach 50+. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or hanging around reefs and wrecks offshore. Permit have incredible eyesight and are notoriously picky eaters, making them one of the most challenging fish to catch on artificial lures or flies. But that difficulty is what makes landing one so rewarding. Spring through fall offers the best permit fishing as they move inshore to spawn. For your best shot, cruise the flats on calm days looking for dark shapes or tails. When you spot one, try a small crab imitation lure or fly. Just be ready - permit are known for blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds!
Redfish are one of Naples' most popular inshore species. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, though bull reds over 20 pounds prowl nearshore waters. Look for them tailing on shallow flats or cruising mangrove shorelines, especially on higher tides. Reds put up a stubborn fight and are excellent eating. The fall "flood tide" season, when extra high tides push fish way up into the mangroves, offers some of the year's best sight fishing. To improve your odds, use scented soft plastics like Gulp! shrimp. Work them slowly along the bottom, paying special attention to potholes and creek mouths. When you see a red's distinctive tail waving above the surface, you know you're in for some fun!
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of Naples backwater fishing. These spotted predators average 1-3 pounds but can reach 5+ pounds. You'll find them over grass flats and potholes, especially near deeper channels. Trout fishing is good year-round but peaks in spring and fall. They're fun to catch on light tackle and make excellent table fare. Trout are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. For consistent action, try drifting grass flats with live shrimp under a popping cork. When you find a school, anchor up and work the area thoroughly. The bite is often best on moving tides around dawn and dusk.
Snook are one of the most sought-after gamefish in Naples. These powerful predators typically range from 24-34 inches and 5-15 pounds, though trophy fish over 40 inches aren't unheard of. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structure in the backwaters. Snook fishing really heats up in summer when they gather to spawn near passes and beaches. They're known for explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often leaping clear out of the water. The meat is excellent too - firm, white, and delicious. To boost your odds, try freelining live pilchards or pinfish around structure during moving tides. Just be ready for that first run - snook are notorious for busting anglers off in the mangroves if you don't turn them quick.
Tarpon are the silver kings of Naples fishing. These prehistoric giants can reach 6+ feet and 150+ pounds. You'll find them rolling and gulping air in passes and along beaches from spring through fall. Tarpon are famous for their gill-rattling jumps and long, punishing fights. Hooking one is a real rush, but landing a big tarpon is a serious feat. They're not the best eating, but the thrill of the catch makes them a bucket list fish for many anglers. For your best shot, fish the early morning outgoing tides with live crabs or mullet. When you see them rolling, cast beyond them and slowly retrieve. Set the hook hard when you feel the weight, and hang on tight!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150