Top-Rated Naples Inshore Fishing | 6-Hour Charters

Naples Fishing Charters: 6 Hours of Backwater Bliss

Get ready for a fish-filled day on the water with JP's Backwater Adventures in Naples, FL. Our 6-hour inshore fishing trip is the perfect way to dive deep into the local angling scene. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we've got the spots, the know-how, and the passion to make your day on the water one for the books. With room for up to 3 guests, it's ideal for a small group of friends or family looking to reel in some memories (and hopefully a few fish, too).

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. We'll cruise through Naples' stunning backwaters, weaving through mangrove-lined channels and across shallow flats. Your guide will be on the lookout for tell-tale signs of fish activity - from bait schools to rolling tarpon. We've got plenty of time to hit multiple spots, so if one area isn't producing, we'll move on to the next honey hole. You'll have chances to cast for snook hiding under mangrove roots, sight-fish for redfish tailing on the flats, and maybe even tangle with a high-flying tarpon. Just remember, in fishing, every day is different - that's what keeps us coming back!

Rods, Reels, and Techniques

We'll be using a mix of light tackle and fly fishing gear, depending on your preference and the conditions. For most of our inshore fishing, we'll be using 7-foot medium-action rods paired with 3000-size spinning reels. We'll rig up with a variety of lures - from soft plastics to topwater plugs - and live bait when the bite calls for it. You might find yourself working a jig along the bottom for snapper, or skipping a live shrimp under the mangroves for snook. If fly fishing's your game, we've got 8-weight setups perfect for presenting flies to spooky redfish. Your guide will show you the ropes and help you dial in your technique throughout the day.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook are the rock stars of Naples' backwaters. These hard-fighting, line-stripping predators love to hang out around structure, ambushing bait as it swims by. They're known for their gill-rattling head shakes and acrobatic jumps. Spring and fall are prime times to target snook, but they can be caught year-round if you know where to look.

Grey (Mangrove) Snapper might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and taste. These crafty little devils are masters of the short strike, so a quick hookset is key. They hang around docks, pilings, and - you guessed it - mangrove roots. A light tackle fight with a mangrove snapper is pure fun, and they make for excellent eating if you're looking to take some fish home for dinner.

Tarpon, the "Silver King," is the holy grail for many inshore anglers. These prehistoric beasts can grow over 100 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Targeting tarpon is a game of patience and precision. We'll look for them rolling on the surface or finning in deeper channels. Peak tarpon season runs from late spring through summer, but juvenile tarpon can be found in the backwaters year-round.

Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored bruisers put up a stubborn fight, often trying to wrap you around every piece of structure they can find. The thrill of sight-fishing for tailing redfish in skinny water is hard to beat. Fall is prime time for big schools of redfish, but they're a year-round target in Naples.

Permit are the Holy Grail of flats fishing. These wary, disc-shaped fish have incredible eyesight and are notoriously picky eaters. Hooking one is an accomplishment; landing one is cause for celebration. We typically find permit cruising the flats or hanging around structure like bridge pilings. Spring and summer offer the best permit fishing, but it's always a game of being in the right place at the right time.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the backwaters of Naples. Maybe it's the way the morning light filters through the mangroves, or the heart-stopping moment when a big snook crashes your topwater lure. Perhaps it's the satisfaction of perfectly presenting a fly to a tailing redfish and watching it pounce. Or it could be the simple pleasure of spending a day on the water with good company, swapping stories and soaking in the natural beauty of Southwest Florida. Whatever draws you in, we're confident that once you experience Naples fishing, you'll be hooked for life.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to get out on the water and see what Naples fishing is all about? Our 6-hour trip gives you plenty of time to explore different spots, try various techniques, and hopefully put some fish in the boat. Remember, we provide all the gear you need, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. Don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up throughout the day. Sun protection is a must - hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are your best friends out here. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water, we've got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Give JP's Backwater Adventures a call and let's start planning your Naples fishing adventure. The fish are waiting - are you ready to meet them?