Get ready for a full day of serious angling action in the rich inshore waters of Naples, Florida. This 8-hour trip with Dreamaker Fishing Charters is tailor-made for experienced anglers looking to push their skills to the limit. We're talking about targeting some of the most sought-after game fish in the area – from the acrobatic tarpon to the hard-fighting snook and the massive goliath grouper. With all the gear provided and a pro guide leading the way, you'll be set up for an epic day on the water.
Picture this: You're out on the water as the sun rises over Naples, rod in hand, ready to tangle with some of Florida's most prized inshore species. This isn't your average tourist fishing trip – it's a full 8 hours of strategic angling, moving between hotspots, and adapting techniques to match what the fish are doing that day. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on the fish, whether that means sight-casting to rolling tarpon, working mangrove edges for snook, or dropping lines near structure for grouper. With a max of 4 anglers, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and opportunities to hook into something big.
This trip is all about variety and adapting to what's biting. We might start the day throwing topwater lures for snook around oyster bars, then switch to live bait fishing for tarpon as the tide changes. If the sharks are around, we could spend some time battling these toothy predators. Your guide will read the conditions and use their local knowledge to put you in the right place at the right time. Expect to use a mix of techniques – from sight fishing in the shallows to working deeper channels with jigs or live bait. All the tackle is top-notch, and we'll have plenty of live and artificial bait options to match what the fish are keyed in on.
Naples is a world-class inshore fishing destination, and this trip showcases why. The diversity of species and fishing environments is hard to beat. One minute you could be sight-casting to a 100-pound tarpon, the next you're finessing a redfish out from under a dock. It's this variety that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Plus, with a full 8 hours on the water, you've got time to really dial in your techniques and potentially land that personal best catch. Our guides are passionate about what they do and love sharing their knowledge – whether it's about reading the water, perfecting your cast, or understanding fish behavior.
Tarpon: Known as the "Silver King," tarpon are the crown jewel of inshore fishing in Naples. These prehistoric fish can grow over 6 feet long and put on aerial displays that'll leave you breathless. Spring and early summer are prime times for tarpon, but they can be caught year-round. The challenge of hooking and landing one of these giants is what draws anglers from all over the world.
Snook: If there's a fish that defines inshore fishing in Southwest Florida, it's the snook. These ambush predators love to hang around structure – mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings. They're known for their explosive strikes and powerful runs. Snook fishing is excellent year-round, but the bite really heats up in the warmer months. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big snook crushing a topwater lure at first light.
Goliath Grouper: These massive fish are the tanks of the inshore world. Growing to sizes that can top 400 pounds, hooking into a goliath grouper is like trying to stop a freight train. While they're catch-and-release only, the experience of battling one of these giants is unforgettable. We typically target them around structure in deeper water, using heavy tackle and big baits.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of inshore fishing in Naples. They're known for their bulldog-like fights and their willingness to eat a variety of baits. Sight fishing for tailing redfish in shallow water is one of the most exciting ways to target them. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch them year-round.
Florida Pompano: Don't let their size fool you – pompano punch well above their weight class. These hard-fighting fish are prized for both their sporting qualities and their excellent table fare. We often find them cruising sandy areas and passes, especially in the cooler months. Jigging for pompano is a blast, and hooking one can lead to some surprisingly acrobatic jumps.
If you're an experienced angler looking for a top-notch inshore fishing experience in Naples, this is the trip for you. With 8 full hours on the water, expert guidance, and the chance to target some of Florida's most sought-after game fish, it's an opportunity you don't want to miss. Whether you're after that trophy tarpon, a slot-sized snook for dinner, or just a day full of bent rods and screaming drags, we've got you covered. The boat's limited to 4 anglers, so you'll get plenty of attention and opportunities to fish. Don't wait – prime dates book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Grab your spot now and get ready for a day of world-class inshore fishing in one of Florida's top destinations. Tight lines and see you on the water!
Florida Pompano are prized catches in Naples. These silvery, disk-shaped fish typically run 1-3 pounds but can reach up to 8 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, often near sandbars and passes. Pompano love to cruise the surf zone, feeding on small crustaceans and bivalves. Summer and fall are prime seasons, when water temps are warmest. Anglers enjoy targeting pompano for their strong, acrobatic fights and excellent table fare. Their flesh is mild and sweet - a local delicacy. To hook one, try using small jigs tipped with shrimp or sand fleas. Work them slowly along the bottom, mimicking their natural prey. A light setup with 10-15 lb test line gives the best sport with these feisty fish.
Goliath Grouper are the giants of Naples' waters. These massive fish can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds. You'll find them around deep structure like wrecks, reefs, and bridges in 20-100 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months, especially during spawning in late summer. Anglers target Goliaths for the sheer thrill - hooking one is like trying to stop a truck. The fight is usually short but intense. Use heavy tackle - an 80-wide reel with 400-pound test minimum. Large live baits like jacks or stingrays work best. Be ready for that first run - it'll test your gear and your back. Remember, Goliaths are protected, so it's catch-and-release only. Careful handling is crucial to ensure these prehistoric giants swim away healthy.
Redfish, or red drum, are Naples inshore staples. Most run 5-15 pounds, but trophy "bull reds" can top 40. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising mangrove shorelines. Fall is prime time when big schools gather to spawn. Anglers love reds for their bulldogging fights and reliability - they'll eat just about anything. Live bait like pinfish or cut mullet is deadly. For artificials, gold spoons or soft plastics on a jighead work great. Sight fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is a rush. Look for their copper backs or waving tails as they root for crabs. A 7-foot medium-action rod with 15-20 lb braid is perfect. Local tip: If you spot mullet jumping, there's a good chance reds are nearby.
Snook are the crown jewels of Naples inshore fishing. These sleek predators average 5-15 pounds but can top 40. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and beaches - anywhere there's structure and bait. Spring and fall are peak seasons as snook move between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers prize snook for their explosive strikes and powerful runs. They're crafty fighters, often trying to wrap you around pilings. For the best shot, use live bait like pilchards or pinfish. Artificials work too - try walk-the-dog topwaters at dawn. Snook can be picky, so matching the hatch is key. A 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 20-30 lb braid handles most situations. Remember, snook are catch-and-release only from December to February to protect the spawning stock.
Tarpon, the "Silver King," is Naples' ultimate gamefish. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds but can top 200. You'll find them rolling in passes and along beaches from spring through fall. May to July is prime time when big schools migrate through. Tarpon fishing is all about the spectacle - their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs are unmatched. Live bait like crabs or threadfin herring works well. For artificial, try big swim baits or DOA Baitbusters. Use heavy spinning gear or fly tackle if you're up for a real challenge. The key is a smooth, steady retrieve to trigger a strike. Once hooked, be ready for anything - tarpon fight dirty and never give up. It's catch-and-release only, so use circle hooks and handle them with care.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
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Horsepower per Engine: 250