Backwater Fishing in Naples, Florida: Tarpon, Redfish & Snook

Glide through mangroves to cast for tarpon, snook, and sharks in hidden backwaters

Half-day backwater fishing in Naples, Florida puts you on a boat in the mangrove-lined shallows targeting tarpon, redfish, snook, sea trout and shark with light-tackle rigs. An English-speaking guide handles navigation through the quiet inshore waters while you fish the protected channels and flats where these species feed. Spin and fly-fishing tackle, your license and a cooler with ice come with the booking.

The experience

The mangrove habitat around Naples is shallow, quiet and built for light-tackle fishing: the kind where you feel the rod work and see the fish respond. You'll fish the backwater flats and channels where tarpon, redfish, snook and sea trout hold in the protected waters, and the guide reads the tide and the bottom to position the boat where the fish are feeding. The tackle is set up before you start. You bring the focus.

Four hours on the water means you cover enough ground to hit multiple spots without rushing between them. The guide speaks English and knows which areas are producing on the day you're out there. Spin rods and fly-fishing rods both come rigged and ready, so you can switch between them or stick with one depending on what's working and what you prefer to cast.

Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses: the water reflects hard and the sun doesn't quit. Drinks and snacks are on you. The cooler holds ice for anything you bring along. Kids are welcome and should dress for the weather. Anyone can fish these waters regardless of experience level.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide and captain.
• spin fishing tackle and fly-fishing rods and reels, both rigged and ready.
• fishing license.
• cooler with ice.

Information

Lasts 4h, runs every day with no fixed time, from US$ 700 per group, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate1 group tour ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Naples Florida Fishing Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Naples and want to fish the backwaters without owning a boat. The guide provides tackle, license, and navigation from a local launch point.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What fish can I actually catch in Naples' backwaters?

Tarpon, redfish, snook, sea trout and shark all live in the mangrove shallows around Naples. The guide targets whichever species are feeding on the day you go out, and light-tackle rigs let you feel the strike and the fight on each one.

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?

No. Spin rods and fly-fishing rods both come rigged and ready to cast. The guide provides the tackle, your fishing license, and a cooler with ice. You just bring the focus and the sunscreen.

How much of the four hours is actually spent fishing versus traveling between spots?

The guide positions the boat in productive water and you fish while the boat is anchored or drifting. Moving between spots takes time, but four hours on the water gives you enough time to hit multiple areas without constant travel.

What should I wear for a morning or afternoon on the backwater?

Dress for the weather and bring a hat and sunglasses: the water reflects the sun hard and there's no shade on the boat. Sunscreen is essential. Reapply it during the trip. Shoes with grip help on a wet deck.

Can I bring my kids on this fishing trip?

Yes. Kids are welcome and should dress according to the weather with hats and sunscreen. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. All physical fitness levels can fish the backwaters. The guide adjusts the pace and the spots to match who's on the boat.