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Naples Afternoon Fishing & Shelling Adventure
- Published Date: November 19, 2025
- Fishing
- 525 Newport Dr, Naples, FL, United States
- Updated Date: December 19, 2025
Summary
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Island Fishing Adventures
Family-Friendly Island Fishing & Shelling Trip
Picture this: you're cruising through the pristine waters of the Ten Thousand Islands with Captain William, watching your kids' faces light up as they reel in their first redfish while a family of dolphins plays nearby. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's a perfect blend of light-tackle angling and beach exploration that keeps everyone happy. In just three hours, you'll experience the best of Naples' backcountry waters, from casting lines in shallow grass flats to collecting shells on a secluded barrier island. Whether you're introducing the kids to fishing or just want a relaxed afternoon on the water, Captain William has crafted something special that works for the whole crew.
What to Expect on the Water
This top-rated adventure kicks off from Naples and heads straight into the legendary Ten Thousand Islands – a maze of mangrove islands and crystal-clear flats that's absolutely teeming with fish. Captain William knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you over the best spots where snook lurk in the shadows and redfish cruise the shallow grass beds. The beauty of this trip is its laid-back pace – you're not rushing from spot to spot trying to fill a cooler. Instead, you'll spend quality time learning proper casting techniques, understanding how to read the water, and watching for those telltale signs that fish are nearby. About halfway through, Captain William will beach the boat on one of the area's pristine barrier islands where everyone can stretch their legs, hunt for shells, and maybe spot some of the local wildlife. Kids love this break, and parents appreciate the chance to soak in the natural beauty of this protected ecosystem.
Light Tackle & Island Hopping
Captain William runs a well-equipped operation with quality light-tackle gear that's perfect for the species you'll encounter in these shallow waters. We're talking spinning reels loaded with 10-15 pound test, paired with rods that have enough backbone to handle a solid redfish but won't tire out younger anglers. The boat is rigged with a shallow-water setup that lets you get into those skinny flats where the big fish feed – places that deeper-draft boats simply can't reach. Live bait is the name of the game here, with shrimp and pinfish being the go-to choices depending on what's biting. Captain William will teach you how to present your bait naturally, whether you're sight-casting to cruising reds or working the mangrove edges for snook. The island portion of the trip is equally rewarding – these barrier islands are constantly shifting with the tides and storms, creating new beaches loaded with shells, sand dollars, and interesting pieces of coral. It's a treasure hunt that keeps everyone engaged while giving the fish a chance to settle back down.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the crown jewel of these flats, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow grass beds and oyster bars throughout the Ten Thousand Islands, especially during the cooler months from October through April. What makes reds so special is their aggressive feeding behavior and the way they'll absolutely crush a well-presented shrimp or pinfish. You'll often see them tailing in water so shallow their backs are exposed, creating those heart-pounding sight-fishing opportunities that keep anglers coming back. Most of the reds here run 18-27 inches, perfect slot-size fish that put up a tremendous fight on light tackle.
Snook are the ultimate ambush predators, hanging tight to the mangrove shorelines and dock pilings where they can dart out to grab an unsuspecting baitfish. These silver-sided fighters are most active during the warmer months, but you can find them year-round in the deeper creeks and channels. What makes snook fishing so exciting is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights – they'll jump, run, and do everything possible to throw your hook. The snook in these waters typically range from 20-30 inches, and their distinctive black lateral line makes them easy to identify.
Sea Trout might not be the flashiest fish in the bay, but they're absolutely perfect for families and beginners. These spotted beauties are found over grass flats and sandy bottoms, often in schools that can provide non-stop action once you locate them. They're not particularly picky eaters, making them great confidence-builders for kids who are just learning to fish. Most sea trout here run 14-18 inches, and they're delicious table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Sheepshead are the master bait thieves of the inshore waters, known for their incredible ability to steal your bait without getting hooked. These black-and-white striped fish love structure – think docks, bridge pilings, and oyster bars – where they use their powerful jaws to crush barnacles and crabs. Catching sheepshead requires patience and quick reflexes, but they're some of the best eating fish in these waters. They're most active during the cooler months and can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 3 pounds not uncommon.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the shallow water game, often mistaken for redfish by inexperienced anglers. These bottom-dwellers have a distinctive chin barbel that helps them locate crabs and shrimp in the sandy bottom. What's really cool about black drum is their drumming ability – they can actually make audible sounds by vibrating their swim bladders, especially during spawning season. They're found year-round in these waters, with the larger fish typically showing up in late winter and early spring. A big black drum will test your drag and your patience, making long, powerful runs that can take several minutes to stop.
Time to Book Your Spot
This customer favorite combines the best of both worlds – quality fishing instruction with a relaxed island experience that works for every skill level. Captain William has designed this trip specifically for families who want to experience the real Florida backcountry without the pressure of a hardcore fishing charter. All your gear, bait, and licenses are included, so you just need to show up with sunscreen, drinks, and an appetite for adventure. The three-hour format is perfect for holding kids' attention while giving adults enough time to really get into the fishing groove. With space for up to six guests, it's ideal for multi-generational trips or groups of friends looking to try something different. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – this world-class experience books up quickly, especially during the prime winter months when the fishing is at its absolute best.
Learn more about the animals
Black Drum
Black drum are the bulldogs of our flats - thick, powerful fish that average 10-20 pounds but can hit 40+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws, perfect for munching oysters and crabs around shallow structure. You'll find them on oyster bars, muddy flats, and around bridge pilings in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, but we catch them year-round. What guests love is their stubborn fight - no jumping, just pure pulling power that'll wear you out. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make great table fare with firm, mild meat. Here's the secret: use fresh cut crab or shrimp on a circle hook, keep it on the bottom, and be patient. They'll mouth the bait before committing, so let them take it before setting the hook.
Redfish
Redfish are our bread and butter - copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but the big bulls offshore can hit 40+ inches and 30 pounds. They cruise super shallow flats, sometimes with their backs out of water, around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What guests love is their powerful runs and stubborn fights - no fancy jumping, just bulldogging determination. They're also great eating in the slot size with mild, sweet meat. Here's my go-to method: look for "nervous water" or tailing fish on the flats, then pitch live shrimp or gold spoons just ahead of them. Keep your approach quiet - these fish spook easily in shallow water.
Sea Trout
Spotted sea trout, or "specks," are perfect starter fish that also challenge experienced anglers. They typically run 12-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, with beautiful silver sides covered in spots. These fish love grass flats and sandy holes in 2-8 feet of water, especially around creek mouths and drop-offs. Cooler months bring the best action when they school up, though we catch them all year. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit topwater lures - that explosive strike gets everyone excited. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect for kids. The key is working the grass beds early morning or late evening with live shrimp under a popping cork. Keep them on ice immediately and don't overcook - their delicate flesh can turn mushy if you're not careful.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the smartest fish around. Most run 2-5 pounds and 12-18 inches, with the occasional 8-pounder to keep things interesting. They live around any hard structure: docks, bridges, oyster bars, and rock piles where they pick off barnacles and crabs. We find them year-round, but winter and spring are peak times when they're more aggressive. Guests love the challenge - sheepshead are notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth. The reward is some of the best eating fish in our waters, with sweet, flaky white meat. My advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to structure, and set the hook at the first sign of weight - wait too long and they'll strip your hook clean.
Snook
Snook are one of Florida's premier gamefish, with their sleek bodies and distinctive black lateral line. Most run 18-30 inches, but big females can push 40+ inches. They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges - in water from a foot deep to about 20 feet. You'll find them in both salt and freshwater, especially around creek mouths and canals. Spring through fall offers the best action, particularly around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their powerful runs and jumping ability - they'll test your drag and give kids a real thrill. The meat is sweet and flaky when cooked right. My tip: use live shrimp or pinfish near structure, but keep your drag loose - they'll wrap you around a piling faster than you can blink.
About the Kids Time Fishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
