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Naples Family Fishing: Inshore Island Adventure
- Published Date: November 19, 2025
- Fishing
- 525 Newport Dr, Naples, FL, United States
- Updated Date: November 20, 2025
Summary
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Island Catch & Shell
Naples' Best Family Fishing Adventure
Looking for a kid-friendly way to experience the magic of Naples' coastal waters? Captain William's 3-hour island fishing and shelling trip is the perfect blend of light-tackle action and beach relaxation. Cruise the calm inshore waters of the Ten Thousand Islands, where you'll drop lines for prized catches like redfish and snook before kicking back on a secluded barrier island. It's hands-on fun for all ages, with everything you need included - from rods and bait to licenses. Whether you're teaching the kids to fish or just want a laid-back morning on the water, this trip delivers smiles all around.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts bright and early as you meet Captain William at the dock. After a quick safety rundown, you'll hop aboard his well-equipped fishing boat and head out into the maze-like waterways of the Ten Thousand Islands. The morning light paints the mangroves gold as you cruise to Captain William's favorite fishing spots. He'll get everyone set up with light spinning tackle - perfect for beginners and kids to handle. You might start by drifting grass flats for sea trout or working mangrove shorelines for snook. Captain William knows these waters like the back of his hand, so he'll put you right on the fish. Expect a mix of casting and bottom fishing as you target different species throughout the trip. After some solid fishing time, you'll cruise to a pristine barrier island for shelling and beach combing. It's a great chance to stretch your legs and search for prized seashells like lightning whelks or sand dollars. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, and sea birds along the way - wildlife sightings are common out here!
Fishing Know-How for Everyone
Don't sweat it if you're new to fishing - this trip is all about having fun and learning the ropes. Captain William will show you the basics of casting, setting the hook, and reeling in your catch. He uses light spinning gear that's easy for kids and beginners to handle. You'll likely be using live bait like shrimp or small baitfish, which is irresistible to the local species. For bottom fishing, you might use a simple weight and hook rig. When targeting snook around mangroves, you'll learn to skip cast your bait right up under the branches where the big ones hide. The shallow, calm waters make for easy fishing conditions. And if you hook into something big, Captain William is right there to coach you through the fight. It's hands-on learning in a relaxed setting - perfect for building confidence on the water.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a favorite target in Naples' inshore waters. Redfish love to cruise the shallow flats and hang around oyster bars. They put up a great fight on light tackle, often making powerful runs and head shakes. Look for their distinctive black spot near the tail. Fall and winter are prime redfish seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Kids love reeling in these hard-fighters!
Snook: The mighty snook is the rockstar of Naples' backcountry. These sleek, silver gamefish are known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. You'll target them around mangrove shorelines, using skills like skip casting to get your bait in tight spots. Spring and summer are peak snook seasons when they move into the backcountry to spawn. Landing a big snook is a real thrill - they can grow over 40 inches long!
Sea Trout: Spotted sea trout are abundant in the grassy flats around Naples. They're great for beginners because they bite readily and put up a sporty fight on light tackle. Look for them in 2-4 feet of water over seagrass beds. Sea trout have a distinctive spotted pattern and make a croaking sound when caught. They're available year-round but are most active in cooler months. Kids love catching these speckled beauties!
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are a unique-looking catch. They hang around structures like docks and oyster bars, using their human-like teeth to crush crabs and barnacles. Sheepshead can be tricky to hook, but they're fun to catch and great eating. Winter is prime sheepshead season in Naples. It's always exciting to reel in these "convict fish!"
Black Drum: The big, powerful cousin of the redfish, black drum can grow to over 50 pounds in inshore waters. They love hanging around bridge pilings and deep holes. Black drum make a croaking sound when caught and put up a stubborn, dogged fight. You'll find them year-round, but cooler months are best. Catching a big black drum is like hooking into a Mack truck - hold on tight!
Why Families Keep Coming Back
Captain William's trip is tailor-made for creating lasting family memories. Kids as young as 5 can get in on the action, reeling in their very first fish with a beaming smile. The combination of fishing and beach time keeps everyone engaged - there's never a dull moment. Parents love how Captain William makes learning fun, teaching not just fishing skills but also local ecology and conservation. The calm waters mean seasickness is rarely an issue, and the 3-hour duration is perfect for shorter attention spans. Plus, with all gear provided, it's a hassle-free way to introduce kids to the joys of fishing. Many families book this trip year after year as their go-to Naples activity.
Time to Book Your Spot!
Ready to make some splash-tastic memories in Naples? Captain William's morning island fishing trip is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Ten Thousand Islands while hooking into some exciting catches. Whether you're teaching the kids to fish or just want a relaxing morning on the water, this trip delivers big smiles all around. With everything included and a focus on family-friendly fun, it's a no-brainer for your Naples vacation. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your adventure. Book now and get ready for a morning of laughter, learning, and maybe even landing the big one! Your next great fishing story is waiting just offshore in Naples.
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These powerful fish typically run 5-30 pounds, but can reach a whopping 90! You'll find them hanging around oyster bars, mud flats, and bridge pilings in 3-10 feet of water. They use their strong jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so fresh crab or shrimp are top baits. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Black drum aren't the prettiest fish, but they put up a stubborn, dogged fight that'll test your tackle. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating too - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. Local tip: When you feel that telltale thump-thump of a drum nibbling your bait, wait a few seconds before setting the hook to make sure they've got it good.
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore targets. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 5-15 pounds inshore, with some bulls pushing 40+ offshore. Look for them tailing on shallow flats or cruising mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. They love to root around for crabs and shrimp, so a well-placed live bait or soft plastic can trigger explosive strikes. Fall is prime time as reds school up, but you can catch them year-round. They're known for powerful, drag-screaming runs - hang on tight! The meat is firm and sweet, great on the grill. Local secret: On calm days, idle the flats and look for their distinctive bronze backs or tails breaking the surface. A well-placed cast can lead to an epic battle in skinny water.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore fishery. These silvery, spotted beauties typically run 1-5 pounds, with some gators pushing 10+. Look for them over grass flats and around creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Sea trout are aggressive feeders, making them fun to catch on artificial lures like soft plastics and topwaters. They put up a decent fight with head shakes and short runs. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for a fresh fish dinner. Pro tip: On calm mornings, look for trout "slicks" - oily patches on the surface where they've been feeding. Cast your lure just beyond the slick and work it back through for some fast action.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the convicts of our inshore waters, with their distinctive black and white stripes. These crafty fish usually run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around barnacle-covered structures like docks and bridge pilings. Spring is prime time to target them as they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are infamous bait stealers, using their human-like teeth to nibble crabs and shrimp off hooks. It takes finesse and patience to hook them, but the fight is worth it. They're also excellent table fare, with sweet, white meat. Local trick: Use a small, sharp hook and wait to feel weight, not just taps, before setting the hook. Their bite is so subtle, you'll swear they're stealing your bait with tweezers!
Snook
Snook are one of the most sought-after inshore species here in Naples. These sleek predators typically range from 5-15 pounds, with some monsters pushing 30+. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. They love to ambush prey, so cast your lure or bait right up against structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are ideal. Snook put up an incredible fight - powerful runs, acrobatic leaps, and last-second dives under the boat. Their firm white meat is delicious too, though we encourage catch and release to sustain the fishery. Pro tip: use a slow, twitching retrieve with a suspending jerkbait to trigger strikes from lazy snook. Just be ready to hang on when they explode on it!
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
