Naples, FL Fish Species

Naples FL Target Species & Seasonal Fishing Guide

Plan Your Catch with Anchor Charters of Naples

Naples’ back bays and coastal passes host a year-round lineup of premier game fish. Our most requested targets include snook, redfish, tarpon, speckled sea trout, and mangrove snapper—each offering a unique fight and seasonality. Snook roam the mangroves almost every month but fire up in spring and fall, while tarpon migrate through May–July, giving anglers a genuine shot at a bucket-list catch. Late summer and early autumn are prime for bruiser redfish, winter mornings see consistent sea trout action over grass flats, and warm-water months load the docks and reefs with delicious snapper and other tropical fish.

Because we’re on the water daily, Captain Brian Acevedo tracks water temps, tide swings, and bait patterns to recommend the best time for inshore fishing Naples FL can offer. Dawn’s first light on a moving tide is often the window for trophy fish; outgoing afternoon water pushes baits—and predators—toward shoreline ambush points. Whether you prefer live pilchards, soft-plastic jerk baits, or classic topwater plugs, your tackle plan will match current conditions and your skill level.

Our trips are designed for family-friendly fishing as well as hardcore anglers chasing that personal-best snook or tarpon. With a maximum of four guests and a guide who handles everything from knot-tying to filleting, you can focus on bent rods and smiles. Ready to put these insights to work? Check our live availability and secure a date before the next peak bite fills up—Anchor Charters of Naples makes fishing year-round both productive and relaxed.

What are the peak months for catching snook in Naples FL?

The strongest snook bite runs March–May and again September–November when water temps sit between 72 °F and 82 °F. Book a dawn or dusk charter during those windows and we’ll target mangrove edges and creek mouths where big linesiders feed aggressively.

Which bait works best for trophy tarpon near the Naples passes?

In late spring, nothing beats a live threadfin or crab drifted along the outgoing tide at Gordon Pass or Big Marco Pass. We carry fresh baits every morning and rig 60–80 lb fluorocarbon leaders to handle silver king headshakes.

Is Naples a good destination for family-friendly fishing all year?

Absolutely. Even when trophy species slow down, sea trout, mangrove snapper, and jack crevalle provide steady action that keeps kids engaged. Calm backwaters and short runs mean more fishing time and less boat ride.

When do tropical fish like Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle show up in big numbers?

Look for clean green water and bait schools pushing close to shore October–December and again in early spring. Fast-retrieved spoons and small live pilchards draw explosive strikes you’ll hear before you see them.

How can I book a trip to target redfish with Anchor Charters of Naples?

Click the “Book Now” button on our website or call/text Captain Brian directly. Tell us you’re after fall redfish, and we’ll secure a mid-tide slot between late August and early November—prime time for oversized bronze bruisers on the oyster bars.