Backwater Fishing Charters
SWFL Fishing Captains & Everglades Charter Boats
Backwater Fishing: Discover the Hidden Waters of Paradise
If you’ve never experienced backwater fishing, you’re in for an unforgettable Florida adventure. Along the serene mangrove shorelines and quiet estuaries of Southwest Florida, backwater fishing offers a unique connection to nature — and the chance to reel in some of the region’s most prized fish.
What Is Backwater Fishing?
Backwater fishing, also known as inshore or flats fishing, takes place in the shallow coastal waters, tidal creeks, and mangrove estuaries that wind through the Florida Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands. This environment is rich in marine life, protected from heavy waves, and ideal for light tackle and fly fishing.
These calm, secluded waters are home to redfish, snook, sea trout, tarpon, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and more. Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying it for the first time, Florida backwater fishing guides make it easy to access these remote fishing spots safely and successfully.
Best Places to Go Backwater Fishing in Southwest Florida
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Naples – With its beautiful bays and mangrove channels, Naples is a top destination for backwater fishing in Florida. The Cocohatchee River, Gordon Pass, and Rookery Bay offer ideal spots just minutes from downtown.
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Marco Island – Launch into the Ten Thousand Islands for world-class inshore action. This area is teeming with snook, redfish, and tarpon during seasonal runs.
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Everglades City – A legendary fishing town on the edge of the Everglades, offering access to both fresh and saltwater ecosystems.
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Goodland & Chokoloskee – Small fishing villages with access to productive estuaries and channels, known for peaceful surroundings and big catches.
Recommended Naples Fishing Guides & Charters
Hiring a local expert can make all the difference. The following Naples fishing guides specialize in backwater trips:
Skinny Dipn Charters - Fishing & Eco Tours, Marco Island, FL 34145 | 239-207-1945
Marco Island Fishing and Sightseeing Tour from an experienced Captain and Guide. Growing up on the local waters of Marco Island, Captain Brandon's excitement for fishing began at a very young age. He is highly knowledgeable of all the different fish species and waterways. Brandon is a very outgoing, personable, skilled, and patient. He takes pride in sharing his passion for fishing and helping his clients catch their dream fish!
Skinny Dipping Charters & Eco Tours - Marco Island
Sunshine Tours and Fishing Charters, Rose Marina, 951 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island, FL | 239-642-5415
Sunshine Tours. Fish the 10,000 islands, the best in Off Shore, Back Water, and Near Coastal Fishing Charters. We know where the fish are. Also offering Marco Island Shelling Trips, and Sightseeing aboard one of our four fishing boats. Since 1984, Sunshine Tours has provided unsurpassed fishing charters, and on-the-water experiences for locals and visitors alike. Shared and private charters available. Contact us to book your Marco Island fishing charter.
Sunshine Tours & Charters - Marco Island, FL
Everglades City Fishing Charters, currently leaving from Everglades Bait and Tackle, Everglades City, FL | 239-253-9926
Experience the wonder of the 10,000 islands of SWFL. Fish the protected bays and rivers of the Islands and Everglades National Park. Fish among the mysteries of wrecks, hard bottom reefs, and offshore towers. Seek some of the most exciting game fish that call the Florida Everglades Home.
Everglades City Fishing Charters - Everglades City, FL
Best Time of Year for Backwater Fishing
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Spring & Fall – Prime seasons for redfish, snook, and sea trout.
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Summer – Excellent tarpon fishing near mangrove edges and deeper cuts.
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Winter – Cooler weather pushes species into deeper backwater channels; still very productive with the right guide.
What Can You Catch?
Southwest Florida’s backwaters are home to a rich variety of fish. Depending on the season and location, you might hook:
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Snook – a local favorite, strong fighters
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Redfish (Red Drum) – often found tailing in the shallows
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Spotted Seatrout – popular and plentiful
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Tarpon – the legendary “Silver King,” especially in spring and summer
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Mangrove Snapper – great for dinner
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Sheepshead – tricky but tasty
Why Choose Florida Backwater Fishing Guides?
Local guides provide more than just transportation — they bring expert knowledge of tides, species behavior, seasonal patterns, and tackle. Most charters include gear, bait, licenses, and instruction, making it ideal for families, beginners, and serious anglers alike.
Choosing a qualified Florida backwater fishing guide ensures you’ll fish the right spots at the right times — with the added benefit of learning about Florida’s unique coastal ecology.
Bonus: Explore the Intercoastal Waterway
For a scenic fishing route, check out the Intracoastal Waterway. This protected inland passage runs along the Southwest Florida coast, offering endless creeks, bays, and mangrove islands to explore. Many backwater charters operate within this calm waterway system, ideal for wildlife viewing and relaxed fishing.
Florida Fishing License Requirements
If you’re planning to fish in Florida waters, a license is required for most anglers:
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Residents and non-residents over age 16 must hold a valid Florida fishing license for saltwater or freshwater fishing.
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Charter customers typically don’t need to purchase a license — the captain’s license usually covers everyone onboard.
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Licenses can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or at most sporting goods stores.
Be sure to check for updates on regulations and size limits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Plan Your Backwater Adventure
Whether you’re visiting Naples, Marco Island, or the Everglades, backwater fishing is one of the most authentic ways to experience the wild beauty of Paradise Coast. From sunrise tarpon battles to tranquil redfish hunts in the mangroves, this is Florida fishing at its best.
Start planning your trip with a trusted Naples fishing guide or explore more about Florida backwater fishing guides in Paradise Coast Living.
Saltwater Fishing Lures For SW Florida
- Everybody Can Tie Their Own Tackle Safely: Prevent fish hook injuries by covering the sharp barb on the fishing hook when tying fishing tackle. Great fishing gift for beginner anglers who are learning to tie their own tackle
- Ideal For Tying A Variety of Fishing Tackle: Suitable for fishing hooks sized from a standard 4/0 down to the smallest hook size #28. The hook cover helps tie hooks, jig heads, swivels, speed clips and selected flies. Each tool also comes with a stainless steel trimmer for cutting up to 50lb line when needed
- Suitable for Anglers of All Ages and Experience: Perfect for fishermen with dexterity issues such as arthritis as well as young beginner anglers. The multifunction fishing gear makes joining line to lines and braided lines to leader easy; Simplifies complicated knots such as the Improved Clinch Knot, Blood Knot, FG Knot, Bimini Twist, and Yucatan.
- Safely Transport Fully Rigged Poles: Cover the hooks and attach to the pole (up to 2 fishing rods) to safely transport your fishing gear whilst fully rigged. Prevent torn upholstery or damage to your car, boat or caravan; Travel safely and avoid injury to your children and pets.
- Impervious To All Weather Conditions: Great fishing accessory for saltwater and freshwater fishing. Perfect knot tying companion for cold and numb fingers when ice fishing. Manufactured from 100% Raw Virgin Polypropylene and stainless-steel fittings
- 【Essential Fishing Tackle Kit】- PLUSINNO's high-quality bait provides beginners with a variety of options, capable of catching nearly any type of fish, from bass to trout. This versatile starter tackle box with tackle include Texas, Carolina, Florida, Split Shot, No Sinker, Jig Head, and Wacky rigs, totaling 7 types of lure rigs. It's the latest fishing gear for 2024, Whether you're targeting bass or other freshwater fish, this 137-piece baits set in a convenient box has everything you need.
- 【Versatile Fishing Accessories】- Our fishing tackle box is equipped with all the essentials for a successful freshwater fishing trip. It includes 1 pencil, 1 VIB, 1 minnow, 2 spinners, 3 spoon baits, 23 soft baits, and more. You'll also receive 20 splits, 15 offset hooks, 5 wacky hooks, 4 Jig Heads, 5 weights and sinkers, and 57 other accessories. With a wide range of fishing stuff, from common fishing lures to accessories, this fishing kit is a reliable choice for anglers across waters.
- 【Stunning Premium Fishing Tackle】- Unlock a superior angling adventure with our premium fishing gear. Meticulously crafted bass lures boast lifelike 3D eyes and ultra-realistic coatings, deceiving even the wariest of fish. Engineered fishing spoons produce irresistible bright flashes, luring your target with ease. Our rigorously tested baits, forged from premium materials, feature sharp hooks and durable stainless steel components, ensuring resilience against repeated saltwater exposure.
- 【Compact Fishing Equipment】- Compact at 6.9x4.7x1.2 inches, this portable tackle box kit effortlessly slips into your seat box or backpack, enabling seamless carrying on every fishing adventure. Its segmented, plastic design allows for easy identification and organized categorization of your bait accessories, eliminating clutter. Suitable for lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams, this versatile tackle kit empowers you to indulge in the joy of fishing at your favorite spots, anytime, anywhere.
- 【Perfect Fishing Gift】- Seeking the ideal present for the angler in your life? The PLUSINNO Fishing Lure Kit is the answer. This comprehensive fishing set includes diverse baits and accessories for all fishing occasions, eliminating extra purchases. Suitable for both experienced and beginner anglers, it's a fantastic gift choice for Father's Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more. Practical, high-quality, and portable, this fishing bait kit is sure to impress.
- DIVERSE FISHING LURE COLLECTION – Unwrap A Versatile Assortment Of Fishing Lures With Our Advent Calendar, Featuring 6 Topwater Lures, 2 Submerged Lures, 6 Soft Lures, And 10 Spoons. Each Lure Is Neatly Placed Across 24 Compartments, Offering A Thrilling Countdown To The Fishing Season With High-Quality Lures For Any Angler.
- PERFECT FOR EVERY FISHING SCENARIO – Be Prepared For Any Fishing Environment With A Wide Selection Of Lure Types Like Popper, Pencil, Minnow, Crankbait, VIB, Frog Spoon, And Shrimp Lures. This Set Is Designed To Handle Various Fishing Conditions, Ensuring You Have The Ideal Lure To Attract Your Next Catch, Whether In Freshwater Or Saltwater.
- PREMIUM QUALITY AND DESIGN – Our Lures Are Crafted From Durable, High-Quality Materials And Come Equipped With Ultra-Sharp Hooks That Can Withstand Even The Toughest Fish. Each Lure Boasts Lifelike 3D Eyes And Realistic Fish Patterns, Making Them Highly Effective In Fooling Fish And Improving Your Chances Of Success.
- VERSATILE FRESHWATER AND SALTWATER USE – These Fishing Lures Are Perfect For Both Freshwater And Saltwater Fishing. Specifically Designed For Trout And Bass, They Deliver Outstanding Performance In Lakes, Rivers, Or Even Coastal Fishing Spots, Making Them An Excellent Gift For Anglers Of All Experience Levels.
- EXCITING ADVENT CALENDAR FOR ANGLERS – Celebrate The Festive Season With A Fishing Advent Calendar Designed For Anglers Of All Ages. Each Day In December Reveals A New Surprise, Adding Excitement And Practical Tools To Your Fishing Gear. It's A Unique And Thoughtful Gift For Fishermen, Fathers, Grandfathers, And Anyone Who Enjoys Fishing.
- MULTIPLE WEIGHT OPTIONS FOR PERFECT BALANCE: This fishing lure kit includes a wide range of weights—from lightweight floating lures to heavier metal spoons (approx. 0.07–0.5oz)—making it easy to match your rod, reel, and sinker setup. Lighter lures are great for shallow waters and smaller fish, while heavier ones allow for long-distance casting and deep-water targeting. Perfect balance and versatility for any fishing condition.
- Complete Fishing Tool Combo: The KastKing SteelStream 6 piece Tool Combo includes essential fishing tools for a seamless fishing experience
- High-Quality Materials: Crafted with precision, the combo features a 7” fishing pliers made from S45C carbon steel with a polymer corrosion-resistant coating for longevity. The fishing pliers saltwater also come with a coiled lanyard and a rubber handle
- Razor-Sharp Fillet Knife: The 7” fillet knife is constructed from 420 Stainless steel, known for its toughness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. With a non-slip rubber handle, the fishing knife offers excellent grip and comfort during use
- Corrosion-Resistant Fishing Scissors: The combo includes braid scissors made from 420 stainless steel, featuring a serrated edge and a corrosion-resistant titanium coating. The soft rubber handle ensures easy and comfortable cutting
- Secure and Durable Accessories: This combo also provides a floating fish lip gripper designed to prevent sinking and fish lip punctures. Additionally, a tool retractor keeps your tools securely tethered to your fishing tackle bag or person
- 🎣Life-like Lures: These fishing lures feature a precisely engineered shape, stereo 3D fisheye and lifelike scale patterns making the fish look more vivid and realistic, like a living fish in the water. Due to its genuine plating, the fishing spoons shows a brilliant flash in the water, and more reflective surfaces attract fish and make them strike. A perfect fishing bait that easily cheats the target fishes.
- 🎣Widely Usage: Work great for both saltwater and freshwater and function well in all water layers. All trout and bass fishing lures are widely used and carefully selected, meet the needs of different varieties of fish you catch. Perfect for ocean boat fishing, ocean rock fishing, ocean beach fishing, lake, river, reservion, pond and stream.
- 🎣Fishing Lures Set: Fishing lures set with a tackle box contains nearly all accessories including: crankbaits 1pcs, VIB 1pcs, topwater Lures 1pcs, plastic worms 33pcs, jigs 5pcs, fish-shaped soft bait 2pcs, simulation of shrimp 2pcs. And the other 32 accessories also realistic and swim well. A wide range of fishing accessories from common fishing baits to accessories, this fishing lures set can be a complete assortment for any angler for any season in any water.
- 🎣High-quality Material: All fishing accessories made of stainless steel and soft plastic, which is not easy to defrom, and has anti-corrosion, durable and practical characters. All of these bass and trout fishing lures experienced precision processing, longer service life than other fishing bait.
- 🎣Portable Tackle Box: The plastic fishing tackle box is free for you, size is about 17.5cmx9.5cmx3cm. All fishing tackles are packed in a compact box which is easy to carry, and convenient to get the exact fishing lures kit you need at anywhere, anytime.
- 8 SEGMENTS LIFELIKE LURES: Designed with 8 segment multi-jointed body, TRUSCEND fishing lure can sink slowly and move flexible in water. In addition, life-like swimming actions make it attracting more catches and provoking predator fish to strike.
- HIGH SIMULATION: With 3D realistic looking eyes and pearl powder coating, this swimbait appears very delicate and vivid that looks like a real fish. A perfect fishing bait that easily cheats the target fishes.
- BASS VIBRATION: Made of high-quality ABS material and equipped with built-in rattle, this vibe lure can continuously emit the fish sound wave to during the swimming to provoke the feeding urge of the fishes and induce them to attack.
- WIDELY FISHING SPECIES: This bass fishing lure can be widely used to catch bass, yellow perch, walleye, pike, muskie, roach, trout, snook. salmon etc. This swimbait is quite suitable for both saltwater and freshwater and functions well in all water layers.
- 【FONMANG Essential Fishing Tackle Kit】This 2025 new fishing tackle is designed by professional anglers for beginners. With 126 pieces of fishing gear, including 17 types of fishing lures and 13 kinds of accessories to assemble eight rigs like Texas, jig head, Carolina, and drop shot.
- 【Premium Quality and Unmatched Performance】Our fishing lures are made from high-quality materials, featuring premium bass lures with lifelike 3D eyes and realistic finishes that deliver outstanding performance which is rresistible to bass, trout, bluegill,crappie and walleye. These lures are equipped with sharp hooks and durable stainless steel components, ensuring reliability and effectiveness during your fishing adventures.
- 【Comprehensive Fishing Guide】— The fishing set includes a detailed fishing manual, covering essential fishing techniques on how to rig baits, tips for selecting the best fishing lures for different conditions, help you catch various types of fish in lakes, rivers, and currents, whether in freshwater or saltwater.
- 【Compact and Portable Tackle Box】The fishing tackle box measures just 18cm x 9.5cm x 3cm, making it compact and easy to carry in your fishing bag or backpack. Its adjustable compartments allow for clear organization of your lures, baits, and other fishing gear, ensuring quick and convenient access. It also comes packed with a variety of items, including 1 frog, 1 minnow, 1 lipless crankbait, 4 spinner lures,2 spoons and various types of soft plastic lures.
- 【Perfect Fishing Gift for Men and Anglers】— The FONMANG fishing kit is the ultimate fishing gift for any occasion. With its wide selection of fishing lures, durable components, and thoughtful features, it’s perfect for Father's Day, Valentine's Day, birthdays, or Christmas.
- 【 Complete Fishing Tool Kit Set】Item comes with fillet knife, fishing pliers with lanyard, fish lip gripper, fishing braid scissors, fish ruler. These are all essential fishing tools for a fisherman, whether novice or avid fisherman.
- 【High Quality Materials】Every product in this fishing tool is designed and selected for water activities, including stainless steel, aviation aluminum, stainless high carbon steel and so on. It is not only strong and durable, but also has strong resistance to seawater salt corrosion and freshwater rust
- 【Pro Fishing Gear and Equipment】 This kind of tool set is indeed an essential addition to any angler's tackle box for freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, flyfishing, ice fishing and kayak fishing, ensuring that you’re well-equipped for any fishing scenario. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, having the right tools can make your fishing experience more enjoyable and successful
- 【Essential Fishing Accessories】Sidomma fishing tool kit is designed by professional fishing gear designers with more than 10 years of experience, ergonomic and easy to use. Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry in your tackle box or fishing bag
- 【Fishing Gifts for Man and Women】These are essential fishing stuffs for all fishermen and come with a nice gift box. The perfect fishing gift for birthdays, Valentine's Day, Father's Day, Mother's Day and Christmas
- HIGH QUALITY FISHING CLIPS. These one-piece fishing power clips are made of high-strength stainless steel, with high stability, high hardness, abrasion resistance and corrosion resistance. Suitable for saltwater and freshwater fishing.
- QUICK CHANGE. Speed power clip with a diamond shaped design can be opened and locked quickly. With it, you can complete the lure or leader replacement in a few seconds. Enjoy more wonderful fishing time.
- SMOOTH AND PRACTICAL. Lure clip has been finely polished to ensure a smooth surface that does not damage your fishing line. The diamond shape design can reduce the water resistance allowing the clip to travel easily through the water.
- APPLICATION. Our fishing clips can be used with various types of lures, such as crankbait, plug, swimbait, minnow, popper, etc., to keep lure in its most natural motion.
- SPECIFICATIONS. Size: XS. Quantity: 50PCS. Strength:25LB. Length: 0.5IN.
- 【24 Days Countdown to Christmas】 Our 2025 advent calendar for boys is designed for men, teen boys, and anglers of all ages, with 24 compartments filled with Popper, Pencil, Minnow, Chub, VIB, Crankbait, Frog Spoon, and Shrimp Lures to keep you fishing for the 24 days leading up to Christmas
- 【Diverse Lure Collection】 The AUKNEY fishing lure advent calendar features a range of lure types such as 9 hard lures, 7 soft lures and 8 spoons, each of which has been handpicked by us for their beautiful design and performance. It's the perfect present for anglers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts
- 【Uncompromising Quality】 Fishing Advent Calendar 2025 is made of high quality materials for safety and sturdiness, featuring realistic 3D eyes and richly textured fish patterns, the lifelike design further enhances the lure's attractiveness and comes with sharp barbed hooks that will fool even the most wary of fish
- 【Suitable for All Waters】 The Advent Calendars 24 Lures are not only suitable for freshwater, but also for saltwater fishing, customized for a variety of fishing scenarios, allowing you to fish successfully in rivers, lakes, ponds or oceans. Whether it's trout, bass or other fish, it's perfect for making anglers' dreams come true
- 【Exquisite Fishing Present Box】 24 surprise favors designed for fishing enthusiasts, each of which introduces a thrilling quality lure, adding a joyful and unforgettable Christmas present for family and friends
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