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
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.
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.
Everglades City – A legendary fishing town on the edge of the Everglades, offering access to both fresh and saltwater ecosystems.
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:
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
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
Best Time of Year for Backwater Fishing
Spring & Fall – Prime seasons for redfish, snook, and sea trout.
Summer – Excellent tarpon fishing near mangrove edges and deeper cuts.
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:
Snook – a local favorite, strong fighters
Redfish (Red Drum) – often found tailing in the shallows
Spotted Seatrout – popular and plentiful
Tarpon – the legendary “Silver King,” especially in spring and summer
Mangrove Snapper – great for dinner
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:
Residents and non-residents over age 16 must hold a valid Florida fishing license for saltwater or freshwater fishing.
Charter customers typically don’t need to purchase a license — the captain’s license usually covers everyone onboard.
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
Saltwater Fishing Rods
Saltwater Fishing Reels
- WELL-BUILT & RUST-RESISTANT MATERIAL: Siasky professional fishing swivels are totally made of copper for the stainless steel welding ring. And the snaps are made of nickel, which make sure their high quality, great for your outdoor
- NICE HEAVY DUTY SWIVEL: Siasky fishing swivel is a must have terminal tackle for outdoor fishing activities, there is no need to worry about the rust or line twist problem since their heavy duty material
- DIFFERENT SIZES TO MEET ALL YOUR EXPECTATIONS: We got #1 #3 #5 #7 #8, 5 different sizes, and their high strength from 31lb to 104lb. They work great for coil building, offs hore fishing and bass fishing, etc
- SUPER-MASSIVE NUMBERS: You will get Siasky 200Pcs fishing swivels are much more than the normally quantity, you can just take it and go fishing with confidence and no longer getting into trouble with finding swivels
- SATISFACTION: Start enjoying your fishing trip now. If there are any problems with our products, please contact us and we would be very happy to solve your problems
- Compact and lightweight, easy to remove and install
- Adjustable Spool Width Control / Spring-loaded tension ensures even spooling
- The Suction Cup at the bottom could adsorb on any smooth surface, especially on glass material with water on
- Note: Piscifun Braided Fishing Line is not included
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
- Valued Packing: Total 200 pcs 5 sizes fishing swivels snap connectors in a reusable plastic box, included #2-20 PCS #4-30 PCS #6-30 PCS #8-60 PCS #10-60 PCS. This contains different sizes, so you can choose if you decide to target different fish or attempt a new approach
- Sturdy Material: Ultra strong fishing snap swivels. Excellent corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, shock resistance and tension. And snap latch is easy to open and close, stay locked to hold weights, no losing your lure and fish
- Flexible Rotating: Barrel swivels fishing eliminates twisting line around the lure during retrieval. Not hurt the fishing line and anti-winding. And attracting more fishes without fishing line twist
- Quick Connection: Connector snaps for quick connection of various fishing hooks, and quick replacement of soft baits and solid baits. Suitable for various kinds of fishing, like saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, onshore fishing and offshore fishing
- Portable to Carry: Excellent selection of snap swivels organized in divided plastic box. Palm sized carrying case enough to fit in bottom of tackle box or pocket
- Exceptional Performance – The new KastKing Brutus Spinning fishing reel is designed for exceptional value and performance. Brutus Spinning reel is full-featured and easy to cast. Brutus Spinning Reels are now available in 4 sizes from 2000 all the way to 5000, perfect for all freshwater species.
- Lightweight Graphite Frame and Rotor – The Brutus spin reel has a lightweight, yet very strong graphite frame and rotor. The spool is a machined of aircraft grade aluminum to reduce weight and deliver long, accurate casts. Reels from 2000 to 4000 have a graphite handle arm, the 5000 size reels feature an aluminum handle arm for added strength.
- Angler Proven Components –Brutus reels feature a zinc alloy main gear and a brass pinion gear that deliver durability and low noise. The steel main shaft ensures strength at the core of the reel. 4 ball bearings are positioned in the most important performance locations. There is also an instant anti-reverse bearing for quick hook sets.
- Smooth and Reliable – KastKing Brutus spinning reels features an exceptionally smooth, infinitely adjustable, multi-disc drag system that delivers up to 17.5 pounds of run-stopping drag power.
- Reliability You Can Trust – You can count on the NEW KastKing Brutus spinning reel to be ready to fish when you are. KastKing is committed to building trouble-free spinning reels that will deliver hassle-free performance year after year.
- Comprehensive Fishing Tool Combo: This combo packs eight essential fishing tools, including a 7” fishing pliers, 7” fillet knife, 4.5” braid scissors, floating fish lip gripper, tool retractor, fishing hook remover, and adjustable bungee cord system
- High-Quality Materials: The 7” fishing pliers are crafted from S45C carbon steel, boasting a polymer corrosion-resistant coating, a rubber slip-resistant handle, and a coiled lanyard with a carabiner clip for added convenience
- Sharp and Durable Fillet Knife: The 7” fillet knife features tough and corrosion-resistant 420 Stainless steel, making it easy to sharpen, with great edge retention and wear resistance. It includes a rubber handle for a comfortable and secure grip
- Corrosion-Resistant Fishing Scissors: The 4.5” braid scissors are constructed from 420 stainless steel, with a serrated edge and a corrosion-resistant titanium coating. They also feature a soft rubber handle for easy use
- Practical Fishing Accessories: This combo includes a floating fish lip gripper that won't sink in water, a tool retractor made from durable ABS material, an aluminum and stainless steel fishing hook remover for safe and fast hook removal
- 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
- Pack of One, 3-fluid ounce Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin Stabilized with Helioplex technology, this oxybenzone-free facial sunscreen offers superior Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection
- Lightweight, Matte Sunscreen Lotion. Neutrogena's daily face SPF, recommended by dermatologists, features a water-light texture that leaves a weightless, matte finish, allowing skin to breathe without causing breakouts
- Ideal Sunscreen for Oily Skin and Acne-Prone Skin, this lightweight, oil-free, and fragrance-free face sunscreen is perfect for on-the-go protection. Its convenient travel-size bottle fits easily in your purse or backpack
- Water-Resistant Sunscreen: This liquid sunscreen for face is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, ensuring your skin stays protected during outdoor activities like hiking, biking, boating, gardening, or walking
- Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 50, Formulated to prevent sunburns without causing breakouts, Neutrogena sunscreen decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging when used as directed with other sun protection measures
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