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Elite Bonita Springs Snook & Tarpon Fishing
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Bonita Springs, FL
- Updated Date: December 22, 2025
Summary
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Afternoon Fishing Action
Half Day Afternoon Fishing In Bonita Springs
Looking for the perfect way to spend an afternoon on the water? This 4-hour backcountry fishing adventure with Fred Gowdy Charters puts you right in the heart of Southwest Florida's most productive fishing grounds. Starting at 1 pm, you'll have plenty of time to target three of the area's most sought-after species - snook, redfish, and tarpon - while soaking up the Florida sunshine. With space for just two anglers, this intimate experience lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with your fishing partner and some seriously good action on the flats.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Fred knows these Bonita Springs waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put that local knowledge to work for you every trip. The afternoon timing is perfect - you'll avoid the morning rush and hit the water when fish are starting to get active again after the midday heat. The backcountry around Bonita Springs offers endless opportunities, from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise to deeper channels where tarpon roll. You'll spend your four hours moving between productive spots, reading the water, and learning what makes each location special. Don't worry about rushing around - this trip is all about taking your time, enjoying the scenery, and making the most of every cast. The intimate two-person capacity means Captain Fred can focus on exactly what you want to accomplish, whether that's landing your first snook or helping an experienced angler dial in their technique.
Techniques & Tackle
Backcountry fishing in Bonita Springs is all about finesse and reading the conditions. You'll be working with both live bait and artificials, depending on what the fish are telling us. Sight fishing is a huge part of the game here - there's nothing quite like watching a redfish's back break the surface as it cruises through knee-deep water, then making the perfect cast ahead of its path. For snook, you'll learn to work the mangrove edges and structure where these ambush predators like to hang out. Tarpon fishing requires a different approach entirely - these silver kings demand respect, proper technique, and a bit of luck with timing. Captain Fred provides all the gear you'll need, from spinning rods perfect for throwing artificials to heavier tackle when the tarpon show up. The key is staying versatile and being ready to switch tactics as conditions change throughout the afternoon.
Top Catches This Season
Snook are the bread and butter of backcountry fishing around Bonita Springs, and for good reason. These fierce fighters love the mangrove shorelines and oyster bars that dot our local waters. You'll find them most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk - which makes our afternoon timing perfect for catching that evening bite. Snook hit hard and fight harder, with their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward structure. What makes them special here is the variety of techniques that work - from live pilchards under the mangroves to topwater plugs that create explosive strikes. The best part? Our local snook population is thriving, giving you excellent shots at fish ranging from schoolie-sized up to true trophy specimens.
Redfish are another customer favorite, and Bonita Springs offers some of the most consistent redfish action you'll find anywhere in Southwest Florida. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the shallow flats and backcountry creeks, often in schools that'll make your heart race. What's really exciting about our local reds is how aggressive they can be - when conditions are right, they'll slam everything from cut bait to spoons to soft plastics. The sight fishing opportunities are world-class too. Picture this: crystal clear water, a school of slot reds tailing in two feet of water, and the perfect cast that gets their attention. These fish fight dirty, using their broad shoulders and stubborn nature to test your drag and your patience.
Tarpon fishing in our area is something special, especially during the warmer months when these silver giants move through our backcountry waters. While they're not always cooperative, when tarpon decide to play, you're in for the fight of a lifetime. Local tarpon range from juvenile fish in the 20-40 pound class up to mature adults that can easily top 100 pounds. What makes tarpon so addictive isn't just their size - it's their aerial displays and the way they can turn a routine day into something you'll talk about for years. The key to success with tarpon is patience and preparation. These fish will humble you quickly, but when everything comes together - the right bait, perfect presentation, and a cooperative fish - there's nothing quite like it in the fishing world.
Time to Book Your Spot
This half-day afternoon trip offers the perfect balance of relaxation and action, giving you four solid hours to experience the best of Bonita Springs backcountry fishing. Whether you're introducing someone new to the sport or looking to add some variety to your regular fishing routine, this trip delivers. The afternoon schedule means you can sleep in, grab lunch, and still have an amazing day on the water. Plus, with just two spots available, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good trip and a great one. Captain Fred's local expertise and laid-back approach create exactly the kind of atmosphere where memories are made and fish stories are born. Ready to see what Southwest Florida's backcountry has to offer?
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish are perfect for our Bonita Springs flats fishing. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots near the tail usually run 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll spot them tailing in 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove edges. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter offer the most consistent action as they school up. Redfish are scrappy fighters that make long runs and put a serious bend in your rod. They're also fantastic eating with mild, flaky white meat that grills beautifully. What I love about reds is they're not overly spooky - perfect for beginners and kids. They'll eat live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials. Local secret: look for nervous water or mud clouds on the flats. That's usually redfish rooting around for crabs and shrimp in the grass.
Snook
Snook are one of my favorite species to target around Bonita Springs. These sleek fish with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though we occasionally hook into 3-footers that'll test your drag. You'll find them hugging mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. They love structure and ambush prey with lightning-fast strikes. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive fight - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to throw your hook. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: cast your lure past the structure and work it back slowly along the edges. Snook often follow before striking, so keep that bait moving naturally through their strike zone.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the kings of our waters here in Bonita Springs. These silver giants typically range 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds, though we see some real monsters pushing 200+. They cruise our shallow flats, channels, and passes in 5-20 feet of water, often rolling on the surface to breathe air. Late spring through summer is prime time, especially on warmer afternoons when they're most active. What draws anglers from around the world is their aerial show - once hooked, they'll launch 6-8 feet out of the water in spectacular jumps. It's pure adrenaline. While they're not great eating due to their bony structure, the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Most folks practice catch and release anyway. Pro tip: when that tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This gives slack and prevents the line from snapping on their gill plates during those wild acrobatics.
About the 20' Carolina Skiff
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90
