Top-Rated Bonita Springs Backcountry Fishing

Bonita Springs Fishing: 4-Hour Backwater Adventure

Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Fred Gowdy Charters has you covered with this laid-back 4-hour trip that's perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to unwind on the water. We'll cruise the mangrove-lined backwaters of Bonita Springs, targeting hard-fighting species like redfish, snook, and the mighty silver king – tarpon. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, Captain Fred's easygoing style and local know-how will have you hooked up in no time.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical rushed fishing charter. We take things nice and easy, giving you plenty of time to soak in the natural beauty of Estero Bay and its surrounding waters. With morning and afternoon departures available, you can choose the time that works best for your schedule. We'll drift past oyster bars, work the mangrove shorelines, and maybe even sneak into some hidden backwater creeks where the big boys like to hide. Captain Fred knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for a real treat as he shares local fishing tips and stories from his years on these waters.

Rods, Reels, and Relaxation

No need to worry about gear – we've got you covered with top-notch rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. Expect to do some light casting, but nothing too strenuous. The focus here is on having a good time and hopefully putting some fish in the boat. We'll teach you the ropes of sight-fishing in the shallows, how to work a popping cork, or maybe even how to "walk the dog" with a topwater lure if conditions are right. And hey, if you just want to kick back and let the captain do the work while you enjoy the scenery, that's fine too!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Fred was great! He got us onto some Redfish right away. He has great knowledge of the waters and where the best habitat is. We also caught some Snook and Sheephead. My daughter and I had an awesome time." - Dave

"Great trip. Grandkids loved it. Captain Fred is personable and did a great job. Great experience. Cooked the red fish tonight and it was wonderful!" - George

"Our fishing trip was fantastic! Captain Fred had so much energy! If the fish weren't biting, we would move to the next spot, he never ran out of spots. We caught fish at almost all of them, we would move when the catfish started biting. We highly recommend Fred Gowdy Charters!" - Mark

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These hard-fighting, silver-sided bruisers are a favorite among local anglers. Snook love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting mangrove roots, dock pilings, and oyster bars. They're known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps once hooked. Spring and fall are prime times for snook, but we catch them year-round in Bonita Springs. The "snook slam" – catching one over 28 inches – is always a possibility!

Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," hooking into one of these prehistoric beasts is an experience you'll never forget. Tarpon in our area can range from 20 to over 100 pounds, and they're famous for their gill-rattling jumps and long, drag-screaming runs. We typically see more tarpon in the warmer months, but you never know when one might show up. Even if we don't land one (they're notoriously hard to keep on the hook), just seeing a tarpon roll on the surface is a thrill.

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a staple of inshore fishing in Southwest Florida. Redfish, or "reds" as we call them, love to cruise the shallow flats and hang around oyster bars. They put up a great fight and are excellent table fare if you're looking to take a few home for dinner. We catch redfish year-round, but fall is particularly good when they school up in bigger numbers. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is one of the most exciting ways to target these fish.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new fishing techniques, or just enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon on the water, this 4-hour trip with Fred Gowdy Charters checks all the boxes. With a max of two guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and have the flexibility to fish how you want. Don't forget to bring a camera – between the beautiful scenery and the fish you'll catch, you're going to want to capture some memories. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and Captain Fred's ready to put you on them. Book your trip today and get ready for some good old Florida fishing fun!