If you like crisp mornings, clear water, and steady action on light tackle, winter is your season in Naples. Cooler nights push Gulf water into the 60s, bait concentrates, and predators slide to reliable ambush points from the backcountry to the nearshore reefs. We’ll lay out exactly how a winter day unfolds with Chasin’ Tales, what species make the season special, and how to choose the right charter for your crew.
First, pick the style of trip
Inshore and backcountry: When cold fronts tap the brakes on open water, the backcountry often turns on. You will fish mangrove edges, oyster bars, creeks, and potholes for redfish, spotted seatrout, snook on warm spells, plus dependable winter targets like sheepshead and black drum. It is the most protected water and ideal for families, fly anglers, and light‑tackle purists.
Learn more on the inshore fishing charters page.
Nearshore: Stay in sight of land and work natural hard bottom, ledges, and winter bait stacks. This is where Spanish mackerel, king mackerel on temperature windows, cobia, mangrove snapper, lane snapper, and toothy critters come into play. It is the sweet spot when you want offshore quality bites without a long run.
See options on the nearshore fishing charters page.
Offshore inside 9 miles: These trips are set up to fish offshore structure with short boat rides and the shoreline still visible. Expect bottom action for snapper and grouper, with shots at pelagics such as Spanish and king mackerel between spots. It is a great fit for mixed groups that want steady action and a chance to bring home dinner when seasons allow.
Details are on the offshore fishing charters page.
Booking at a glance: Reserve any trip year-round with instant online scheduling on the reservations page. Licenses, bait, tackle, ice, and fish cleaning are included. Snook are catch and release on these charters. Typical capacity is up to four on the bay boat and two on the flats skiff. Larger groups can be arranged across multiple boats.
What winter does to the fishery here
Winter brings clearer water and a parade of cold fronts. Expect extra-low morning tides after strong north winds and a classic midday warming window in protected bays and creeks. In the Ten Thousand Islands, that means sight fishing on low water, jigging the potholes and troughs right after fronts, and working current seams as water rebounds. For a feel of how the season fishes locally, read the post on winter fishing in the Ten Thousand Islands.
Just outside the passes, stone crab season puts long lines of trap buoys across the nearshore. That sets the stage for a favorite winter hunt: tripletail along trap floats and markers. Spanish mackerel and, on the right temperature bump, king mackerel track the same bait plumes.
Winter species, tactics, and what to expect
Redfish
Winter is a high‑confidence time for reds. On low water, look for them sliding along oyster edges and shallow mud that warms fastest. Subtle presentations win. Think small soft plastics on light jigheads, live shrimp under a popping cork, or sparse flies. Sound can help in clear, calm water after a front. See the notes in Sound Technology Entices Winter Redfish and these tips for winter redfish fishing in Naples.
Spotted seatrout
Trout stack in deeper cuts and troughs right after fronts, then spread across adjacent grass as temperatures lift. A shrimp under a popping cork, a slow‑rolled paddletail, or a bucktail jig will do most of the work. It is a reliable winter bite that is perfect for kids and newcomers, yet still fun on ultra-light tackle. Get a feel for the pattern in Winter Fishing for Specks.
Sheepshead
This is peak time. Think docks, bridge pilings, oysters, and nearshore rock. Small baits like fiddler crabs and bits of shrimp shine. Harvest rules change from time to time, including a spring vessel limit meant to protect spawning aggregations, so plan to keep what is legal and release the rest.
Snook
Snook are cold-sensitive and often slide to rivers, canals, and deeper back bays during snaps. They feed best on sunny afternoons when water rebounds, especially on wind‑sheltered shorelines and creek mouths. Harvest is closed in winter in this region, so snook are targeted for catch and release. If harvest matters to you, ask about spring and fall timing when you book.
Spanish mackerel and king mackerel
Spanish mackerel are a classic winter nearshore fish here. Look for birds, slicks, and bait sprays in 10 to 20 feet. Cast metal spoons or jigs and retrieve quickly. Use a short wire or heavy mono bite guard. Kings slide in when water bumps into the high 60s or low 70s and bait schools are tight. Slow‑trolled live baits, spoons, or large jigs connect during that window.
Tripletail
One of winter’s coolest hunts. Idle along crab trap lines and channel markers, pitch a live shrimp or small jig to the shady side of the float, and be ready for a sudden thump. Regulations and size limits change, so your captain will advise on what can ride home.
Snapper and grouper
Winter bottom fishing inside 9 miles is a steady option when seas allow. Mangrove and lane snapper, along with assorted grouper species, hold on natural ledges and patchy reef bottom. Seasons and sizes vary by species and date, so your plan will match what is open and biting that week.
Goliath grouper
Encounters are possible year round on wrecks and structure. The default is catch and release with in‑water handling for larger fish. Florida also runs a separate, limited spring lottery for a tiny slot of juvenile fish. Winter charters treat goliaths as protected and focus on the fight and the photo.
Extra notes for anglers who want to go deep on the details
- Ten Thousand Islands patterns: After fronts, concentrate on deeper holes and nearby troughs. On warming tides, slide to edges where current folds over shell. Popping corks or sound‑emitting lures can boost the bite in clear water. For more, see this winter backcountry post.
- Pompano in winter: Outer passes with clean moving water are reliable with small metal jigs hopped along sand. You will often see Spanish mackerel nearby when birds are working.
- Kings and water temperature: Watch for a bump into the high 60s and low 70s and work bait edges and color changes. That is when slow‑trolled live baits or spoons tend to connect.
Tackle
- Light spinning outfits with 10 to 20 pound braid and 20 to 30 pound fluorocarbon leaders for redfish, trout, and snook.
- One eighth to one quarter ounce jigheads and small paddletails or shrimp imitations.
- Popping corks to add sound and keep live shrimp in the strike zone when the water is clear and calm.
- For Spanish mackerel, carry metal spoons and a short wire or heavy mono bite guard. Kings call for heavier leaders and often slow‑trolled live baits when the temperature window is right.
Rules and quick safety notes that matter in winter
- Snook: Harvest is closed in winter in this region. Target them for catch and release, and confirm current dates when you book.
- Tarpon: Statewide catch and release. Fish over 40 inches must remain in the water during handling.
- Sheepshead: Open all year. Bag and vessel limits apply in spring. The captain will keep you current.
- State waters in the Gulf extend to 9 miles. Chasin’ Tales’ offshore trips are intentionally planned inside that line for smoother rides and more fishing time.
- Everglades National Park: A free online boater education certificate is required for anyone operating a motorboat in park waters. On a guided charter you are covered, but it matters for DIY days.
- Manatee protection zones: Slow‑speed areas are strictly enforced, and winter concentrations mean more zones near warm‑water refuges.
For the most current harvest seasons and size limits, check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or the Fish Rules app before you plan to keep fish.
A simple winter day plan
Start: Leave Naples City Dock and run to the most protected water that matches the morning tide. Your captain sets the plan based on wind, clarity, and the last front.
Morning session: Work low water for redfish and seatrout with soft plastics and shrimp. If a strong front just passed, spend time probing deeper bends and troughs.
Late morning to early afternoon: Slide to the midday warming window in creeks and bays for a snook shot or shift outside for Spanish mackerel schools. If conditions allow, make a quick pass along trap lines for a tripletail target.
Wrap‑up: Decide whether to keep legal snapper for dinner when open. The crew cleans and bags your catch back at the dock.
Who this is perfect for
- Families and first‑timers: Protected water, easy techniques, and lots of action. Licenses, bait, and tackle are included, and the team cleans your catch when seasons allow.
- Light‑tackle and fly anglers: Clear winter water and low tides make for classic sight casting in the islands. For the most shelter and variety, start with an inshore charter.
- Food‑focused anglers: Winter sheepshead and mangrove or lane snapper provide great table fare within the rules. Nearshore is a smart pick when seas are friendly.
- Mixed groups: Nearshore delivers variety with a short ride and plenty of bends in the rod.
What to wear and bring
- A light fleece or windbreaker for the run, plus sun clothing for midday.
- Polarized sunglasses, a brimmed hat, and sunscreen.
- Non‑marking shoes and a small dry bag for your phone and valuables.
- Snacks and drinks. The boat has ice, and all tackle is provided.
Sample itineraries
Half‑day inshore for a family of four: Launch from Naples City Dock, fish a protected creek and adjacent flats for trout and redfish, then try a quick sheepshead stop on the way back. Easy casting, lots of action, back before nap time. Start here: inshore fishing charters.
Three‑quarter day nearshore for variety: Start on birds for Spanish mackerel, then drift a natural ledge for snapper. If conditions are right, scan some trap lines for tripletail and be back at the dock with fillets. Explore options on the nearshore page.
Ready to plan your winter trip?
Compare the inshore, nearshore, and offshore options, then lock in your date on the Reservations page. If your group has mixed goals, ask about combining nearshore mackerel with a backcountry redfish or trout session in one longer trip. You can also call the captain directly at 239‑216‑0378.
