Guide Services
BACKWATER FISHING CHARTERS
Experience the shallow waters and vast maze of mangroves we call the 10,000 islands.
Fish you can expect to catch:
- Snook
- Redfish
- Tarpon
- Pompano
- Black drum
- Snapper
- Sheepshead
- And more!
We fish the Ten Thousand Islands between Marco Island, Goodland, and Everglades City on every backwater trip.
OFFSHORE FISHING CHARTERS
Heading offshore is always a rewarding experience resulting in a steady bite.
Fish being targeted:
- Grouper
- Snapper
- Amberjack
- Kingfish
- Permit
- Cobia
- Barracuda
- Many other species!
Offshore trips depart from Goodland with quick access to Gulf waters west of Marco Island and Naples.
Fishing + Sightseeing Combo
Fishing + Shelling Combo
corporate events + retreats
With our fleet and the ability to syndicate local guides we can take upwards of 50 passengers. Booking an outing for your corporate group is sure to be a great time. Ask about our food & beverage option to complete your group’s worry free day on the water!
Find the Right Trip for Your Crew
Families and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Backwater and combo trips run calmer, sheltered waters inside the Ten Thousand Islands where the rod stays bent and the scenery does the rest. Snook, redfish, pompano, and snapper keep everyone active. No experience needed, and all gear, bait, and licenses are included.
Serious Anglers
Offshore trips target grouper, snapper, amberjack, kingfish, and cobia on Gulf structure and live bottom reef. Our captains fish these waters every day of the season. If you have a target species in mind, call us before booking and we will put you on the right trip.
Groups and Retreats
We accommodate up to 50 passengers by combining our fleet with trusted local guides, all USCG licensed. Food and beverage packages are available. You handle the headcount, we handle everything else.
meet your captains
Our captains are locals born and raised in Southwest Florida who fish these waters every single day of the season.
Capt. Nick Thorstenson
Meet NickCapt. Kodie Fridley
Meet KodieCapt. Cooper Nettles
Meet CooperCapt. Kyle Fridley
Meet KyleCapt. Weston Bedell
Meet WesCapt. Sterling Freeland
Meet SterlingUSCG Licensed & Fully Insured
Your safety is our absolute highest priority. Every captain at Native Guided Fishing holds a valid Merchant Mariner Credential issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). We are fully licensed, insured, and CPR/First Aid certified.
Our fleet is meticulously maintained and equipped with all USCG-required safety gear, including life jackets for all ages, advanced GPS and weather-tracking electronics, and emergency communication devices. We navigate the 10,000 Islands and offshore waters every day, so you can relax knowing you are in the hands of experienced, professional mariners.
5-Star Rated in Marco Island for a Reason
Guests and local anglers consistently rave about Native Guided Fishing, and our reviews show exactly why.
FAQS: What to Know Before You Go
Do I need to buy my own fishing license?
No, you do not need to purchase a recreational saltwater fishing license. All of our passengers are fully covered under our master FWC charter captain and vessel licenses. Just step on board and you are ready to fish.
Do we get to keep what we catch, and will you clean it?
Yes! As long as the fish are in season and within legal size limits, you are welcome to keep your catch. Once we return to the dock, your captain will fillet and bag your fish for you so it is ready for the frying pan or to take to a local “cook your catch” restaurant.
What is provided and what do I need to bring?
We provide all the necessary fishing gear, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait, as well as a cooler with ice and water. You should bring sun protection (polarized sunglasses, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen), comfortable non-slip shoes, and any specific snacks, drinks, or alcohol you would like for the day.
Are these trips good for kids and beginners?
Absolutely. We specialize in making fishing fun for all ages and skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned angler or it is your child’s first time holding a rod, our captains are patient, helpful, and will teach you everything you need to know to catch fish.
What is the best time of year to fish near Marco Island and Naples?
Southwest Florida fishing is productive year-round. Winter and spring bring excellent snook and redfish action in the backwater. Summer is prime tarpon season. Fall offers some of the best variety of the year across the Ten Thousand Islands.
Do you offer private charters for just my group?
Yes. All of our trips are private, meaning you never share a boat with strangers. Your group has the captain and boat to yourselves for the entire trip.
More to Do in Marco Island?
Our captains spend 300+ days a year on these waters, and we get asked the same question every day: “What else should we do while we’re here?” We put together a curated guide of the tours, adventures, and experiences we genuinely recommend to our own guests, from sunset sails and kayak tours to airboat rides through the Everglades and the best spot to cook your catch after the trip.
Now on the Water: Tarpon Season in Southwest Florida
Every spring and early summer, one of the most thrilling fisheries in the world wakes up right outside our dock. Giant tarpon, some pushing 120 pounds or more, move through the nearshore waters of Marco Island, Naples, and the Ten Thousand Islands in numbers that draw anglers from across the country.
Tarpon are known as the Silver King for a reason. When one takes your bait and launches out of the water, it is something you will not forget. Our captains know exactly where these fish stage, feed, and travel along the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast, and we put you in the right position to hook up.
Where We Fish
Native Guided Fishing operates across the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast, giving you access to some of the most diverse fishing and wildlife waters in the country:
- Marco Island
- Goodland
- Ten Thousand Islands
- Everglades City
- Dismal Key
- Keewaydin Island
- Naples Bay
- Offshore Gulf waters
Whether you are staying in Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, or anywhere in between, our dock in Goodland puts you at the center of it all.