Guided Fishing Charters in Marco Island & Goodland, FL

Reserve Your Fishing Trip!

Choose Your Marco Island Fishing Charter

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

Come get a line wet and explore the beautiful 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge where you can expect to see playful dolphins, manatees, bird life, and more!

Fishing + Shelling Combo

This charter is a no pressure fun fishing trip with shelling stops along the way. Join us exploring in the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge while making stops on secluded beaches filling your bags with beautiful sea shells.

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

Native Guided Fishing is led by Florida-native captains who grew up fishing these waters Whether you are new to fishing or chasing a specific species, your captain will help make the day fun, comfortable, and tailored to your group.

Capt. Nick Thorstenson

Meet Nick

Capt. Kodie Fridley

Meet Kodie

Capt. Cooper Nettles

Meet Cooper

Capt. Kyle Fridley

Meet Kyle

Capt. Weston Bedell

Meet Wes

Capt. Sterling Freeland

Meet Sterling

USCG 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.

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Joshua Zarnawski 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Capt Cooper was a fantastic guide. He was great with the young kids and worked hard from the second we stepped on the boat to the second we got off. Caught fish all day and had a great time, will book with Native next time we’re back to Marco.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ashley Leazenby 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing experience with Native Guided Fishing! Kyle was a fantastic guide and knew exactly where to take us to get on the fish. We caught plenty and had such a great time out on the water! One of the highlights was being able to take our fresh catch to Cocomo’s for a catch-and-cook meal afterward. Such a fun experience from start to finish! Highly recommend booking with Kyle if you’re in the area. We would absolutely do it again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   James Brennan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Captain Kyle put it on fish all day and for not truly being in season it was a great time! Redfish Jack's flounder and Snook!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brian Tordella 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing time. Cooper was an amazing guide
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jim Stevenson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our morning fishing trip with captain Cooper was an enjoyable one. My son and I hadn’t fished together for decades and I thought there was no better place to try again but in Marco Island. Captain Cooper put us on fish early which got us warmed up kept our spirits high. Throughout the trip we continued having hits but we clearly lacked the ability to land them. My son and I had a great time and next time we’ll try a high tide day.
Thanks Cap.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jayden Ronning 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great time
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Semeraro 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great time on our charter with Captain Cooper! His great personality and skills made it a fantastic day. We fished a wide variety of environments and caught many different species of fish. We can't wait to book with him again next year!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Griffin Galber 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything went really good
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Trevor Houston 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our fishing guide was absolutely amazing! We caught a ton of redfish and had an unforgettable time on the water.

One of the coolest moments was when we spotted dolphins. Our guide took off with the boat and got them chasing our wake, jumping right behind us! It was incredible to watch!

And then came the real excitement! We used one of our redfish as bait to go after a massive Goliath grouper. We hooked that monster FOUR times, but unfortunately, he broke our line every single time! We didn't land him, but what an adrenaline rush!

Our guide went above and beyond to make sure we had an amazing experience. Between the fishing, dolphins, and battling that giant grouper, it was a day we'll never forget.

If you're visiting Marco Island and want an unforgettable fishing adventure, I highly recommend Native Guided Fishing! We'll definitely be back! 🎣🐬
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lauren Isom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great time with Captain Cooper!  He took us to a few different spots and we caught several variety of fish and a ton of redfish!  He was very knowledgeable and helpful. Cooper kept our bait on and fishing poles ready!

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.

Looking for 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.

Snapper and Grouper Season Is Here

September is a great time to head offshore from Goodland and Marco Island. Mangrove snapper often keep the action steady around reefs, wrecks, and other structure, while amberjack, kingfish, cobia, and other Gulf species may also be part of the day. With active bait and the right conditions, it is a good month for groups who want a real offshore fishing experience and not just a long ride looking at open water.

September also brings the limited gag grouper season, creating an opportunity to target one of the Gulf’s most sought-after fish. Our captains watch the weather, tides, and current bite to make the most of each trip, whether that means working bottom structure for snapper and grouper or shifting to the species that are feeding best that day.

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.