Marco Island Fishing Charters
Backwater, Offshore, and Shelling Trips Departing from Goodland
Not Sure Which Charter to Choose?
Whether you want to chase fish offshore, explore the mangroves with your kids, or mix in shelling and dolphin watching, we have a trip that fits your crew. Backwater charters are perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or those who want calmer water and lots of action. Offshore trips are best for experienced anglers looking for a full day of adventure. Combo trips are ideal if you want a little bit of everything: fishing, sightseeing, shelling, and time on secluded beaches around Goodland and Marco Island.
BACKWATER FISHING CHARTER
Half Day (4 hr)…… $575
3/4 Day (6 hr)…….,$850
Full Day (8 hr)……. $1,100
What a Backwater Charter Looks Like
We launch from Goodland and head into the 10,000 Islands, one of the most productive shallow water fisheries in the country. Depending on the season and tides, your captain will work mangrove shorelines, grass flats, oyster bars, and backcountry passes. Light tackle spinning gear keeps the action exciting on any size fish. Kids and beginners do well on backwater trips because the variety of species means the rod is almost always bent. Half day trips are the most popular choice for families; while three quarter and full day trips are ideal if you want to explore deeper into the backcountry and target multiple species throughout a full tide cycle.
Best season: Call us if you have a target species and we will advise on timing.
OFFSHORE FISHING CHARTER
Half Day (4 hr)……$700
3/4 Day (6 hr)………$950
Full Day (8 hr)……..$1,250
What an Offshore Charter Looks Like
We run out into the Gulf targeting structure, ledges, and live bottom reef in 20 to 80 feet of water depending on your chosen duration. Grouper and snapper are the backbone of most offshore trips, with kingfish, cobia, and amberjack adding variety. Full day offshore trips allow us to run to deeper water for larger grouper and the chance at pelagic species. All offshore trips are weather dependent and your captain will communicate conditions in advance. We recommend offshore for anglers who have been on boats before and are comfortable in light chop.
Best season: Call us if you have a target species and we will advise on timing.
Fishing and Sightseeing Combo
Fishing and Sightseeing
Combo (3 hr)………$475
Fishing and 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. We are flexible and it is all about having fun, if you would prefer to only shell and not fish we will happily make that request happen. You are welcome to fish off the beach as well!
*Departure location for this trip may vary. Please check confirmation email upon booking for correct departure location.
Fishing and Shelling Combo
(3 hr)…….$475
Shelling and Sightseeing in the 10,000 Islands
Not every great day on the water is about the catch. The 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most ecologically rich and visually stunning waterways in the country, and our combo trips are designed to let you experience all of it, not just the fishing.
Wildlife and Sightseeing
Dolphins are a near-daily sighting on our combo trips, often swimming alongside the boat or feeding in the shallows near the mangroves. Manatees appear regularly in warmer months, and the bird life throughout the refuge is exceptional year-round: roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons are common. Your captain knows these waters and will point out wildlife throughout the trip.
Shelling
The secluded beaches scattered throughout the 10,000 Islands produce some of the best shelling in Southwest Florida. These are not the crowded tourist beaches, they are remote barrier islands and sandbars that most visitors never reach without a boat. Lightning whelks, horse conchs, alphabet cones, and junonia are among the species you may find depending on the season and tide. We bring bags and can point you toward the most productive stretches of beach while you explore at your own pace.
Not Sure What's Biting Right Now?
Southwest Florida fishing changes with the seasons and knowing what’s in the water before you book makes all the difference. Spring is prime time for pompano, trout and snook. Summer brings peak snook action and Fall is the best season for redfish. Winter often delivers sheepshead, silver trout, mackerel and pompano, when the rest of the country is frozen.
Our captains fish Marco Island, Goodland, and the Ten Thousand Islands every week of the year, and we try to set proper expectations so you can plan your trip around the species you want to target.
FAQs
Do you depart from Marco Island or Goodland?
We depart from 385 Angler Dr in Goodland, FL which is just minutes from Marco Island and offers direct access to both the Ten Thousand Islands and offshore Gulf waters.
Can you accommodate beginners and kids?
Absolutely. Our backwater and combo trips are ideal for families and first-timers. Our captains handle the setup, baiting, and coaching so everyone on the boat has a great time regardless of experience level.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during peak winter and spring season. Same-week availability is sometimes possible but not guaranteed.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Offshore trips are weather permitting. If conditions are unsafe we will contact you to reschedule or discuss options.
Do you serve Naples and surrounding areas?
Yes. While we depart from Goodland near Marco Island, we regularly host guests staying in Naples, Bonita Springs, and across Southwest Florida.
Our captains Cooper, Kyle, Sterling, Nick and Kodie are local to Southwest Florida and know these waters like their backyard. When you book with us you are not getting a random assignment; you are getting a guide who genuinely loves this fishery and wants your trip to be the best part of your vacation.
find us
Native Guided Fishing is Southwest Florida’s top-rated charter company for inshore, backwater, offshore, and sightseeing trips near Marco Island, Naples, and the Ten Thousand Islands. Book online or call us to plan your perfect day on the water.