Search "Naples fishing charters" and you'll find dozens of boats. Most look the same online. The difference shows up on the water — in how the captain treats your family, how the boat is rigged, and whether the price you were quoted is the price you pay. Here are the nine questions worth asking before you book, and how we answer each one at Naples Saltwater Fishing.
Quick answers
- Price: Half day $600, 3/4 day $900, full day $1,200 — up to 4 anglers, everything included.
- Licenses: Provided for every angler, adults and kids.
- Group size: Up to 6; four adults is the sweet spot.
- Weather: Cancellations are always rescheduled.
- Captain: Captain Tony Fontana, born and raised on these waters, featured on TV's Sportsman's Adventures.
1. What's included in the price?
Some charters quote a low rate and then add fees for bait, licenses, fuel surcharges or fish cleaning. Ask for the full price before you pay a deposit, and ask specifically whether licenses and tackle are included — on many boats they're not.
Our charter rates are all-inclusive: half day $600, 3/4 day $900 and full day $1,200 for up to 4 anglers. Bait, tackle, fishing licenses, ice and fish cleaning are part of the price. The number you're quoted is the number you pay.
2. Do we need fishing licenses?
On a licensed charter, the boat's license usually covers its paying guests — but some operations don't carry one and expect you to buy your own. Ask directly.
We provide licenses for everyone on board, adults and kids, so you can show up with nothing but sunscreen. If you'd rather understand the rules yourself, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission explains when a license is required. We also cover this in detail in Do You Need a Fishing License in Naples, FL?
3. How many people can come?
Boats have legal passenger limits, and comfort limits well below them. A boat crowded with eight anglers means tangled lines and missed fish.
Our boat fishes best with four adults — everyone has room to cast and the captain can move between rods. We can take up to six for an extra $100 per person over four. If your group is bigger, we'll tell you honestly and help you plan.
4. Inshore, nearshore or offshore?
"Fishing charter" covers very different days on the water. Inshore and backcountry trips fish calm water around the mangroves and flats. Nearshore trips run a few miles into the Gulf. True offshore trips go much farther — and in much bigger seas.
Match the trip to your group. Backcountry and inshore trips are the pick for families and first-timers: calm water, constant action, and snook, redfish and trout. Nearshore trips target grouper, snapper and kingfish a few miles out. Be careful with "deep sea" charters if anyone in your group gets seasick — a rough Gulf day can end a vacation.
5. How long should we go?
A half day suits kids, beginners and anyone squeezing fishing around beach time. You'll get three to four solid hours of action without wearing anyone out.
A 3/4 or full day gives the captain time to run farther and fish more than one spot — that's when you target bigger fish like tarpon, cobia or grouper. If fishing is the main event of your trip, book the longer day. See the trade-offs on our trips and rates page.
6. What will we catch this time of year?
Any captain can tell you what they caught last week. A good one tells you what's biting now, by season, and sets honest expectations for your dates.
Snook, redfish and trout are year-round residents; tarpon run spring through summer; kingfish and cobia pass through in cooler months. Check our Naples fish species guide for seasons and the latest fishing reports, which we update with real catches from real trips.
7. Who is the captain?
You're spending a day on a boat with one person. Ask how long they've fished these waters, whether they're full-time, and what other guests say about them.
Captain Tony Fontana grew up fishing Naples waters and runs charters full-time. He's been featured on TV's Sportsman's Adventures, and the photo gallery shows real guests with real catches — not stock photos.
8. What happens if the weather turns?
Summer thunderstorms and winter cold fronts are part of life in Southwest Florida. Get the weather policy in writing before you pay anything.
Ours is simple: weather cancellations are always rescheduled. We watch the National Weather Service marine forecast for Naples daily and will never take you out in unsafe conditions. If we call it, you pick a new date.
9. What do the reviews say?
Read recent reviews on Google, not only the charter's own website — anyone can pick their favorite quotes. Look for reviews from families with kids and from first-timers; that's who most guests are.
We're 5 star rated on Google, and our guests keep coming back. Bring your questions — Captain Tony answers the phone himself.
Ready to book?
Request your date online or call Captain Tony at 239-280-6246. Half days book up fastest during season — the earlier you lock in a date, the better your pick of tides and times.
