Discover the top things to do in Naples, FL, from beaches and gardens to wildlife, family activities, dining, and local attractions.

Things to Do

Top Things to Do in Naples, FL

Read expert Fishing articles, travel insights, and local stories from Smokin' Hooks in Naples. Stay informed and inspired for your next adventure.

Naples Fishing Articles & Insights | Smokin' Hooks

<p>Experience the excitement of Southwest Florida’s legendary saltwater fishing with Smokin’ Hooks Fishing Charters in Naples, FL. Led by Captain Brian and a team of experienced professional captains, Smokin’ Hooks offers action-packed nearshore and offshore fishing adventures for anglers of all skill levels.</p><p><br></p><p>Based near the famous Wiggins Pass, Smokin’ Hooks gives guests access to the productive waters connecting Estero Bay with the Gulf of Mexico. From calm nearshore waters to exciting offshore grounds, Naples offers an incredible variety of fishing opportunities throughout the year.</p><p><br></p><p>Fish aboard one of Smokin’ Hooks’ spacious 30-foot Parker Walkaround boats, designed to handle offshore conditions while remaining versatile enough for productive fishing closer to shore. With experienced captains guiding the way, you can target a variety of sought-after Gulf species, including Mangrove Snapper, Cobia, Barracuda, King Mackerel, Sharks, Grouper, and more.</p><p><br></p><p>Whether you are an experienced angler searching for your next hard-fighting catch or a first-time fisherman looking to experience the thrill of landing your first saltwater fish, the crew is ready to make your trip enjoyable and memorable. Families, beginners, and private groups are all welcome, and every trip is tailored to create a fun and comfortable experience on the water.</p><p><br></p><p>Smokin’ Hooks can also accommodate larger groups by operating two vessels, allowing groups of 7 to 12 passengers to enjoy a unique fishing experience together. Friendly competitions and family “fish-off” trips can make your day on the water even more exciting.</p><p><br></p><p>Your fishing charter includes the essentials needed for a successful day on the water. Guests can focus on enjoying the experience while the professional crew handles the details. At the end of the trip, your catch can be prepared for you to take home and enjoy.</p><p><br></p><p>With nearly three decades of experience, Smokin’ Hooks Fishing Charters combines local knowledge, quality equipment, and a genuine passion for fishing to deliver unforgettable Naples fishing adventures. From your first cast to your final catch, expect exciting action, beautiful Gulf views, and memories that will last long after you return to shore.</p><p><br></p><p>Book your Naples fishing charter with Smokin’ Hooks and discover why Southwest Florida is one of the Gulf Coast’s premier destinations for nearshore and offshore fishing.</p><p><br></p>

EPSG:4269

Gag grouper caught while fishing in Naples FL waters displayed on boat deck

Cobia catch displayed on fishing boat in Naples FL waters

Goliath grouper caught fishing in Naples FL waters held on boat deck

Goliath grouper caught fishing in Naples FL

Large grouper fish caught during fishing trip in Naples FL

Angler holding freshly caught fish on fishing boat in Naples FL waters

Redfish catch on fishing charter boat in Naples FL waters

Large shark swimming underwater near fishing line in Naples FL waters

Gag grouper caught while fishing in Naples FL waters

Two anglers displaying caught cobia on fishing boat in Naples FL waters

Angler holding large snook fish on boat in Naples FL waters

Greater amberjack caught while fishing in Naples FL waters

Large cobia caught while fishing in Naples FL waters

Two anglers displaying freshly caught Little Tunny fish on fishing boat in Naples FL waters

King mackerel caught while fishing in Naples FL waters

Top Things to Do in Naples, FLNaples, Florida, is much more than a Gulf Coast destination. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, tropical gardens, wil

<p>Ready to experience unforgettable deep sea fishing in Naples, FL? Book your adventure with Smokin’ Hooks Fishing Charters today and make lasting memories with family and friends aboard a premier Naples charter boat.</p>

<p>Enjoy a family-friendly Naples fishing charter with Smokin’ Hooks and Captain Brian Smith. With 29 years of experience and local knowledge, the crew knows where to find Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, King Mackerel, Barracuda, Sharks, and more. Whether it’s your family’s first catch or an exciting day offshore, you’ll enjoy a fun and memorable Gulf fishing experience. Book your trip today and make your Naples fishing adventure one to remember!</p>

Find answers to common Naples fishing charter questions about pricing, trips, what to bring, fishing conditions, target species, and booking with Smokin’ Hooks Fishing Charters.

<h2><strong>Meet Captain Brian Smith</strong></h2><p><br></p><p>Captain Brian Smith leads Smokin’ Hooks Fishing Charters with nearly three decades of experience on the waters around Naples, Florida. His passion for saltwater fishing and the opportunity to share that passion with others are at the heart of every trip. Whether welcoming an experienced angler, a first-timer, or a family looking to make their first catch, Captain Brian focuses on creating a fun, comfortable, and memorable experience on the water.</p><p><br></p><p>With 29 years of experience, Captain Brian has developed extensive knowledge of Naples and the surrounding Gulf of Mexico waters. From Wiggins Pass and Estero Bay to productive nearshore and offshore fishing grounds, his local expertise helps guests pursue a wide variety of species, including Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, King Mackerel, Barracuda, Sharks, Snook, Tarpon, and Tripletail. His focus on responsible boating, preparation, and guest safety helps make Smokin’ Hooks a trusted choice for Naples fishing charters and deep sea fishing in Naples, FL.</p><p><br></p><p>What sets Captain Brian and the Smokin’ Hooks team apart is their ability to accommodate different types of anglers and fishing goals. The crew welcomes families, beginners, experienced anglers, and larger groups, with trips tailored to current conditions and the species guests want to target. Smokin’ Hooks can also operate two boats for groups of 7–12 passengers, creating a unique opportunity for family and group “fish-off” experiences. With a genuine passion for sharing Southwest Florida’s fishing opportunities, Captain Brian offers more than simply a boat ride—he provides local knowledge and an experience guests can remember.</p><p><br></p><p>Guests fish aboard Smokin’ Hooks’ spacious 30-foot Parker Walkaround boats, built to handle both nearshore and offshore waters around Naples. Each vessel is powered by a 300 HP Yamaha engine and provides a sturdy platform for chasing hard-fighting Gulf species. With plenty of room for up to six passengers, the boats are designed for comfortable fishing while giving the crew the capability to reach productive waters efficiently. Whether you're planning family-friendly fishing charters in Naples or an action-packed offshore adventure, Captain Brian and the Smokin’ Hooks crew are ready to put you on the water and help make your next trip a memorable one.</p>

Deep water wreck fishing for Goliath Grouper, King Mackerel and Cobia. Book your Gulf adventure.

Reef Wreck Hunt

Full-Day Offshore Reef and Wreck Expedition

Chase King Mackerel, Cobia and Barracuda on world class Gulf waters. Book your pelagic adventure.

Battle Pelagics

Battle Open-Water Pelagics off Naples

Target massive Goliath Grouper, Tiger Sharks, and apex predators on this intense Naples charter.

Heavyweight Battle

Wrestle Heavyweight Predators off Naples

Target legendary Silver King Tarpon and trophy Cobia on expert guided inshore trips from Southwest FL.

Silver King Hunt

Trophy Silver Kings & Coastal Gamefish

Fish productive nearshore reefs and wrecks off Naples. Premium inshore action with all gear included.

Nearshore Reef Fun

Target Nearshore Reefs off Naples

<p>Fishing License included</p><p><br></p>

<p>Best Family-friendly fishing charters in Naples, FL</p>

<p>What to bring: Sunglasses, sunscreen, foods &amp; drink</p>

Before Your Charter Trip

<h3>How much does a Naples fishing charter cost?</h3><p>Fishing charter prices in Naples vary depending on the trip duration, fishing style, and group size. Smokin’ Hooks offers different trip options to suit families, beginners, and experienced anglers.</p><h3>What types of fishing trips are available in Naples?</h3><p>Smokin’ Hooks offers nearshore and offshore fishing trips in the Gulf of Mexico. Depending on conditions and the season, anglers can target Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, King Mackerel, Barracuda, Sharks, and other local species.</p><h3>What is included on a Naples fishing charter?</h3><p>Your Smokin’ Hooks fishing trip includes the fishing license, rods and reels, bait, ice, and bottled water. Your catch can also be cleaned, filleted, bagged, and iced at the end of the trip.</p><h3>What should I bring on a Naples fishing trip?</h3><p>Guests should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable clothing, and any food or drinks they would like during the trip. Wear appropriate footwear and dress according to the weather and sea conditions.</p><h3>What is the best time to go fishing in Naples, FL?</h3><p>Naples offers productive saltwater fishing year-round. The best time depends on your target species, weather, and sea conditions, with seasonal runs creating opportunities for species such as King Mackerel and Snapper.</p><h3>Is Smokin’ Hooks good for families and beginners?</h3><p>Yes. Smokin’ Hooks welcomes families, children, and anglers of all experience levels. The crew can tailor trips toward easier nearshore fishing and help first-time anglers learn the basics while enjoying a fun day on the water.</p><h3>Where do Naples fishing charters depart from?</h3><p>Smokin’ Hooks operates near Wiggins Pass in Naples, providing convenient access to Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Meeting details are provided when your trip is booked.</p><h3>How many people can go on a Naples fishing charter?</h3><p>Each 30-foot Parker Walkaround can accommodate up to six passengers. Smokin’ Hooks operates two boats and can accommodate larger groups of approximately 7–12 guests when both vessels are booked.</p><h3>What fish can you catch on a Naples fishing charter?</h3><p>Anglers can target a wide variety of Gulf species, including Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Cobia, King Mackerel, Barracuda, Sharks, and other seasonal saltwater fish around Naples and the Gulf of Mexico.</p><h3>How far offshore do Smokin’ Hooks fishing trips go?</h3><p>Smokin’ Hooks fishes the productive waters around Naples, including nearshore and offshore areas within approximately nine miles of the Southwest Florida coastline. Your captain will select fishing grounds based on conditions and the target species.</p>

Air Fee

Bait Fee

Divemaster Fee

Mate's Fee

Nitrox Fee

Service Fee

State Taxes

Trimix Fee

Cancel before this guide’s cancellation window to get a full refund.

<p>Gear up for an adrenaline-fueled battle in the open coastal waters off Naples, focusing on the Gulf’s heaviest apex predators and unique structure dwellers. Launching from Cocohatchee River Park Marina, you will spend your time picking off subtle surface targets like Tripletail before locking into heavy-tackle showdowns with massive Goliath Grouper, Red Grouper, and powerful Bull or Tiger Sharks. This run centers on heavy-duty bottom fishing and live-bait rigging around offshore structure, wrecks, and deep cuts where true monsters hide. Designed for anglers seeking intense rod-bending fights and unforgettable drag-screaming action, every setup is tuned for maximum leverage. Premium heavy tackle, specialized bait rigs, and all required state licenses are completely provided for your extreme target hunt.</p>

Bull Shark

Goliath Grouper

Red Grouper

Tiger Shark

Tripletail

Parker 26'

5 hrs 

<p>Head just beyond the coastline to explore Naples' productive nearshore bottom structure and artificial reefs. Dropping lines over natural ledges, hard bottom, and submerged wrecks, you will target aggressive fish that thrive just miles from shore. This run bridges the gap between backwater fishing and deep-sea angling, offering non-stop action using vertical jigging, bottom fishing, and live-bait setups tailored to what is biting best. With minimal travel time to the reefs, you spend maximum time with a bent rod while enjoying the expansive coastal scenery. All top-tier tackle, live bait preparation, and state fishing licenses are fully provided, so you can focus entirely on bringing up hard-fighting fish from the depths.</p>

3 hrs 

<p>Push out into the open coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico for a action-packed chase targeting powerful migratory species. Rounding the Cocohatchee River, you will focus on high-energy techniques like high-speed trolling, live-chugging, and vertical jigging around natural ledges and artificial structure. This run zeroes in on aggressive pelagics like King Mackerel, Barracuda, Cobia, and Spanish Mackerel, alongside hard-fighting Gag Grouper holding tight to the bottom. By combining fast-paced surface strikes with heavy-bottom drops, you get a dynamic angling experience designed for non-stop rod-bending action. All high-grade tackle, live bait, and state fishing licenses are fully provided, giving you a seamless shot at landing prized Gulf predators.</p>

Cobia

Gag Grouper

Great Barracuda

King Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel

4 hrs 

<p>Stage out from Cocohatchee River Park Marina for a high-stakes crossover excursion targeting Southwest Florida’s most iconic sportfish. This trip bridges the rich Gulf passes and outer beaches, positioning you right in the transit lanes of legendary Silver King Tarpon and heavy Cobia. You will shift tactics between drift-lining crabs along tide lines, pitching live baits around crab pot buoys for Tripletail, and working structural drops for prized Snook and fast-moving King Mackerel. Designed for anglers pursuing heart-stopping leaps and test-your-grit runs, every setup focuses on tactical adaptability across diverse coastal habitats. Complete outfit setup, live bait gear, and state angling permits are fully covered so you can dedicate every moment to landing a bucket-list catch.</p>

Snook

Tarpon

Chasing Trophy Silver Kings and Coastal Gamefish

<p>Maximize your reach into the Gulf with an extended, full-day run targeting the largest reef and pelagic species off Naples. Departing from Cocohatchee River Park Marina, this full-day trip gives you the time needed to venture out to deep sunken wrecks, natural ledges, and hard-bottom relief where massive fish congregate. You will alternate between dropping live baits to pull heavy Goliath Grouper and Gag Grouper off the bottom, and working surface lines for razor-toothed Great Barracuda, soaring Cobia, and lightning-fast King Mackerel. Designed for dedicated anglers seeking high-energy variety and maximum rod-bending action, this extended journey lets you thoroughly work multiple productive offshore structures. All top-quality tackle, live bait, and state fishing licenses are completely covered.</p>