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
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
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 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.
Posted on Google![]()
Chad NormanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Capt. Cooper was great! We had such an amazing time and he had us catching over slot size fish within 20 minutes of leaving the dock! (We did bring home dinner too!) The boat and equipment were top notch! We will return!Posted on Google![]()
John YanceyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have fished on marco island for the past 20 years, and then sold my home there in 2018. I returned this week on business and took a customer out fishing with native guided fishing charters. These are great people and if you want to have fun and catch some big fish call kodie, the owner. If you have a choice, ask for Cooper as your guide. He is great at what he does. Great experience!Posted on Google![]()
Brandon RosenbergTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a great morning with Captain Cooper. He kept the rods bent and we were able to bag multiple species and enjoy a great half day on the water. Very knowledgable, personable and a great guide for our fishing charter. Would highly recommend and would definitely book with him again!Posted on Google![]()
Alexis AnzoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent charter and captains! We went with Captain Kyle and Cooper with 5 kids between the two. They helped everyone catch a fish, and even managed to pull in a Tarpon!! A rare bucket list item for everyone. If we could give them 6 stars, we would! Thank you!Posted on Google![]()
Annie NelsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kyle was a great guide! Very personable and knew all of the spots. Made it very comfortable for us and while we were experienced anglers, I have no doubt he would be great for anyone who is newer to fishing. Highly recommended!Posted on Google![]()
Brent ByersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a great time with Captain Cooper. We started out with a keeper Pampano and a lone Dolphin sighting/interaction. We ended up a short distance offshore on a reef or wreck that had multiple sea turtles in the area along with some more fishing action. We ended the trip with a Spanish Mackerel run and a small pod of dolphins and boated four Spanish that were over 18" great mixture of wildlife and fishing. Would fish with again when in the area. Cooper cleaned the fish we fed the dock "pets" and Cokomo's cooked our catch.Posted on Google![]()
Amanda BaldwinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had an absolutely amazing experience with Native Guided Fishing! From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. We had such a great time that we’re seriously considering booking another trip before we even leave Florida! Our captain, Kyle, was fantastic—attentive, extremely knowledgeable, and so much fun to be around. He made sure everyone was comfortable, engaged, and having a great time throughout the entire trip. His knowledge and personality really made the experience special. We even had the incredible bonus of seeing dolphins playing in the wake of the boat, which made the whole experience even more magical and unforgettable. If you’re looking for a fun, memorable fishing experience with a great captain, we highly recommend Native Guided Fishing. We would absolutely book with Kyle again!Posted on Google![]()
Christina NortonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
First time experience fishing like this and it was so great I cannot wait to do it again! Our Captain Kyle was the best! We had the best time and experience from boarding til exiting. He took us to multiple places to fish, baited and changed broken lines and was very informative and instructional. We enjoyed a great time on the water. I would highly recommend this company and will be booking again!Posted on Google![]()
Rose GallucciTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kyle was amazing! He was very knowledgeable and friendly. We had the best time and will definitely be using them again next year when we come back. Thank you for a great experiencePosted on Google![]()
Page GreenwoodTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Today was our 7th time out with Native Guided Fishing — always had great Captains and a great time — Had Captain Kyle today, who was outstanding..! Thanks so much — we’ll be back again..!
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.