The fishing here in SWFL has been fantastic and heating up more and more everyday.  Pilchards are very plentiful along the beaches and nearshore wrecks.  Look for diving pelicans to help locate these schools of bait.  Snook fishing has been very good from Doctors Pass all the way to 10,000 Islands.  Baits of choice have been pilchards, threads, and right now the early top water action is a blast.  Redfish can be targeted on the higher stages of the incoming working beaches, and mangrove shorelines where small bait is present.  The trout bite remains awesome as I've been targeting trout using finger mullet and also 1/4 oz jigs with a Doa Shad and also Gulp Shrimp.  Don't forget the rules and regulations when keeping fish as the closure is still in effect from Gordons Pass to Tampa.  This weeks forecast should remain consistent with the time of year.  Get out early to avoid the heat and also the big thunderstorms that have been blowing up in the afternoons.   
Capt. Joey Benko
​www.Naplesfishingguide.com

Here is SWFL inshore fishing is absolutely amazing from the variety of species we catch to the pure beauty of the backcountry.  For this months fishing report I'm offering up something a little different for guest looking for a fishing charter.  Top 5 Things to Know When Booking a Trip.  
1. The Company/Captains Reputation
With all the new booking sites available today research a Captain/Company and look for some genuine testimonials.  Also research the type of fishing you will be doing from artificial, livebait or fly fishing.  Just because someone maybe on the top of the list doesn't always mean they will be a good match for your trip.  Don't settle for just one opinion check with local bait shops to local fishing charity events.  Ask around.
2.  Group Size
The number of people you want to bring with you on your fishing charter will determine the cost and also availability.  Most inshore charters typically take between 1-3 guest with the 4th adding to the cost of the charter. 
3.  Cost "Cheapest is NOT best".
Cost is another important factor you need to consider.  There are lots of fishing guides who operate and are not properly licensed or insured which relates to lower prices.  Ask for his or her credentials.   Also many charters require a deposit or may charge extra when add another guest.
4.  Catch and Release / Catch and Keep
It's important to ask not only what you will be targeting but also if you are able to keep your catch.  New rules and regulations can permit keeping certain types of species so it's important to ask in advance.
5.  Whats Provided.
Every charter is different so ask the Captain what he/she may supply.  Some Captains provide water, soft drinks, ice, bait and tackle.  It's important to find out ahead of time so the Captain is prepared.  Also who is responsible for cleaning your catch.  Being prepared is key to an amazing adventure on the water.  

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Naples Fishing has been really good approaching hopefully what will be the last cold front of the year. Bait has been plentiful and the snook bite has been on fire with multiple double digit catches. The redfish bite has been better on the higher stages of the tide and the trout bite has also been solid. With the cold front coming through things are going to change drastically. Look for water temps to plummet into the mid 60's so it will be back to the shrimp and jig game until mid week. Here is some beautiful redfish and snook that have been released to fight another day this past week.

Fishing here in SWFL has been fantastic with redtide moving out.  Bait has been plentiful with rising water temps the snook and redfish bite has really picked up.  Here is Jan with a personal best redfish and Bob with a very cool spotted redfish.  Focus on the higher stages of the tide for redfish using live shrimp, live pilchards, and for artificial guys try a 1/4oz jig with the 3inch New Penny.  With Xmas approaching now is a great time to purchase a fishing charter for friends and family.

Happy Holidays,
Capt. Joey Benko
www.naplesfishingguide.com

Fishing here in SWFL has been fantastic with lots of redfish, snook, trout and pompano kicking off the season. With the cold front pushing through and water temps starting to drop look for these fish to move into the backcountry. Focus on areas with deep troughs as that will be where you will find these fish holding up.  Using bucktail jigs tipped with shrimp, 1/4oz jigs with 3 inch Gulp New Penny will be your best baits of choice. Stop into Mike's Bait House and grab some of these jigs tied by Capt. Roan they will improve your catches greatly this time of year. Look for fishing conditions to improve later in the week before the next cold front approaches.

Capt. Joey Benko
Naples Florida Fishing Guide
239-450-7382

Fishing here in Naples has been fantastic with lots of redfish being caught in the area. Shrimp, Pilchards and artificial baits have all been giving anglers a nice variety of techniques. The trout bite has been picking up in the area using gulp baits and popping corks. Look for conditions to remain consistent this week with the weather being great. Here is Skip with a beautiful 4spot redfish one of many they caught on a morning halfday trip.

Capt. Joey Benko
Naples Fishing Charters

Naples Fishing is on fire right now.  Lots of snook, redfish, and big jacks crushing pilchards and live shrimp. With the lingering redtide around pay attention to your bait wells to keep your baits alive. Fishing in the backwaters from Naples to Marco has provided some amazing action. This mornings trip included 20snook up to 28inches and 15 redfish with most being in the slot. Focus on mangrove shorelines with good flow and big mullet to find these fish. Here is Mike from Mikes Bait House taking a quick lunch break to bend a rod. Look for fishing to keep improving this week.

Capt. Joey Benko
Naples Florida Fishing Charters

Fishing here in Naples has been very good with lots of snook and redfish being the main players.  Bait has been plentiful but with some red tide lingering in the gulf pay attention to your baits.  Bait fish will start to move erratically and die when red tide is present in your bait wells. 

This weekends weather will change the game for the start of this week.  I have found some great success with the Live Target Pilchard and Mullet.  Along with these artificial baits throwing a 1/4oz gulp shrimp in New Penny or Molton will get the job done.  Here is Gary putting on a fish catching clinic from the UK.  His crew had a great week catching Tarpon, Snook, Redfish and big Jacks. Checkout Mike's Bait House for your tackle needs.

Capt. Joey 
Naples Florida Fishing Charters