%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F20067%2Fimages%2F1734030760774311661197_10159134842487864_7932787738500597707_n.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Family-Friendly Bonita Springs Inshore Fishing
- Published Date: September 8, 2025
- Fishing
- Bonita Springs
- $550 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F26a80541-168f-4cdd-9a5a-dde69dc62cfb%2Fratecard%2Ffa3e9f577e66c004551bc7dac4f39413-mf7xsnd6.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Family Fishing Fun
Snook all day!
Fishing dreams come true in Bonita Springs waters.
Speckled Trout are calling—Bonita Springs awaits!
Bonita Springs magic—redfish on the line!
null
null
null
Bonita Springs never disappoints on Snook
Catch of the day!
Hook of the day!
Snook all day!
Fishing dreams come true in Bonita Springs waters.
Speckled Trout are calling—Bonita Springs awaits!
Bonita Springs magic—redfish on the line!
null
null
null
Bonita Springs never disappoints on Snook
Catch of the day!
Hook of the day!
Snook all day!
Fishing dreams come true in Bonita Springs waters.
Speckled Trout are calling—Bonita Springs awaits!
Bonita Springs magic—redfish on the line!
Family Fishing Fun in Bonita Springs
Looking for a laid-back morning on the water that everyone in the family can enjoy? Our 4-hour inshore fishing trip in Bonita Springs is tailor-made for families who want to wet a line and make some memories. We'll cruise the calm backwaters and nearshore spots, giving you and the kids a chance to reel in some of Florida's most popular gamefish. Whether you're teaching the little ones to cast or hoping to land that trophy snook, our experienced captain will make sure everyone has a blast.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll start bright and early, meeting at the dock as the sun's coming up. The boat's roomy enough for 4, so bring the whole crew. As we head out, you'll get to soak in the beautiful Bonita Springs scenery - we might even spot some dolphins or manatees along the way. Your captain will find the hot spots where fish are biting, whether that's around mangrove islands, grass flats, or deeper channels. We've got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Never fished before? No worries! We'll show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time.
Fishing Techniques for Everyone
On this trip, we keep things simple and fun. We'll mostly be using light tackle and live bait, perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Depending on where the fish are biting, we might try a few different spots and techniques. You could be tossing a line under the mangroves for snook, working a jig for redfish, or drifting live shrimp for trout. The kids will love the excitement of feeling that first tug on the line, and with our captain's know-how, everyone's got a good shot at landing a fish or two. We'll teach you how to handle your catch safely, and maybe even snap a quick photo before releasing it back to the water.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Snook are the rock stars of Bonita Springs backwaters. These sleek, silver fish are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. They love to hang out around structure, so we'll target them near mangrove shorelines and docks. Spring and fall are prime snook seasons, but you can catch them year-round in our warm waters. Kids especially get a kick out of seeing a snook leap out of the water when hooked!
Redfish, or red drum, are another family favorite. These copper-colored beauties can be found tailing in shallow water, giving you a chance to sight-fish if conditions are right. They're strong fighters and great eating fish (though on this trip, we practice catch and release). Fall is the best time for big schools of redfish, but they're around all year.
Don't overlook the humble sheepshead! These striped fish with human-like teeth are a blast to catch and can be a real challenge. They're masters at stealing bait, so when you hook one, it's a real accomplishment. Winter is prime sheepshead time, and they're often found around pilings and oyster beds.
Black drum are the gentle giants of the inshore world. They can grow to over 100 pounds, though we usually catch them in the 5-30 pound range. These fish are perfect for kids because they don't make long runs - just a steady, strong pull. They love crustaceans, so we'll use shrimp or crab to entice them.
Last but not least, we've got the African pompano. While not as common as some other species, landing one of these silvery, disc-shaped fish is always a treat. They're fast swimmers and put up a great fight on light tackle. We typically find them around structure in slightly deeper water, so they're a nice change-up from the backwater species.
Why Families Keep Coming Back
There's something special about spending a morning on the water with your loved ones. Away from screens and daily distractions, you'll have time to chat, laugh, and maybe even start a little friendly competition over who catches the biggest fish. Our calm waters are perfect for kids who might get seasick on bigger boats, and the variety of fish means there's always something biting. Plus, with our catch-and-release policy, you're teaching the little ones about conservation while having fun. Many families tell us this becomes an annual tradition - a way to mark the passing years and create lasting memories.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to make some family fishing memories in Bonita Springs? Our 4-hour morning trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're visiting on vacation or you're a local looking for a fun family outing, this charter is the perfect way to experience the beauty of Southwest Florida's waters. Remember, we provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is sunscreen, snacks, and a sense of adventure. Don't let this chance for quality family time slip away - book your trip with Black Irish Charters today and get ready for a morning of laughter, excitement, and maybe even a new family fishing record!
Learn more about the species
African Pompano
African Pompano are a real treat to catch in our waters. These silvery, round fish typically run 10-30 pounds but can get much bigger. You'll find them near the bottom in 30-250 feet of water, often around reefs or wrecks. They're fast swimmers that love to chase shiny lures or live bait. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate through. Anglers love 'em for their hard-fighting spirit - they'll give you a serious workout on light tackle. The meat is excellent too, firm and mild. Here's a local tip: try slow-jigging metal lures near structure to entice a bite. Just be ready for that initial run when they realize they're hooked!
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of our inshore waters. These powerful fish typically run 5-30 pounds but can top 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish areas around oyster beds, mudflats, and bridge pilings. They use their strong teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love the tug-of-war with bigger drum, but keep the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) for better eating. Their firm white meat is delicious. To target them, use fresh crab or clam on a fish-finder rig. Here's a local trick: listen for their distinctive drumming sound to locate a school. Just be ready for a stubborn fight when you hook into a big one!
Redfish
Redfish are a favorite target in our shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 5-15 pounds inshore but can get much bigger offshore. You'll find them tailing in water as shallow as 1-4 feet, often around oyster bars and grass flats. They love to root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love their powerful runs and the sight of a big red's tail breaking the surface. Their firm white meat is delicious too. For best results, use live bait or soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. Here's a local tip: look for pushing water or "muds" stirred up by feeding reds in shallow areas.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are one of our more unique-looking fish, with their black and white stripes earning them the nickname "convict fish". They typically run 1-8 pounds but can reach 20. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, and reefs. They're infamous bait stealers with their human-like teeth. Winter and early spring are prime seasons as they gather to spawn. Anglers enjoy the challenge of hooking these crafty fish, and their sweet white meat is excellent table fare. For best results, use small hooks with fresh crab, shrimp, or barnacles. Here's a tip: when you feel the lightest tap, set the hook hard - they're masters at nibbling bait off the hook!
Snook
Snook are one of our most prized inshore catches. These sleek predators usually run 24-34 inches but can reach over 4 feet. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and in coastal creeks. They love ambushing prey in moving water, especially during tide changes. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers can't get enough of their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat is excellent too, but highly regulated. For best results, work live bait or lures tight to structure. And here's an insider tip - on hot summer days, look for snook in the shade of mangrove overhangs or dock pilings.
About the Black Irish Charters
%2F%2Fusers%2F26a80541-168f-4cdd-9a5a-dde69dc62cfb%2Fvehicle_picture%2Fscreenshot2024-12-13015412.png&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
