Fishing boats on calm water at sunset

Goodland · Marco Island · Naples · 10,000 Islands

Backwater fishing
at the edge of the Everglades.

Snook, redfish, trout, pompano, sharks and tarpon, with dolphins in the wake. Private charters for families, couples and seasoned anglers, guided by Captain Michael Van Jones.

5.0★★★★★10 Google reviews
20+years fishing these waters
Allskill levels & ages welcome
Gearbait, tackle & licenses included
Smallprivate groups, personal instruction

The trips

Pick your kind of day on the water.

Every charter is private and built around your group. Ask the captain which trip fits the season and the tides.

Red mangrove in calm water, Ten Thousand Islands
Most popular

Backwater fishing

Wind through the mangrove islands of the 10,000 Islands for snook, redfish and trout in calm, protected water. Great for kids and first-timers.

  • Snook · Redfish · Trout
  • Calm water, family friendly
Indian Key Pass in the Ten Thousand Islands
Bigger fish

Nearshore fishing

Run just off the beaches and passes for pompano, sharks and, in season, tarpon. Action-packed for anglers who want a fight.

  • Pompano · Shark · Tarpon
  • Passes & nearshore Gulf
Bottlenose dolphin surfacing near Naples
Eco tour

Sightseeing & wildlife

Dolphins, manatees, wading birds and stingrays up close, with a captain who knows the ecosystem and loves to share it.

  • Dolphins · Manatees · Birds
  • No fishing required
Seashells on a southwest Florida beach
Island time

Island shelling

Hop to quiet, boat-only islands to beachcomb for shells and wade the flats, far from the crowds.

  • Remote island beaches
  • Combine with fishing
Golden sunset over the water
For two

Sunset cruise

Golden-hour cruising through the waterways. A favorite for couples, anniversaries and celebrations.

  • Couples & celebrations
  • Golden-hour routes

What's included

Boat, captain, fishing licenses, bait, tackle, water and ice. Fishing trips typically run 4 to 6 hours.

RatesCall for current rates(to confirm)
Check dates
Boat docked among the mangroves in Goodland, Florida

Meet your captain

Captain Michael Van Jones

"I have been sport fishing in Marco Island, Naples and Southwest Florida for well over 20 years and I'm still amazed every day by the beauty of this magnificent ecosystem."

Captain Michael grew up fishing New York's coastal waters before making Marco Island his home in 1985. Today he runs Fins-N-Grins out of Goodland, minutes from Naples, bordering the Florida Everglades and the 10,000 Island Marine Sanctuary.

He'll teach everyone aboard to fish like a pro: which estuaries to target, which bait draws which fish, and the right technique to land them. Captain Todd also runs trips, and guests love him too.

What's biting

The fish of the 10,000 Islands

SnookRedfishSpotted seatroutPompanoSharkTarpon
Common snook

What to expect

Your day, start to finish.

  1. 01

    Call & plan

    Tell Captain Michael who's coming and what you'd love to catch or see. He'll pick the trip and time around the tides.

  2. 02

    Meet at the dock

    Boats leave from 385 Angler Drive in Goodland, about 15 minutes from Marco Island. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, snacks and a camera.

  3. 03

    Learn & fish

    Rods, bait, tackle and licenses are ready. Beginners get hands-on help; kids are welcome and patiently coached.

  4. 04

    Head home grinning

    Photos with your catch, wildlife sightings on the run back, and stories for dinner.

Guest reviews

5.0 stars on Google

"Captain Mike started us out this morning and the first thing we saw were dolphins playing in the wake of his boat. There were six of us and everyone enjoyed it. We caught some trout, and enough pompano to have for lunch. Experienced a couple of shark catches and those that weren't keepers. Saw a Manatee when we were returning to dock. We'll charter with him again. Thanks Captain Mike!"
Rich S. · Google
"Thank you captain Todd for a great fishing trip! Perfect day out on the water. Todd was so attentive to the inexperienced fisherman in our family (me included) as well as to the more experienced. Many different types of fish caught. Even caught a shark!"
Mary N. · Google
"Great day on the water with Michael. He's great with the kids and got us on fish right away. We will certainly be fishing with him again next time we are in town."
Tyler W. · Google
"This charter with Michael was amazing. Highly recommend his fishing service. My children and I had a great time!"
FS R. · Google
"Great day on the water. Captain Michael did a great job. Very fun captain and was always helping us out."
Kelly H. · Google

Good to know

Questions, answered.

Do I need a fishing license?

No. Fishing licenses are included in your charter, along with bait, tackle, water and ice.

Is it OK to bring young kids?

Absolutely. Reviews regularly mention how great the captains are with children, including little ones aged 4 and 7.

How long are the trips?

Fishing trips typically run 4 to 6 hours. Sightseeing, shelling and sunset trips can be shorter; call to plan yours.

Where do we meet?

385 Angler Drive, Goodland, FL 34140, a short drive from Marco Island and Naples.

Ready when you are

Let's go fishing.

Charters by reservation. Call to check dates and current rates.

(239) 784-2442

385 Angler Dr, Goodland, FL 34140
Hours: by reservation (to confirm)

Get directions
📞 Call to book · (239) 784-2442