November wrapped up on a high note, capped off by a busy holiday week and some incredible catches for our clients. As we transition toward winter and the water continues to cool, our offshore fishery shifts into an entirely different gear. This time of year, you truly never know what you might run into offshore—and that unpredictability is part of the fun. Just this week, we ran across a school of massive Blackfin Tuna surprisingly close to land. Encounters like these are exactly the kind of bonus opportunities winter can bring. Along with the occasional surprises, all of our reliable staples have been showing nicely too. Cobia schools have been consistent from the nearshore wrecks out to the offshore structures, and they’ll remain one of our primary targets throughout the winter season. With the cooler temperatures, big Amberjacks are also pushing in closer. These fish provide an absolute blast on rod and reel—we'll chum them up and throw artificials or flies right at them on the surface. Winter also brings some of the best bottom fishing of the entire year, and it’s prime time for serious meat runs. Grouper and Snapper will continue to be major players offshore through the coming months. On the inshore side, we’re right on the edge of switching fully into our winter pattern, transitioning from live pilchards to shrimp and jigs once the backcountry water temps reach that key threshold. Live bait is still producing well with Snook, Redfish, and plenty of Jack Crevalles. As things cool a bit more, shrimp fishing will light up with Trout, Sheepshead, Pompano, Redfish, and the occasional winter Snook. We’re also heading into the busiest two weeks of the entire year, and our books are filling up rapidly. Christmas through New Year’s is always packed, and daily slots are disappearing fast. Come celebrate the holidays and close out the year with the On a Mission team. Feel free to reach out with any questions—happy fishing, and we hope to see you soon!

The first real cold front of the season pushed through, and with it the fall bite lit up like a switch. This is one of the best times of year to fish the Naples region. Every day carries that element of surprise, where you might run into something completely unexpected alongside the usual fall staples. The drop in water temps has kicked off the cobia migration, and we’ve been running into some impressive schools. These fish are hands-down one of our favorite fall targets: perfect for sight-fishing, willing to crush both live bait and artificials, built like linebackers, and top-tier on the dinner table. We’ve been catching them from the nearshore wrecks all the way out to the deeper offshore structure. Nearshore action has been loaded with Snook, Redfish, Bonita, Kingfish, Sharks, Gags, and even some fired-up Goliaths. Offshore has been equally strong with more Cobia showing up, a lights-out snapper bite, and even a few surprise African Pompano making an appearance. Inshore, the backcountry has held quality Snook and Redfish with steady action all around. As we push deeper into fall and edge toward winter, the offshore bite will only continue to build. Fishing has been stellar, and this stretch of gorgeous weather has only made it better. We’re filling trips quickly for the coming weeks and even into Christmas. Holiday dates go fast, and you won’t want to miss getting out with friends and family during this prime window. Reach out to any of our captains with questions or to lock in a date. Happy fishing, and we hope to see you on the water soon.

Fall Fishing Turnaround – Naples, FL As we roll into October, the fall patterns are setting in strong here in Naples. The seasonal shift has fired up the bite from the backcountry to the Gulf, with an incredible mix of species showing up daily. With bait seemingly everywhere, the action has been steady and productive no matter where you’re fishing. Backcountry Bite The backcountry continues to deliver excellent action. Snook of all sizes are hitting consistently, with plenty of quality Redfish in the mix as well. This is prime time for light tackle fishing in the mangroves and creeks. Nearshore Action Nearshore waters have been alive with Barracudas, Jacks, Sharks, and Snook. Sharks have been shadowed closely by schools of Cobia — which has been the ticket to most of our Cobia catches recently. Any day now, we expect the “floodgates” to open, bringing the big schools of Cobia both nearshore and offshore. They’re one of our favorite fall targets — exciting to sight-fish and excellent table fare. Offshore Variety The offshore bite has been just as strong. We’ve seen steady Red Grouper action on the bottom, plus some oversized Mangrove Snapper coming over the rails. Add in the chance encounters with pelagics this time of year, and you never know what’s going to eat your bait. Why Fall Fishing is Special Fall in Naples is one of the most underrated times to fish. The weather is comfortable, the crowds are lighter, and the variety is unmatched. From Snook and Redfish in the backcountry, to Cobia, Grouper, and Snapper offshore, every trip holds limitless potential. We’re looking forward to a phenomenal fall season with plenty of action for anglers of all skill levels. Reach out to any of our captains with questions or to lock in a trip — this is one of the best times of year to experience the waters of Southwest Florida. Happy fishing, and see you on the water! — On a Mission Fishing Charters