Red grouper fishing out of Naples means long runs. Offshore Naples lists 40+ mile full-day trips for red grouper, and the fish are worked in about 100 ft of water. This guide covers the run, the named structure off the port, how local boats fish it, and who runs these trips, so you can decide where to look. For the wider coast, see the red grouper fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide.
When red grouper are around Naples and how far boats run
Offshore Naples lists 40+ mile full-day trips for red grouper, and local boats work the fish in about 100 ft of water.
The grounds sit well off the beach, so plan the day around the trip out and back rather than time on the spot.
For timing through the year and how the fish behave, see our red grouper guide. For passes, ramps and departure details, use the Naples port guide.
- Run distance: 40+ miles, full day
- Working depth: about 100 ft
- Method: bottom fishing
Grounds and structure off Naples
The named structure off Naples runs from 14 miles out to 60, with the Air Force relay towers among the best-known marks. Distances come from the Collier County site list where noted.
| Site | Type | Distance/Bearing | Depth | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Kidd | Barge | 14 mi SSW of Naples | not stated | Collier County site list |
| Naples Spring Black Hole | Sinkhole | 27.5 mi out | not stated | Collier County site list |
| Baja California | not stated | 60 mi west of Naples | 114 ft | not stated |
| R Tower | Air Force relay tower | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| L Tower | Air Force relay tower | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| D Tower | Air Force relay tower | not stated | not stated | not stated |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
The Kidd barge
The Kidd is a barge 14 miles SSW of Naples, per the Collier County site list. It is the nearest named mark on the table, well inside the 40+ mile full-day range Offshore Naples lists.
Naples Spring Black Hole
The Naples Spring Black Hole is a sinkhole 27.5 miles out, per the Collier County list. Anglers often call it simply the Black Hole.
Baja California
Baja California sits in 114 ft, 60 miles west of Naples. It is the farthest named mark on the table and slightly deeper than the roughly 100 ft where local boats fish.
The R, L and D towers
The R, L and D towers are Air Force relay towers and named Naples offshore structure. Their positions are not stated here.
In the app, depth structure around these marks shows on the Chart Contours layer. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How red grouper are fished from Naples
Local boats bottom fish for red grouper in about 100 ft. The Off Her Radar trip report says the group used squid as bait.
Tackle and bottom-fishing technique are covered in our reef fish guides.
Reading NPSF1 before the run
The nearest NOAA station is NPSF1 (station 8725110) at Naples, FL, 26.132 N 81.807 W. It reads conditions at the coast, not at grounds 40+ miles out, and a forecast is only a forecast.
Before you commit to the run, check NOAA station NPSF1 readings and the official marine forecast for:
- Wind speed and direction
- Wave height
- Wave period
Who fishes for red grouper out of Naples
Three Naples charters list red grouper, and their boats and reports show how the local fleet approaches the fishery. These are listings, not endorsements.
Offshore Naples Fishing Charters
Offshore Naples Fishing Charters runs a 36-foot Contender and lists 40+ mile full-day trips for red grouper.
Pure Florida (Sea Flight II and III)
Pure Florida’s fishing options include the M/V Sea Flight II and III, private catamarans with twin 300 hp outboards.
Off Her Radar Fishing Charters
Off Her Radar Fishing Charters is run by Captain Robby Trammell. Its trip report notes squid as bait.
FAQ about red grouper fishing out of Naples
How far offshore do boats run for red grouper from Naples?
Offshore Naples lists 40+ mile full-day trips for red grouper. Fish are worked in about 100 ft.
What depth do Naples boats fish for red grouper?
About 100 ft, bottom fishing. Baja California sits in 114 ft, 60 miles west of Naples.
What is The Kidd off Naples?
The Kidd is a barge 14 miles SSW of Naples, per the Collier County site list.
Where is the Naples Spring Black Hole?
It is a sinkhole 27.5 miles out, per the Collier County list.
Where are the R, L and D towers?
They are Air Force relay towers and named Naples offshore structure. Their positions are not stated here.
What bait do local boats use for red grouper?
The Off Her Radar trip report says the group used squid, fished on the bottom.
Where do I check red grouper rules before fishing from Naples?
Check the Florida regulations page before you fish. Runs of 40+ miles reach federal water, where federal Gulf reef fish rules apply, so check those too.
