Headed there this weekend for a week. Taking kayaks. Never fished there before. Any tips?

I used to fish that area quite a bit, and still have family down there. You should be able to get into the Reds and Snook pretty good. My wife is down there right now and says the weather has been decent and in the mid-80's. Not sure how familiar you are with the area, but stick to the mangroves, and oyster bars. Live shrimp, either on the bottom or under a cork bobber works good, along with top water plugs. I used to have good results using a red head white body trout tout type jig, drag it slow along the bottom around the oyster beds and channel cuts. Pay attention to the size limits and slot limits if you decide to keep anything. They change them at times and you have to keep up on it. If you really want some excitement check with the local bait shops and see how the tarpon run is doing. They can point you in the right direction. Pay close attention to the weather with the kayaks, as severe storms in that area come up very quickly, and almost out of nowhere. Have a safe trip, it's a great area with almost unlimited fishing opportunities. Hope this helps a little.

Get some bug spray.

Also monitor the wind predictions. In the spring the wind blows pretty hard in the afternoon. Mornins generally calmer.

thanks for the advice

I live in Naples and it is a beautiful sleepy little place with a lot of history.

It should be a great place to kayak! Watch for mosquitos, especially at dusk and the no-see-ums can be out anytime.

As for fishing, take a small spinning rod and you can likely catch snook (catch and release), jacks and the occasional trout. In the back waters you may even run into some alligators! Scenery is awesome early mornings and sunset.

Have a great trip!

And don't forget to make a trip out to the Loop Road on Sunday afternoon, and visit Lucky Coles. I promise you'll have a good time in the Swamp..

what are these places?

It's kind of hard to explain. He is way out in the Everglades, and has been there for years. He is a nature photographer, and on weekends opens up his place for anyone that wants to come out and bar b queue, and just have a good time. He has grills to use, and last time we were there he had beer for a donation. You saved your bottle caps and when leaving turned them in and paid for what you had consumed. LOL Here is a link that might give you a better idea, but it was always a great time and laid back atmosphere. https://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/loop-road-and-luckys-place.html

Gulps + Mirrolures + small jigs.