Marco Island Fishing Charters

When it comes to quintessential Florida fishing experiences, Marco Island stands out as a top destination. Known for its bountiful waters and diverse marine life, Marco Island offers an abundance of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Marco Island has an array of fishing charters to choose from — for both inshore and offshore pursuits. The combination of Marco Island's picturesque beaches and top tier fishing guides make it an ideal location for an unforgettable fishing trip.

There is a variety of fish species that anglers can target while fishing around Marco Island, including popular game fish and table fare. Some popular fish species include: 

Snook 

Marco Island is famous for its snook fishing. These prized gamefish are a popular target species known for their aggressive fighting ability, always making for a fun excursion. 

Redfish

Redfish, also known as red drum, are another popular species found in Marco Island's inshore waters. They offer great sight fishing opportunities and are highly sought after by both experienced and novice anglers.

For more on how to target redfish around Marco Island, check out our Ultimate Guide to Florida Redfish.

Tarpon

Marco Island is a seasonal hotspot for tarpon fishing, these silver kings attract anglers from all over the world. Known for their aerial displays and powerful runs, tarpon provide an exhilarating angling experience.

Snapper and Grouper

Marco Island is home to a variety of snapper and grouper species, including mangrove snapper, red snapper, gag grouper, and red grouper. These bottom-dwelling species provide exciting challenges and big fights for anglers looking to test their skills on nearshore wrecks and reefs.

Sharks

The waters around Marco Island are teeming with various shark species, including blacktip sharks, bull sharks, spinner sharks, and lemon sharks. Regardless of season, visiting anglers can experience the thrill of battling these powerful predators.

Redfish Fishing Marco Island

While fishing for redfish, use live or cut bait like shrimp or mullet near oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Artificial lures that mimic natural prey, such as spoons or soft plastics area also effective. Redfish can be found in the inshore waters and estuaries around Marco Island.

Snook Fishing Marco Island

Snook are a wildly popular game fish species in Florida, known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They are often found in nearshore and inshore areas around Marco Island, such as mangrove shorelines, bridges, and beaches during the spring and summer months.

When targeting snook, anglers often use live bait like shrimp or pilchards near structure and ambush points. Use artificial lures that look like natural prey, like jerkbaits or swimbaits. Keep an eye on tidal movements and focus on areas with current flow can increase your chances of encountering feeding snook. 

If you are a fly angler, check out this recipe for an effective tapered leader for snook fishing, or get a crash course on fly fishing for snook here.

Snapper and Grouper Fishing Marco Island

Snapper and grouper are often caught while bottom fishing with live or cut bait such as pilchards, pinfish, or squid near structure, reefs, or wrecks. Vertical jigging or using artificial lures like bucktail jigs is also effective. Snapper and grouper are targeted in both nearshore and offshore reefs and structures — a short boat ride from your local Marco Island marina.

Shark Fishing Marco Island

While fishing for sharks near Marco Island, use chunk bait or whole fish as bait fished close to the bottom. Chumming the waters can attract sharks to your area. When fishing for sharks, use heavy tackle and wire leaders. Sharks can be found throughout the waters around Marco Island, with some larger species often encountered several miles offshore.

Tarpon Fishing Marco Island

Marco Island is known for its excellent tarpon fishing, and anglers can find them in various areas around the island. One popular technique for targeting tarpon is live bait fishing with large shrimp or mullet near bridges, passes, or along the beaches. Another effective method is casting artificial lures such as swimbaits or topwater plugs. When searching for tarpon, focus on areas with structure, such as bridges, where tarpon often gather to feed on baitfish and take advantage of the current. Timing is also crucial, as tarpon tend to be more active during incoming tides, early mornings, and late afternoons during the tarpon migration season. Tarpon fishing near Marco Island is typically best from April until September. Check out our recent article for more on effective techniques and tips for tarpon fishing in South Florida. 

While the specific fishing seasons can vary based on the species you're targeting, here are some popular fishing seasons in Marco Island:

Snook

The peak season for snook fishing in the Everglades is typically from March to November. However, catch-and-release opportunities are available year-round.

Redfish 

Redfish can be targeted year-round near Marco Island, with spring and fall as peak seasons.

Tarpon 

Tarpon fishing around Marco Island is best from April to September. These incredible game fish will migrate through the area during this time, providing thrilling angling opportunities.

Sea Trout

 Speckled sea trout can be caught throughout the year, although the cooler months of November through February are often the most productive for this species.

Marco Island is a popular destination for family-friendly fishing experiences. Here are some fishing options that are suitable for families in and around Marco Island:

Charter Fishing

Booking a family-friendly fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a guided fishing experience in the waters around Marco Island. Many charter companies cater specifically to families and provide all the necessary equipment and expertise. The guides will lead you to productive fishing spots where you have a good chance of catching fish while enjoying a fun and safe outing.

Backwater and Mangrove Fishing

Marco Island is surrounded by extensive backwater areas and mangrove-lined estuaries, which offer calm and protected waters for fishing. These areas are great for targeting species like snook, redfish, trout, and mangrove snapper. Backwater fishing trips can be a fantastic option for families as they offer a scenic, fun-filled fishing experience.

Shore Fishing 

There are several spots along the shore of Marco Island where you can fish without the need for a boat. Tigertail Beach and South Beach are two popular locations for family-friendly shore fishing. You can catch a variety of fish such as snook, redfish, trout, and more. 

Pier Fishing 

The Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa features a fishing pier that extends into the Gulf of Mexico. It's a great spot for families to enjoy fishing without a boat. The pier provides an opportunity to catch a variety of fish such as snapper, pompano, sheepshead, and more.

When fishing in Marco Island, it's important to comply with the fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses to ensure compliance with local laws. Here's some information regarding fishing regulations and licenses in the area:

Fishing Licenses

Recreational anglers ages 16 and older will need a valid Florida fishing license to fish in Marco Island's waters. Non-residents can obtain a license for varying durations, such as 3 days, 7 days, or 1 year. Licenses can be obtained online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or from authorized license agents like fly shops and tackle shops.

Bag and Size Limits 

Marco Island follows the fishing regulations set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. These regulations include bag limits and size restrictions for each fish species. It's important to review and follow the specific regulations for each species you plan to target, as they can vary year by year.

When planning your fishing trip to Marco Island, consider the timing of your visit and research the fishing seasons for the species you want to target. Determine the fishing techniques you plan to use and the specific species you wish to catch, such as snook, redfish, trout, or tarpon. Book on of our world-class fishing charters that specialize in your preferred type of fishing. Look for accommodations that provide easy access to the water. Stay updated on weather forecasts and tides to plan your fishing activities accordingly. Prioritize safety and pack essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.