Marco Island Fishing Charters

Known for its incredible diversity of game fish species and year-round fishing opportunities, Marco Island, Florida, is a destination all anglers should add to their bucket list. Marco Island offers easy access to a wide range of fishing environments, including the Gulf of Mexico and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, making for an abundance of fishing opportunities-- both inshore and offshore. Discover the best fishing that Marco Island has to offer with an experienced AnyCreek guide.

Whether you’re a fly angler or prefer light tackle, you’ll quickly understand the fascination with sight-fishing in Marco Island’s shallow waters. Even on windy days, sheltered mangrove islands are never far away, providing the perfect environment to target snook, redfish, spotted sea trout, and more. Anglers who venture beyond Marco Island’s expansive shallow flats to nearshore reefs can fish for mangrove snapper, tarpon, cobia, sharks, sheepshead, and grouper. For those wanting to take it a step further, jet out to the Gulf of Mexico to target mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, and more.

Redfish fishing in Marco Island

Redfish, also known as red drum, are one of the most popular gamefish 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.

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 in Marco Island

Snook are another prized gamefish 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 structures and ambush points. Use artificial lures that look like natural prey, like jerkbaits or swimbaits. Keeping an eye on tidal movements and focusing on areas with current flow can increase your chances of encountering a feeding snook. 

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

Snapper and grouper fishing in Marco Island

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.

Snapper and grouper are often caught while bottom fishing with live or cut bait such as pilchards, pinfish, or squid near structures, 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 in Marco Island

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

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 in Marco Island

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 provides an exhilarating angling experience.

Tarpon can be commonly found in various habitats around Marco Island. One popular technique for targeting these fish 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 their migration season, typically from April until September.

Check out our recent article for more on effective techniques and tips for tarpon fishing in South Florida. 

While Marco Island is known for its beautiful inshore waters, its offshore fishing opportunities offer anglers a chance at a variety of both pelagic and bottom-dwelling gamefish species. Here are a few species you’ll target on your Marco Island offshore fishing charter.

Mahi Mahi

Mahi mahi are easily recognizable by their iridescent greenish-blue back, which fades into a bright yellow color on their sides and belly. Known for their acrobatic leaps when hooked, mahi mahi are most active around Marco Island during the summer months.

Wahoo

Wahoo have long, streamlined bodies that feature vertical blue stripes along the sides. These fish made our list of the top 5 fastest fish in the ocean– their agility in open water is a sight worth seeing. Prime wahoo fishing around Marco Island occurs during the fall and winter months when these fish migrate and feed along the edges of the Gulf Stream.

Tuna

Tuna fishing around Marco Island is primarily focused on yellowfin tuna. Another species named to our list of the top 5 fastest fish in the ocean, yellowfin tuna are typically fished for during the summer months when they follow baitfish migrations through Marco Island’s offshore waters.

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.

While many gamefish species can be caught year-round in Marco Island, there are seasonal differences which affect fishing strategies. Keeping in mind these seasonal differences will give you the chance at a productive Marco Island fishing trip, no matter the time of year. 

Licensing

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 you’re not on the water, you’ll have the chance to explore one of the country’s most beautiful locations. From relaxing on white sand beaches to wildlife viewing tours, there is no shortage of activities to experience shoreside while in Marco Island.

After a day of fishing, stop by Snook Inn for some of the best seafood that Florida has to offer. Stick around after dinner and enjoy live music, offered every day of the week.

To learn more about the history of the region, spend a day at Marco Island Historical Museum. Marco Island is the site of one of the most historically significant archeological excavations in North America— a trip to the historical museum will help you uncover the rich history of this fishing paradise.

No trip to Marco Island would be complete without a visit to the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Part of North America’s largest expanse of mangrove forest, the refuge offers the chance to see hundreds of species of wildlife, no matter the time of year. From viewing loggerhead sea turtles in the summer to manatees in the winter months, there is always a trip worth taking.

When planning a fishing trip to Marco Island, there are several important factors to consider. Begin by determining the best time for your trip— different seasons will offer better access to different game fish species. Charter one of AnyCreek’s licensed guides with expert understanding of the area. You can check in with your guide at any point before your trip with AnyCreek’s Chat Feature, found under your ‘Account Info’ tab on our website.Be sure to pack clothing suitable for the time of year, and don't forget essentials like sun protection, polarized sunglasses, and rain gear. Your guide will have the best information on any other gear you might need for a successful and memorable Marco Island fishing experience.