Marco Island Fishing Charters
Marco Island fishing charters give anglers quick access to backwater mangroves, Gulf wrecks, and nearshore reefs for snook, tarpon, snapper, and more.
Top Rated Charters in Marco Island
Marco Island, FL Fishing Guide
Marco Island sits at the southern tip of Florida’s Gulf Coast and offers charter captains a diverse range of water—from mangrove-lined backwaters to Gulf wrecks and bluewater edges. Most fishing charters here stick to half-day or 6-hour trips, but full-day options are common during tarpon season or when running 20+ miles offshore.
Inshore fishing is what many guides do best. Just east of the island, the Ten Thousand Islands and backcountry creeks hold redfish, snook, sea trout, and juvenile tarpon. These are calm, protected waters ideal for light tackle and sight casting. Anglers often drift over potholes or pole along mangrove edges throwing soft plastics, topwaters, or live bait like pilchards and shrimp. When the tide’s right, the bite can be nonstop, especially in the spring and fall.
Offshore, it’s a short run to structure—natural reefs, wrecks, and ledges starting just 7–10 miles out. These hold snapper, grouper, cobia, and king mackerel depending on season. Farther out, full-day charters might target permit on wrecks or troll weed lines for mahi when conditions are right. Many captains use vertical jigs, knocker rigs, or live baits on bottom rigs to work these deeper spots. Red and gag grouper are top offshore targets when the season allows.
Marco Island also sits on a migratory path for tarpon. In late spring through summer, big fish roll just offshore and near the passes. Most guides fish these giants with live crabs or threadfins under a float, timing the bite with the tide. Caxambas Park and Goodland are the two main public ramps, but plenty of private marinas and canal homes serve as launch points too. It’s a tight-knit fishery where tides matter, bait moves fast, and knowing the water makes all the difference.
Fishing Seasons in Marco Island
Spring
Snook, redfish, and trout fire up in the backwaters, while tarpon start showing nearshore. Offshore wrecks hold big permit and cobia. Many captains run mixed trips this time of year—light tackle inshore in the morning, then out to the reefs once the tide shifts.
Summer
Tarpon fishing peaks from June to early August, especially around the passes. Mangrove snapper stack up inshore, while grouper and kingfish stay active offshore. Early morning or evening trips are popular to beat the heat and chase rolling fish.
Fall
Snook push out of the back bays and ambush bait around points and shorelines. Redfish school up, offering great sight-casting chances. Offshore, expect steady action for snapper, kingfish, and late-season permit. It’s one of the most consistent fishing windows of the year.
Winter
Cooler temps push fish into deeper backwater holes and river mouths. Sheepshead, black drum, and trout become mainstays, especially on shrimp under a popping cork. Offshore trips can still produce snapper and grouper on calmer days, but most charters stick closer to shore.
Gamefish in Marco Island
- Snook – 20–38 inches Found around mangroves, creek mouths, and structure. Best on live pilchards, shrimp, or artificial jerkbaits during warm months.
- Redfish – 18–32 inches Targeted on oyster bars and flats, especially on high tide. Gold spoons, live shrimp, or cut bait all work well.
- Tarpon – 50–150+ lbs Seasonal giants along the beaches and passes. Fished with live crabs or threadfins on heavy tackle, typically May–July.
- Mangrove Snapper – 10–18 inches Caught inshore near structure or offshore wrecks. Hit on live shrimp, small pilchards, or soft plastics.
- Gag Grouper – 5–25+ lbs Hold near ledges, wrecks, and reefs 10–30 miles out. Hit live pinfish, grunts, or squid on heavy bottom tackle. Strong fighters and subject to seasonal closures.
- Red Grouper – 3–20 lbs Found on offshore hard bottom and rubble in 15–40 feet or deeper. Take dead sardines, squid, or live baits fished on knocker rigs.Red Grouper – 3–20 lbs Found on offshore hard bottom and rubble in 15–40 feet or deeper. Take dead sardines, squid, or live baits fished on knocker rigs.
- Goliath Grouper – 100–400+ lbs (Catch and release only) Occasionally caught near bridges and wrecks. Targeted with large live bait on heavy rods—protected species.
- Permit – 10–30 lbs Spring and fall target on offshore wrecks. Crab or shrimp on light fluorocarbon leaders is key.
- Sea Trout – 15–25 inches Grass flats and channel edges in the backwaters. Best on popping cork rigs or soft plastics.
- Sheepshead – 2–5 lbs Common in winter near pilings and docks. Fished on shrimp or fiddler crabs with light tackle.
- King Mackerel – 10–30 lbs Seasonal runs offshore; hit trolled plugs or live bait on stinger rigs near reefs and bait schools.
Marco Island Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters are available in Marco Island?
You’ll find inshore, backcountry, nearshore, and offshore charters. Most trips are half-day or 6-hour, with full-day options for deeper Gulf runs or tarpon fishing.
Where do Marco Island fishing charters depart from?
Most captains launch from Caxambas Park, Goodland Boat Ramp, or private docks on the island. Some backcountry trips depart closer to Everglades City or Goodland.
When is the best time to fish in Marco Island?
Spring through fall offers the most action, especially for tarpon, snook, redfish, and permit. Winter has solid inshore action for trout, drum, and sheepshead.
Are fishing licenses included in Marco Island charters?
Yes. Florida law covers license requirements when fishing with a licensed guide, so anglers don’t need to purchase their own.
What should I bring on a Marco Island fishing trip?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, drinks, and weather-appropriate clothing. Gear, bait, and tackle are typically included by your captain.
Is Marco Island good for deep sea fishing?
Yes, though deep sea runs here usually target reefs and wrecks 10–25 miles out. Species include snapper, grouper, kingfish, and more.
What’s the difference between Marco Island inshore and offshore trips?
Inshore trips focus on the mangroves and backwaters for snook, redfish, and trout. Offshore trips target reef and wreck species like grouper, snapper, and permit.
Do Marco Island guides offer tarpon trips?
Yes, especially during peak tarpon season in late spring and summer. These trips often run early mornings or tide windows around the passes.
Can kids fish on charters here?
Absolutely. Many Marco Island fishing guides welcome families and offer kid-friendly inshore trips with steady action and calmer waters.
