Marco Island is without a doubt, one of the best fishing destinations
in all of Florida. If fishing is your thing, grab your gear and head on
over. Nemo and all his buddies are waiting for you! With beautiful white sand coastlines, impressive climate, and exquisite breathtaking scenery, one certainly has the right ingredients for a great fishing venture. Deemed the "Fishing capital of the world," Florida is an aquatic haven, and within those comfortable arms of Florida is Marco Beach, rich in history and angling opportunities.
Marco Beach is home to miles of oceanic attractions and water activities to delight one and all, young and old. Grab your fishing license (which can be obtained online!), 'hook-up,' and see what's biting, and where!
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK:
Noted as the pinnacle of productive fishing within the State is Chokoloshee Island, located in the 10,000 Island area within Everglades National Park. The area is so rich in angling opportunities, and awesome scenery, and only a mere forty minutes from Marco Island. The locals call this the 'huge fish nursery' and you will soon find out why.
With an abundance of marine life, the eager angler should have no problems catching good size trophy fish. Try fishing for tarpon, snook, trout, redfish, shark, grouper, pompano, triple tail, sheep's-head and so much more.
The topography of this location adds to the marvelous fishing opportunities.The rivers and flats spill the healthy forage, which the eager fish feed on. Enjoy a chartered day out, and don't be surprised if you come back with a nice booty of a dozen fish or more, in just one day! Kayak, canoe, or hire a pontoon boat.
SALT WATER FISHING
Try heading down the west coast beaches from Tampa Bay to Marco Island. Although it may be Florida's best Tarpon fishing spot it's almost always ignored, and the locals' best kept secret:The boats go past but rarely stop! Along this area are inlets and small beaches. Early May to mid-July is the best time. Drop anchor just inside the small inlets. Use live bait, such as blue crabs. Big Marco Pass north of Marco Island and Cape Romano is great for huge tarpon as well. Use mullet, pinfish and sardines for bait here, and don't be surprised if you see a pod of huge twenty pounders!
BEACH FISHING
Take the family to the beach and while they frolic in the waters, try hooking a snook! These highly sensitive fish are a challenge and a half, but that's the fun of fishing, right? Try around the reefs of Marco Island or straight from the beach, preferably in the warm months, from March-November. Wade out past a few shallow waves toss your line past. Snook are a member of the pike family which prefer shallow waters, and favor sandy or weed covered bottoms. Known to be more an in-shore species, you won't have to head out to the deep blue to do battle. Noted to be a savage little predator, these are great to eat and certainly something to brag about.
Sand fleas and dead shrimp are the preferred bait for flounder, whiting, reds, trout, sheep's-head and pompano. Although nocturnal, the habits of the snook are confusing, to say the least. Supposedly nocturnal feeders, they don't always feed at night. In actual fact, they feed according to the tides, wind, moon, and abundance or lack of food sources. You will know when you have one of these on your hook because they're so fast, strong, and take on the role of a commando, striking fiercely. Use white bait if possible. Trolling is the best manner in which to gain a strike: gentle, take your time. Well done!
FLY FISHING
Because the Gulf waters temperatures alternate from the 60's, then to the high 80's within the summer and fall, you can be sure to enjoy excellent fly fishing all year round. Especially within the delightful spring, and fall seasons. The more popular catches being, snook, redfish, jack crevalle, tarpon, Spanish mackerel, pompano, sea-trout, ladyfinger, and the mangrove snapper. Go offshore just a little, and discover cobia, barracuda, snapper, grouper, drum, amber-jack and many others. Fresh water fly fishing is just as good and many opportunities are to be found in the lakes, rivers, and creeks.
FRESH WATER FISHING
There are numerous canals and drainage areas located around the Everglades--they're all over the place, actually. The locals, in particular, frequent these areas for large mouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. Try your luck fishing from the many fresh water marinas, bridges, lakes or piers. Troll or fly fish, the choice is yours. Below piers and in the deeper waters you will find an abundance of bait fish.
CHARTER BOAT FISHING
Numerous charter boats are available in and around the vicinity of Marco Island. These are well worth the cost. This is something the entire family can enjoy, so what are you waiting for? Many offer deep sea fishing at its very best. Add to that the fact that many also offer lunch and tour packages. Perhaps you wish to land a grouper? Other avid anglers may wish to fish the bays and creeks, for good sized tarpon. With your experienced guide, you will be taken to all the popular fishing spots as well as the not so well known. You will be shown excellent fishing techniques as well as the correct bait to use for the various fish you wish to land. Bring your favorite rods and reels, and be assured that your day will be extremely memorable!
There's nowhere quite like Marco Island when it come to great fishing experiences. Hooked on the idea of visiting? Well what are you waiting for? I just knew I could lure you into coming. Don't be long, I'll meet you there!
This guide to catching the big one was brought to you by Shenni Bubb.
After a long day of beer drinking, sandwich eating, radio listening fishing, you will be glad to lay your head down on a comfy (non-floating, fish-free) bed in your luxurious vacation rental condo. Choose one near the ocean to get the jump on the fish!