CAPT. MARK WARD’S
NAPLES & MARCO ISLAND
BACKCOUNTRY & OFFSHORE
FISHING TRIPS
Fishing report for Naples Fishing Charters and Marco Island Fishing charters – July 15, 2026
I love fishing Southwest Florida in July. The boat traffic is light, the Gulf is often calm and beautiful, and the water takes on a clear green-blue, almost tropical aqua color. The mornings are peaceful, the scenery is spectacular, and there is an excellent variety of fish to target.
Snook are especially abundant right now and can be found along the beaches, around the passes and throughout the nearby bays. We have been catching them on fly, artificial lures and live bait. The largest snook of the past week was a beautiful 32-inch fish.
Redfish have not been quite as numerous, but we landed an impressive 31-inch oversized red the other day. We do not catch many redfish over 30 inches, so this one was a real trophy and an exciting surprise.
Mangrove snapper are everywhere, and we are catching plenty of legal fish over 10 inches. They are one of my favorite fish to eat, so July is a great time to enjoy a fun morning on the water and bring home some fresh fish for dinner.
We have also been catching blacktip and bull sharks. During a recent trip, we were working a shoreline and catching redfish, snook and snapper when a large shark cruised past the boat. We quickly tossed out a piece of cut bait, and within 10 minutes we were hooked up to a powerful five-foot bull shark. It was an unforgettable way to finish the morning with my new clients, Josh and his son Julian.
July offers some of the prettiest, calmest and most enjoyable fishing conditions of the year. Give me a call or text if you would like to book a trip—or simply talk fishing.
Capt. Mark
239-450-9230
July Fishing Tips for Naples and Marco Island
July is one of my favorite months for Naples fishing and Marco Island fishing. The early mornings are often calm, Gulf waters can be beautifully clear, and boat traffic is usually lighter than during the busy winter and spring seasons. Anglers can target a wide variety of species, including snook, redfish, mangrove snapper, sharks and Spanish mackerel.
Whether you are booking one of our Naples fishing charters or heading out on a Marco Island fishing charter, the following tips and tactics can help make your summer trip more productive.
Snook Fishing Along the Beaches and Passes
Snook are one of the main attractions during July. They can be found along Gulf beaches, near passes, around mangrove shorelines and in the adjacent bays. Calm summer mornings are ideal for sight-fishing, especially when the water is clear.
Live pilchards are one of the most productive baits for summer snook. They can be free-lined along the beach, drifted near current lines or cast close to mangrove edges. Live pinfish and small mullet are also excellent choices.
Artificial lures can be very effective when fish are actively feeding. Soft-plastic jerkbaits, paddle tails, bucktail jigs and topwater plugs all catch snook. Fly anglers can use white, tan or olive baitfish patterns and work them along the shoreline.
For most inshore snook fishing, I use 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader. When fishing around heavy mangroves, docks or larger fish, moving up to 40-pound leader can help prevent break-offs.
Targeting Summer Redfish
Redfish may not be as numerous as snook during July, but some large fish are available. Mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, shallow points and areas with moving water are all worth fishing.
Live shrimp, pilchards and pinfish can be presented under a popping cork or free-lined near structure. Cut bait is another dependable option, particularly when targeting larger redfish. A piece of fresh mullet, ladyfish or pinfish placed near a shoreline can attract quality fish.
Artificial anglers should try gold spoons, weedless soft plastics and paddle tails. Redfish often feed in shallow water, so quiet boat handling and accurate casts are important.
Mangrove Snapper for the Dinner Table
Mangrove snapper are abundant throughout the Naples and Marco Island area during the summer. They can be caught around mangrove roots, docks, rock piles, bridges and deeper shoreline structure.
Small live pilchards and shrimp are among the best baits. A light spinning outfit with 15- to 25-pound fluorocarbon leader makes snapper fishing especially fun. Small jigs tipped with shrimp also work well.
Mangrove snapper must measure at least 10 inches to keep, and many summer trips produce a good number of legal fish. They are excellent table fare and one of the best options for anglers hoping to bring home fresh fish.
Shark Fishing in Southwest Florida
Shark fishing adds excitement to many Naples fishing charters and Marco Island charters. Blacktip, spinner, lemon and bull sharks are commonly found along beaches, in passes and throughout larger bays.
Fresh cut bait is usually the most effective choice. Mullet, ladyfish, jack crevalle and mackerel all produce bites. Sharks are powerful, so heavier tackle, strong leaders and circle hooks are important.
Sometimes the best shark opportunities happen unexpectedly. While fishing a shoreline for snook, redfish and snapper, a shark may cruise past the boat. Having a heavier rod ready allows us to quickly put out a bait and take advantage of the opportunity.
Spanish Mackerel Fishing
Spanish mackerel are another exciting summer species. They are often found around passes, nearshore waters and areas where baitfish are concentrated.
Watch for diving birds, surface activity and fast-moving schools of bait. Small silver spoons, casting jigs and flashy plugs are excellent choices. Live pilchards also work well.
Because Spanish mackerel have sharp teeth, a short section of light wire leader can prevent cutoffs. Fast retrieves usually produce the most strikes.
July offers beautiful conditions, excellent variety and memorable fishing throughout Southwest Florida. For information about Naples fishing, Marco Island fishing, Naples fishing charters or Marco Island fishing charters, call or text.
Capt. Mark at 239-450-9230