Fishing in the Naples and Marco Island backcountry and coastal near and inshore areas is excellent. We’re catching a variety of species with the biggest catches of late being sharks.
Bait fish of all kinds have invaded the coastal waters of SW Florida including pilchards, thread herring, glass minnows, big eye shiners and more. Consequently this causes bigger predator fish to move in.
Snook are prowling the beaches, passes and adjacent bays. Lots of smaller fish which I don’t mind but some bigger fish mixed in also. Live bait, jigs, spoons, plugs and flies can all be productive when fishing for snook. Pilchards are the live bait of choice. For spoons I like 1/4 to 3/8 oz. gold or silver spoons. For plugs top water is always fun. One catches less fish than live bait but is a lot more fun. When fly fishing for snook most of the time we’re using streamers that resemble minnows. White, green, black and brown flies can all work. Depends on the water color.
Redfish are fairly prevalent this time of year. I’ve recently seen them cruising the surf along the beaches as well as in some of the backcountry bays. Again, pilchards, shrimp, jigs and plugs can all be productive.
Snapper seem to be everywhere but the larger snaps, 10-15” haver thinned out. They were gang busters in July and August. They are my favorite eating fish.
We’ve had good success targeting mackerel off the beaches specifically over some near shore wrecks. Spoons work well as they cover a lot of territory and closely match the bait the macs are feeding on.
The mackerel are oily and bloody and make excellent cut bait for sharks. I have a couple backcountry bays that have sharks as well as some new shore wrecks.
Give me a call and let’s go fishing.
Capt. Mark
239-450-9230
SHARK FISHING IN NAPLES & MARCO ISLAND
Shark fishing in Southwest Florida can be an exciting and thrilling experience. The region, with its diverse coastal ecosystems, offers a variety of shark species that attract anglers looking for a challenging catch. Here are some tips and information to help you get started:
Types of Sharks
In Southwest Florida, you might encounter several shark species, including:
- Blacktip Shark: Known for their speed and agility, they are a popular target.
- Spinner Shark: Famous for their spinning leaps out of the water.
- Bull Shark: These can grow quite large and are known for their aggressive behavior.
- Hammerhead Shark: With their distinctive head shape, they can be a thrilling catch.
Best Times to Fish
- Season: Shark fishing is good year-round in Southwest Florida, but certain seasons can be better depending on the species you’re targeting. Generally, spring through fall is a prime time.
- Time of Day: Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times to fish for sharks, as they are more active during these periods.
Techniques and Equipment
- Gear: Use heavy-duty rods and reels with strong line (at least 50-100 lb test). Sharks are powerful, so your gear needs to handle their strength.
- Bait: Fresh cut bait like mullet, ladyfish, or bluefish works well. You can also use live bait, such as large live fish.
- Methods: Both shore fishing and boat fishing are popular. From shore, you might need to cast your bait far out to reach deeper waters where sharks are more likely to be found. From a boat, chumming the water can attract sharks to your bait.
Regulations
Always check local regulations before heading out. Regulations can include:
- Size and Bag Limits: Specific rules on the size of sharks you can keep and how many you can catch.
- Protected Species: Some species may be protected, and it’s illegal to catch or keep them.
- Licenses: Make sure you have the appropriate fishing licenses and permits.
Safety
- Respect the Sharks: If you’re catch-and-release fishing, handle the sharks with care to ensure their survival after release.
- Be Prepared: Sharks are powerful and unpredictable. Ensure your equipment and safety gear are in good condition.
If you’re new to shark fishing or looking for a more guided experience, consider hiring a local charter service. They can provide expert knowledge, equipment, and ensure a safer and more productive outing.
Fishing for blacktip sharks in South Florida can be an exciting and challenging experience! Blacktip sharks are known for their acrobatic displays and are a popular target for anglers looking for a fight. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Best Time to Fish
- Season: Blacktip sharks are generally more active from late spring through early fall, with peak activity often around late summer.
- Time of Day: Early morning and late afternoon tend to be the best times to fish for blacktip sharks.
Best Locations
- Inshore Areas: Blacktips are often found in shallow waters near the shore, especially around estuaries, bays, and mangrove areas.
- Offshore Areas: They can also be found farther out, particularly around reefs and drop-offs.
Tackle and Gear
- Rod and Reel: Use a medium to heavy rod with a strong reel capable of holding 200-300 yards of line. A conventional reel is often preferred for shark fishing.
- Line: A strong, abrasion-resistant line (at least 30-50 lb test) is necessary to handle the powerful runs of a blacktip shark.
- Leader: Use a heavy steel leader (around 80-100 lb test) to prevent the shark from biting through the line.
Bait and Lures
- Bait: Live bait such as mullet, blue runners, or pinfish are excellent choices. Cut bait can also be effective.
- Lures: If using lures, choose larger, flashy ones that can mimic the movement of a distressed baitfish.
Techniques
- Chumming: Chumming the water with cut bait can attract blacktips to your fishing spot.
- Drifting: Allow your bait to drift naturally with the current, which can be particularly effective in deeper water.
Safety and Regulations
- Safety: Always be cautious when handling sharks. Use a landing net or shark-specific tools to handle them safely, and avoid getting too close to their mouths.
- Regulations: Make sure to check local fishing regulations regarding shark fishing, as there may be specific rules about sizes, bag limits, and protected species.
Local Knowledge
- Charter Services: Consider hiring a local fishing charter that specializes in shark fishing. They can provide valuable insights, equipment, and ensure a safer experience.
Enjoy your fishing adventure! Blacktip sharks are known for their thrilling fights, and with the right preparation, you’ll have a great time out on the water.