I’ve been spending most of my time lately tarpon fishing, with some backcountry trips mixed in as conditions allow.
The main focus has been fishing off the beaches for the migrating schools of tarpon moving along the Naples and Marco Island coast. At the beginning of the run a few weeks ago, most of the fish seemed to be moving up from the south. Now we’re starting to see fish coming from both directions, with some schools pushing north and others sliding back down the beach.
Live medium-sized crabs have been one of the best baits, but pinfish have also been productive. Once in a while, cut bait will get the job done too, especially when the fish are not actively rolling or feeding on the surface.
There are also some big tarpon holding in the backcountry bays. These fish have been a little more particular, and cut bait has been the most consistent option. The bonus with that style of fishing is the shark action. While waiting on a tarpon bite, we’ve also been getting into some nice sharks, which keeps things exciting.
For tarpon fishing, I typically use a 40- to 65-pound braided line with about a 6-foot piece of 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and a Gamakatsu 8/0 octopus circle hook. When fishing cut bait in areas where sharks are likely, I add a 2-foot piece of coated wire ahead of the hook.
The backcountry fishing has also been productive. Lately, I’ve been using live pilchards, which I’ve been cast netting off the beaches around Naples and Marco Island. With those baits, we’re targeting snook, redfish, trout, jacks, and mangrove snapper.
For that style of fishing, I usually rig with a 30- or 40-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 2/0 Eagle Claw kahle hook. Live pilchards are hard to beat this time of year, especially around shorelines, points, passes, and current edges where the bait is moving.
Overall, May is shaping up nicely. The tarpon migration is getting more active along the beaches, the backcountry still has big fish available, and there’s plenty of action from snook, trout, jacks, snapper, sharks, and redfish mixed in. For anyone looking to fish Naples or Marco Island, this is one of the most exciting times of year to be on the water.
We still have slots open for May so give us a call or text.
Capt. Mark
239-450-9230
Tarpon, Sharks & Backcountry Fishing Around Naples and Marco Island Charter Fishing
May is one of the best months of the year for fishing around Naples and Marco Island. Warm water, longer days, active bait, and moving tides bring a wide variety of opportunities for anglers fishing Southwest Florida. Right now, the main highlights are tarpon fishing, shark fishing, and steady backcountry action for snook, redfish, trout, snapper, and jacks.
For anglers looking for Naples fishing charters or Marco Island fishing charters, this is the time of year when every trip can be different. Some mornings are spent watching tarpon roll along the beaches, while other days are better suited for fishing the passes, bays, mangrove shorelines, and backcountry waters between Naples, Marco Island, and the 10,000 Islands.
Tarpon fishing continues to be one of the biggest draws this time of year. Migrating tarpon are showing along the beaches, passes, and nearshore waters as they move through the area. These fish can often be seen rolling, daisy-chaining, or traveling in small groups, especially during calm mornings. The key is to set up ahead of the fish and present a bait naturally without running over the school or putting too much pressure on them.
Live crabs are one of the top baits for beach tarpon fishing around Naples and Marco Island. Medium-sized crabs drifted naturally with the current can be very effective when fish are moving along the beach. Pinfish, threadfin herring, and live pilchards can also work well depending on the conditions and how the fish are feeding. When tarpon are holding deeper or acting less aggressive, sometimes a bait that stays in the strike zone longer can make the difference.
There are also big tarpon in the backcountry bays and deeper channels. These fish are often targeted differently than the beach fish. Instead of sight-casting to moving schools, backcountry tarpon fishing often involves anchoring or positioning the boat quietly and fishing cut bait around areas where tarpon are rolling or traveling with the tide. Fresh cut bait can be very effective, especially when the water is warm and the fish are holding in the same general area.
Shark fishing is another exciting option right now. Sharks are often found in many of the same areas as tarpon, especially around passes, beaches, deeper troughs, and backcountry channels. Blacktip, lemon, bull, spinner, and other sharks are possible depending on the area and conditions. Cut bait is usually the most consistent choice for shark fishing, and it can create fast action for anglers looking for something powerful and exciting.
Backcountry fishing has also been producing good action. Live pilchards are one of the best all-around baits this time of year. When available, they can be used around mangrove points, oyster bars, sandy potholes, shorelines, docks, and current edges. Snook are getting more active as the water warms, and they are often found around structure, moving water, and ambush points. Redfish, trout, jacks, and mangrove snapper are also common targets on Naples backcountry fishing charters and Marco Island fishing trips.
Artificial lures can also be productive, especially early in the morning or when bait is scattered. Soft plastics, paddle tails, shrimp-style baits, and small jigs can all work well around current, grass edges, and mangrove shorelines. The key is to match the presentation to the conditions. When the water is clean and calm, a more natural approach often works best. When the water is moving or slightly stirred up, a lure with more vibration or profile can help fish find the bait.
Overall, this is a great time to book a Naples fishing charter or Marco Island fishing charter. Whether you want to target tarpon along the beaches, sharks in the passes and backcountry, or enjoy steady action with snook, redfish, trout, snapper, and jacks, May offers some of the most exciting fishing of the year in Southwest Florida.