Big fish, tough fighting fish and great edible fish.... Marco Island has it all and is quite possibly one of THE best places to find varied fishing all year round. Being the northern-most of the 10,000 Islands, surrounded by natural preserves and bordering the Gulf of Mexico, Marco is ideally situated to offer many different kinds of world class fishing. You'll find below a description of the different opportunities available here and what you can expect from each if you go out on a fishing charter. I would recommend that you narrow down what you are looking for and what suits your party best. The list below will help you decide which of our highly experienced Charter Captains will be just right for you.
If you want to take the family out for some fun and you haven't been fishing in Southwest Florida before, or you just aren't a die-hard, then nearshore or backwater could be your best bet. Depending on the time of year you will have a shot at snapper, sheepshead, snook, redfish, grouper, tarpon, trout, blackdrum, pompano and tripletail. When the water warms in the summer there are also numerous species of shark to add to the mix, including blacktip, hammerhead, bonnethead and bull. You won't have to travel far and you will get plenty of fishing on a half day trip. Some of the guides that specialize in nearshore and backwater fishing will also mix a trip with shelling and birdwatching to please the non-fishermen (or women!) in your party. Talk to the captain about your party's particular needs and ask what he suggests targeting the day of your charter... you will be delighted with the time you spend.
If you take your fishing seriously, then you should take a day out with any of our amazing backwater guides in the 10.000 islands and Everglades National Park - you're sure to be happy that you did. You can use a fly or spinning rod depending on your level of expertise and the captain will probably target snook, redfish, snapper or the most fantastic of all local gamefish, the tarpon. Tarpon in the backwaters or along the beaches can range in size from 3 to 6 feet and although they don't hit the bait hard, you'll know you're in for the fight of your life when they start that run and make their first leap clear of the water!!
Of course you could also end up with a shark, grouper, jack or ladyfish - but it will be a fun day casting up against the mangroves hardly seeing another person and bringing that monster snook, tarpon or shark to the boat. You will not believe how big the fish are in these skinny waters.
A day (or half day if you have to limit your excitement!) of offshore fishing on a number of the wrecks, artificial reefs or fish havens will keep everybody quiet on the trip back to the marina! Some species you're likely to find, depending on the time of year, are Goliath grouper, barracuda, tripletail, sheepshead, snapper, cobia, amberjack, mackerel, shark and grouper and they always make for fishing fun. There are many charter captains, with larger boats, specializing in offshore fishing and they will definitely bend your rod! Again the list below will help you decide which captain is best for you.
Marco's certainly a great place to fish whether you're a novice, a die-hard or just fancy a novel workout. If you choose to go with a charter captain, you will only need to take food, drink and sunscreen for your trip. However, if you want to try from land then either the beaches (not near designated swimming areas of course) or the areas around the two bridges linking Marco to the mainland, are always worth a try. The waterway behind your rental home is likely to have mangrove snapper, sheepshead, jack, snook, redfish and catfish around the dock or swimming by. If your waterway is closer to the Gulf you may be fortunate to find some of the smaller tarpon cruising up and down. It's always a surprise (and great fun) to see a three foot tarpon explode from the water in one of our waterways.
(see below for details) or take one of the many water tours which are available in the area.
BACKWATER ADVENTURE - offers a 3 hour luxury champagne eco tour on their 24 foot pontoon boat. Leaving from the Little Bar on Goodland their tours are limited to a maximum of six passengers. This tour circumnavigates the islands of Marco and Goodland, visiting the dome home at Cape Romano and stopping off for some shelling, weather permitting. The tour can be adjusted to suit your needs, with complimentary bubbly and tasty snacks served on-board. Then, when you return, you'll be ready to enjoy lunch or dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants, the Little Bar - you won't have far to walk!
TREASURE SEEKERS - Specializing in shelling tours for the serious shelling enthusiast and casual collector, Captains Tammy and Jeff Everts operate a brand new 2018, 24 ft SeaPro bayboat equipped with a freshwater shower and bathroom. Four hour, small group tours for up to six people, and custom full day tours for maximum privacy, are scheduled based on daily tides for optimal shelling. Each tour concludes with a visit to the famous dome home at Cape Romano. Leaving from Goodland Boating Park.
BLACK PEARL PIRATE SHIP CRUISES -This popular boat, offers interactive kid's pirate-themed tours and 1½ hour sunset cruises with DJ, dancing on deck and a full bar. Also offering private charters. www.piratesofmarco.com. Leaving from Rose Marina, 951 Bald Eagle Dr. 239.404.5422.
COOL BEANS CRUISES Whatever your sailing or boating pleasure, Cool Beans Cruises go the extra mile to make it happen. Whether your interests are nature, relaxation, shelling or sightseeing, their goal is to bring your vision to life. Aboard one of their two beautiful catamarans, one accommodating up to six guests and the other up to 20 guests, they create the perfect sailing experience. Choose from their 3 hour day sails or a 2.5 hour champagne sunset cruise. The price is $65/person + tax (credit price) or $60/person (cash price). Departing daily from Isles of Capri Marina. Visit their website to learn more. www.coolbeanscruises.com 239-777-0020.
MARCO ISLAND JET SKI TOURS & RENTALS - provide guided jet ski tours through the backwaters of the 10,000 islands to the dome home at Cape Romano and into the Gulf of Mexico, starting at $150. Also catering to groups and corporate events. Arrange free pick up at your hotel or Marco Island home. Tours leave daily from Caxambas Park. Fully insured, certificates available on request.
MARCO ISLAND PRINCESS - 90ft luxury cruise vessel, the Marco Princess, offering narrated sightseeing, luncheon, sunset, dinner and party cruises. Daily departures from Rose Marco River Marina.
Experience a breathtaking aerial sightseeing tour of Marco's beautiful beach and surrounding area (they can even go down to the Everglades!) or take an Everglades safari where expert guides will show you to all the best places to see alligators, rare birds like bald eagles, white pelicans and Roseate spoonbills and take you on guided nature walks so you can see this unique environment up close and personal, they also include airboat tours.
ISLAND COUNTRY CLUB. Like most of the clubs in our area, the Island Country Club it is a private course - call 239-394-6611 for membership details or visit www.island-countryclub.org. Island Country Club is closed over the summer for course renovations and will open again in December.
MARCO GOLF AND GARDEN - 18 hole miniature course in a tropical garden setting. Fun for kids and challenging for adults. Open 7 days, 10am-10pm. www.marcogolfandgarden.com. 971 Winterberry Dr.
Marco Island is a wonderful place to cycle, with several of our main roads having designated bike paths alongside them and many miles of flat, uncrowded roads.