Our Guide to the Marco Island Fishing Scene

fishing on marco island

Marco Island is more than just a place to relax by the waves. It’s paradise for anyone who loves being on the water! There are a multitude of ways to get out and enjoy the sunshine on the water, and one of our favorites is grabbing a rod and going fishing. Whether you’re out on the Gulf or tucked into the backwaters, there are great catches to be had on Marco Island!

You don’t need years of experience to enjoy the fishing scene here. Beginners and seasoned anglers alike can reel in impressive catches like tarpon, snook, grouper, and snapper. You can keep things simple by fishing right off the beach, or hop on a deep-sea charter and head out into the Gulf if you're looking for a day-long expedition.

Our Marco Island Fishing Guide has everything you need to plan your trip, from the best spots to fish, what kinds of species you can reel in, and the licenses required to get your day started. All that’s left for you to do is decide where you’ll drop your line first!

Follow along for our guide to the Marco Island fishing scene!

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In this article:

  • Can You Fish Off the Beach in Marco Island, FL?
  • Are There Local Fishing Piers?
  • The Best Marco Island Fishing Charters
  • What Kinds of Fish Can You Find in the Region?
  • When is the Best Time to Go Fishing on the Gulf Coast?
  • Book Your Marco Island Stay Directly with Marco Island Vacation Properties!

Can You Fish Off the Beach in Marco Island, FL?

Yes, you can! Fishing off the beaches, often referred to as shore fishing or surf fishing, is allowed on certain spots on Marco Island, like South Beach and Tigertail Beach. In order to fish off the shore, though, you need to make sure you have a fishing license. You can purchase a fishing license online at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website. Fishing licenses are required for any anglers over 16! Children under the age of 16 don’t need their own license.

Are There Local Fishing Piers?

If you’re not feeling like you want to cast a line directly from the shore just yet, and you don’t want to head out on the boat, either, no problem! There are a few local fishing piers that will do just the trick.

Goodland Bridge Pier

You can reel in Redfish, Mangrove Snapper, and Sheepshead at Goodland Bridge Pier, especially if you set out early in the morning or stay later in the evening. Fishing is permitted year-round, and it’s always free!

Judge S.S. Jolley Bridge

Also known as Marco Island Bridge, the Judge S.S. Jolley Bridge is another great spot to cast a line. It’s convenient to travel to from our Marco Island vacation rentals, and it’s also free to fish here! Try your luck just before dawn or as dusk sets in; you’ll find the best catches that way!

The Best Marco Island Fishing Charters

Don’t worry, if finding your own fishing spots and packing your own gear feels overwhelming, there’s another option: head out on a Marco Island fishing charter! When you have a helpful guide, your expedition doesn’t have to be so daunting. Here are some top local choices:

What Kinds of Fish Can You Find in the Region?

fishing marco island

Plenty! Different fish appear seasonally, while others are out year-round. You can find the following fish here:

  • Grouper
  • Black Drum
  • Bonito
  • Seatrout
  • Flounder
  • Pompano
  • Ladyfish
  • Mangrove Snapper
  • Permit
  • Red Snapper
  • Redfish
  • Sheepshead
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Tarpon
  • Whiting
  • Yellowtail Snapper

When is the Best Time to Go Fishing on the Gulf Coast?

You can fish year-round in Marco Island! Each season brings different opportunities and fish species to target. Let’s take a look at the best fishing seasons on Marco Island:

Winter Fishing (December – February)

Don’t let the cooler Gulf breezes fool you! Winter fishing in Marco Island can be fantastic. The water temperatures drop, but that often brings fish closer to shore and into backwaters. You’ll also enjoy fewer crowds on the water this time of year.

Fish to Look Out For in Winter: Sheepshead, Black Drum, Pompano, Redfish, Seatrout

Spring Fishing (March – May)

As the waters warm, fishing heats up around Marco Island. This is one of the best times to fish here, with calm conditions and a variety of species making their way to inshore and nearshore waters.

Fish to Look Out For in Spring: Snook, Redfish, Tarpon

Summer Fishing (June – August)

Summer means long days and prime fishing opportunities. The warm Gulf waters bring incredible action, especially for tarpon and offshore species. Whether you’re casting from the beach, exploring the backwaters, or heading offshore, summer is a peak time to fish.

Fish to Look Out For in Summer: Tarpon, Snook, Permit, Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, and Grouper.

Fall Fishing (September – November)

Fall is another transitional season in Marco Island. As temperatures ease up, fishing pressure drops, giving you a more relaxed experience. It’s also when many species are actively feeding in preparation for winter, making for excellent catches.

Fish to Look Out For in Fall: Redfish, Snook, Seatrout, Grouper, Flounder

Book Your Marco Island Stay Directly with Marco Island Vacation Properties!

219 sunflower court

After you’ve reeled in the top catches of the day, return to the best vacation rental accommodations in town when you stay with Marco Island Vacation Properties! With years of property management experience and a team that knows the island better than anyone, you can’t go wrong when you stay with us. When you book your trip directly, you save time, money, and stress.

No matter what you’re searching for in your Marco Island vacation rental, we’re confident you’ll find the ideal fit amongst our extensive catalog of properties. Whether you’re searching for a pet-friendly home big enough for the whole family or you want to take a break from the ocean and relax in your very own private pool, we’ve got homes designed to meet your vacation needs. Browse our available Marco Island vacation rentals now and book your trip directly with Marco Island vacation properties!

 

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