Naples & Marco Island Fishing Report

This weeks fishing around the Naples and Marco Island areas has been an absolute adventure with all species on the hit list. Finally, we are starting to see pods of bait fish moving into our fishing areas.  This is always a good sign as it concentrates our game fish around the bait schools.  I’ve been starting my mornings with a little quick trip offshore to a couple bait spots where I’m able to load up on some really nice pilchards and threadfin herring .  I prefer these baits because they are full of energy and this is exactly what you need to draw these big fish out of their hiding spots.  

This past week we have been focusing on the passes and outside creeks that have good current structure.  It’s always a good sign when you pull up to a shoreline in the morning and you see a row of snowy egrets lined up. This typically means there is good bait fish flow down the shoreline, and this will most certainly entice your targeted species to be stacked up ready to feed .  Snook have been plentiful and we’re starting to see some really big ones showing up.  I am fishing really light tackle a 7 foot medium light spinning rod(stellar light star rod)  with a 4000 Florida Fishing Products spinning reel.  This is a perfect set up for some awesome light tackle fishing.

When conditions are right and winds are down,  I am on the beach chasing Tarpon.  My preferred bait is a live crab but nothing beats a 6 to 8 inch mullet. There’s something about watching your bait fish trying to outrun an 80 to 100 pound tarpon.  It’s one of the most exciting things to watch and it always get your heart racing in anticipation of what’s about to happen. The extended forecast for this upcoming weeks looks absolutely perfect. If you’re in town and looking for an adventure, don’t hesitate to give me a call.  Tight lines!!!!!

Capt. Tim Daugherty
www.fishthesalt.com
(239) 280-8138