Redfish are actively feeding.
Summer is one of my favorite times to target redfish throughout Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades.
The higher water levels allow redfish to move farther back into the mangrove shorelines where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. These fish are often found in small schools and can provide steady action for anglers using live shrimp, cut bait, or soft plastic jigs.
Redfish are powerful fighters and are perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Mangrove snapper are getting bigger
One of the biggest surprises every July is the quality of the mangrove snapper.
As summer progresses, these fish continue to grow, and it’s common to catch keeper-sized snapper throughout the backcountry, around bridges, docks, rock piles, and nearshore structures. Many of the fish being caught now are noticeably larger than they were just a few months ago.
Live shrimp remain the number one bait, although small pilchards and cut bait also produce excellent results.
For families wanting fresh fish for dinner, mangrove snapper are hard to beat.
Tarpon Season Isn’t Over
Although the large migrating schools have mostly moved through the area, tarpon fishing in Naples and Marco Island is far from finished.
Resident tarpon continue feeding throughout July around bridges, passes, back bays, and deeper channels. These fish often range from 30 pounds to well over 100 pounds.
Early mornings with calm conditions provide excellent opportunities to sight-fish rolling tarpon. Live threadfin herring, pinfish, mullet, and crabs continue producing consistent hookups.
Many anglers are surprised to learn that some of our best resident tarpon fishing actually occurs during the summer months.
Shark fishing Is outstanding.
July is one of the best months of the year for shark fishing in Naples and Marco Island.
Blacktip, spinner, lemon, bull, and bonnethead sharks are feeding along the beaches, passes, and nearshore waters.
Using fresh cut ladyfish, jack crevalle, bonito, or mackerel, it’s common to hook several sharks during a single trip. These fish provide incredible fights and are especially popular with families and younger anglers looking for nonstop action.
Speckled Sea Trout
The grass flats continue producing good numbers of speckled sea trout throughout the region. Live shrimp under popping corks remain extremely productive, while soft plastics and jig heads also work very well. Many anglers enjoy trout fishing because the action is often fast, making them ideal for children and beginners.
Jack Crevalle
Schools of jack Crevalle are roaming the beaches and back bays chasing baitfish. These powerful fish are among the hardest fighters in Southwest Florida and regularly surprise anglers with blistering runs that rival much larger game fish.
Black Drum
Black drum continue feeding around oyster bars, docks, and deeper channels. Using shrimp or small crabs around moving water often produces quality fish. These hard-fighting fish are excellent table fare and a welcome addition to any day’s catch.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are providing fast action around bait schools and nearshore reefs. Small spoons, flashy jigs, and live pilchards all produce aggressive strikes from these lightning-fast predators.
Pompano
Although spring is considered peak pompano season, quality fish continue to be caught during July around sandy flats and passes. Small jigs tipped with shrimp or live sand fleas often produce excellent results.
Goliath Grouper
For anglers looking for a true test of strength, juvenile and adult Goliath grouper continue providing unforgettable battles around wrecks, bridges, and heavy structure. These fish are catch-and-release only but create memories that last a lifetime.
Ten Species Commonly Caught During July
During a typical July charter, anglers often catch:
• Snook
• Redfish
• Mangrove Snapper
• Tarpon
• Blacktip Sharks
• Lemon Sharks
• Speckled Sea Trout
• Jack Crevalle
• Spanish Mackerel
• Black Drum
It’s not unusual to catch six or more different species during a half-day trip and even more on full-day charters.
Why July is such a great time to Fish
July combines warm water, abundant baitfish, and active predators across a wide range of habitats. Early morning trips often feature calm conditions, beautiful sunrises, dolphins, manatees, ospreys, pelicans, and other wildlife that make every outing memorable.
Whether you’re an experienced angler chasing trophy snook and tarpon or a family looking to enjoy steady action and bring home fresh mangrove snapper for dinner, July offers something for everyone.
If you’re planning a vacation in Southwest Florida, now is an excellent time to book a Naples fishing charter or Marco Island fishing charter. Our waters are producing outstanding action, and every trip offers the opportunity to experience the incredible variety that makes Naples, Marco Island, Rookery Bay, the Ten Thousand Islands, and Everglades National Park some of the finest inshore fishing destinations anywhere in Florida.
July dates are filling quickly, so reserve your trip today and experience some of the best summer fishing that Southwest Florida has to offer!
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