Backcountry Fishing: Snook, Redfish, and Tarpon
The mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and creeks of the 10,000 Islands and Rookery Bay make September a prime month for backcountry fishing in SW Florida. Cooling nights and the tail end of summer rains bring new energy to the flats.
-
Snook Fishing: As the big summer breeders move out of the passes, snook spread into the backcountry. Target them along mangrove edges, creek mouths, and points where moving water pushes bait. Live pilchards or threadfin herring fished on light spinning tackle are excellent, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs also produce exciting strikes.
-
Redfish Fishing: September tides bring schooling reds onto the flats and around oyster bars. Look for wakes, pushes, or tails in shallow water. Cut mullet or pinfish under a popping cork work well, but fly fishermen also find success with crab and shrimp patterns. Redfish fishing this month often means doubles or triples when a school moves through.
-
Tarpon Fishing: While the peak migration is earlier in the summer, resident tarpon up to 80 pounds stay in the back bays and passes year-round. Drifting live mullet or ladyfish along current seams is one of the most productive ways to hook into these silver kings. September mornings with calm winds can deliver excellent tarpon fishingaround Marco Island and Naples passes.
Offshore and Deep Sea Fishing in September
If you prefer the Gulf’s blue water, September is an exciting time for off shore fishing. Weather patterns begin to shift, giving windows of calm seas that make it easier to run to wrecks and reefs.
-
Shark Fishing: Warm Gulf waters mean plenty of action from blacktip, spinner, lemon, and bull sharks. These powerful fish are targeted with chunks of fresh bait on heavy spinning or conventional tackle. Shark fishing trips are thrilling, and September is one of the most consistent months for encounters.
-
Snapper and Grouper: Reefs and ledges continue to hold mangrove snapper, lane snapper, and red grouper. Bottom fishing with cut bait or live pinfish produces steady catches.
-
Deep Sea Fishing: For anglers who want to head farther offshore, September offers chances at amberjack and even the occasional pelagic species like king mackerel or mahi when conditions line up. Deep sea fishing in September combines variety with the chance at big fish.
Techniques and Tactics for Success
-
Timing: Early morning and late afternoon are prime, with lower light and moving tides triggering feeding activity.
-
Bait and Lures: Live bait is king in Southwest Florida, but don’t overlook artificial lures like topwater plugs for explosive snook strikes or jigs tipped with shrimp for snapper offshore.
-
Tackle: Light spinning gear is perfect for snook fishing and redfish fishing in the backcountry, while medium-heavy setups are necessary for shark fishing or deep sea fishing.
-
Charters: For visitors, booking a professional fishing charter in Naples or Marco Island ensures local knowledge, quality gear, and access to the best spots. Captains tailor trips to your interests—whether that’s sight-casting for redfish, chasing tarpon, or bottom fishing offshore.
Why Fish Naples and Marco Island in September?
Both Naples fishing and Marco Island fishing offer the perfect mix of inshore and offshore opportunities. The crowds of summer are lighter, the fish are hungry, and the weather is often cooperative. From the mangroves to the Gulf, fishing SW Florida in September means variety, excitement, and the chance at trophy catches.
Plan Your Trip
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a family looking for a fun adventure, September is the time to experience the best of both worlds: backcountry exploration and offshore thrills. Book a fishing charter today and discover why fishing Naples, fishing Marco Island, and the entire coast of SW Florida are known worldwide for unforgettable days on the water.
Let’s fish! Give me a call or text.
Capt. Mark
Source link