Summer Fishing Action in Naples, Marco Island & Rookery Bay

Fishing continues to be good with a variety of species and great conditions.

When it comes to fishing in Southwest Florida, few places compare to the diverse and productive waters of Naples, Marco Island, and Rookery Bay. From the backcountry mangroves to the nearshore passes, this region offers prime opportunities for snook fishing, redfish fishing, shark fishing, and snapper action. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just looking for a fun day on the water, fishing SW Florida delivers excitement, variety, and unforgettable memories.

Snook Fishing: Mangrove Mayhem

Snook fishing is a highlight of both Naples fishing and Marco Island fishing, especially during the summer months. Snook move out of the deeper backwaters and gather along beaches, passes, and mangrove points as they enter their spawning season. These ambush predators feed aggressively when the tide is moving, especially in the early morning and late evening hours.

Live pilchards and finger mullet are top choices, fished on a 3/0 circle hook with 30 lb fluorocarbon leader. For artificial enthusiasts, topwater plugs like the Spook Jr., soft plastic swimbaits, and jerkbaits produce explosive strikes. Focus your efforts on areas with current flow, shadow lines, or submerged structure for your best shot at hooking up.

Redfish Fishing: Flats and Pothole Tactics

Redfish fishing around Marco Island and Rookery Bay is best done with stealth and precision. These bronze-colored brawlers roam the shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges, especially during incoming tides. On lower water, look for redfish tailing or pushing along grass lines and sand holes.

Artificial lures like weedless rigged soft plastics and gold spoons are great for sight-fishing on clear days. For natural bait, pilchards, shrimp or cut ladyfish work well. Use a light spinning rod with 30–40 lb leader for a well-balanced setup that delivers both finesse and power.

Shark Fishing: Big Action in Shallow Waters

Summer is peak season for shark fishing along the coastlines of Naples and Marco Island. These waters are teeming with hard-fighting species like blacktip, spinner, lemon, and bull sharks, many of which are drawn in by bait schools just off the beaches or in the tidal passes.

We use medium-heavy spinning or conventional setups spooled with 50–80 lb braided line and wire leaders to handle the power of these predators. Fresh cut bait—like mullet, ladyfish, or jack crevalle—is key. Anchor up current, put out a chum line, and wait for the chaos. Shark fishing is a thrilling experience that’s perfect for anglers looking for serious power and aerial acrobatics close to shore.

Snapper Fishing: Backwater Bounty

No trip would be complete without some time spent snapper fishing, especially for the always-tasty mangrove snapper. These sharp-eyed fish are abundant around mangrove roots, dock pilings, oyster bars, and deeper holes throughout Rookery Bay and the surrounding waters.

Light tackle is key—15 to 20 lb fluorocarbon leader with a 1/0 circle hook and a split shot or small jig head works great. Live shrimp and small pilchards are ideal baits, but cut bait will also produce. Snapper are cautious, so a natural presentation and a quiet approach go a long way. Once you get them going, you’ll often catch your limit quickly.

Tactics and Rigs That Work

Versatility is the name of the game in fishing SW Florida. A few proven setups include:

• Free-line rigs for snook and snapper in calm, shallow water

• Popping corks for redfish and snapper over grass and structure

• Wire leader rigs with heavy tackle for sharks

• Jig heads with soft plastics for covering ground and sight-casting

Timing your trip around good tidal movement—especially the first few hours of an incoming tide—can make all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hunting snook in the mangroves, stalking redfish across the flats, fighting sharks in the passes, or loading up on delicious snapper, fishing Naples, fishing Marco Island, and exploring the creeks and bays of Rookery Bay offers something for every angler. With the right tactics, gear, and a little local knowledge, you’re set for an unforgettable fishing SW Florida experience.