Reel Relaxation with Marco Escapes: Your Guide to Fishing Around Marco Island

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time fisher, Marco Island offers a world-class fishing experience year-round – as well as exceptional seafood cuisine.

With warm Gulf waters, nearby estuaries, and easy access to the Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades, the region attracts fishing enthusiasts from around the globe. Here, the fishing is excellent in every season, with plenty of local guides available to help you find the hotspots, no matter the time of year. You’ll also find the fresh catch of the day at a variety of fine and casual dining venues in Marco Island, cleaned and ready for your arrival.

From the dock at your well-appointed Marco Escapes vacation rental to the deck of a boat you’ve chartered for deep-sea adventure, you are sure to find plenty of opportunities to sink a line. Will you reel in the big one during your next stay?

What’s Biting? Marco Island’s Local Fish

Marco Island’s unique geography supports both saltwater and brackish environments, making it a prime destination for a wide variety of fish species. Offshore excursions into the Gulf of Mexico bring opportunities to catch grouper, kingfish, mackerel, barracuda, Goliath grouper, cobia, sharks, and snapper. Near coastal favorites include snook, tarpon, redfish, jacks, sea trout, pompano, and sheepshead.

Finding Your Fishing Spot Off Marco Island

Chasing trophy tarpon? Stalking redfish in the backcountry? The waters surrounding Marco Island are teeming with life. With a blend of freshwater estuaries, winding mangrove tunnels, and convenient proximity to the Gulf, Marco Island delivers exceptional variety. Whether you’re casting solo or heading out with a guide, here are some of the top fishing experiences you’ll find in and around the island.

Backcountry and Flats Fishing: Explore the shallows around Goodland, Everglades City, and Chokoloskee, where mangrove shorelines and quiet estuaries are perfect for targeting redfish, tarpon, and snook.

Offshore and Deep-Sea Fishing: Head into the Gulf of Mexico on a deep-sea charter for an exciting day of reeling in larger species like grouper, cobia, and kingfish.

Bridge and Shoreline Fishing: Not all fishing requires a boat. Try your luck at the Goodland Bridge, Caxambas Park, or South Marco Beach for easy-access casting.

 

Book a Fishing Charter

Local fishing charters offer guided excursions for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to land a trophy tarpon or teach your kids how to bait their first hook, these experienced local captains make every outing a memorable one. After all, charter fishing offers the best of both worlds: access to high-quality gear and local expertise, plus the chance to explore areas most casual visitors wouldn’t find on their own.

Some of the most highly rated options include:

• Back Water Adventure: Operate your own CraigCat, a type of two-person catamaran, through the winding waterways of the Ten Thousand Islands, one of the largest mangrove forests in the world.
• Dreamlander Tours: Offers a range of eco-adventures and guided fishing excursions departing from Marco Island, including a three-hour dolphin, shelling and Ten Thousand Islands tour.
• Fishing Solves Everything: Captain Justin offers expert trips through the Ten Thousand Islands, tailored to your interests. Choose from 3-hour, 5-hour and full-day fishing charters. Suitable for families and avid fishermen.
• Sunshine Tours: A Marco Island staple since 1984, Sunshine Tours offers a variety of fishing experiences including backcountry, offshore, and near-coastal trips. Their fleet also includes the 90-foot Marco Island Princess, which offers daily sightseeing and dinner cruises daily from Rose Marina in Marco Island.
• Rose Marina Charters: Rose Marina is a central hub for charter fishing on Marco Island with more than 20 charter captains available to guide your way. Options range from inshore to deep-sea fishing, accommodating various group sizes and preferences.

 

The Best Seafood Dining on Marco Island

Hooked by the idea of fishing, but only if someone else catches, prepares and plates it for you? Marco Island’s many popular seafood dining venues offer plenty of options for your entire party. While it’s not an exhaustive list, here are just a few of the seafood restaurants that Marco Escapes guests say made a splash during their visit.

• The Oyster Society: An upscale seafood and raw bar with Art Deco flair, offering hand-selected local seafood, an extensive wine list, and live jazz music.
• Marco Prime Steak & Seafood: A modern steakhouse with a twist, serving high-quality seafood and prime cuts in a sophisticated atmosphere.
• Fin Bistro: Locally owned and renowned for its fresh, locally sourced seafood prepared daily, offering a creative and unpretentious dining experience.
• Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House: Offers fresh, locally sourced seafood in a casual setting, with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
• Snook Inn: A Marco Island landmark offering waterfront dining, live music, and a menu featuring a variety of seafood dishes.
• La Tavola Restaurant & Bar: Known for its fresh wild-caught seafood and live music, La Tavola offers a vibrant atmosphere with a diverse menu.
• CJ’s on the Bay: Located at the Esplanade Shoppes, CJ’s offers waterfront dining with a menu featuring fresh seafood and live entertainment.
• LeeBe Fish: A casual spot known for serving freshly caught fish from their own boats, offering simple yet delicious seafood dishes.

 

Plan Your Fishing Getaway with Marco Escapes

Whether you’re planning an island getaway that’s all about fishing or simply want to cast a line once during your stay, there’s no better home base than a luxury vacation rental from Marco Escapes. In fact, several of our waterfront properties feature private docks with sitting areas, perfect for early-morning casts or evening relaxation with a line in the water. You might just land a fresh catch without ever leaving the property.

Explore our waterfront vacation rentals and start planning your next great catch.