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?
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.