The fishing in the Naples and Marco Island area is showing excellent promise as we move through early June 2025. Water temperatures have climbed into the ideal range for Southwest Florida's premier gamefish species, with morning temperatures in the mid 80s creating perfect conditions for active feeding. Prime weather in South Florida has been creating outstanding inshore fishing charters, and anglers are finding success across multiple target species. The absence of red tide issues has allowed baitfish populations to flourish, providing ample forage for predatory gamefish throughout the backcountry waters and nearshore areas.

Snook activity has been particularly strong throughout the Naples and Marco Island region, with fish responding well to both live bait presentations and artificial lures. The incoming tide has been best with good action with snook, making the two hours before and after high tide the prime feeding window for fishing charters.

Anglers are finding success targeting snook around mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and creek mouths using live pilchards, thredfin herring, and shrimp. Artificial lures such as soft plastic jerkbaits, topwater plugs, and suspending twitchbaits are also producing consistent results. The best snook action is occurring during the early morning hours and late afternoon periods when water temperatures are most comfortable for these temperature-sensitive fish.

Redfish continue to provide steady action throughout the Ten Thousand Islands and backcountry areas surrounding Marco Island and Naples. With rising water temperatures the redfish bite has really picked up, and sight fishing opportunities on fishing charters have increased significantly as fish move onto shallow flats to feed. Anglers are finding success using live pilchards, shrimp & cut bait, and in water depths ranging from 1-4 feet. The grass flats and oyster bars are holding good numbers of slot-sized redfish, with occasional oversized fish mixed in. Early morning and late afternoon periods offer the best sight fishing opportunities when redfish are actively tailing and cruising the shallows.

Tarpon Season Update
June represents prime tarpon season for the Naples and Marco Island area, with the backcountry waters being ideal for targeting tarpon on fishing charters, especially during calm mornings and evenings. Juvenile tarpon in the 20-60 pound range can be targeted in the backcountry creeks and channels, while larger adult fish are beginning to show up in the passes and nearshore waters. Live crabs, large shrimp, and threadfin herring are the preferred baits for tarpon fishing charters. Anglers should focus their efforts during the early mornings for the best hookup opportunities. The consistent warm weather has created ideal conditions for extended tarpon activity throughout the day.

Spotted sea trout fishing remains steady throughout the grass flats and deeper holes of the backcountry. Recent fishing charters have shown good action with trout, snapper and jacks, with live pilchards and soft plastic baits producing the most consistent results. Trout are schooling in 3-8 feet of water over sandy bottoms adjacent to grass beds. Jack crevalle, mangrove snapper, and other species are providing excellent action for anglers seeking variety on their fishing charters. The live bait situation continues to be exceptional, with pilchards currently available along the beaches for those willing to throw cast nets in the early morning hours.

Fishing Outlook and Recommendations
The overall fishing forecast for Naples and Marco Island fishing charters remains highly favorable through the remainder of June. Water quality conditions are excellent, baitfish populations are robust, and gamefish are actively feeding in predictable patterns. Anglers should plan their fishing charters around tidal movements, with incoming tides generally providing the most consistent action. Early morning launches are recommended to take advantage of cooler temperatures and less boat traffic.

Live bait continues to outperform artificial lures in most situations, though topwater action during low-light periods offers exciting opportunities for those preferring lure fishing. The current weather patterns and water conditions will continue this great inshore action for fishing charters. Tight lines !!!!

Capt. Tim Daugherty
www.fishthesalt.com
(239) 280-8138

Marco Island fishing charters often rank among Southwest Florida's premier angling experiences, and Captain Tim Daugherty's expertise in these pristine waters has established him as one of the area's most trusted guides. Located at the northern edge of the Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island offers some of the most diverse and productive inshore fishing opportunities in the entire state, making Marco Island fishing charters a top choice for both novice and experienced anglers.

The unique geography surrounding Marco Island creates an angler's paradise that Marco Island fishing charters often showcase to visiting fishermen. The extensive network of mangrove creeks, oyster bars, grass flats, and deep channels provides habitat for an incredible variety of gamefish species. Captain Tim Daugherty's intimate knowledge of these waters ensures that Marco Island fishing charters consistently deliver exceptional results regardless of season or conditions.

Snook fishing represents one of the primary attractions that Marco Island fishing charters often highlight for visiting anglers. These aggressive predators thrive in the area's diverse habitat, from the shadowy depths of mangrove creeks to the open waters of the passes. Captain Tim Daugherty's Marco Island fishing charters often target snook around dock pilings, creek mouths, and mangrove shorelines where these ambush predators wait for unsuspecting baitfish. The consistent year-round presence of snook makes Marco Island fishing charters an excellent choice for anglers seeking reliable action.

Redfish provide another exciting target species that Marco Island fishing charters often pursue with great success. The shallow grass flats and oyster bars surrounding Marco Island create ideal habitat for these copper-colored fighters. Captain Tim Daugherty's Marco Island fishing charters often employ sight fishing techniques, allowing anglers to watch as redfish cruise the shallows in search of crabs and small fish. The visual excitement of seeing a redfish take your bait in crystal-clear water is an experience that Marco Island fishing charters often provide to delighted clients.

The seasonal tarpon migration adds another dimension to what Marco Island fishing charters often offer their guests. From late spring through early fall, these silver kings frequent the passes and nearshore waters around Marco Island, providing opportunities for truly memorable battles. Captain Tim Daugherty's Marco Island fishing charters often time their tarpon expeditions to coincide with optimal tidal conditions and fish movements, maximizing the chances for successful hookups with these legendary gamefish.

Spotted seatrout fishing remains consistently productive throughout the year, and Marco Island fishing charters often target these popular gamefish over grass flats and sandy bottoms. Captain Tim Daugherty's extensive knowledge of seasonal trout patterns ensures that Marco Island fishing charters can locate schools of these cooperative fish even when other species prove challenging. The reliable nature of seatrout fishing makes Marco Island fishing charters an excellent choice for families and novice anglers.

The live bait situation around Marco Island is exceptional, which Marco Island fishing charters often leverage for optimal results. Captain Tim Daugherty's Marco Island fishing charters often begin with netting fresh pilchards, threadfin herring, or other live baits that are irresistible to the area's gamefish. The abundance of quality baitfish in these waters gives Marco Island fishing charters a significant advantage over areas where live bait is scarce or difficult to obtain.

Artificial lure fishing also produces excellent results, and Marco Island fishing charters often employ a variety of techniques depending on conditions and target species. Captain Tim Daugherty's expertise with topwater plugs, soft plastics, and suspending baits ensures that Marco Island fishing charters can adapt to changing conditions and fish preferences throughout the day.

The water quality around Marco Island remains consistently excellent, which Marco Island fishing charters often highlight as a key advantage of fishing these waters. The absence of red tide issues and the pristine nature of the Ten Thousand Islands ecosystem create ideal conditions for healthy fish populations and excellent visibility for sight fishing opportunities.

Marco Island fishing charters often attract anglers seeking variety, and Captain Tim Daugherty's trips consistently deliver multiple species during a single outing. Jack crevalle, mangrove snapper, sheepshead, and occasional cobia add excitement and diversity to fishing trips, ensuring that Marco Island fishing charters rarely experience slow periods.

The year-round fishing opportunities that Marco Island fishing charters often promote make this destination ideal for visiting anglers regardless of travel dates. Captain Tim Daugherty's understanding of seasonal patterns and fish behavior ensures that Marco Island fishing charters remain productive throughout the calendar year, from the cooler months when fish concentrate in deeper waters to the warmer periods when shallow water action dominates.

Family-friendly fishing is another aspect that Marco Island fishing charters often emphasize, and Captain Tim Daugherty's patient instruction and safe boat handling make his trips ideal for anglers of all ages and experience levels. The protected waters around Marco Island provide comfortable fishing conditions, while the consistent action keeps younger anglers engaged and excited about the sport.

For anglers seeking an authentic Southwest Florida fishing experience, Marco Island fishing charters often exceed expectations by combining excellent fishing with stunning natural beauty. Captain Tim Daugherty's commitment to providing memorable experiences ensures that every trip showcases the best that these incredible waters have to offer.

Book your Marco Island fishing charter with Captain Tim Daugherty and discover why these waters consistently rank among Florida's premier inshore fishing destinations.

May is always one of my favorite months to be out on the water, chasing our local game fish .   The inshore fishing around the Naples & Marco island areas ,never disappoints.  There’s such a variety and abundance of fish that frequent our area during this time of year.  Snook , redfish , pompano , snapper , sea trout , tarpon , jacks , Goliath grouper and sharks are all on my hit list in may .  Live bait is still plentiful on the offshore rubble piles and wrecks .

My favorite net to load up on bait is , a 10 to 12 foot 3/8 inch lee fisher cast net( humpback).   This is the perfect net to get down 20 feet and come up with a net full of beautiful Baits. I know I say it all the time, but these live baits are the key to having an action packed day on the water.   Let’s switch gears for a second and talk about some fly fishing.  

For my fly anglers what a perfect time of year to hunt snook on the beaches . The combination of gin clear water and lots of sunshine equals great site fishing opportunities.   I like to cast more natural patterns due to the clean water( white /tan/olive colors).  The key is to stay as far off of the fish as you can , as they can be spooky in these conditions. A long cast in front of the fish , with a good fast retrieve Will ensure a hard strike.

Also one thing to remember because our waters are so clear this time of year is  light floral Carbon leader (20-30lb) can sometimes be a game changer . Great time to get out early before the midday heat & enjoy some great Southwest Florida inshore action. 

Catch yah on the water !!!!!

Capt. Tim Daugherty
www.fishthesalt.com
(239) 280-8138