The mystical and pristine ambiance of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands with its white sand beaches and clear blue waters provides the perfect backdrop for the offshore fishing adventure of a lifetime.
Marco Island remains one of the top offshore fishing destinations on Florida’s Gulf coast, with year-round accessibility and a vast range of highly sought-after game fish.
Although inshore and nearshore fishing adventures offer their own thrill, there’s nothing like heading off to the deep sea for a full day fishing excursion to go after some of the mightiest and most adrenaline pumping catches.
Below is a quick guide to fishing off Marco Island so you can properly plan your adventure.
Booking an Offshore Fishing Charter
Booking an offshore fishing charter with a local provider is one of the best ways to experience it all. You won’t have to worry about getting a fishing license ahead of time and can simply sit back and let your captain guide you along the way.
Offshore fishing charters are typically 4 hours to a full day in length. No fishing license is required, and local providers will take you to the best offshore spots in the Gulf of Mexico to target the species that you prefer. It’s a great way to guarantee a catch and also avoid having to bring your own boat or rent one from a local marina.
Deep sea fishing charters will run anywhere from $200 to $1000+ depending on whether you prefer a shared fishing charter experience with other tourists or your own private charter.
Typically, charters will allow up to 6 passengers and payment will be required for each one. Fishing equipment, bait, cooler, and the license is usually provided.
Combination charters are available that combine both inshore and offshore fishing. The waters off Marco Island are usually calm for much of the year but can sometimes get choppy when the western winds pick up.
A half day option can be convenient when you simply want the experience of heading out for several miles on the Gulf of Mexico without having to commit your full day.
The full-day option is perfect if you want a more immersive experience where you’ll learn how to catch the most thrilling species and large fish.
During an offshore fishing charter, you can potentially catch Cobia, Little Tuni, Snapper, Tarpon, Permit, Shark, King Mackerel, and the monstrous Goliath Grouper.
Wildlife Viewing
Not only will you have an incredible fishing experience, but along the way, you’re likely to spot a wide range of incredible local marine wildlife including dolphins, pelicans, ospreys, egrets and even manatees. It’s a fun adventure for all ages and can really be the highlight of any Marco Island getaway.
Kayak Fishing as an Alternative
If you would rather stay closer to the shore and enjoy a more relaxed experience, kayak fishing might be the way to go. Guided kayak fishing tours are available from local companies, but as long as you know how to kayak, you might also consider simply renting one and heading out from a local kayak launch.
It’s a good idea to stay close to the nearby waters as you get familiar with the Ten Thousand Islands – but there are plenty of excellent opportunities in nearby Roberts Bay and Caxambas Pass, which can be easily accessed from the kayak launch at Caxambas Park.
The waters are often plentiful with inshore species such as tarpon, ladyfish, redfish, pompano, snook, sheepshead and more. Fishing these backwaters will provide you with some incredible scenery and plenty of opportunity for exploration without having to venture too far.
Contact Us
To learn more about planning a fishing excursion to Marco Island and the best local vacation rental options, contact us today at 239.394.7653.
