Fishing Charters from Marco Island
The Ten Thousand Islands is one of Florida's richest backwater fisheries. Here's what's biting and how to book a private trip.
Quick answer
What fish can you catch around Marco Island?
Marco Island's inshore waters hold snook year-round, redfish on the flats and oyster bars, spotted seatrout (the easiest action for kids), and mangrove snapper. Tarpon run in late spring and early summer. Most trips fish the backcountry of the Ten Thousand Islands, and a Florida saltwater license is covered by the charter.
- Year-round
- Snook, redfish, seatrout, snapper
- Trophy season
- Tarpon, late spring-early summer
- Where
- Ten Thousand Islands backcountry
- License
- Covered under the charter's license
Source: The Best of Marco Island — an independent, locally written Marco Island guide.
What you'll catch
- Snook — Marco's signature inshore game fish, year-round.
- Redfish — schools cruise the flats and oyster bars.
- Spotted seatrout — easy action for kids and beginners.
- Mangrove snapper — fun, tasty, and abundant.
- Tarpon — late spring and early summer, the trophy run.
Marco Island Excursions
Small-group Marco tours with a trusted local captain: private shelling, dolphin watching, fishing and custom routes through Tigertail, Sand Dollar Island and the Ten Thousand Islands.
- Inshore & nearshore fishing
- Private luxury yacht charters
- Fully custom private tours
- Wild dolphin watching
Small groups • Locally owned • Book direct
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a fishing license on a Marco Island charter?+
No - licensed charter captains carry a vessel license that covers their passengers. If you fish from shore or a rental boat, you need your own Florida saltwater license.
What is the best month to fish Marco Island?+
Spring and fall are the most consistent overall. Tarpon peak in May and June, snook fishing is strongest in the warmer months, and winter cold fronts push redfish and trout into deeper backcountry holes.
Is inshore or offshore fishing better from Marco Island?+
Inshore is the local strength: the Ten Thousand Islands is one of Florida's richest backwater fisheries, protected from wind and ideal for families. Offshore trips require longer runs and calmer seas.
Can kids go fishing on Marco Island?+
Yes - a half-day inshore trip targeting seatrout and snapper keeps kids busy with steady bites and calm water.