Fishing in Naples Florida

Fishing in Naples and Southwest Florida is truly an angler's paradise with 37 miles of barrier island coastline extending from Naples south to Marco Island and then deep into the mangrove forests of the Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades.  Whether you choose to launch your own boat or head out with one of the many experienced charter captains in the area, cast from a deep-sea charter, a flats skiff a fishing kayak or the Naples Pier, chances are something is biting.

Mild temperatures mean that anglers have a wide variety of fish to aim for all year long.

Gulf of Mexico Offshore Fishing
The Gulf of Mexico offers offshore anglers fish ledges. Here anglers hope to catch yellowtail snapper, an edible fish popular in South Florida restaurants. These ledges, as well as some reef formations, attract anglers hoping to catch grouper, shark and other types of snapper.

Backwater Fishing
The backwater and flats fishing captains in Collier County have a watery maze of bays and bayous to choose from. Flats boats, usually able to accommodate one or two people, take anglers into these waterways in search of snook on the flats or tarpon in the backcountry. Some of the best fishing spots, on the edge of the flats, are marked by a sudden change in the color of the water, signifying a drop-off in bottom.

Ten Thousand Island Fishing
The mangroves that line the shores of the Ten Thousand Islands are the stuff fisherman dream of.  Up against the red mangrove roots, you'll catch mangrove snapper, and along the way you can expect to catch sea trout, tarpon, redfish and grouper. Here's where it pays to be an avid kayaker or canoe enthusiast, because the paddle to the Ten Thousand Islands takes skill and stamina. The paddle, which can total 68 miles depending on the route you choose, takes you through some of the last of Florida's waterfront wilderness.

Fishing In The Everglades
Everglades National Park spans several counties, including parts of Collier. Most of the water here is shallow, ranging from a few inches to a few feet deep, depending on the season and area of the 'Glades. Anglers here catch largemouth bass in lakes and canals. These fish, called "hawgs," hide in vegetation, so try to fish close to lake grass. Hawgs are not known for their high intelligence, so lures do the job nicely.

Freshwater Fishing
Freshwater anglers can explore Lake Trafford in Immokalee for their largemouth bass, crappie and freshwater catfish. Fish along the vegetation, taking care not to disturb snakes or gators.

Shoreline Fishing
Locals know Wiggins Pass as the best shoreline fishing Naples has to offer. Unlike most shorelines, Wiggins Pass gives you two choices, surf fish or fishing the pass. In most cases you fish the pass, but when Pompano and Snook are running the shoreline in winter and early spring, AM/PM surf fishing is the way to go.

Additional Resources

•To order your free Collier County Boating & Angling Guide:  Call 239-252-2505 or send an e-mail with your name and address to environmentalservices@colliergov.net
•For more information on the fishing regulations in Collier County and the State of Florida, visit Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fishing Regulations.
•For information regarding the tides schedule during your stay, visit Local Tides Schedule.

Fishing in Naples Florida News to Use

•Boat launch fees at all of Collier County parks and marinas is US$8.00
•The best tackle store in Naples is Ace hardware on Tamiami Trail and 2nd Ave North, however they don't sell live bait.
•For live bait you have three options.  The City Dock, Anglers Answer and Del's (open 24 hrs)
•For the most up-to-date information, we suggest you call or visit a local bait-and-tackle shop, fishing marina or guide service.

 

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