Some people come to Marco Island for the beaches, which line the west side of the island. Others come for the many activities and attractions of quaint towns like Goodland, Immokalee and Ave Maria and larger cities like Naples and Fort Myers.
But, one thing that attracts many visitors every year is the island’s renowned fishing opportunities, both nearshore and offshore.
Come to Marco Island to experience some of the best year-round fishing in Florida and stay in gorgeous Marco Island vacation rental homes equipped with a dock or nearby marina access.
We’ve compiled some information on the best offshore charters, places to enter the water, and of course, some of the best fishing spots off the shores of Marco Island.
Charters
If you’re bringing your own boat, you may want to skip ahead to the marina information and check out the details about boat access. Contact us at (239)-394-0514 for information on vacation homes with private boat launches.
If you’re looking for a charter, you’re in luck: there’s no shortage of local guides in the area.
Wild Thing Charters (951 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island, FL) offers a family-friendly atmosphere aboard 30-foot boats ready to take you to the best fishing spots in Marco Island.
Book a half day, three-quarter, or full-day trip. The team, led by Captain Randy Hamilton, will provide all equipment as needed. He can also take you and your family to local shipwrecks and populated reefs for authentic offshore fishing experiences.
Marco Island Fishing (191 Lamplighter Dr., Marco Island, FL) is your answer for quality offshore sport fishing. This charter provider talks a big game and has the skills to deliver.
Spend most of your day among the Ten Thousand Islands in pursuit of tarpon, snook, and redfish. But, you could also wind up in the Gulf of Mexico equipped with heavy tackle, ready to reel in king mackerel, little tunny, or shark.
Lastly, Blue Runner Charters (951 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island, FL) is led by the experienced Captain Phil Ridge. Ridge offers flexible experiences, fit for any age or skill level. He encourages family-friendly trips that focus on the action by taking visitors to key hotspots. He provides all equipment, on-board restrooms, comfortable seating, and licenses.
Blue Runner Charters is one of the best experiences on Marco Island for families. Have a fun day in the water and reel in a fish for dinner. His prices range from $575 for four hours and $950 for the whole day – perfect for large groups.
Marco Island Marinas
There are several marinas conveniently located on Marco Island if you want to bring your own boat or rent one for an offshore fishing adventure. Many of the marinas offer excellent storage for short stays, as well as service stations and cafes.
Marco Island Marina (1402 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island, FL), associated with the Marco Island Yacht Club, is one of the larger marinas available where temporary boats are welcome. It offers quick access to the eastern waters of the island by way of Marco Island Bay.
Esplanade Marina (760 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island, FL) is a luxury marina on the north end of the island. Nearby is Rose Marina (951 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island, FL), which has lots of winter storage space.
Planning Your Own Fishing Adventure
For a true offshore fishing experience, head a few miles out into the Gulf of Mexico to depths of 50 to 60 feet on the hunt for grouper.
The area is home to some artificial reefs and shipwrecks – perfect for going after reef-loving fish like king mackerel, little tuna, cobia, snapper, permit, shark and the monster goliath grouper.
With lots of boat access, it can often be nice to combine both inshore and offshore fishing together, and plenty of opportunities await in the waters around the Ten Thousand Islands.
With an ocean full of species year-round, Marco Island is a fishing enthusiast’s dream. The weather is perfect for fishing throughout the year – the coastal winds will keep you cool all summer long and the sun will warm you in the winter.
To learn more about our Marco Island vacation rental homes to stay in while enjoying this angler’s paradise, contact us at (239)-394-0514. Perhaps you can find a new place to call home – even for a weekend – as you dive deep into the world of Marco Island offshore fishing.