Marco Island fishing calendar
What’s biting each month, and the best months to book.
Plan your Marco Island fishing trip with our month-by-month calendar for snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon, sheepshead and Spanish mackerel. Peak means the best fishing of the year, Good means steady fishing and Fair means possible but slower.
When is the best time to fish in Marco Island?
The best fishing in Marco Island is Apr–May and Oct–Nov, when snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon and Spanish mackerel are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for spotted seatrout and sheepshead; spring is best for snook, spotted seatrout and tarpon; summer is best for snook, redfish and tarpon; fall is best for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): best for spotted seatrout and sheepshead; also redfish and grouper.
- Spring (Mar–May): best for snook, spotted seatrout, tarpon and sheepshead; also redfish, grouper and mangrove snapper.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): best for snook, redfish, tarpon and mangrove snapper; also spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel and grouper.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): best for snook, redfish, spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel; also sheepshead and cobia.
Marco Island fishing calendar by month
How good the fishing is for each fish, month by month. Tap a fish for our full guide.
- Peak best fishing of the year
- Good steady fishing
- Fair possible, but slower
- – slow, out of season or closed
| Fish | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inshore | ||||||||||||
| Snook | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair |
| Redfish | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Spotted seatrout | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak |
| Tarpon | Fair | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | ||||||
| Sheepshead | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | ||||
| Spanish mackerel | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Good | Fair | ||
| Offshore | ||||||||||||
| Grouper | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Mangrove snapper | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair |
| King mackerel (kingfish) | Good | Peak | Peak | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Peak | Peak | Fair | ||
| Cobia | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Fair | |
Seasons, size limits and bag limits change every year: see FWC saltwater rules and FWC freshwater rules. Snook and some other fish are catch-and-release in closed months.
What’s biting each month in Marco Island
Swipe to see every month →
January
Peak Spotted seatrout and Sheepshead
Good Redfish and Grouper
February
Peak Spotted seatrout and Sheepshead
Good Redfish and Grouper
March
Peak Spotted seatrout and Sheepshead
Good Snook, Redfish, Spanish mackerel, Grouper, King mackerel (kingfish) and Cobia
April
Peak Snook, Spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, King mackerel (kingfish) and Cobia
Good Redfish, Sheepshead, Grouper and Mangrove snapper
May
Peak Snook, Tarpon, Spanish mackerel, King mackerel (kingfish) and Cobia
Good Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Grouper and Mangrove snapper
June
Peak Snook, Tarpon and Mangrove snapper
Good Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, Grouper and Cobia
July
Peak Snook, Tarpon and Mangrove snapper
Good Redfish, Spanish mackerel and Grouper
August
Peak Snook, Redfish and Mangrove snapper
Good Tarpon, Spanish mackerel and Grouper
September
Peak Snook, Redfish and Mangrove snapper
Good Spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel and Grouper
October
Peak Snook, Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, Grouper and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Mangrove snapper and Cobia
November
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Grouper and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Snook, Sheepshead, Spanish mackerel and Cobia
December
Peak Spotted seatrout and Sheepshead
Good Redfish and Grouper
Best months for each fish in Marco Island
- Snook: best Apr–Oct; good Mar–Nov.
- Redfish: best Aug–Nov; good all year.
- Spotted seatrout: best Oct–Apr; good Sep–Jun.
- Tarpon: best May–Jul; good May–Aug.
- Sheepshead: best Dec–Mar; good Nov–Apr.
- Spanish mackerel: best Apr–May and Oct; good Mar–Nov.
- Grouper: best Oct–Nov; good all year.
- Mangrove snapper: best Jun–Sep; good Apr–Oct.
- King mackerel (kingfish): best Apr–May and Oct–Nov; good Mar–May and Oct–Nov.
- Cobia: best Apr–May; good Mar–Jun and Oct–Nov.
Reviews from nearby Southwest Florida trips
4.9115 reviewsfrom iOutdoors trips near Marco Island. Marco Island reviews will show here as they come in
Pleasant trip for all
4hour Largemouth bass trip around Lake Trafford, Mark knows his clint and where the fish are. we caught lots of bass, some big bass. Good value for money; highly recommend.
Dominic H · August 2026 · TripAdvisor
Fantastic family experienced...
My husband, 9-year-old son, and I spent a very enjoyable four hours fishing on Lake Trafford. Captain Rick was so friendly and helpful; we caught a lot of fish. I would highly recommend giving this a go!
Diamond B · July 2026 · TripAdvisor
Guide DJ Timms took our family out for a fishing trip on Golden Gate. My 11 year old son wanted to catch a peacock bass! Also along on the trip was my 5 year old son and my MIL. We had the best time! Although it was hot and the water temps were very warm and the bite was slow we still caught 10…
Tracey Ryan · September 2025 · Google
Mark Rogers
Great experience with my family! Mark made it a great time!
Willis Miller · March 2025
Join Capt. Mark for an unforgettable offshore fishing experience. Specializing in big game fish, Mark knows the best locations to target marlin, tuna, and other exciting species. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, Mark’s expert guidance ensures an action-packed, rewarding trip full…
Lydia Harper · January 2025 · Google
Naples Florida, Best Captain in the area
Huge shoot out to Capt. Mark Rogers for making us feel special, his trip was the highlight of our Vacation, we went shelling on a remote beach, fishing at a near by reef, saw dolphins and manatees, the kids and wife had a blast, highly recommend him, pleasant, knowledgeable and his boat was so…
Captain Mark Rogers · June 2024
Captain Mark Rose Naples Florida
My family went out with Mark Rose in Naples Florida to try to catch some Peacock bass. It’s been on the bucket list for awhile now. We flat got on’em and Captain Mark was awesome. My wife and son had an absolute blast. We will book again when back in Florida. If you are in the Naples area or Lake…
Cody Betsworth · February 2024
Peacock Bass Fishing w/ Capt Mark Rose
Had another fabulous day fishing with Capt Mark. January 2024. We had that "other day", you know, that day you catch 30 fish and then for the next few weeks you tell everyone "you should have been there that other day". We caught several 4 lb peacock bass in the Golden Gate…
Tom Bach · January 2024
Great time!
Alligator Alley Bass Fishing 6 Hour Trip Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
David Roe · December 2023
Great experience!
Golden Gate Canal Fishing 4 Hour Trip Schedule : Afternoon Session (Private)
Ryan Pommier · December 2023
Great experience!
Naples Inshore Fishing Trip - 4 Hr Schedule : Afternoon Session (Private)
Monica Czarnik · November 2023
Great trip
Golden Gate Canal Fishing 8 Hour Trip Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
Robert Zoz · November 2023
Marco Island fishing calendar FAQ
When is the best time to fish in Marco Island?
The best fishing in Marco Island is Apr–May and Oct–Nov, when snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon and Spanish mackerel are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for spotted seatrout and sheepshead; spring is best for snook, spotted seatrout and tarpon; summer is best for snook, redfish and tarpon; fall is best for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout.
What fish are biting in Marco Island in winter?
From December to February, spotted seatrout and sheepshead are at their best, and redfish and grouper are good. Pick calm days between cold fronts.
What fish are biting in Marco Island in summer?
From June to August, snook, redfish, tarpon and mangrove snapper are at their best, and spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, grouper and cobia are good. Book an early start to beat the heat and afternoon storms.
What is the best month for snook in Marco Island?
Snook fishing in Marco Island is best Apr–Oct, and good Mar–Nov.
When is the best time for grouper in Marco Island?
Grouper fishing in Marco Island is best Oct–Nov, and good all year.
Do fishing seasons and limits apply in Marco Island?
Yes. Some fish have closed seasons, size limits and bag limits that change from year to year. Months marked “–” on this calendar are slow, out of season or usually closed. Your captain follows the current rules; check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for this year’s dates.
How do I book a fishing trip in Marco Island?
Pick your trip and date on the Marco Island fishing charters page and book online with a local captain. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before your trip, and a full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call or text (407) 392-4593.