Summer bite is On
Capt. Tim Daugherty
June 12, 2025
Marco Island - Saltwater Fishing Report
Naples & Marco Island Fishing Report - June 2025
-Current Fishing Conditions-
The fishing in the Naples and Marco Island area is showing excellent promise as we move through early June 2025. Water temperatures have climbed into the ideal range for Southwest Florida's premier gamefish species, with morning temperatures in the mid 80s creating perfect conditions for active feeding. Prime weather in South Florida has been creating outstanding inshore fishing, and anglers are finding success across multiple target species. The absence of red tide issues has allowed baitfish populations to flourish, providing ample forage for predatory gamefish throughout the backcountry waters and nearshore areas.
Snook activity has been particularly strong throughout the Naples and Marco Island region, with fish responding well to both live bait presentations and artificial lures. The incoming tide has been best with good action with snook, making the two hours before and after high tide the prime feeding window. Anglers are finding success targeting snook around mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and creek mouths using live pilchards, thredfin hearing, and shrimp. Artificial lures such as soft plastic jerkbaits, topwater plugs, and suspending twitchbaits are also producing consistent results. The best snook action is occurring during the early morning hours and late afternoon periods when water temperatures are most comfortable for these temperature-sensitive fish.
Redfish continue to provide steady action throughout the Ten Thousand Islands and backcountry areas surrounding Marco Island and Naples. With rising water temperatures the redfish bite has really picked up, and sight fishing opportunities have increased significantly as fish move onto shallow flats to feed. Anglers are finding success using live pilchards, shrimp & cut bait, and in water depths ranging from 1-4 feet. The grass flats and oyster bars are holding good numbers of slot-sized redfish, with occasional oversized fish mixed in. Early morning and late afternoon periods offer the best sight fishing opportunities when redfish are actively tailing and cruising the shallows.
Tarpon Season Update
June represents prime tarpon season for the Naples and Marco Island area, with the backcountry waters being ideal for targeting tarpon, especially during calm mornings and evenings. Juvenile tarpon in the 20-60 pound rang can be targeted in the backcountry creeks and channels, while larger adult fish are beginning to show up in the passes and nearshore waters. Live crabs, large shrimp, and threadfin herring are the preferred baits for tarpon fishing. Anglers should focus their efforts during the early mornings for the best hookup opportunities. The consistent warm weather has created ideal conditions for extended tarpon activity throughout the day.
Spotted sea trout fishing remains steady throughout the grass flats and deeper holes of the backcountry. Recent trips have shown good action with trout, snapper and jacks, with live pilchards and soft plastic baits producing the most consistent results. Trout are schooling in 3-8 feet of water over sandy bottoms adjacent to grass beds. Jack crevalle, mangrove snapper, and other species are providing excellent action for anglers seeking variety. The live bait situation continues to be exceptional, with pilchards currently available along the beaches for those willing to throw cast nets in the early morning hours.
Fishing Outlook and Recommendations
The overall fishing forecast for the Naples and Marco Island area remains highly favorable through the remainder of June. Water quality conditions are excellent, baitfish populations are robust, and gamefish are actively feeding in predictable patterns. Anglers should plan their trips around tidal movements, with incoming tides generally providing the most consistent action. Early morning launches are recommended to take advantage of cooler temperatures and less boat traffic. Live bait continues to outperform artificial lures in most situations, though topwater action during low-light periods offers exciting opportunities for those preferring lure fishing. The current weather patterns and water conditions will continue this great inshore action. Tight lines !!!!
Capt. Tim Daugherty
www.fishthesalt.com
(239) 280-8138
Target Species:
Snook , redfish , sea trout , tarpon , shark , snapper
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