Report for Naples, Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands

Capt. Matt Hoover
July 2, 2002
Marco Island - Saltwater Fishing Report

Mellow Mornings

The upper level low that has been plaguing us loosened its grip on us. Most of the mornings this past week were rain free. The winds were out of the east and that left the beaches of Marco calm and ready for inspection. Many of us were able to find small shiners. They were big enough to throw comfortably on ten-pound test outfits. That improved fishing tremendously.

Snook stole the show this week. Snook, jacks and trout were hanging out on strategic points that have a good current flow. The tides were soft this week. It helped to fish points and banks where the water would move. I had several mornings where anglers caught small to keeper sized snook in double digit numbers.

We were able to sight fish for snook on several shallow banks on the last of the outgoing tide. Packs of small to medium snook were lying under bushes. They almost looked like small pods of mullet. The difference was is that these fish ate shiners. It would have been a good week for fly fisherman. The redfish are still spotty. Guides have only been catching one or two on each outing.

Jacks and large trout are in the mix as well. I have not been targeting trout but my clients have been catching quite a few fat trout while fishing for snook. I half expect to catch a trout if the bait ventures out too far from the bank.

We have been hooking into baby tarpon early in the morning. They have been rolling along some of the deeper banks. There are still some man-sized tarpon around too. Look for them early in the morning around the passes throughout the islands.

There are plenty of mackerel around. We have been catching them in the south Marco area. They are everywhere nearshore too. Watch for schools of permit while you are out there. Sources tell me that the action is good.

Mornings have been the best time to get some fishing done. The afternoon rains have been coming early. The forecast shows another system on the way so it doesn’t look as if the pattern is going to change much. I’ll see you on the water.

More Fishing Reports:

• All Reports by Capt. Matt Hoover
• Marco Island Fishing Reports
• Southwest Florida (Cape Sable to Boca Grande) Reports
• Florida Fishing Reports
• Browse All Fishing Reports