Florida · Southwest
REDFISH FISHING
IN MARCO ISLAND
Marco Island is an excellent destination for redfish fishing, with peak season in May, September, October and good catches in January, February, March. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Marco Island
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — Marco Island
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Marco Island, FL.
How to Catch Redfish in Marco Island
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Marco Island
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Ten Thousand Islands
The Ten Thousand Islands south of Marco Island comprise one of the largest undeveloped mangrove estuaries in North America, offering world-class snook, redfish, and tarpon fishing in pristine backcountry waters. The maze of mangrove islands, oyster bars, and tidal creeks provides endless fishing opportunities. Local knowledge or a guide is essential to navigate this remote wilderness.
Caxambas Pass
Caxambas Pass at the southern end of Marco Island connects the backcountry waters to the Gulf and funnels strong tidal currents that attract snook, tarpon, redfish, and jack crevalle. The pass jetties and adjacent sandbars are prime structure during outgoing tides when bait gets swept from the backcountry. It is one of the top passes in Southwest Florida for snook.
Marco River
The Marco River winds through Marco Island with residential docks, seawalls, and mangrove shoreline providing habitat for snook, redfish, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper. Night fishing under dock lights during summer produces explosive snook action on live bait and topwater plugs. The river connects to the Collier Seminole State Park backcountry for extended fishing trips.
Big Marco Pass
Big Marco Pass connects the Marco River and Roberts Bay to the Gulf of Mexico at the northern end of Marco Island. Strong tidal currents through the pass attract snook, tarpon, redfish, and large jack crevalle, especially during the outgoing tide. The pass is a staging area for tarpon from May through August and produces fish over 100 pounds.
Other Species in Marco Island
More fish you can target while visiting Marco Island.
Redfish Fishing in Marco Island — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Marco Island are May, September, October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Marco Island area.
Redfish fishing charters in Marco Island are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in Marco Island, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Redfish in Marco Island, you may also catch Snook, Sheepshead, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper, Gag Grouper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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