Headed south

[Sluggoslinger]

Has anyone fished in naples? I'm headed there this weekend until monday night. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should fish for and how? Charters? Off the shore?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

[capecodder]

I'm also headed to Naples, although I won't be able to do any fishing this trip.

Naples offers exceptional backwater fishing on the way to Marco Island for snook, reds, sea trout, and countless other species. I have hired a guide in the past and had great trips. His name is Capt. Todd Geroy and he is really good. I'll PM you his contact info.

Offshore is a bit tougher as the gulf is shallow requiring long trips to get to the deep water. I've not had the time to commit to that so can't help any more.

Weather supposed to be good, i wish i was fishing!

[Nebe]

when i was 9 or 10 i was in naples for a weekend. I had a little freshwater setup and hooked into a spotted eagle ray that must have weighed 200 lbs.


I got spooled so quick it was silly.

wish i could help you more, but thats all i got

[jeffsod]

I have never chartered with anyone but have fished off the beach at Doctor's pass. You have to park about a mile south of the pass and hoof it. Bring plenty of quarters as it is metered parking. I forget the name of the park but should be obvious if you check out a local map. The pass can have some very good fishing albeit a little urban feeling for florida with the tall condos behind you. I have caught snook, pompano, groupers and jacks there. Some of the jacks will give you a serious run for your money as there are some decent ones usually around that pass. Watch the channel marker piling as they will wrap you up on it. As you hike down you will see little rockpiles along the beach. These usually hold Snook and Sheepshead. The snook should just be getting out of the back bays now with the water temps rising.

You could also try the beach around the pier and down by Gordons pass but I haven't fished those areas myself.

You could try contacting Mangrove Outfitters in Naples about Charters.

The tackle shops I know of are in Bonita one is Master Bait & Tackle and then the Ace Hardware in Bonita has a very good stock of tackle and has someone manning the counter for questions.

[Finaddict]

Marc at Everglades Angler in Naples is also a good source for where to go on foot -- local beaches and cuts, etc. -- as well as what guides are available.

Fishing the Naples, Marco, 10,000 Islands area backcountry right now should be excellent for snook, redfish and some tarpon. Also, just north of Naples is Bonita Springs and Sanibel, both areas are excellent for redfish snook and tarpon.

You are in a great transition period where there should be plenty of great action if there are no cold fronts coming through.