Naples and Marco Island fishing report for the week of October 1, 2026. Fall is starting in Southwest Florida, and the backcountry is coming to life. The water is cooling, the redfish are schooling, and the snook are moving back into the mangroves from the beaches. The Ten Thousand Islands are at their best in October.
What’s Hitting
This week, redfish are the headline. They are schooling in the Ten Thousand Islands and feeding along the oyster bars and mangrove points. Snook are moving back into the mangroves from the beaches and passes. Speckled trout are on the grass flats. There are also mangrove snapper around the docks and bridges, and Spanish mackerel and jacks along the beaches and in the passes. Tarpon are thinning but still in the backcountry rivers.
Where to Find Them
For redfish, fish the oyster bars and mangrove points in the Ten Thousand Islands, south of Marco Island toward Goodland and Everglades City. For snook, the mangrove shorelines in Rookery Bay, the Marco River, and the backcountry creeks. For trout, the grass flats near Marco Island and in the Ten Thousand Islands. Mangrove snapper are around the docks in Naples Bay and the Marco Island bridges.
Tides & Conditions
Tides are moderating with the last quarter moon this weekend. The backcountry is tide-driven, so plan your trip around the moving water. Water temperatures are in the low 80s and dropping. The wind is often light in October. Water clarity can vary with runoff from the rainy season, so check conditions before heading out.
Tackle & Tactics
For redfish, a live pinfish or a cut ladyfish under a cork near the oyster bars, or a gold spoon and a paddle tail. For snook, a live pilchard or a soft plastic jerk bait. For trout, a popping cork with a live shrimp. For mangrove snapper, a small piece of shrimp on a light jig head. Use 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon around the oysters and mangroves.
Local Intel This Week
Public launches include the Caxambas Park boat ramp on Marco Island, the Bayview Park ramp in Naples, and the Goodland boat ramp. Shore anglers have good access at the Naples Pier, the Marco Island area bridges, and the Goodland waterfront. Fish are concentrated on the oyster bars for reds and along the mangroves for snook. Much of the area is within Rookery Bay reserve and Everglades National Park, which have their own rules; check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
In the Ten Thousand Islands, the falling tide pulls bait off the oyster bars and out of the creeks. Set up at the mouths of creeks and on the down-current side of oyster bars on the falling tide, and let the current bring the fish to you.
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