Naples and Marco Island fishing report for the week of October 8, 2026. The Ten Thousand Islands are coming alive with cooler water, the snook are moving to the creek mouths, and the redfish are feeding aggressively. The new moon this weekend brings strong tides.
What’s Hitting
Snook are the main attraction in the back bays and creek mouths, with fish feeding on pilchards and shrimp. Redfish are on the oyster bars and mangrove edges throughout the Ten Thousand Islands, and trout are on the grass beds. Mangrove snapper are on the docks and bridges, and tarpon are in the passes and the rivers. Offshore, the first kingfish and cobia are arriving.
Where to Find Them
The creek mouths and mangrove shorelines around Goodland, Marco and the Faka Union are prime for snook and reds on the outgoing tide. The docks and bridges in Naples Bay hold snapper at night. Gordon Pass and Capri Pass fish well for snook on the tide change, and the nearshore reefs hold mackerel and kingfish.
Tides & Conditions
The new moon this weekend brings stronger tidal flow. The outgoing tide concentrates bait at the creek mouths, and the snook will line up on the edges. Tidal movement in the Ten Thousand Islands can be strong and the water can drop fast, so keep an eye on the depth.
Tackle & Tactics
Live shrimp or pilchards on a light leader are the best bait for most species. Paddle tails and jerkbaits are good artificial options, and a gold spoon works for reds. At night, a small jig under the dock lights catches snapper and snook. Use a long, light leader in the clear water, and approach quietly.
The Ten Thousand Islands can be confusing for visitors, with countless similar-looking mangrove islands and creeks. Use GPS and a good chart, and keep track of the tide so you do not get stranded as the water drops.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes Bayview Park in Naples, Caxambas Park on Marco Island, and the Goodland boat ramp, with Gordon Pass for shoreline fishing. Fish are concentrating at the creek mouths, the oyster bars and the docks. Check current FWC regulations and seasons before keeping any fish, and release snook and tarpon carefully.
This Week’s Tip
If you are fishing the mangroves, cast tight to the roots and keep the rod tip low. Snook strike close to cover and will run into the roots, so lock the drag down just enough to turn the fish.
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