Naples & Marco Island Fishing Report — Week of June 11, 2026: Tarpon, Reds

Updated: Thursday, June 11, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, June 18, 2026

Mid-June makes the tarpon migration the headline, and this Naples & Marco Island fishing report starts with tarpon rolling along the beaches and stacking in the passes. Gordon Pass, Big Marco Pass and Capri Pass all draw fish on the strong tides, and pass crabs and threadfins drifted in the current are the most consistent baits. The early morning and evening tides fish best. Summer heat and afternoon storms are the norm, so plan early starts and save the open beaches for flat, windless mornings.

What’s Hitting

Tarpon lead the way in the passes and along the beaches. Snook are thick along the beaches and around the passes for outstanding catch-and-release action; the Gulf snook season is closed through August 31.

In the Ten Thousand Islands and the backcountry creeks, redfish work the mangrove shorelines and oyster bars, and spotted seatrout sit on the grass flats and deeper potholes. Nearshore, the structure and artificial reefs give up mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel and the occasional cobia trailing rays and turtles. Goliath grouper around the passes and wrecks offer brute-force catch-and-release fun on heavy tackle.

Where to Find Them

Look for tarpon rolling through Gordon Pass, Capri Pass and Big Marco Pass, stacking in the pass mouths on the outgoing tide, and strung along the Naples and Marco beaches on the calm mornings. Pass mouths concentrate tarpon because the tide funnels bait through a narrow channel, giving fish a steady food supply in one predictable lane.

Inside the passes and along the mangrove shorelines, redfish and snook are the inshore mainstays on the higher tides, and the nearshore hardbottom offers mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel.

Tides & Conditions

Mornings before the sea breeze fills in offer the flattest water and the best beach sight-fishing. Once the breeze builds, retreat to the passes and backcountry. Watch for afternoon storms and plan to be in early.

The strong tides drive the pass bite, with the early morning and evening tides best. The incoming tide pushes reds and snook tight to the mangroves. Clear summer water makes leader size matter, so go lighter than you would in stained water.

Tackle & Tactics

• Pass tarpon: a quiet approach matters more than heavy tackle. Drift well up-tide of rolling fish and let crabs or threadfins reach them naturally rather than running the boat through the school and putting them down.
• Beach snook: whitebait and small swimbaits worked along the troughs at first light.
• Backcountry mix: live shrimp under a cork and gold spoons for reds and trout. Downsizing your leader in the clear water draws noticeably more strikes.
• Goliath grouper: heavy tackle only, and every fish goes back.

Local Intel This Week

Bayview Park ramp in Naples is the natural launch for Gordon Pass and the Naples beaches, while Caxambas Park ramp on the south end of Marco Island gets you straight to Big Marco and Capri passes and the Ten Thousand Islands fringe. The Goodland/Calusa Island area is the staging point for the backcountry creeks and the eastern bays. Shore anglers can use the Naples Pier and the Marco beach accesses for a shot at snook and the odd cruising tarpon.

Check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.

This Week’s Tip

Drift well up-tide of rolling tarpon and let a pass crab or threadfin reach them on the current. Running the boat through the school puts the fish down, while a quiet drift keeps them rolling and feeding.