Southwest Florida is in its prime tarpon stretch, and the first week of June around Naples and Marco Island is delivering. Tarpon are rolling through the passes, snook have moved onto the beaches to spawn, and the nearshore reefs are stacked with snapper. Here is the rundown for this week.
What’s Biting
Tarpon are the main event. Big migrators are pouring through Gordon Pass, Capri Pass, and Big Marco Pass, and they are also strung along the beaches in the morning calm. Snook have staged on the beaches and around the passes for their summer spawn — catch-and-release only on the Gulf coast right now. Nearshore, mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, and the occasional permit are working the reefs and wrecks. Redfish and trout round out the backwater bite.
Where to Find Them
Sight-fish tarpon along the beaches at dawn before the wind, then move to the passes as the tide starts to move. Snook are right in the swash on the beaches from Naples Pier south to Marco. Work the nearshore reefs in 25–45 feet for snapper and mackerel. In the backcountry of the Ten Thousand Islands, oyster bars and creek mouths are holding reds and trout on the low, moving water.
Tides & Conditions
Calm, glassy mornings are key for sight-fishing the beaches — get out early. Tarpon bite best on the moving tide through the passes. Afternoon storms are building daily, so plan to be running home by early afternoon. Water temperature is in the mid-80s.
Tackle & Tactics
For beach and pass tarpon, a live crab or threadfin on a 6/0–7/0 circle hook with 50–60 pound fluoro is the standard. On the beaches, a white soft-plastic on a heavy jighead lets you cover water and stay quiet. For snapper, scale to 20-pound leader and live shrimp. Backcountry reds eat cut ladyfish and gold spoons on the falling tide.
This Week’s Tip
The beach tarpon bite shuts off the moment the sea breeze ruffles the surface. Be on the water before sunrise, leave the trolling motor up, and pole or drift the first 100 yards off the sand. One quiet, well-placed cast to a rolling fish beats an hour of running and gunning once the wind comes up.