Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 19, 2026
This Naples/Marco Island fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the week of November 12, based on forecast weather and seasonal migration rather than a verified catch report. A late-week front is expected to give Florida its coolest weekend of the season so far. In the Ten Thousand Islands and around Marco Island, falling water temperatures usually push snook toward rivers and creeks while sheepshead and redfish gather on structure and oyster bars.
What’s Hitting
Snook are the biggest story as water cools; many move from the beaches and passes into rivers, creeks and residential canals where water stays warmer. Sheepshead numbers should increase around docks, bridges and rock piles. Redfish remain on oyster bars and mangrove points, especially on higher tides. Spotted seatrout are moving to deeper grass beds. Mangrove snapper are still available around structure, though they become more cautious after a front.
Where to Find Them
The Gordon River and Henderson Creek are typical cool-weather refuges for snook. Around Marco Island, Caxambas Pass and Capri Pass concentrate fish with the tide. In the Ten Thousand Islands, the oyster bars and creek mouths around Goodland and the islands south of Marco hold redfish. Naples Bay’s docks, as well as the Naples Pier, offer structure for sheepshead and snapper. Rookery Bay’s backwaters and the Marco River also offer sheltered water during northwest wind.
Tides & Conditions
Stronger tidal movement continues after the November 9 new moon, easing toward the first-quarter moon on November 17. Behind the front, northwest wind can produce very low water in the backcountry on morning tides, concentrating fish in deeper channels. Saturday should be the coldest morning, with warming by Sunday.
Tackle & Tactics
For snook in rivers, live shrimp or slow-moving jerkbaits along mangrove banks work best. Sheepshead prefer fiddler crabs or shrimp on small hooks. For redfish, try cut bait, gold spoons or soft plastics around oyster bars. Trout respond to soft plastics on light jig heads. Slow everything down after the cold morning.
Local Intel This Week
The Naples Pier provides public access to the Gulf and is a good option for sheepshead and snapper. Caxambas Park on Marco Island has a public ramp near Caxambas Pass. Bayview Park in Naples offers a ramp on Naples Bay. The Goodland boat ramp gives access to the Ten Thousand Islands. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Navigate carefully in the backcountry on low tides. Parking at the Naples Pier is metered and fills on weekends.
This Week’s Tip
On the cold morning, fish the deepest bends in creeks and rivers where snook gather. Use live shrimp drifted slowly along the mangrove edges, and wait for the sun to warm the water before moving to shallow areas. Keep an eye on the water temperature gauge, since even a degree or two warmer in a creek can hold more fish.
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