Updated: Historical report for the week of October 8, 2026 (original publication date preserved; reorganized October 27, 2026) · Next update: None. This archived week will not be updated again; for current conditions, read the latest Naples/Marco Island fishing report.
This Naples/Marco Island fishing report covers the week of October 8, 2026, when the Ten Thousand Islands were coming alive with cooler water. Snook were moving to the creek mouths and back bays, redfish were feeding aggressively around the islands, and snapper held on the docks. The new moon that weekend brought strong tides, and tide stage was the variable that decided where fish set up.
What’s Hitting
Snook were the main attraction in the back bays and creek mouths, feeding on pilchards and shrimp. Redfish were on the oyster bars and mangrove edges throughout the Ten Thousand Islands, and trout were on the grass beds. Mangrove snapper were on the docks and bridges, and tarpon were in the passes and the rivers. Offshore, the first kingfish and cobia were arriving, an early sign of the fall transition on the nearshore reefs.
Where to Find Them
The creek mouths and mangrove shorelines around Goodland, Marco and the Faka Union were prime for snook and reds on the outgoing tide, when draining water carries bait out of the backcountry. The docks and bridges in Naples Bay held snapper at night. Gordon Pass and Capri Pass fished well for snook on the tide change, and the nearshore reefs held mackerel and kingfish. The common thread was moving water past structure; slack, open water was far less productive.
Tides & Conditions
The new moon brought stronger tidal flow. The outgoing tide concentrated bait at the creek mouths, and snook lined up on the edges. Tidal movement in the Ten Thousand Islands can be strong and the water can drop fast, so watching depth was essential. Large new-moon swings also expose oyster bars that are covered at higher stages, which is useful for finding structure but a hazard for running the backcountry late in the falling tide.
Tackle & Tactics
Live shrimp or pilchards on a light leader were the best bait for most species. Paddle tails and jerkbaits were good artificial options, and a gold spoon worked for reds. At night, a small jig under the dock lights caught snapper and snook. Use a long, light leader in clear water and approach quietly. The Ten Thousand Islands can be confusing for visitors, with countless similar mangrove islands and creeks, so use GPS and a good chart and track the tide so you are not stranded as the water drops. Our snook fishing guide covers mangrove presentations in more depth.
Local Intel This Week
Public access that week included Bayview Park in Naples, Caxambas Park on Marco Island and the Goodland boat ramp, with Gordon Pass for shoreline fishing. Cocohatchee River Park is another public launch on the north end that reaches Wiggins Pass. Fish were concentrating at the creek mouths, the oyster bars and the docks. Check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish, and release snook and tarpon carefully. Treat this as a historical early-October snapshot rather than current conditions.
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 set the drag just firm enough to turn the fish before it reaches the structure.
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