Everglades Guide Service

05/20/2026

Naples Florida, Southwest Florida Fishing Charter. Fish On. Big Catch. Tarpon and shark fishing.

05/20/2026

Tarpon season is now in full swing across Southwest Florida, and the annual migration of the “silver kings” continues along the beaches of Naples and Marco Island just as expected this time of year.

Tarpon fishing in Naples and Marco Island is one of the biggest attractions in Southwest Florida during late spring and early summer. As water temperatures continue to rise through May and June, more migrating tarpon move along the beaches, through the passes, and into the backcountry bays, giving anglers excellent opportunities to hook into these powerful gamefish.

Fishing over the past week has been very productive, with consistent tarpon action along the beaches as well as in several deeper backcountry areas. Along the beaches, live medium-sized crabs and live pinfish have been the top producers. In the backcountry bays, cut bait has been working best, especially when targeting larger tarpon holding deeper in the water column.

Capt. Mark Ward
Naples Fishing Charters
239-450-9230

Book a Trip Now!!
https://naplesfishingcharters.org/book-a-trip/

05/17/2026

Make memories for a lifetime with friends and families.

05/11/2026

Fun morning with new clients. Jay, Jerry and son Tom, great guys and anglers.

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

I’ve been spending most of my time lately tarpon fishing, with some backcountry trips mixed in as conditions allow.

The main focus has been fishing off the beaches for the migrating schools of tarpon moving along the Naples and Marco Island coast. At the beginning of the run a few weeks ago, most of the fish seemed to be moving up from the south. Now we’re starting to see fish coming from both directions, with some schools pushing north and others sliding back down the beach.

Live medium-sized crabs have been one of the best baits, but pinfish have also been productive. Once in a while, cut bait will get the job done too, especially when the fish are not actively rolling or feeding on the surface.

There are also some big tarpon holding in the backcountry bays. These fish have been a little more particular, and cut bait has been the most consistent option. The bonus with that style of fishing is the shark action. While waiting on a tarpon bite, we’ve also been getting into some nice sharks, which keeps things exciting.

For tarpon fishing, I typically use a 40- to 65-pound braided line with about a 6-foot piece of 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and a Gamakatsu 8/0 octopus circle hook. When fishing cut bait in areas where sharks are likely, I add a 2-foot piece of coated wire ahead of the hook.

05/02/2026

FISH ON!!

05/02/2026

May 2nd, 2026 Fishing Report - Naples & Marco Island: Tarpon, Sharks & Snook Action
Tarpon season is underway in Southwest Florida, with fish in the backcountry and migrating along the beaches of Naples and Marco Island. Sharks are also a big part of the action right now, often mixed in with the tarpon and providing some serious fights. Snook are active along the coast, with good numbers of redfish and trout as well.
This week we’ve focused on tarpon fishing, splitting time between the beaches and backcountry with steady success. Cut bait has been working well for backcountry tarpon, while beach fish are eating crabs and pinfish. We’re getting early starts—around 6:00 AM—with the best bite usually from first light through sunrise.
For snook, redfish, and trout, live pilchards are producing, along with artificials. We’re fishing the beaches, passes, and nearby bays, and both tides have been productive with moving water.
It’s prime time for tarpon and shark fishing in Naples and Marco Island.
A few May dates are still available!!