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Welcome to the backwaters of Marco Island, where the fish are plentiful and the scenery's straight out of a postcard. Our 2, 4, and 8-hour private charters with Marco Fishing Company are your ticket to some of the best inshore action this side of the Everglades. We're talking light tackle, steady bites, and the kind of peaceful fishing that'll make you forget all about the hustle back on land.
Picture this: You're gliding through glassy waters, mangroves lining the shore like a green curtain. The air's got that salty tang, and there's a quiet hum of nature all around. Whether you're here for a quick 2-hour jaunt or settling in for a full 8-hour day, we've got the spots that'll make your reel sing. Morning trips? That's when the water's like glass and the fish are hungry for breakfast. Afternoon charters catch that golden hour light when the redfish start prowling the shallows. No matter when you come, we're serving up the kind of fishing that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Let's talk technique, 'cause that's where the magic happens. We're not just chunking bait and hoping for the best. Nah, we're using light tackle setups that'll give you a real fight, even with the smaller fish. Live bait? You bet. But we're also slinging some killer artificials that the local snook just can't resist. We'll hit the oyster bars where the redfish love to cruise, drift the deeper channels for sea trout, and maybe even sneak up on some dock-dwelling snook if the tide's right. It's all about reading the water, knowing the spots, and putting you where the fish are biting.
"First class guide service. Captain Jamie knows the area and put us on some fish! Great day on the water for our 15th Anniversary, great conversation and shared lots of fishing knowledge with us. Dolphins came to visit while we were out too!" - Briton
"Jamie is flat out the best. We had ourselves an unpredictable weather day with a tropical storm blowing through. He stuck it out, moved with the weather & someway, somehow got us on some fish. Takes a real guide to make that magic happen! Appreciate you to no end, Jamie. Looking forward to next time." - David
Florida Pompano: These silver speedsters are like the sports cars of the flats. They're quick, they're strong, and they put up a fight that'll have your arms aching (in the best way). Pompano love to cruise the sandy bottoms, especially during the fall and spring. Toss a jig their way, and hold on tight – these guys can turn on a dime and run like they stole something.
Snook: Ah, the snook – the unofficial mascot of Florida inshore fishing. These line-sided ambush predators are the reason many anglers lose sleep (and lures). They love to hang around structure, whether it's mangrove roots or dock pilings. Summer's when they're most active, but you can catch 'em year-round if you know where to look. Land a big snook, and you've got bragging rights for life.
Goliath Grouper: Now we're talking about the tanks of the sea. Goliaths are massive, and I mean massive. These gentle giants can grow over 800 pounds, and while we practice catch-and-release with these protected species, just hooking one is an experience you'll never forget. They love structure and deep holes, and when they hit, it's like you've snagged a Volkswagen.
Sea Trout: If you're looking for steady action, sea trout are your go-to. These spotted beauties school up over grass flats and around deeper potholes. They're suckers for a well-presented artificial lure, and they're great eating if you're looking to take some fish home for dinner. Spring and fall are prime time for trout, but you can catch 'em year-round here in Marco.
Redfish: Last but not least, we've got the redfish – also known as red drum. These copper-colored bruisers are the bulldogs of the flats. They love to root around in shallow water, often with their tails sticking out of the water (we call that "tailing"). Fall is the golden season for reds, but they're here all year. Hook a big one, and you're in for a fight that'll test your drag and your biceps.
Look, I could go on all day about the fish, but it's more than that. It's about the quiet mornings when the mist's rising off the water. It's about watching a pod of dolphins cruise by while you're reeling in your catch. It's about those moments when it's just you, your friends or family, and the gentle lapping of water against the boat. We've had folks come back year after year, not just for the fishing, but for the memories they make out here.
Our trips are perfect for everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers. Families love it because the kids can actually catch fish (and maybe learn a thing or two). Solo anglers dig it because, well, fish don't care if you're chatty or not. And for those looking to up their game? There's always something new to learn out here.
So there you have it, folks. Whether you're looking to squeeze in a quick 2-hour trip between beach sessions, settle in for a solid half-day of 4 hours, or go all-in with an 8-hour fish-fest, we've got you covered. We provide all the gear, the know-how, and even a cooler full of stories (fish tales included at no extra charge).
All you need to bring is your sense of adventure, maybe a snack or two, and a camera to capture the moment when you land that trophy catch. Trust me, you're gonna want proof when you're telling your friends back home about the one that didn't get away.
So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, the water's fine, and there's a spot on the boat with your name on it. Let's get out there and make some memories on the water. Book your trip with Marco Fishing Company today, and get ready for a Marco Island fishing experience that'll have you hooked for life.
July 16, 2024
First class guide service. Captain Jamie knows the area and put us on some fish! Great day on the water for our 15th Anniversary, great conversation and shared lots of fishing knowledge with us. Dolphins came to visit while we were out too!
July 16, 2024
Jamie is flat out the best. We had ourselves an unpredictable weather day with a tropical storm blowing through. He stuck it out, moved with the weather & someway, somehow got us on some fish. Takes a real guide to make that magic happen! Appreciate you to no end, Jamie. Looking forward to next time.
July 25, 2025
Florida Pompano are prized catches around Marco Island. These silvery, disc-shaped fish usually run 1-3 pounds, though you might luck into a 5-pounder. Look for them in the surf zone and along sandy beaches, especially during summer and fall. Pompano love hanging around sandbars and troughs, where they hunt for crabs and small baitfish. They're suckers for small jigs bounced along the bottom - bright colors like pink and chartreuse work well. These fish put up a scrappy fight on light tackle, darting and diving. Pompano are also considered top-notch table fare, with delicate, sweet meat that's great grilled or blackened. My go-to trick is using a dropper rig with small circle hooks and fresh sand fleas or pieces of shrimp. Cast it out, let it sit, and hold on - when a pompano hits, it's like lightning struck your line.

Goliath Grouper are the gentle giants of Marco Island's waters. These massive fish can grow over 8 feet long and weigh up to 800 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and deep holes, usually in 20-50 feet of water. Summer is spawning season, when they gather in large groups. Goliaths are catch-and-release only - they're protected due to past overfishing. Hooking one is an experience you won't forget. They don't run far, but their raw power is incredible. It's like trying to stop a Volkswagen. Most folks use heavy tackle and big live baits like jack crevalle or stingrays. My tip: if you're targeting goliaths, use circle hooks to make release easier. And be ready for a workout - these fish will test your strength and your gear. It's all about the thrill of the fight and the photo op with these prehistoric-looking monsters.

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bulldogs of Marco Island's flats. These copper-colored bruisers can push 40 inches, but slot-sized fish of 18-27 inches are more common. You'll find them tailing in skinny water, often so shallow their backs are out of the water. They love to cruise mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and grass flats, especially on high tides. Reds are known for their powerful, determined runs - they'll test your drag and your arms. Fall is prime time when big schools push into the backcountry. Sight-fishing for tailing reds is a rush, whether you're using live bait, soft plastics, or flies. These fish have excellent table quality too. My local tip: look for wakes or pushes of water in calm conditions. And when you hook one, keep your rod tip low to prevent them from jumping and throwing the hook. Redfish aren't the fastest, but they're one of the strongest pound-for-pound fighters out there.

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a staple of Marco Island fishing. These spotted beauties usually run 14-20 inches, though gators over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them in grassy flats, channels, and around oyster bars, often in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Trout are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. They put up a decent fight, with head shakes and occasional jumps. Anglers love 'em for their willingness to bite and tasty fillets. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but soft plastics and topwater lures work great too. My local trick: look for slicks on the water's surface - that oily sheen often means trout are feeding below. And don't forget to vary your retrieve speed; sometimes a slow twitch drives them crazy.

Snook are the kings of our backwaters here on Marco Island. These clever ambush predators hang out around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars, waiting to pounce on baitfish. They can grow over 40 inches, but most run 20-30 inches. Spring and fall are prime snook seasons when water temps are just right. These fish are famous for their sudden, powerful runs - they'll try to wrap you around every piling in sight. Fishing for snook is addictive - the explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps keep anglers coming back for more. They're also excellent eating, though highly regulated. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish works great, but nothing beats the thrill of a snook smashing a topwater plug at dawn. My local tip: focus on points and current edges during moving tides, and always use a fluorocarbon leader - snook have sharp gill plates that'll slice through mono.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamama
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
First class guide service. Captain Jamie knows the area and put us on some fish! Great day on the water for our 15th Anniversary, great conversation and shared lots of fishing knowledge with us. Dolphins came to visit while we were out too!