Beach and Pier Fishing

Sometimes you don't even need a boat. Many of the species of fish in the local waters at one time or another cruise the 6 miles of beaches that lie to the west of Marco Island.

There are many techniques you can use. One of the easiest and most productive techniques is to cast a buck tail jig. Try a ¼ oz or 3/8 oz white jig tipped with a small piece of shrimp or a piece of Buckley Gulf Shrimp. Casting deep away from shore and retrieving slowly, jigging off the bottom can produce pompano, sea trout, sheepshead and jack Creval. A quicker retrieval can produce Spanish mackerel and ladyfish. Watch the shoreline, snook like to feed in the shallows on shrimp, crabs and small bait fish.

If you prefer live bait such as shrimp or white bait (shiner) try using a popping cork placed about 3 to 4 feet up from the hook. Place a small split shot about six inches from the hook. This rig will suspend the bait off the bottom keeping a natural look to the bait.

If you fly fish, try walking the surf line early and late in the day. Any small bait fish imitations with white silver will work.

There are several beach access points on Marco Island if you are not staying in a hotel or condo on the water.

South end - walkway between the Apollo condo and Cape Marco. (parking available)

Mid-island - at Maple Ave. between the Madeira condo and Royal Seafarer (no parking)

North-end - Tigertail beach area (parking available).