Saltwater Vs. Freshwater Fishing In Naples, Marco Island And The Everglades

Fishing on Florida’s Paradise Coast offers an unparalleled experience, whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner. Thanks to its unique ecosystems, Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades provides a range of fantastic opportunities for both saltwater and freshwater fishing enthusiasts.

In this article, we'll explore the best spots for saltwater and freshwater fishing on Florida’s Paradise Coast, the essential gear you’ll need, and the species you can expect to catch. Whether you're chasing the thrill of reeling in a powerful tarpon on a fishing charter or you’d prefer to spend a peaceful day fishing for bass, this guide will help you make the most of your fishing adventure in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades.

SALTWATER VS. FRESHWATER FISHING SPOTS ON FLORIDA’S PARADISE COAST

For saltwater fishing, you can find various locations to reel in popular species like tarpon, snook, snapper, redfish, permit, and grouper. In Naples, Gordon’s Pass is a great local spot for shore fishing. Marco Island is conveniently located near two gateways to the Ten Thousand Islands for fishing charters: Safe Harbor Calusa Island and Port of the Islands Resort. In Everglades City, explore Chokoloskee Bay or take a boat ride to Rabbit Key.

For freshwater fishing, Naples' Golden Gate Canal is a treasure trove for largemouth bass, peacock bass, and panfish. You can also find excellent freshwater fishing spots in the lakes, rivers, and canals scattered throughout Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park and Big Cypress National Preserve.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE FOR SALTWATER VS. FRESHWATER FISHING?

SALTWATER FISHING GEAR

When saltwater fishing, rods are typically made from materials like graphite or flexible fiberglass. Their reels are designed to handle the corrosive nature of saltwater and the strength of the larger fish you’ll encounter in the ocean, like tarpon and grouper. With this in mind, equipment tends to be more expensive than freshwater fishing gear. For bait, saltwater anglers often achieve the best results with live bait like mullet or artificial plastic lures that mimic the appearance of small fish or crustaceans. Remember that choosing the best bait involves understanding the species you’ll target on your trip!

FRESHWATER FISHING GEAR

Freshwater fishing, typically done in lakes, rivers, and ponds, utilizes lighter gear since the fish don’t tend to be as large as saltwater species. Spinning and baitcasting reels are common, paired with shorter and lighter rods than the saltwater variants. Freshwater anglers often use artificial worms or jerk bait to attract bass and panfish. Live bait (such as minnows, clams, mussels and worms) is also popular as it mimics the natural prey of target fish species.

Remember that while you can use certain saltwater gear for freshwater fishing, freshwater gear isn't typically suited to the demands of saltwater fishing. Make sure you're equipped with the right tools for your fishing experience!

WHAT SPECIES CAN YOU CATCH IN SALTWATER VS. FRESHWATER FISHING?

SALTWATER SPECIES

Saltwater fish along Florida’s Paradise Coast tend to be larger and include popular species such as snook, tarpon, redfish, spotted sea trout, snapper, and grouper. The tarpon, also known as the "silver king," is highly prized for its strength and fighting ability, making it one of the state’s top game fish. Snapper and grouper are also sought after for their excellent taste. Many anglers attempt to achieve an IGFA-certified “Inshore Grand Slam” on their trip. To do so, you’ll need to catch three of the following species in a single day: bonefish, permit, snook, and tarpon.

Different saltwater fish species have varying peak seasons, which is essential to consider when planning your trip. For example, tarpon and redfish are best caught in May and June, while permit fishing peaks in June and July. Snook fishing is optimal in April and October, avoiding the closed seasons from December to February and May to September. Spotted sea trout are most active during the winter—specifically, December through February.

FRESHWATER SPECIES

In freshwater, anglers can target largemouth bass, crappie, peacock bass, and bluegill. The largemouth bass is considered the crown jewel of freshwater fishing. This fish, alongside the peacock bass, can be found in the canal systems around the Naples area, like the Golden Gate Canal. Crappie and bluegill are also popular freshwater targets and are great options for beginners to attempt to catch.

Largemouth bass fishing is generally best during the spring when the species is in spawning season. Meanwhile, you may have better luck with peacock bass during the warmest months of the year: May through August. Head out during the cooler months for the best crappie and catfish fishing. Early morning, evening, or night fishing will maximize your success with crappie, in particular.

DIFFERENCES IN ACCESSIBILITY

Saltwater fishing in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades often requires a boat, making it more expensive and less accessible, especially for beginners. For example, you’d usually need to charter a boat for options like inshore, offshore, and fly fishing. By comparison, freshwater fishing is typically more affordable since it can often be done from the shore, making it ideal for beginners with options like bass fishing, fly fishing, and live bait fishing .

FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS

REVIEW LOCAL FISHING REGULATIONS

Reviewing local fishing regulations before fishing on Florida's Paradise Coast ensures sustainable fish populations, protects endangered species, and helps avoid legal penalties. Double-check closed seasons and slot and bag limits depending on what species you’re targeting. You can find this information on The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website.

PURCHASE A FLORIDA FISHING LICENSE

Before you head out on your fishing adventure, you’ll need to secure a valid Florida fishing license. Depending on your preference, you can choose between a saltwater or freshwater license, which you can purchase online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. These licenses are valid for one year.

It’s important to note that you’ll need to purchase a snook permit in addition to your saltwater fishing license if you’d like to bag one of these fish. Another essential tip is that you won’t need a permit if you plan to fish with a charter.

Whether you're chasing the thrill of saltwater fishing, the tranquility of freshwater angling, or both, unforgettable memories await on the waters of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades. For the ultimate fishing adventure, Only Paradise will do.