Marco Island
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $550
Captain
Timothy Daugherty
Marco Island, United States
Angler's choice
25+ reviews
Captain Tim Daugherty has been a local to Florida since he moved there as a young child, aged 4. He has started his love affair with angling in Tampa Bay where he was first exposed to offshore and backwater fishing, as well as fly and sight fishing. A love for the fragile ecosystem was ingrained in him at an early age. For the past 10 years, Capt. Tim has been lucky enough to do his hobby as a full-time job. He loves to instill his love for angling and nature into every single guest that comes on board!
Charter
Rating
5.0
48 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience
Anglers' gallery (51)
What anglers say
100%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
All reviews (48)
Showing 1 – 5 of 48 reviews
Tom Freas5.0VerifiedNEWGreat Day Fishing
Half Day Trip (AM) • 4 adultsWe had a great day fishing with Captain Tim. He led us to several good spots and we all caught several fish even though we could not find ideal bait this morning. We plan to go with Tim agsin and I would recommend him to anyone looking for an experienced and friendly Captain, especially if you have inexperienced anglers on the boat. I have taken many charter trips out of Marco and Goodland abd today was one of the best trips we ever had.
Reported catch:
Response from CaptainTom, thanks so much. It was great meeting y’all this morning. So glad to hear you had a good time till next time tight lines.
Andrew Mcconnell5.0VerifiedCaptain Tim was a true Master fisherman
Half Day Trip (AM) • 3 adultsMyself from Westport Connecticut and my two cousins from the Bronx New York had an amazing morning; fishing with Captain Tim we started out getting the pilchards with the cast net then fishing around the docks and bridges of Marco we caught about half a dozen snook that were out of season so were caught and released but then landed about 10 mangrove snappers which we had two incredible meals with using Captain Tim's recipe using an egg wash with bread crumbs and coconut flakes cooking them in butter and coconut oil far better then the way the snapper was prepared whenbdined on at the snook inn. Captain Tim was a maestro who wasted no effort and had amazing instincts we would definitely be requesting him again on our next trip next year with his 22-ft Pathfinder powered by a 200 horsepower Suzuki engine which was the perfect vessel for fishing the shallow Waters of Marco. The fee was ridiculously low so please give Tim a proper tip if you book them on a trip.
Reported catch:Response from Captainthanks again, fellas. It was good meeting you. I’m glad to hear you had a good time on the water.!
Jake Mccloskey5.0VerifiedGreat day of fishing!
Half Day Trip (PM) • 2 adultsWe had a great time fishing with Captain Tim! We got the full experience of saltwater fishing. It was both my girlfriend and I’s first time saltwater fishing and Captain Tim was very knowledge and patient in teaching us the differences from freshwater fishing and how it different from fishing back home in the North. We caught a large diversity of species of fish, Snook, trout, red snapper, saltwater bluegill and Jack. The Jack were fun to catch because even the small ones but up a hell of a fight!
Reported catch:
+1Response from Captainthanks, Jake appreciate the positive response. Look forward to next time tight lines. 
Shelley Enda5.0VerifiedFamily's Catch of the Day
Half Day Trip (AM) • 4 adultsIt was a fun morning for our family of four. My huband and sons love it! Tim was a great captain and knowledgeable fisherman! We caught lots of snapper and snook across a few different spots. We were able to keep some right sized snapper for dinner. Got to see several dolphins near the boat throughout too. It was a sunny, hot day. Recommend wearing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a hooded fishing shirt.
Reported catch:Response from CaptainShelly, great time meeting you and the family. Glad to hear you had fun. Have a great rest of your vacation.
Christine Blair5.0VerifiedNEWTim the Captian
Half Day Trip (PM) • 4 adultsTim was great, his communication with us from the time set the trip up was great. He showed us how to throw a line to pulling in a fish. And moved around alot to show us different places to fish Great trip and would do it again
Response from Captainglad to hear y’all had a fun trip. Hope to see you again real soon thanks Captain Tim.
Real catches shared by our community
- Fish The Salt Guide ServiceMarco Island, FL
- Fish The Salt Guide ServiceMarco Island, FL
- Fish The Salt Guide ServiceMarco Island, FL
- Fish The Salt Guide ServiceMarco Island, FL
- Fish The Salt Guide ServiceMarco Island, FL
- Fish The Salt Guide ServiceMarco Island, FL
- Fish The Salt Guide ServiceMarco Island, FL
- Fish The Salt Guide ServiceMarco Island, FL
- Fish The Salt Guide ServiceMarco Island, FL
- Fish The Salt Guide ServiceMarco Island, FL
What's biting with Fish The Salt Guide Service in Marco Island
Autumn is a great time to fish the backwaters for Redfish, Speckled Trout, and other inshore species. Then again, the reef fishing isn't bad either--you can still catch anything from Barracuda and King Mackerel to Snapper.
Top catches for October
Fishing reports
Snook, Redfish & Jacks at First Light
Sep 15, 2026 • Marco Island
We are in full summer swing down in Naples and Marco Island, with the early morning low-light window proving to be prime time for the best bite. Pushing out at first light has been key to beating the heat and getting into constant action before the sun bakes the flats. We’ve been putting clients on a true Southwest Florida slam, pulling in everything from snook and redfish to aggressive jacks, snapper, and sea trout.
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Winter fishing in full swing
Jan 3, 2026 • Marco Island
Winter is in full swing here in Southwest Florida, and last week we saw some of the coldest mornings of the season with temperatures dropping into the low 40s. When these strong cold fronts move through, our gulf water temperatures drop quickly, and that triggers a noticeable shift in fish behavior. As conditions cool, many inshore species begin sliding out of the shallows and heading for deeper, more stable water where temperatures fluctuate less. This is a very predictable winter pattern and one we rely on heavily while running Naples fishing charters and Marco Island fishing charters.
Anytime a cold front pushes through, my game plan is simple: head deeper and deeper into the backcountry, especially during low water. These fish stack up in deeper holes, troughs, and along protected shorelines where they can conserve energy and stay comfortable. Right now, we’re finding solid numbers of snook, sea trout, pompano, jack crevalle, mangrove snapper, and redfish tucked in tight to the deeper shorelines throughout the backcountry. This style of Naples back country fishing is extremely productive during winter and a staple of our Naples, Florida fishing trips.
The timing couldn’t be better with a full moon approaching. Full moon phases bring extreme tidal swings, giving us very low lows and very high highs. These big tides help position fish even tighter to structure and depth changes, making them easier to target if you’re in the right areas. Early morning fishing around these tides has been especially productive, and it’s a great time for anglers booking Naples fishing guides and Marco Island fishing guides to experience some quality action.
When it comes to lures, winter fishing is all about slowing things down. My go-to setup has been a 3/8-ounce jig head paired with an NLBN 3-inch paddle tail or a 3-inch shrimp pattern. These jigs excel when water temperatures plummet because fish are holding closer to the bottom and are less willing to chase fast-moving baits. A slower, more deliberate presentation keeps the lure in the strike zone longer and makes it far more appetizing for cold-water fish like Naples snook fishing targets and wintertime sea trout.
This approach has been producing consistent bites on snook fishing Marco Island, along with quality redfish for anglers interested in Marco Island red fishing Naples. We’re also seeing surprise hookups with pompano and jacks mixed in, adding variety to each trip. Whether you’re casting jigs, working deeper edges, or even trying Marco Island fly fishing on calmer days, the winter bite has been strong for those willing to adjust to the conditions.
Overall, winter fishing offers some of the most reliable backcountry action of the year. From early morning fishing sessions to full-day trips chasing snook, trout, and redfish, this is a prime season to explore the deeper waters. While most people think of spring and summer for species like Marco Island tarpon fishing, winter delivers its own rewards with less pressure and concentrated fish. If you’re looking to experience the best of Naples fishing charters and Marco Island fishing Naples, now is an excellent time to get on the water.
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December fishing is heating up!!
Dec 20, 2025 • Marco Island
The fishing this week around Naples and Marco Island has been nothing short of fantastic, with action firing on all cylinders. Anglers booking Naples fishing charters or Marco Island fishing charters are finding steady opportunities throughout the middle islands and deep in the backcountry. As water temperatures cool, the conditions have been ideal for a classic winter pattern, and the fish are responding in a big way.
We’re still catching plenty of snook along the middle islands, and the snook fishing Naples and snook fishing Marco Island anglers are experiencing consistent hookups. Every year when the water temps begin to fall, those snook push farther into the backcountry, and this week is no exception. On the low incoming tides, the fish have been staging along shorelines with deep undercuts, which are producing excellent numbers. For those seeking snook fishing on artificials, fly, or live bait, expect the action to remain strong as long as the warmer weather holds.
A decent redfish bite is also underway, with reds mixed in alongside the snook. The bait fishing has been outstanding as well—live pilchards are thick on the nearshore wrecks just a mile or so off the beaches, and I am loading up with only a few throws of the cast net. With live wells full, we’re set up perfectly for action-packed days on the water. Combined with aggressive schools of jacks and plentiful mangrove snapper, anglers on Naples fishing guides trips and guided fishing trips out of Marco Island are staying busy from start to finish.
Another positive sign for the season is the appearance of sea trout starting to move into the area. The cooler water has triggered their migration, and we’re seeing more trout show up in the bays and along grass edges. This adds yet another rewarding option for those enjoying the Marco island fishing on soft plastics, fly presentations, or live shrimp.
Fly anglers, in particular, are having a banner week. The backcountry fly fishing has been excellent, with snook responding aggressively to well-placed streamers and small baitfish patterns. With clean water, mild tides, and perfect weather, it’s been an ideal stretch for targeting snook on the long rod—something many Marco Island fishing anglers look forward to each winter. Tarpon sightings have been limited in the cooler temps, but it’s still a good time to plan ahead for tarpon fishing Naples as conditions begin to shift later in the season.
This week’s weather forecast looks picture-perfect, giving us a great window to keep the momentum going before another cold front eventually rolls in. Until then, we’ll continue to ride this wave of excellent fishing across the region. Whether you’re hitting Naples fishing charters, joining Marco Island fishing charters, or exploring the backcountry with local Naples fishing guides, the opportunities are as good as they get for wintertime action. Until next week—catch ’em up!
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Great weather equals great fishing
Dec 14, 2025 • Marco Island
Southwest Florida continues to deliver outstanding days on the water, and this week’s Naples Fishing Charters and Marco Island Fishing Charters have been no exception. Cooler water temperatures have pushed plenty of snook to the inside around the Middle Islands, but some of the best Snook Fishing in Naples is happening deeper in the backcountry. These conditions are ideal for anglers looking to experience classic Naples Florida Fishing, where winter patterns gather fish tight to structure and deeper shorelines.
As we push farther back, we’re finding strong numbers of good-sized jacks, consistent sea trout action, and some impressive mangrove snappers along deeper cuts. The sea trout bite has really come alive with the recent temperature drop, making for excellent days for both live-bait anglers and artificial enthusiasts. For those booking Inshore Fishing Charters around Naples or Marco Island Fishing Guides, these backcountry zones are providing steady rod-bending action across the tide cycles.
Live bait has been highly productive, especially when paired with a popping cork for trout. My personal go-to setup for artificial work has been a 3⁄8-ounce jig head matched with a 4-inch DOA paddle tail. This style of jig fishing shines in the cooler months as fish hold closer to the bottom, and it continues to be one of the most reliable approaches for wintertime Naples Snook Fishing and chasing sea trout. Anyone fishing with local Naples Fishing Guides or Marco Island Fishing Guides right now will find that adapting to this seasonal pattern pays off quickly.
Fly anglers are also having excellent success, especially deep in the backcountry on falling tides. We’re catching plenty of medium-sized snook on weighted patterns, and using a Clouser to get the fly down has produced some surprisingly nice trout. It’s a great time for those interested in the sight-fishing opportunities that Snook Fishing in Marco Island, Red Fishing in Naples can provide as the conditions shift toward more stable winter patterns.
With next week’s forecast showing stable weather and slightly rising temperatures, expect the fishing to continue improving. As the water warms just a touch and the weather steadies, look for the action to pick up even more across the backcountry. Whether you’re exploring the shallows, drifting deeper channels, or hunting snook in tucked-away creeks, this is shaping up to be a prime stretch for all types of Southwest Florida Fishing Charters.
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