December fishing is heating up!!
December 20, 2025
Marco Island
6 photos
+3
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Spotted Seatrout
Redfish
Spanish Mackerel
Trip Summary
Trip Summary
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!