Find a Fishing Buddy in Naples
Florida
Naples fishes the calmer, shallower Gulf side of South Florida. Snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout live in Naples Bay, the passes, and the mangrove shorelines, tarpon migrate through Gordon Pass and the beaches in late spring, and a short run into the Gulf reaches grouper, snapper, and king mackerel on the nearshore reefs and wrecks. To the south, the Ten Thousand Islands backcountry (shared with Marco Island) opens into some of the wildest inshore water in the state. MyFishingBuds connects Naples and Collier County anglers so you can split a nearshore Gulf trip, share a day in the passes, or find a partner for the backcountry.
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When to fish Naples
Year-round fishery. The cool months (November through April) are the inshore peak — redfish school in the bays and backcountry, snook stack in the passes and residential canals, and seatrout fish well on the grass flats. Tarpon arrive at Gordon Pass and along the beaches in late April and run through July. Nearshore Gulf grouper and snapper fish well spring through fall when seas lay down, and king mackerel run the beaches spring and fall. Pompano work the beaches in the cooler months. Summer is hot and wet with daily afternoon storms; winter fronts push fish into the warmer creeks and canals.
→ Today's best fishing times in Naples (sunrise, sunset & moon)Top species
- 🎣 Snook
- 🎣 Redfish
- 🎣 Spotted Seatrout
- 🎣 Tarpon
- 🎣 Grouper
- 🎣 King Mackerel
Where to fish
- 📍 Naples Bay
- 📍 Gordon Pass
- 📍 Nearshore Gulf reefs & wrecks
- 📍 Ten Thousand Islands (to the south)
- 📍 Rookery Bay
Local tips for Naples
Bayview Park on Naples Bay is the main in-town ramp for the bay, Gordon Pass, and the nearshore Gulf; Cocohatchee River Park to the north opens up Wiggins Pass and the backcountry toward Bonita. Gordon Pass is the classic snook and tarpon spot on the tides. The Naples Pier produces snook, snapper, pompano, and mackerel from shore. For the Ten Thousand Islands backcountry to the south, a shallow skiff and a partner who knows the maze pay off — it is the same wild water that makes Marco Island famous.
🪪 Florida fishing license
Anglers fishing in Naples need a valid Florida fishing license. Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our complete state-by-state guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
See Florida license prices →Naples fishing FAQ
What kind of fishing is Naples known for?▾
Naples is a Gulf-side inshore fishery — snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout in Naples Bay, the passes, and the mangroves, with tarpon through Gordon Pass in late spring. A short run offshore reaches grouper, snapper, and king mackerel on the nearshore reefs, and the Ten Thousand Islands backcountry opens up to the south.
When is tarpon season in Naples?▾
Tarpon arrive at Gordon Pass and along the Naples beaches in late April and stay through July, with May and June the peak. They stage at the passes on the tides and roll along the beaches — a classic sight-fishing opportunity in calm Gulf conditions.
Can you fish from the Naples Pier?▾
Yes — the Naples Pier is a productive and popular shore spot for snook, mangrove snapper, pompano, Spanish mackerel, and the occasional tarpon. A Florida saltwater license is required unless you qualify for an exemption.
Do I need a license to fish in Naples?▾
Yes, a Florida saltwater fishing license for anglers 16 and older (residents $17/year; non-residents from $17 for 3 days). Licensed charters cover you onboard. See our Florida license guide for current prices.
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