Tarpon
Passes, beaches, backcountry — the Silver King is the ultimate inshore fight.
| Season | Late spring–summer |
|---|---|
| Method | Live bait, fly |
What's biting
Target species of the Gulf coast
From backcountry flats to bluewater, here's what swims in our waters through the year — the species we chase, when they run, and how we catch them.
Quick answer
Off Marco Island you can target inshore species like tarpon, snook and redfish; reef species like grouper and snapper; and offshore pelagics like mahi, tuna, sailfish and wahoo. The right target depends on the season and the trip — ask Captain Frank what's running.
| Water | Headline species |
|---|---|
| Inshore / backcountry | Tarpon, snook, redfish, sea trout |
| Nearshore / reef | Grouper, snapper, mackerel, sheepshead |
| Offshore / bluewater | Mahi-mahi, tuna, sailfish, wahoo, kingfish |
Snook
Mangroves, passes, and structure — hard-fighting and prized table fare.
| Season | Spring–fall (closed seasons apply) |
|---|---|
| Method | Live bait, artificials |
Redfish
Flats and oyster bars — tailing reds are a sight-fishing favorite.
| Season | Year-round, fall schools |
|---|---|
| Method | Live/cut bait, lures |
Sea Trout
Grass flats — steady action and great for newcomers.
| Season | Year-round |
|---|---|
| Method | Live bait, jigs |
Grouper
Wrecks and hard-bottom — powerful, deep-pulling, and superb eating.
| Season | Open seasons vary |
|---|---|
| Method | Bottom fishing |
Snapper
Mangrove, lane, and yellowtail snapper over structure — reliable cooler-fillers.
| Season | Year-round (regulated) |
|---|---|
| Method | Bottom fishing |
Spanish & King Mackerel
Fast, toothy, and a blast on light tackle near the beaches.
| Season | Spring & fall runs |
|---|---|
| Method | Trolling, live bait |
Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin)
Bluewater and weed lines — acrobatic, colorful, and delicious.
| Season | Spring–summer |
|---|---|
| Method | Trolling, run-and-gun |
Tuna
Offshore pelagic — hard runs and prime sushi-grade table fare.
| Season | Seasonal |
|---|---|
| Method | Trolling, chunking |
Sailfish
The Gulf's billfish — a spectacular catch-and-release trophy.
| Season | Fall–winter |
|---|---|
| Method | Live bait, kites |
Wahoo
One of the fastest fish in the sea — blistering strikes.
| Season | Cooler months |
|---|---|
| Method | High-speed trolling |
Shark
Big-pull thrills, responsibly released.
| Season | Year-round |
|---|---|
| Method | Heavy tackle |
Seasons and bag limits follow current Florida FWC saltwater regulations and change through the year. We fish them responsibly and release what should be released.
Tight lines await
Chase your target species
Tell us the fish on your bucket list and we'll build the trip and timing around it.