Generally speaking,

The offshore fishing around Marco is excellent though it varies throughout the year. How far out we go, the bait and techniques we use and the fish we catch will depend on many different things. Current weather, water temperature, water clarity and the length of the trip you choose.

During the hot Summer months when water temps approach 90 degrees, only fish that can tolerate these temps are available. Fish such as Sharks (many varieties) Snook, Permit, Grouper (Reds and Gags,) Lane Snapper, Barracuda and some Mackerel. 

During colder Winter months, the water can get down near 60 degrees (burr) the same rule applies. We get fish like: Snapper (All Kinds) Mackerel (Kings and Spanish) Some Grouper (Gags and Blacks) Trigger fish (Super good eating) Some Amberjack and the old dependable Sheepshead. (No its not your up North fresh water Sheepshead!)  This is actually a good fish. Honest!

In-between those two extreme seasons, we have Spring and Fall, possibly the best time to fish because almost all these fish can deal with moderate water temps plus a whole new group of fish enter the picture. The migratory species, which include fish such as; Cobia (yumm) King Mackerel (yuk) and the Silver King "The Tarpon." Throughout the year, we have the "monster of the wrecks" Goliath Grouper up to 500 pounds.

I encourage all of my customers to call me a week before our scheduled trip and we talk about what's happening NOW and what it looks like for our trip. Then when you get into town call me again and we'll go over final plans as to the weather and what we are going to fish for. Sometimes we have more than one option, I think its important to give you the choice if possible.

Captain Phil