Fishing Frenzy

There is so much focus on Southwest Florida's saltwater fishing that it is easy to forget that Southwest Florida also offers some fine freshwater fishing. Any pond, lake, canal or golf course water hazard probably holds bass. Although freshwater fishing in this area will probably never receive the rave reviews that backwater or offshore fisheries do, you can certainly have a great time landing one from the comfort of a canal rather than riding 6-foot seas 20 miles offshore.


Redfish are one of SW Florida's primary game fish. More correctly called the Red Drum, the Redfish or "Red" is one of our most popular game fish for fly fishing. You find them in greatest number in September and October (although they are available all year in smaller numbers) and can be found mostly in the shallow grass flats, oyster bars and along the mangrove shorelines, passes and the everglades backcountry including Naples, Marco Island, Rookery Bay, Ten Thousand Islands and The Everglades National Park.

Southwest Florida has year-round largemouth bass and panfish. Most of the bigger bass are caught during the cooler months when the fish are more actively feeding and at their peak bedding time. Lake Trafford has the best Crappie fishing in the region with the winter months being best. Oscars, exotic fish that are working their way into southwest Florida from the Miami area, can be very abundant in the freshwater canals, particularly along the US 41 canal in eastern Collier County. Catfish, Mudfish and several species of Gar are also common freshwater dwellers.

Some of the best freshwater fishing spots around Naples are Lake Trafford, the 70-mile Golden Gate Canal System, and the Florida Everglades. Lake Trafford is a 1,500-acre lake located just outside Naples in Immokalee. Its largemouth bass are popular with local fisherman and tourists. Bass fishing here is strong now that the restoration project is complete. Stop by the Lake Trafford Marina to get the best advice on what and where to cast. The 70-mile Golden Gate Canal System offers drive-up access with several boat ramps in the area so you can close to a variety of freshwater species. This is an excellent system to fish in the winter months when temperatures are cooler and the fish are actively feeding. Several bass species are prevalent here including peacock bass, which are often found in the freshwater canals as they work their way up from southwest Florida. The Florida Everglades can only be accessed with a bass boat or airboat, but out there you're sure to find largemouth and peacock bass, so the effort is well worth it. Experienced Everglades anglers report 50 to 100 catches per day, but unless you're willing to spend a great deal of time out here, your best bet for a successful trip is to go with an local guide. They know the meandering waterways and are familiar with the schedule used by South Florida Water Management officials to maintain the Everglades.

There are many places where you can fish without a boat along the rivers or the canals when the tidal currents are relatively strong. The beaches can also be a prime location at dawn and at dusk. Whether your preferred technique is fly, spin, plug or bait, you will enjoy fine fishing in a great environment and there's plenty of room for fishing in solitude. There are several marinas and tackle shops nearby for boat rentals, tackle and advice.

Naples has many experienced guides, but if you insist on going on your own, there are plenty of marinas and tackle shops for boat rentals, tackle and advice to set you up for a day of fine fishing. And, if you would prefer, there are places where you can fish without a boat. Some of the more popular spots are rivers and the Naples Pier. Many people also fish the canals, especially where and when the tidal currents are relatively strong. The beaches can also be productive, especially at dawn and at dusk. Whether your preferred technique is fly, spin, plug or bait, you will enjoy fine fishing in a great environment, however we do promote catch and release. So, come to Naples to apply your skills and catch some thrills. Naples, Florida is a wonderful place to live, work, play, retire and fish. Come join the year-round fish and fun.