FLORIDA SLIDE SHOW

Kyle Giampaoli and his guides specialize in sight casting for tarpon, redfish, and snook. They fish south of Naples, Marco Island, Goodland, Chokoloskee, Everglades City and to the Florida Everglades National Park. They fish the lee sides of the islands which gives anglers calm conditions on most days. Lower tides mean clearer water and excellent sight fishing for snook and reds. The tarpon you will encounter are moving to Boca Grande and back down. Anglers will fish bays, inlets, coves, and coastline to mostly laid up fish which love to eat a fly. Baby tarpon can be found hanging out along the mangrove coastline in the 10,000 islands.

Marco Island Fishing Program and Seasons:
Resident Tarpon: They are present year-round but as with any tarpon fishing the weather will depict how active they are. Resident tarpon range from 20 to 80 pounds.

Migratory Tarpon: March through July are the months that tarpon are most active in the Gulf of Mexico. The fall fishing is a little different and fish are typically moving in large concentrations in deeper water. They often will enter the shallow back country waters and feed, making them accessible to anglers.

Snook: They can be found along the beaches of Naples and Marco Island and are plentiful wherever there is strong current. Snook often congregate under docks, piers and bridges. In addition snook can be found taking refuge under mangrove roots waiting to ambush prey. Snook are arguably the most desired fish to catch in Florida partially due to the fact that they can be caught with a wide variety of techniques.

Sight fishing for these fish in 3-6 inches of water is a great challenge and snook are known for their very aggressive strike. These fish are so much fun and seem to eat a fly during the day and at night. Snook range in size but are most common in the 20-28 inch range. The current world record snook on fly was caught in the Ten Thousand Islands and weighed 31 pounds.

Redfish: They are present year-round in the Ten Thousands Islands. As the back country waters warm to over desirable temperatures Redfish begin to move off shore. This starts in July and ends in mid September, depending upon the weather. In Late September early October the off shore waters begin to cool and the inshore or Backcountry waters maintain their warm temperature, as a result large schools of Reds begin to move toward the Backcountry. Throughout October and November these fish are more available to catch, as they have been in deep water and are now moving to an area less familiar. The bait is following this same trend so there is an abundance of food around. Redfish from December through April are very active and continue to feed actively during these months. Snook are also on the move at this time, often fall and winter are the best times for large Snook. Reds in the area average about 25 inches and average 6-7 pounds. A really big red would be between 17 and 20 pounds but you will see lots of fish in the 8-10 pound range.

Marco Island Guide Staff:
Captain Kyle Giampaoli has been guiding fly anglers for more than 14 years. He currently fishes the waters around Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City for tarpon, snook and redfish. The shallow water flats and bays of the treasure coast are perfect for the fly fishing enthusiast. Capt. Kyle specializes in sight fishing and prefers his anglers to see the fish before casting, making the experience exhilarating and challenging at the same time. He is an ambassador to the Oakley polarized sunglasses pro staff, and is a fly designer for the Montana Fly Company and his patterns can be bought worldwide.

Captain Al Keller is a self taught fly fisherman through reading and long days out-on-the-water. Al was born in Miami, Florida and grew up in Tampa. He has been fishing the inland lakes and shallow saltwater flats of South Florida for over 20 years. Al now spends close to 300 days a year sharing what the mangroves estuaries and Gulf of Mexico have to offer the fly fisherman. Al is on the Pro Staff for many Companies but is most proud to be with Dolphin Boats and G Loomis rods. Al is also a tournament angler and is best known for his Team of The Year Award for 2007 during the Oh Boy Obertos Redfish tour cup.

Captain Wright Taylor fell in love with Marco Island after spending many years fishing all over Florida. He settled in Marco and became a real estate agent in the area - though most of his days are spent guiding and fishing the local waters. He is a true professional and knowledgeable guide.

A note about preparing for your trip….most saltwater angling opportunities demand casting ability from the angler. Some days you need to have perfect accuracy and other days you just need to fire through the wind to get that fly in the water. You need to expect wind each day and it is best to practice during windy conditions prior to your trip. The strongest anglers come with the ability to double haul which really helps the angler on those windy days.

Marco Island Fishing Accommodations and Meals:
The Boat House Motel is a casual family owned Florida motel that sits on the Marco River. The rooms are clean and comfortable with wireless internet, pool, and air conditioning. Each room comes complete with a refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave. Coffee is not provided but can be purchased in the office or at a nearby grocery store. Marco Island has a beach, nightlife, restaurants, and shopping to enjoy during your stay. There are a few liquor stores on your way to the Boat House Motel for your convenience.

Lunch: Your guide will NOT provide you with lunch on the boat so you will need to purchase your lunch items either at the Publix grocery store the night prior or at the 711 that morning. The 711 has a nice small deli that can be quick. Your guide will provide a cooler with ice and plenty of water for the day.

There are a few local restaurants in Marco Island including the Snook Inn and Guy Harvey Restaurant but we recommend driving to Naples for dinner. Naples famed 5th Avenue is a wonderful place to spend an evening enjoying live music excellent restaurants and quaint shops.  

Marco Island Fishing Season:
Year-round

 
Marco Island Fish Species:
Snook, redfish, baby tarpon, migratory tarpon

Marco Island Fishing Capacity:
6 anglers

 

Marco Island Fishing 2009 Rates:

$525 per guide per boat per day