The annual spring shark migration has erupted across Naples, Marco Island, Port of the Islands, and Goodland waters, creating exceptional fishing opportunities throughout every habitat. This week has delivered remarkable consistency and variety in shark encounters, possibly the best we've seen in years.
Most notable is the sudden influx of hammerhead sharks in our nearshore waters. These impressive hunters have gathered in significant concentrations around bait-rich zones, showing particularly aggressive feeding patterns. Both live bait and strategically presented cut bait have been highly effective, with many specimens measuring between 8-12 feet – truly magnificent creatures that provide incredible challenges on appropriate tackle.

The blacktip shark presence has been nothing short of spectacular, with these velocity demons creating visual displays few other species can match. Clients have witnessed these acrobatic predators launching completely out of the water during high-speed chases and after hookup. Their aerial maneuvers compare to tarpon, but with the added thrill of their sharp dentition and powerful runs that truly test angler and equipment alike.

In the backcountry, bull sharks dominate the deeper channels throughout the 10,000 Islands ecosystem. These formidable predators readily take both live and cut baits, delivering the raw power that makes them one of Florida's most coveted shark species.

Further diversifying the action, we're finding steady opportunities with lemon sharks in the 6-9 foot class, alongside regular encounters with spinner sharks offering similar aerial displays as their blacktip relatives.

This remarkable shark activity coincides with substantial tarpon arrivals throughout our region. These migrations naturally overlap as sharks follow potential prey. For anglers, this creates the interesting challenge of protecting hooked tarpon from opportunistic sharks – a true wilderness fishing experience.

Water temperatures have reached prime levels for peak shark activity, and current conditions indicate this outstanding fishing should continue through the coming weeks. For those seeking the ultimate apex predator experience, there's simply no better time to target Southwest Florida's diverse coastal shark population.

The legendary spring shark migration has officially ignited throughout Naples, Marco Island, Port of the Islands, and Goodland waters, creating what can only be described as extraordinary fishing conditions across all habitats. This past week delivered some of the most consistent and diverse shark action we've witnessed in recent seasons.

Most impressive has been the dramatic arrival of hammerhead sharks throughout our nearshore grounds. These magnificent predators have appeared in substantial numbers, particularly around bait-rich areas where they're displaying aggressive feeding behavior. Both live baits and properly presented cut baits have proven effective, with many sharks in the 8-12 foot class—truly spectacular specimens that provide unforgettable battles on appropriate tackle.

The blacktip shark action deserves special mention as these speed demons are creating visual spectacles that few other gamefish can match. Multiple charter clients have witnessed these acrobatic hunters launching completely clear of the water during high-speed pursuits and after hookup. Their aerial displays rival those of tarpon, with the added intensity of razor-sharp teeth and powerful runs that test both equipment and angler.

Our backwater shark fishing has been equally productive, with bull sharks dominating the deeper channels throughout the 10,000 Islands ecosystem. These powerhouse predators have been readily taking both live baits and cut offerings, providing the raw strength that makes them one of Florida's most sought-after shark species.

Adding to the diversity, we're encountering consistent action with lemon sharks in the 6-9 foot range along with regular appearances from spinner sharks that provide the same aerial acrobatics as their blacktip cousins.

This exceptional shark activity coincides with the arrival of substantial tarpon numbers throughout our region. These gamefish migrations often overlap, as sharks naturally follow their potential prey. For anglers, this creates the interesting possibility of hooking tarpon and then having to protect them from nearby sharks during the fight—a genuine wilderness fishing experience.

Water temperatures have reached the optimal range for peak shark activity, and prevailing conditions suggest this fishing should remain outstanding throughout the coming weeks. For anglers seeking the ultimate apex predator experience, there's simply no better time to target the diverse shark species of Southwest Florida's coastal waters.

Big lemons have been the main target lately. We have been catching lemons in the 65” to 90” regularly in the back waters. The beauty of fishing the 10,000 islands is when the wind blows for days on end, we are still catching and not canceling.

There is always calm water in the back country.  The Goliath grouper bite is hot right now and We are seeing more and more tarpon show up in the holes.  the bonnet head bite has been incredible as well as the bulls and blacktips. Fishing is great and will continue to get better and better!!!!!!

The warming trend in Southwest Florida's waters has triggered an explosive bite across Naples' diverse fisheries. From the backcountry to the nearshore wrecks, we're experiencing some of the most productive fishing of the winter season.
Massive schools of bait are flooding our waters, and the predators aren't far behind. The permit action has been particularly noteworthy, with fish eagerly taking crabs and jigs around the nearshore structures. Spanish mackerel are providing non-stop action, slashing through bait schools and creating exciting topwater opportunities for our anglers.
The shark fishing has been nothing short of spectacular. We're encountering multiple species including blacktips, bonnetheads, and impressive hammerheads. These apex predators are giving our clients unforgettable battles and photo opportunities. The variety of shark species present right now offers anglers the chance to check several bucket-list catches off their list in a single trip.
Inshore, the snook and trout bite remains consistent, with quality fish taking both live bait and artificial offerings. The warming pattern has these gamefish actively feeding throughout the day, though early morning sessions have been particularly productive.
Perhaps most exciting is the presence of Goliath grouper, both on the wrecks and in the backwater. These massive fish are testing both tackle and anglers, providing the kind of battles that create lasting memories. When hooked, these giants demonstrate why they're considered one of Florida's most impressive gamefish.
Looking ahead, we expect the fishing to only improve as we move deeper into February and March. These months traditionally offer some of our best fishing of the year, combining comfortable weather conditions with peak feeding activity across multiple species.
Don't miss out on this incredible bite. February and March dates are filling quickly as word spreads about the current action. Contact us today to secure your spot and experience some of the best fishing Naples has to offer.

As winter loosens its grip on Southwest Florida's waters, our legendary shark fishing is roaring back to life. Water temperatures climbing into the 70s have triggered an explosive bite across Naples and Marco Island waters, creating prime conditions for unforgettable shark encounters.

Current Shark Action: The warming trend has multiple shark species actively feeding in our waters. We're consistently finding aggressive bonnethead sharks throughout the area, providing non-stop action for our clients. More exciting still, we're seeing increased numbers of impressive lemon sharks, which can push well over 100 pounds, cruising our productive grounds. Blacknose and Atlantic sharpnose sharks are rounding out the action, offering excellent opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers.

Prime Shark Locations: The back bays and passes between Naples and Marco Island are producing steady action, with the warming waters concentrating bait and predators. The morning incoming tides have been particularly productive, especially around structure and deeper channels.

Inshore Bonus Action: While our shark trips have been the highlight, the warming pattern has also ignited our inshore bite. Spotted seatrout have been particularly aggressive, readily taking jigs tipped with live shrimp. This provides excellent action between shark encounters or as a great option for mixed-bag trips.

Forecast: With water temperatures stabilizing and more bait moving into the area, we expect the shark action to intensify through February and into March. This is traditionally when we see some of our largest sharks of the year, including potential trophy lemon and bull sharks.

Booking Tips: Morning trips have been most productive, though afternoon sessions are also producing quality action. Full-day trips give us the best opportunity to target multiple species and find the heaviest concentrations of feeding sharks.

Experience the thrill of battling these magnificent predators in the beautiful waters of Naples and Marco Island. Whether you're an experienced angler or it's your first time targeting sharks, our specialized techniques and intimate knowledge of local waters ensure an unforgettable adventure.

Capt. Brian Teufel
Shark Chaser Charters
Naples, Marco Island, and Goodland Fishing Charters