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When I say Fishing Marco Island don’t think that’s a finite area. Fishing Marco Island means an area from Marco Island to 30 miles south in the Ten Thousand Islands. It’s a huge area but if you know how and why fish stage in certain areas and conditions you can create a game plan.
Starting with tide charts, the savvy anglers know tide movement is everything. If there’s no tide eat a sandwich and wait for the tide change or better yet leave the dock later. Fishing Marco Island and surrounding area it seems falling tide is best. There are factors that contribute to tide fall and influence the time you have. I’ll explain.

Wind is a huge factor affecting tides by as much as 12-18 inches and in the backwater that makes skinny into zero water at lower end of the falling tide. In the 10k islands East and Northeast will blow out the tide. It also will prolong the outflow and hold back the timing of the incoming tide. So if your chart says low tide is 1ft mean low you can bet it with be .1 ft or maybe less. And at moon tides, well the exaggeration is more enhanced. But don’t be concerned as it can be to advantage.

Fishing the falling tide you want to start in maybe the second bay in from the Gulf. You work out with the tide fishing the water movement that pushes the tasty little critters redfish and snook snack on out of the mangroves. Jigs tipped with shrimp, soft plastic like 3-4 in Zman jerk baits, live shrimp are really the wintertime fare for snook, reds and Seatrout. If you don’t get a bite in 10 minutes you move on to the next good flow around mangrove points, oyster bars and where shallow flats meet deeper water. These are all ambush and feeding areas where fish will stage for the conveyor belt of food.
I like using darker colors in stained or murky conditions for better profile presentation, lighter in clean water.

So make a plan and follow through. You will find a bite. Tight Lines

Capt. John Pfeiffer

Marco Island Fishing Guide

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Fall snook are on the agenda as the summer transitions into fall. In the Ten Thousand Islands the water temps will begin to drop. Fall snook fishing comes alive. Days get shorter and the sun gets lower. Now your opportunities increase as the cooler morning provides the snook and other game species a bit more comfort.
So let look at what these changes bring for your game plan. Now your become more interested in the tides as the water cools. During the summer it’s more about the magic hours. By magic hours I mean first light to about 9 am and 6 pm through dark to beat the heat of the Florida sun. But now you can change up. Yes mornings are still magic but you extend more into the day as the tides will be the factor now on the feeding.

Fall snook hunting now entails more fishing the tide not the clock. Your tide movement is key now. Fall snook becomes more active. The tide triggers them to feed and being in the spots where ambush points and tide movement come together is crucial. Snook are somewhat lazy and presentation is important. One foot can make the difference of a refusal or a savage bite.

So let’s get to what you are presenting. Morning provide a great time for top waters bite. The Rapala Skitterwwlk in bone color is one of my go to plugs. Walking the dog is a bit of work but the explosive strike of a trophy snook is worth it. On snookhookerfishing.come have my clients use a 7ft St Croix premier rod with a 3000 Penn Battle reel spooled with 15 lb braid. I use Beyond Braid brand. People ask why only 15lb braid well it’s all about distance and accuracy. Long cast allow you to be in stealth mode and with 30 lb flouro leader you’ll be surprised about the performance. After the sun is higher I like to switch my clients to a 4 inch Zman Jerk Shad in a 1/8 or 1/4 oz StrikeKing redfish jug head. It’s a wide gap jig and the business end had plenty of backbone.

Now is the time to book those October trips. I’ve got dates open later in the month.

Capt John Pfeiffer

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Marco Island Fishing Guide is a local trusted backwater fishing guide service. Capt. John Pfeiffer s Global Angler, has been guiding since 1990 in Naples, Marco Island and Goodland. Specialty is light tackle spin fishing but Capt John offers fly fishing as well.

This is true light tackle fishing using the finest St Croix rods and Penn Battle fishing reels. Mostly artificial lures are utilized and the occasional shrimp for those redfish who are just a bit shy. Employing top water lures such as Rapala Skitterwalks and search lures like Zman Jerk Shads has been very successful. With the proper presentation and technique redfish, snook and specked sea trout are very eager to bite.

Now let’s talk tarpon. From March until July these predictors come to our shores and are very catchable with artificials such as 6 in paddle tales. Yes we have to use a next class rod and reel but still we are in the light tackle realm.

At Marco Island Fishing Guide and snookhookerfishing.com I provide the service you deserve. I fish 2 anglers only giving personal attention. This is for the expert or the novice. I can teach you the techniques that will last you a life time. This is a layed back style with a focus on the reasons and techniques to fish certain areas and why. You don’t just get handed a rod you participate in all aspects of the adventure. You will get shown what signs to look for. What habitat to be aware of. The bottom structure and why it is important. You will learn about tide and the affect it has on feeding times and cycles.

So give Capt. John a call. Ask questions about his guide service. snookhookerfishing.com and Marco Island Fishing Guide can make you stay.

Capt. John Pfeiffer

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At Marco Island Fishing Guide, snookhookerfishing.com, you’ll find a 360 experience. You will find a willing partner not just a guide who takes you to a hole to drop a line in. You will learn not just the how’s but the whys, reasons and techniques that will make you a more savvy angler.

Light Tackle

What does the phrase light tackle mean? Let me answer this way. It is the scaling down of the rod, the reel and line class to make it easier to cast all day but you will still have an advantage. For snook, redfish and sea trout you will find at Marco Island Fishing Guide 7 ft St Croix light medium rods with Penn Battle III 2000 or 3000 series reels spooled with 10lb or 15 lb braid fishing line for snook , redfish and Seatrout and 30 lb for tarpon. Fluorocarbon leaders of 20, 25, 30, and 60lb are deployed depending on water clarity and species. You will learn more techniques on how to use artificial presentations. It’s important to learn a few new techniques as you are trying to entice bites on representations of bait. Yes, not using live bait does change the game. The satisfaction of fooling a trophy fish to bite will be a testament to your ability.

Expectations

When we chat I will fill you in on my philosophy and what your expectations should be. We will come up with a plan for your trip and incorporate time and tides in the conversation. Being honest about how the bite has been and conditions is how every guide should be. It’s easy to catch on live bait. But with the method, the lures and the proper presentation your odds of success are good. It may take a little coaching but you will be with a guide who has decades of experience. I am willing to pass the knowledge on. Also these techniques and analysis of condition can be used in any fishing situations and conditions.

So don’t be intimidated or think your casting ability is not good enough. In a short time everything will click and you’ll be on you way to bait free fishing.

Capt. John Pfeiffer

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It’s January and your winter redfish tactics come into play. The days of finding pilchard schools to locate feeding redfish and other gamefish such as snook are long gone. Instead we search for micro baits in protected ateas and shore birds looking for the same forage as redfish and snook. These birds are a sign, an indication of activity associated with redfish and snook which mean it’s time to deploy your winter redfish tactics. In the Ten Thousand Islands during winters negative low tides it is essential to read these interoperate these observations as action areas.

On the snookhookerfishing.com SilverKing skiff we seek these signs and observations. Don’t be fooled by just birds and micro baits. That is not the only factor. By micro baits I mean juvenile glass minnows, menhaden, anything that is easy prey in cool water conditions. Shore birds also show there are crabs, shrimp and yes sea worms. A savvy angler will take these observations and combine with factors. Water temp, wind direction, tide movement and sunlight penetration are part of it.

So it’s not just jump in the skiff and go. Preplanning checking tide, wind, the affects of the wind on the tide, sun or no sun all are major considerations. Check Google Earth for dark bottom or grass areas that warm quicker. When cold out and windy find areas out of the wind and waves. Waves create more surface area and will remain cold as low wind and sun will attracts the sunbathers. So in closing use your common sense, these tools I’ve showed you and create a memory. Don’t be disappointed with low catch rates. It’s the tough days that you make you show how to hunt for that one bite. Booking are still available.

Capt.John Pfeiffer

908-675-6700 Capt. John’s Cell

Results of Winter Redfish Tactics

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Winter cold front fishing is here. Chilly weather and lower water temperatures mean one thing. Low and slow. It all makes sense. Everything slows down in a snook or redfish, actually every fish slows down in cool water. In turn they eat a bit less so presentation is key.

When winter cold fronts come you must think of comfort. Where do you want to be outside when that cold front comes? In the sun and not working hard expending energy. Fish are the same. They search that warmer water. 1 or 2 degrees make a difference and find some darker bottom and you’re golden. But don’t forget, go slow. Slow with your search method, slow with your retrieve and have that extra coffee. Yes you don’t need to be out at 7 am in 45-50 degree temps. Let the sun do its thing for a few hours, ten am sound good. Winter cold front fishing means you can stop and get breakfast with your buddy. Let the sun warm it up a bit. Winter cold fronts allow a more leeway than scorching summer sun when you want to beat the heat.

We like using products like Zman, gulps, nice 1/8 oz hair jig with a tiny hook tip of a piece of shrimp. Use light weight, 1/4 oz max. You’re going low and slow bouncing, skimming the bottom. Look for flats near slightly deeper water with darker bottom. By that we look for grass, dark muddy bottom or skinny mangrove shore line with full sun. Stay on the calmer side if windy as waves create more surface area and lose more temp that way. Calmer will be warmer.

So let’s put this in order. Don’t depart dock at 7 cold O’clock wait for the sun to work its magic. Look for darker bottom, grass flats or full sun skinny water near mangroves and oyster bars. Approach your target area slowly. Your offering should be a slow presentation and skipping along the bottom. Light weight 1/8 oz is best. Keep your tackle light. We use 10lb braid with 30lb or in clear conditions 20 lb
fluorocarbon leaders.

Typical winter redfish

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At snookhookerfishing.com and Marco Island Fishing Guide on Google my story of my passion shows. The light tackle experience.

Being in the Sportfishing industry as a captain and guide for so long, I have experience so much and met many wonderful people. I consider it a privilege to do what I do.

I’ve worn many hats, captaining the Northeast canyons for well over 40 years for tuna and marlin, guided in Alaska, skinny-water guide for snook, redfish and tarpon in Marco Island Florida, fly fish guide in NJ, Pa and NY streams and rivers, Bahamas and South America Bluewater’s and on. But I think my greatest passion though is just making memories with  people. I know these memories will last a life time and be told at many fisherman’s tables. 

It’s taken a lot of hard work but anything this special is well worth the sweat and tears. I love it all and hope to continue to be the best I can for as long as I can. 

Now with my winter backwater season on snookhookerfishing.com is beginning I can’t wait to share the light tackle experience.

So a little round up of what to expect now that the water temps are cooling. The target species, redfish and snook, will become more active even during the later morning. The sun is lower now we are in the fall and tides will flow a bit more. That is good. Tide creates the feeding conveyor belt and the feeding activity we need. Marco island fishing guide on Google you’ll find my website snookhookerfishing.com for more info.

Contact me now for best dates and tides.Fish the tides now not the clock. I’ll tailor a trip just for you and a guest.

Capt. John. 908-675-6600

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Snook fishing for the savvy angler is a dealers choice of methods. First you must plan your day. Wind, tide, water temperature, water condition must all be a factor. Tides and wind especial fishing Marco Island and south are crucial to understand. Wind running in the same direction as the tide will blow out more water or will increase water. This can be significant as winter tides are typically lower at low tide. Wind can affect tides a foot or more at times. So all consideration must be noted.

In the title I note Dealers Choice. I mean by that when snook fishing you have to decide your method. It’s a choice to start with top water or a good old search bait. I always have several rods ready with both top water plugs such as Rapala Skitterwalks and jerk baits like Zman 4 inch shad but a good old hair jig is a great addition. I will tip the latter with shrimp for redfish.

The presentation to snook of your offering will and should vary. The speed of your retrieve should be varied to fasting or slower until you determine what snook are looking for this particular day. Don’t hesitate to present a resting lure at times or ripping fast. Everyday is different. Covering the water depth from top to bottom will give you your answer quick. The other day the snook fishing was slow so search baits gave us the bites we needed cover areas and eliminating them for our session.

You will find that taking time just planning your session with the weather and tides hand in hand you will be successful and maybe find the snook fishing this day spectacular.

I am available anytime via text or email to help you out whether you book a trip or not but don’t hesitate to contact me.

captbigjohn@yahoo.com or text 908-675-6700

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Marco Island fishing is on fire right now. Redfish and snook are very eager to accept our offerings. The days are still hot but if you fish the magic hours you will produce. The time between daybreak and 9 am are the magic hours. You need to be on the water at false dawn, the first glimmer of light. It is essential. Marco Island Fishing Guides know that snook love that top water such as a Rapala Skitterwalk at that low light time. Working the first bays out to the outer points where the tide is moving is essential.
Savvy anglers use these tool and knowledge to find some of the best catch and release fishing available.

for redfish the same tactic except find the hard bottom and oyster bars adjacent to deeper water. Redfish will easily bite a top water presentation but soft plastic jerk baits like Zman Jerk Shad should also be deployed. I like the darker colors in that low light as the profile is easier for them to sight. Again it is imperative that there is current. Look for water movement near points, oyster bars, hard bottom and mangrove shore line.

When you approach the area keep your distance at first. If there is a flat adjacent to the structure these snook and redfish maybe feeding on that hard bottom especially on the flood tide. Do a little search by moving 10 ft and broad casting several casts in a 180 degree arch moving towards the structure you selected.

Marco Island Fishing will only get better as the fall comes and temperatures drop. This cooling invites all the critters to become more active. So let’s book a trip for October and November. There are still days available and we will work together to make the perfect trip for you and a guest. Capt John, snookhookerfishing.com

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Snook on the outside means the migration has begun. The big females are running the shorelines and beaches. Being a Marco Island Fishing Guide I see the change in the habits.

The females are just starting to begin their spawn. The smaller snook are the males and you will see them following the females in hope of mating. But please handle all with care. As the water warms oxygen level decrease and proper release is important. Let’s talk about release. On snookhookerfishing.com we release all snook. We take the time to revive them until they swim on their own. We handle with care with only a momentary quick snap shot. These snook on the outside are very vulnerable and need the chance to breed.
With the pressure of more anglers and poor management, it is imperative. Many believe these gulf side snook are in danger. I see this everyday myself after 30 plus years in the skinny water.

Most of our releases of snook on the outside are on soft plastics like Zman Jerk Shad. We have success also with topwater walking the dog method with Skitterwalks. But you must release these magnificent animals. We need to increase the stocks for continued reproduction cycles.

On the redfish front, we have seen good numbers of smaller stocks in the 16 to 20 inch range. But again let’s release this redfish. They are the future of the Ten Thousand Islands fishery. Saavy anglers understand the fishing pressure the redfish and snook are under. Again the fisheries management has been reactive not proactive so please be a good steward. We as guides must change the culture to more catch and release and education is the only way. Also by example.

I want to thank my clients for coming into this belief that catch and release with proper revival techniques with make our future stocks increase. The future of this industry relies on us. Here is a link to Zman products that we use on snookhookerfishing.com. But do not for get the top water plugs.

Scented Jerk ShadZâ„¢

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