From coast to canal, Naples Florida offers a wide variety of unparalleled fishing adventures. Each fishing environment provides a beautiful and unique experience and a chance to catch some of the best tasting fish in Florida. Whether its the clear offshore waters, exciting backcountry and brackish water fishing, or the never-ending collections of canals that criss-cross through the landscape of Southwest Florida.

Don’t want to rent a boat? No problem! In this blog post, we will be focusing on the best fishing in Naples that does not require a boat. But a fishing or hunting license is required to be with you when you have engaged the licensed activity. When ordering online or by calling 888-347-4356, you’ll have a temporary license or “print number” that will be good for 30 days from the date of purchase, enabling you to hunt (in season) or fish on the date your license starts.

Our favorite places to fish in Naples without a boat

1. Naples Fishing Pier

At the Naples Fishing Pier, anybody can fish without a license at Naples Municipal Beach and Pier. A bulk fishing license covers all users 24 hours a day for groups who have different tastes; you can enjoy the fishing while the others have 10 miles of beach to explore. But even non-fishing fans can enjoy the pier. Bird watching is almost a guarantee; dolphin and stingray sightings are also popular from the pier.
Address: 25 12th Street South, Naples, 34102

2. Wiggins Pass

Accessible on foot from Delnor Wiggins State Park or from Barefoot Beach, or by boat (launch from the Cocohatchee River Park for direct access). Snook can be found along the inside beaches, especially on the north end during outgoing tides. No vessels are permitted to anchor within 100 feet of the designated fishing area, which encompasses the pass. You may fish from the shoreline along Wiggins Pass or wade fish in Water Turkey Bay. Fishing is prohibited in the swimming areas of the park.
Address: 11135 Gulfshore Dr., Naples, 34108

3. The Posts

Remnants of another pier a few blocks north of the Naples Pier stretches about 70 years into the Gulf. As one of the few structures on the beach it tends to attract baitfish, which then invites the whole food chain in return like snook.
Address: 3rd Ave. South and Gulf Shore Blvd.

4. Gordon Pass Jetties

The spot will require a bit of leg work but it’s worth it. The most southern beach access point on Gordon Drive is on 33rd Street, flanked by magnificent mansions. There are no meters, so only beach pass holders can park here to fish the beach.
To get there, use the 33rd Avenue beach access point and head south.

5. Jolley Bridge

Thanks to Hurricane Wilma, which destroyed the previous fishing catwalks under the main span onto Marco Island, there is plenty of rocky structure to fish on the western side of the bridge. Sheepshead and black drum are plentiful on these areas so fish sand fleas around the pilings.

Fishing in Fort Myers

6. Causeway Park

Sanibel Island is a great place for watching dolphins, tarpon, sunsets, swimming, fishing, windsurfing and picnicking. Pull your vehicle right to the water’s edge. Restrooms available. No parking fees or facilities, but there is a $6 toll to get onto the causeway from Fort Myers. There are also a number of Sanibel fishing charters that can show you the hot spots to catch fish.
Address: 19931 Sanibel Causeway, Sanibel

7. Fort Myers Beach Pier

If you are planning a visit to the Fort Myers Florida area and you would like to get in a little fishing without much planning or even a fishing license then the pier at Fort Myers Beach is the place to go. Just about everything you need is right there or within a short walk of the pier. Here’s some tips on navigating Sanibel Island.
Address: 950 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach

Other Fishing spots on Collier County property

• North Collier Regional Park — catch and release
• Sugden Regional Park — catch and release
• Ann Olesky Park
• Barefoot Beach Preserve
• Clam Pass Beach Park
• Caxambas Boat Park
• Goodland Boat Park
• Bayview Boat Park
• Vanderbilt Beach
• Tigertail Beach

Final Thoughts

Prior to going to fishing make sure you have the right gear. If you are not accustomed to ocean fishing, the fish tend to be more aggressive. At a minimum you should have a 15lb braided line and a 30lb floral carbon leader. For a quick and inexpensive rod visit Walmart or Costco. If you want to get more serious we suggest visiting a local bait shop or stopping by Bass Pro Shops in Estero. Many of the destinations listed above have bait shops en-route. But double-check operating hours to confirm they are open.