I'm from Virginia and will be in Naples for a while for work. I'm experienced in Bass fishing but new to saltwater fishing. I've caught one redfish and a small snook on jerk baits, however my wife is well let's say less than comfortable useing artificials. We are fishing from shore.

We've been fishing the canals on both sides of the road to Marco Island near Goodland. My questions are: What sort of bottom rigging should I set my wife up with? Carolina rig maybe or perhaps a dual hook rig? What type of live bait works best in the canals? She's tried some frozen shrimp on a dual hook rig but I'm thinking a live bait would probably work better.

We really aren't fishing for a specific species, she just wants to catch a few fish. Also, is there a public access pier here in the Naples area? Is the fishing any better on the other road to Marco Island (Collier Blvd)or about the same as the road we have been fishing along?

Any info that anyone can pass along to this saltwater newbie will be greatly appreiciated.

Oh and do spinner baits and buzz baits work in the canals?

spinner baits work well in the canals also live shrimp rigs

Hi, yes, live bait works the best. Shinners are good but you usually need a boat plus there ussually only available from spring to early fall. I dont get to fancy with the shrimp rig. Some slit shot 18" above the hook are you could use a swivel with a slip sinker above it. Most of our fish live near the shorelines, points etc.

The Naples Pier is at 12th Ave. So. Also live shrimp will work there. You could also try fising the canal along highway 41 south of Naples. After you pass 92 the canal is on the north side. Artificials and flies work well. Also you can cast net some of the shinners in ther canal and they work well. Snook, baby tarpon, bass, gar and other species can be be caught. There are small bridges which you casn fish under that hold fis. The canal runs for miles towards Miami. Just pass 92 off 41 on the right is seminole state park. There are sometimes baby tarpon the canoe basin plus you can rent canoes and access the backcopuntry of the 10,000 Islands.

Stop in the shop if you get a chance and I'll try to point out some additional spots.

Good luck!

Mark Ward
Owner
Everglades Angler

PS: The only area to fish off of Collier Blvd. is south near Marco but there are fish in the canal on the east side plus you can fish near the Marco Bridge.