If you’re new to fishing in Naples—or just want more consistent action—there are two spots members rely on every time: Gordon’s Pass and Rookery Bay.

Different environments. Different strategy. Both work.

Gordon’s Pass

This is where you go when you want movement, variety, and action.

• Consistent bites from snook, redfish, tarpon, and even bonnet sharks
• Fish current lines and structure near the pass
• Best results: early morning or outgoing tide

How to fish it: Drift live pilchards or shrimp with the current—but stay just outside the strongest flow. That’s where predators sit.

Key mistake to avoid: Fishing the middle of the current. Looks right. Isn’t.

Rookery Bay (Backwater / Mangroves)

This is the most reliable fishing on the board—especially if you’re newer.

• Calm, protected water with year-round fish
• Redfish, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper everywhere
• Ideal for slower, more controlled fishing

How to fish it: Skip live bait or soft plastics under mangroves—tight to the roots.

Best timing: Mid to high tide. Avoid slack or low tide.

Insider move: Anchor near a peninsula and cast around it—but keep your distance so you don’t spook the fish.

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Real Member Insight

This is what separates guessing from catching.

• Backwater fishing is the most consistent—especially for beginners
• Members who go out right at open (8am) see the best bite

And one thing you won’t expect:

“Watch out for dolphin—they’ll steal your catch right off the line before you can reel it in.”

— Justin Wiernasz

The Question Everyone Asks

“Do I need experience?”
“Where do I actually go to catch fish?”

Here’s the reality:

Most people don’t struggle because of effort—they struggle because they’re guessing.

With Nautical, you’re not.

• Local staff tell you exactly where to go
• You have access to multiple fishing environments (pass, backwater, offshore)
• Boats are set up for it—livewells, electronics, everything ready

That removes the trial-and-error and replaces it with actual results.

The Right Boat for the Right Water

One of the biggest advantages here isn’t just where you fish—it’s what you’re fishing from.

At Naples, you’re not stuck trying to make one boat work everywhere.

• Bay boats for backwater and mangroves
• Center consoles (CCs) for the pass and nearshore fishing
• Dual-engine boats when you want to run offshore

And every center console is set up right:

• Livewells ready to go
• Garmin/Simrad electronics for navigation and fish finding

That means you’re not guessing, adjusting, or making it work—you’re set up properly from the start.

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🎣 Book a tour with us to see for yourself

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