Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World, and Naples is one of the best spots in the Sunshine State ― or the nation for that matter ― to hire a fishing guide.
The platform known as FishingBooker gave 16 Collier County guides a 2026 Angler’s Choice Award for outstanding service, reliability and customer service.
Eight of the guides are based out of Naples. Goodland gave a strong performance with four guides showing up on the list from that small community.
“Southwest Florida is one of the most extraordinary fishing destinations in the world — from the backcountry waters of the Ten Thousand Islands to the open Gulf off Fort Myers and Naples,” said FishingBooker CEO Vukan Simic in a news release.
Nearly 10,000 fishing guides considered for award
“The captains recognized this year are a testament to the exceptional standard of experience this region delivers to anglers.”
Three of the named guides were from Marco Island, and Everglades City and Chokoloskee were each home to one winner.
The award places these guides in the top 8.3% of guides worldwide.
Nearly 10,000 fishing guides across the country were considered for the award.
The Lee County area was well-represented on the list as well, with guides from Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Captiva and Bonita Springs making the list.
The following guides were chosen for the 2026 award:
FishingBooker says it is the world’s largest platform for connecting anglers and fishing guides, with over 57,000 fishing trips available in more than 2,600 destinations worldwide, the news release said.
Chad Gillis is an environment reporter and can be reached by email at cgillis@news-press.com.
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This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: Marco, Goodland, SWFLA fishing guides among best in world, app says
Reporting by Chad Gillis, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
