Inshore Fishing Report
Snook are on the move! As water temperatures rise, these prized game fish are slowly making their way out of the back bay and staging up around the passes and beaches. Look for them around points, pockets, and cuts with moving water, especially early morning and late evening.
Mangrove snapper are starting to appear more regularly inshore as well, particularly around docks and bridge pilings. They respond well to small chunks of shrimp or threadfin on light tackle.
Redfish action has remained solid throughout the week. Active schools are being spotted cruising oyster bars, flats, and mangrove shorelines. Look for mullet activity and you’re likely to find redfish nearby.
Trout are still hanging in there, though the bite has slowed slightly. We’re seeing better results near structure and edges where they can ambush bait. A live shrimp or soft plastic worked slowly is still producing.
Flounder are being picked off around sandy drop-offs near bridges and flats. Slow-rolling soft plastics or dragging a live shrimp along the bottom is your best bet.
Spanish mackerel are thick in the bay and along the beaches. These speedy fish are hammering flashy jigs and spoons, and they’re also responding well to free-lined live baits.
Tarpon are starting to make a showing! Early season fish are being spotted cruising the beaches and channels. Now is a great time to start prepping for a big silver king battle.
Fishing Tips
- Snook: Use live baits like greenbacks, threadfins, and shrimp, or try flair hawks and soft plastics at night.
- Redfish: Look for them around mangroves, oyster bars, and flats, and use dead baits during higher tides.
- Trout: Target them with soft plastics, white bait, and shrimp around deeper flats and potholes.
- Tarpon: Target them during the full moon with crab flushes, making it an ideal time to target them.
- Flounder: Find them near sandy bottoms and structures, biting on bottom baits.
- Pompano: Be prepared to move frequently to stay on their bite.
- Sharks: Use big dead baits in areas with moving water.
Help spread the word about what to do if you hook or entangle a bird. Never cut the line; instead, reel in the bird carefully to dehook and release it. If you accidentally hook a dock, break the line at the hook to avoid leaving any line in the water. Seabirds with fishing lines hanging from them are becoming more common, and this could lead to the closure of fishing areas.
Rising concerns about bird entanglements might result in closing fishing spots, impacting the few available locations around Tampa Bay from shorelines, docks, bridges, or piers. Learn more in our recent podcast with Salt Strong: https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/shutting-down-fishing-at-busy-pier/.
NEarshore Fishing Report
Nearshore waters have been very productive lately. Lane snapper are biting well in the 60-90 ft depth range. They’re hitting everything from squid and shrimp to cut threadfins, with live shrimp producing the larger specimens.
Mangrove snapper action has been steady too, particularly in the deeper nearshore areas. We’ve had some great catches on double-snelled rigs with small chunks of threadfin or white bait.
Red grouper are being caught on our ten-hour trips in the deeper nearshore waters. We’re seeing some nice ones come up on big dead baits and live pinfish, though the bite is still a bit spotty.
Hogfish are slowing down a bit as the waters warm, but we’re still picking off a few here and there on light tackle with live shrimp—particularly around shell bottom and rock piles in 40-60 ft.
Spanish mackerel are thick, and a few kingfish are being caught nearshore as well. Look for the bait and you’ll find the predators!
Fishing Tips
- Red Grouper: Target the deepest near shore waters with big dead baits or solid live baits. Use 60 lb test and 7/0 hooks for best results.
- Red Snapper: Use big dead baits like whole squid and bonita strips with heavy tackle to focus on larger fish. Prime trips include the 12-hour extreme, 39-hour, and 44-hour trips.
- Scamp Grouper: Use small to medium pinfish and cut threadfin, especially while targeting mangrove snapper.
- Mangrove Snapper: Near shore, use live shrimp and small chunks of threadfin on 30-40 lb test with 3-4/0 hooks. Offshore, use bigger chunks of cut threadfin or medium pinfish on 40-60 lb test with 5-7/0 hooks.
- Vermillion Snapper: Start around 100 feet of water using cut squid or threadfin. These fish are aggressive and not leader-shy.
- Yellowtail Snapper: Use shrimp, cut squid, and threadfin.
- Pelagic Species: Keep flat lines and pitch rods ready for sailfish, kingfish, wahoo, tuna, and mahi mahi.
Offshore Fishing Report
Offshore fishing is firing on all cylinders! With the deepwater (20-fathom) closure now lifted, we have full access to the best bottom spots and it’s paying off big time.
Red grouper have been coming in consistently from 100–160 feet of water. Fishing hard bottom, ledges, and potholes with live pinfish, squid, or bonita strips has been producing excellent results.
Scamp grouper are also cooperating, particularly in the 140–160 ft range. Use small pinfish or cut threadfins on 6–7/0 hooks and 50–60 lb test leader to get the job done.
Mangrove snapper are biting well offshore too. We’re having to work around the clouds of vermillion and red snapper, but quality mangroves are coming up on cut threadfins and double snell rigs.
Vermillion snapper are hot right now, and we’re seeing more and larger fish than usual. These feisty fish love squid strips and small chunks of threadfin.
We’re also seeing a variety of porgies, almaco jacks, and some nice yellowtail snapper coming up from the deeper reefs. All great table fare and a fun fight on lighter tackle.
The pelagic bite is simmering with more blackfin tuna being spotted, the occasional wahoo, and a few kings too. With water temps and bait both trending in the right direction, expect this action to keep heating up!
Remember that when fishing in deeper nearshore and offshore federal waters, the Descend Act requires you to have a descending device or venting tool “rigged and ready.” If you know how to use a venting tool, keep it prepared. If not, here’s some helpful advice: https://bit.ly/3L5HTnv. Using a descending device is straightforward and doesn’t require as much precision or practice as venting. You can even get over $100 worth of descending device gear for free by taking a short course on barotrauma mitigation, which helps more fish survive. The course only takes about 10-15 minutes, and you can learn valuable techniques to protect our offshore fishery. Spread the word by visiting: https://returnemright.org/.
TERMS OF REFERENCE-
Inshore: This covers the areas from the inner bays, through the bridges, and right up to the beaches.
Near Shore: This includes the coastal waters from the beaches up to twenty miles offshore, or up to a depth of 100 feet.
Offshore: This extends from twenty miles offshore or from a depth of 100 feet and beyond.
For more fishing reports, photos, videos, and other content, check out Hubbard’s Marina on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Pinterest, or Snapchat by searching for @HubbardsMarina. Remember our family motto: “If you’re too busy to go fishing, you’re just too busy!” Thank you for reading our report.
Capt. Dylan Hubbard, Hubbard’s Marina
Phone or text: (727) 393-1947
Website: Hubbard’s Marina
Dolphin Diaries / Cruise News
Greetings from the Gorgeous Gulf Beaches of Pinellas County!
Hey there, nature lovers! Capt. Dylan Hubbard here, checking in from Hubbard’s Marina—your go-to destination for unforgettable dolphin watching and eco-friendly adventures along Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast.
Whether you’re cruising out to the historic Egmont Key, soaking in golden sunsets with complimentary beer and wine, or collecting treasures on our Shell Key Shelling Trips, now is the perfect time to explore all the beauty our local waters have to offer.
Let’s dive into what’s been happening this week at Hubbard’s Marina—there’s been no shortage of exciting wildlife encounters and breathtaking coastal views!
🐬 Dolphin Sightings – Including Adorable Newborns!
This week, our Dolphin Watching Nature Cruises have been buzzing with excitement! We’ve spotted plenty of playful, acrobatic dolphins—and even some of the newest members of our dolphin pods. Baby dolphins have been stealing the show, swimming alongside their mothers and showing off their energy and charm. These close-up, in-the-wild encounters are what make our cruises so unforgettable.
🐦 Seabird Sightings and Successful Rescues
The sky and shoreline have been just as lively, with incredible birdwatching opportunities during our eco tours. We’ve even carried out several seabird rescues, including two baby ospreys who were struggling in the water. Thanks to quick action, they were safely recovered and given proper care. It’s a powerful reminder of how important it is to protect our native wildlife and preserve their natural habitats.
Guests have also had the rare treat of spotting newly hatched baby ospreys in the wild—yet another magical moment only nature can provide.
🐢 Sea Turtle Surprises & Crystal-Clear Waters
As water temperatures rise, we’re enjoying some of the clearest conditions of the year—perfect for snorkeling, dolphin cruising, and wildlife watching. Several sea turtles have been spotted gliding gracefully through the water, adding to the list of incredible marine life sightings. Keep your eyes peeled during your trip—you never know what amazing creatures might swim by!
🐋 Manatees Galore!
Manatee sightings have been off the charts this week! These gentle giants have been spotted frequently around Shell Key, Egmont Key, and along our cruising routes. Whether you’re on an eco tour or our relaxing Shell Key Shelling Trip, there’s a good chance you’ll have a close encounter with one of these lovable “sea cows.”
🏝️ Shell Key, Egmont Key & Island Escapes
Our island-hopping trips to Shell Key and Egmont Key continue to wow our guests. From rare shells to secluded shorelines, these trips offer a true escape into Florida’s coastal paradise. Some lucky guests even stumbled across an Atocha coin—a rare, historical treasure that made their beachcombing adventure even more unforgettable!
On Egmont Key, our ferry rides deliver you to a serene, wildlife-rich sanctuary perfect for walking, snorkeling, and soaking in the scenery. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, these trips showcase Florida’s natural beauty at its finest.
🌅 Sunset Cruises – With Free Beer & Wine!
There’s no better way to cap off a perfect Florida day than with our famous sunset cruise. Enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf as the sun sets in vibrant hues of orange and gold—all while sipping complimentary beer and wine. It’s the ultimate way to unwind and take in the magic of the coast with friends and family.
🎟️ Plan Your Next Adventure Today
Ready to make some memories? Whether you’re looking to explore local wildlife, snorkel clear waters, or simply relax on a scenic cruise, Hubbard’s Marina has an experience waiting for you.
🌊 Book your next adventure today at HubbardsMarina.com and discover why we’re one of Florida’s top-rated spots for nature tours and coastal excursions!
