NEAR SHORE
Near shore is in a really fun seasonal transition right now. Hogfish are still going strong, and this is a great time to target them while they remain cooperative before things get too warm. Live shrimp remains the top bait, and lighter tackle absolutely matters. A 4000 to 5000 size spinning reel, 20 to 30 lb braid, a long fluorocarbon leader around 30 lb, a 3/0 to 4/0 hook, and 1 to 2 ounces of weight is a proven setup. Focus on broken hard bottom, shell patches, and smaller ledges in the 40 to 70 foot range, and be patient. Hogfish often show after the faster pickers settle down.
Lane snapper should begin picking up as this weather stabilizes and water temperatures continue to climb. We often see that first real push of better lane action as things start to feel more springlike. Shrimp, squid, and cut threadfin are all solid options, with bigger lanes often favoring live shrimp or fresh-cut threadfin chunks.
Mangrove snapper are possible near shore, especially as you move deeper and find cleaner structure. They can be finicky in clear water, so keep a few leader sizes ready and don’t be afraid to downsize hooks and bait pieces.
Red grouper remain an option near shore, especially on the deeper hard-bottom areas. You will often sort through shorts before finding a legal fish, so bigger baits like whole squid, thick cut strips, and live pinfish can help you target better fish and avoid some of the smaller peckers.
Flounder near shore are also worth mentioning, particularly around sandy edges adjacent to hard structure in the shallower range. Often around near shore wrecks or artificial reefs this time of year we see some big doormats caught. They are not always a headline species out there, but they show often enough to keep things interesting if you fish the bottom thoroughly or bounce wrecks looking for permit.
OFFSHORE
Offshore fishing is setting up in a very exciting way as spring starts to show itself. Triggerfish are reopen, which adds another great-eating target to the deep-water mix and should make our offshore trips even more diverse. If you’re planning ahead, have smaller hooks and narrow strips of squid or cut bait ready, because bait size matters a lot for triggerfish.
Red grouper remain one of the strongest offshore targets. Hard bottom, potholes, low ledges, and rocky stretches continue to produce, and bigger baits remain the ticket for quality fish. Whole squid, octopus, thick strips of bonita, and quality live baits all have a place on deck. The right bait matched to the right structure is often the difference between a few shorts and a truly strong box.
Mangrove snapper continue to be a very important part of the offshore mix. Cut threadfin on a double-snell rig is still one of the best all-around producers, while small live pinfish will often draw the larger fish. If the water goes very clear, expect the bigger mangroves to get leader shy, so having a lighter setup ready can save the day especially if you hit those mid day or early afternoon calm periods.
Scamp grouper remain a quality bonus species on the right deeper structure. Medium pinfish, stout leader, and clean presentation over good ledges will keep you in the game.
Mutton snapper are still around and should continue showing more consistently as these spring patterns develop. They often reward patience, better presentation, and a lively bait. If you’re willing to fish a little cleaner and slower than everyone else, muttons can turn an already strong trip into an exceptional one.
We are also seeing plenty of heads-and-tails action offshore with vermillion snapper, porgies, and almaco jacks adding variety and keeping rods bent. Those species help fill coolers, but they also tell you when you’re on productive bottom with active life.
Most exciting of all, pelagic action feels like it is getting ready to fire up. As the water warms and bait schools become more active, the chances for blackfin tuna, kingfish, mahi, and even wahoo only improve. Keep a pitch rod ready, watch for birds and surface activity, and pay attention to current lines, temperature changes, and floating debris. That first strong push of spring pelagics is rarely far behind the first real warming trend.
Don’t forget, that we have some great videos on our fishing tips and tricks page here to show you how to target and rig for almost any species-> https://www.hubbardsmarina.com/fishing-tips/
For more fishing reports, photos, videos and more check out Hubbard’s Marina on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tik Tok, Twitter, Pinterest or SnapChat just simply search @HubbardsMarina and do not forget our family motto, “If You’re too busy to go fishing, You’re just too busy!” Thanks for reading and checking out our report – Capt Dylan Hubbard, Hubbard’s Marina – Call or Txt me anytime at (727)393-1947 | https://HubbardsMarina.com
To watch the video, click Here: https://youtu.be/vvBy4c3Roa4
To read the full report, click here: https://www.hubbardsmarina.com/hubbards-marina-fishing-report-3-7-26/