NEAR SHORE
Near shore is setting up for a really fun mixed bag. Mackerel are already thick and that is one of the biggest seasonal clues we can get. Kingfish are mixed in well especially along the beach, and this looks like the kind of week where the better windows can produce some very exciting action just off the beaches and nearshore structure. Watch for birds, bait showers, tide lines, and surface boils, and keep a pitch rod ready any time you are near live bait. Trolling around the beaches has been producing well too!
Hogfish are still a major player and remain one of the best-eating fish we can target near shore. Live shrimp is still the top bait, and a longer leader makes a big difference. A 4000 to 5000 size spinning reel, 20 to 30 pound braid, 10 to 15 feet of 30 pound fluorocarbon, a 3/0 to 4/0 hook, and 1 to 2 ounces of lead is a proven setup. Fish the smaller ledges, shell patches, and broken hard bottom thoroughly and do not rush off a spot too quickly. The quick pickers often bite first before the hogfish settle in. We have seen a lot of people making the move to the tampa bay fishing channel jigs so we brought in a big line up in the shop, so check them out before your next hogfish adventure to gear up for success.
Lane snapper remain a dependable nearshore option, especially when you move a little deeper. Squid, shrimp, and cut threadfin all produce, but larger lanes often favor live shrimp or fresh-cut threadfin chunks. Mangrove snapper are mixed in too, especially around deeper and bigger structure. If they get finicky after the weather, shorten your bait piece, lighten your leader, and clean up your presentation.
Red grouper are possible near shore, especially in the deeper hard-bottom areas. You will often sort through smaller fish first, so bigger baits like whole squid, heavier cut strips, and live pinfish give you a better chance of finding a keeper. This is a good week to nearshore-fish with intention: stay flexible, read the conditions, and let the baitfish activity tell you how shallow or deep you should be.
OFFSHORE
Offshore, this coming week could be very exciting once we find the right weather window. Kingfish are already a factor, bait is thick, and the whole offshore fishery feels like it is building toward a stronger spring mode. Any calm enough period can turn into a very productive pelagic opportunity, so keep a trolling rod or pitch rod ready whenever you see surface life, birds, color changes, or big schools of bait.
On the bottom side of things, red grouper remain a cornerstone target and continue to bite well on hard bottom, ledges, potholes, and rocky stretches. Big dead baits like whole squid, octopus, and bonita strips are still top producers, and quality live baits are always worth having around for the biggest fish. On the recent 44 hour we had nearly a 19lb monster red grouper on a very large and lively live pinfish.
Scamp grouper remain mixed in on deeper structure and continue to reward anglers who fish medium live baits on stout but clean rigs. A medium pinfish on a 6/0 to 7/0 hook with around 50 to 60 pound leader is still a strong, proven setup. However, we often get them while targeting mangrove snapper too.
Mangrove snapper continue to be a key part of the offshore bite. Cut threadfin on a double-snell rig is one of the best producers when you want consistent action, while small live pinfish tend to draw the bigger fish. On the last long range trip we had multiple large mangroves in the 8-10lb range and the biggest one came up on a small to medium live pinfish.
Yellowtail snapper and mutton snapper are still very much in the mix on the deeper sets, especially when current and water clarity line up. Lighter leaders, smaller hooks, and cleaner presentation usually matter more on yellowtail, while muttons often reward patience and better bait.
Triggerfish are back open and should add another excellent-eating species to the deep-water lineup. Keep your bait strips small and chewy, your hooks on the smaller side, and your expectations high. We are also seeing lots of vermillion snapper, plus porgies and almaco jacks helping fill the coolers and keep rods bent. Those fish are not just bycatch—they are often a very good sign that you are on active, productive bottom with plenty of life around it.
The biggest theme offshore is that spring is trying to break loose in a big way. With a full moon in the middle of the week, thick bait, kingfish in the picture, and a strong cast of bottom species, the right day could be a very memorable one.
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
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