Be Flexible, catch fish!
As the fall fishing grows nearer and the water temperatures drop lower and lower, the bite in my region tends to take a dramatic turn. And then it doesn’t. And then it does. This is the time of year for cold fronts that can change things up in a matter of 24 hours. Water temps […]
Hubbards Marina Fishing Report 11-9-25
NEAR SHORE Hogfish are a headline target right now. Cold snaps bunch them up; stable weather keeps them chewing. Our go‑to is live shrimp on light tackle: 4000–5000 series spinner, 20–30 lb braid to 10–15 ft of 30 lb mono/fluoro, knocker rig with 1–2 oz egg sinker and a 3/0–4/0 hook. Think smaller ledges, patches […]
11/7/2025 Fishing Trip
Yesterday was a crazy day of fishing. Mark and his brother in-law from California, also a Mark, joined me for a fun morning of fishing. Mark and I went fishing more than 5 years ago, when I still had my Mitzi Skiff. He and his wife had an excellent day back then catching a lot […]
Reef Action Report: Mangrove Snapper, Grouper & Hogfish on the Gulf Shallows
The shallow reefs off the Gulf coast have been alive this week. We’ve been working patch reefs and rocky structure in 20–40 feet of water, and the bite has been on fire — with steady catches of mangrove snapper, red grouper, and a few beautiful hogfish mixed in. Conditions have lined up perfectly: clean water, […]
Fall fishing
Well, the fall bite has finally set in here in Tampa bay! Bait is still plentiful and the redfish schools have been making appearances on the usual flats. Spanish Mackerel have been attacking anything that moves it seems. Snook are starting to make there move to the back country and with next weeks cold front […]
Big Mack Attack!!!
A lot of times Spanish mackerel do not get the recognition or attention they deserve. November can be a great month as the water temperatures drop into the magical temperatures of the mid 70’s. This is when everything seems to put the feed bags on, before the cold snaps start shutting many of the fish […]
Hubbards Marina Fishing Report 10-31-25
NEAR SHORE The near shore bite has been nothing short of fantastic with cooling temperatures and clearer water firing up a wide mix of species. Hogfish action continues to improve as these prized fish move in tighter to the ledges and hard-bottom areas in 40–70ft of water. Lighter tackle, live shrimp, and patience are the […]
The large snook came out to play!!!
As the water temperatures begin to drop, the larger female snook are starting to turn on and feed aggressively in preparation for winter. This time of year always brings an exciting shift in the bite — the smaller fish give way to those powerful, hefty females that make every hookup unforgettable. Over the past few […]
Anna Maria Island Fishing Report – Spanish & King Mackerel Are Firing Off!
If you’ve been thinking about booking a fishing trip on Anna Maria Island, now’s the time to do it. The nearshore bite is absolutely on fire right now, and we’re putting our anglers on steady action every day. Just a few miles off the beaches, Spanish mackerel are schooling thick—big, aggressive fish that make […]
Hubbards Marina Fishing Report 10-20-25
WEATHER New moon coming up this Tuesday, that means stronger tidal flows through the weekend and good flushing bait and more actively feeding fish. Typically, inshore the new moon provides a better incoming tide bite. Near shore and offshore we typically see the new moon provide us better day time fishing. Also, keep in mind, […]
Hog fish bite
The fall weather has finally rolled in, and that cooler air has fired the hogfish bite wide open here on the Gulf! The shift in temps and water clarity has the hogs feeding hard on the ledges and rock piles — it’s prime time to fill the cooler with these tasty reef fish. We’ve been […]
Hubbards Marina Fishing Report 10-11-25
NEAR SHORE Hogfish action is starting to really heat up as things are cooling down and fronts are rolling. Cold fronts really force these guys to congregate around the near shore structures and allow us a better opportunity to target them on hook and line. We are doing well on live shrimp, lighter tackle like […]