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, inshore the nighttime artificial light sources concentrate the bait and the fish really well for us! Looks like we may have a little weak front around mid to late work week making the start of the work week fishing wise hot. Behind the front, looks like another high pressure builds in which will make getting offshore tricky with the strong east winds. Plan your offshore adventures early in the coming work week to take advantage of the weather window.
NEAR SHORE
The near shore bite off Madeira Beach has been really heating up, offering a great mix of action for anglers targeting everything from hogfish to kingfish. The cooler weather patterns and those first fronts of the season have really kicked our near shore fishery into gear. Hogfish are turning on strong, responding well to live shrimp on light tackle—especially when fished on that long 10–15ft section of fluorocarbon leader above a knocker rig. These fish tend to be less aggressive feeders, so downsizing tackle and staying patient around the smaller ledges, hard bottom, or shell patches in 40–70ft of water pays off big.
Lane snapper have been steady, and as we move deeper—out to that 60–90ft range—they’ve really started to fire up. They’re biting just about anything when they’re feeding, but live shrimp and small chunks of cut threadfin seem to consistently bring in the best catches. Mangrove snapper action continues to be hit and miss near shore, but when you find them stacked up, they’re quality fish. Using a smaller double-snell rig with 3/0 hooks and a small piece of threadfin on 30lb leader can make all the difference when the bite slows.
Red grouper are still mixed in near shore, though keeper-sized fish are more common the deeper you go. Most of what we’re seeing inside 100ft are the “teenagers,” but every trip or two brings a solid one to the box for those putting in the time.
And if you’re looking for some fast-paced fun, the mackerel bite near shore has been absolutely on fire. Bait is thick across the near shore waters, and big schools of Spanish mackerel are tearing through them with plenty of kingfish mixed in. The kings showed up this past week, adding an exciting shot at a hard-pulling pelagic right off the beaches.
Overall, the near shore action is diverse and lively—perfect for anyone looking to get out and enjoy the early fall transition when the Gulf waters start to come alive again.
OFFSHORE
After a stretch of rough weather, the offshore forecast is finally lining up for a great window to get back out deep this week, and we’re fired up to make the most of it. Conditions are setting up nicely for an excellent bite, and with water temperatures starting to even out behind the recent fronts, the fish should be ready to chew.
Red grouper action has been solid lately, with anglers finding quality fish on the ledges, potholes, and hard-bottom areas in that 140–180ft range. Bigger dead baits like bonita strips, whole squid, and northern mackerel have been producing best, though some of the more aggressive fish have hit large live pinfish as well. Scamp grouper are also mixed in and biting well on those same deeper structures, especially when worked with a medium-sized pinfish or cut threadfin on a 6/0–7/0 hook and 50–60lb leader.
Triggerfish are steady, and we’re still seeing good numbers before the next seasonal closure arrives. Smaller strips of squid or cut fish have been working best to get them fired up. Mangrove snapper fishing continues to be productive, with some impressive sizes showing up on the 12-hour night trips and longer 39-hour excursions. Double-snell rigs with small chunks of threadfin or live shrimp are producing the most consistent action. Yellowtail snapper have also been biting well, especially around sundown and into the night—light tackle and small cut baits have been key to enticing those bigger, line-shy fish.
The pelagic action remains promising too, with a few blackfin tuna, kingfish, and the occasional wahoo still showing up offshore. With the moon phase and improving weather, there’s a good chance we’ll see the pelagics turn up the heat again this coming week.
All in all, the offshore scene is primed for a solid run of fishing. With the seas settling and the fish fired up, now’s the time to hop on a deep-sea adventure aboard one of our long-range trips and take advantage of everything the Gulf has to offer
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 Snap Chat 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