NEAR SHORE
Nearshore is primed for strong daytime action around this new moon, get out and fish ahead of Sunday’s incoming weather if you can or wait until around mid week when things calm down and also clear up too.
Hogfish: Hogfish are a nearshore favorite, and this is a great time to target them with live shrimp and lighter tackle. The biggest difference-maker is persistence till you find them, keep weight to the minimum needed to hold bottom, and fish areas of broken bottom and small structure rather than massive ledges. If you’re catching lots of fast-biting “pests,” don’t get discouraged—stick it out, and hogfish often show after the area settles.
Lane Snapper: Lane snapper are steady and aggressive, especially as you work deeper. Squid, shrimp, and cut threadfins all get bites, but bigger lanes tend to show for live shrimp or a fresh chunk of threadfin.
Mangrove Snapper: Mangroves are mixed in, and they can be picky. If the bite is slow, drop leader size, shorten the bait, and use small chunks of cut threadfin or shrimp. Keep your drifts controlled and avoid dragging baits unnaturally, or focus on anchor fishing for the mangroves.
Red Grouper: Red grouper are possible nearshore, but the best keepers usually come when you push deeper or find the right hard bottom. For your best shot, bring bigger baits—whole squid, larger cut baits, or live pinfish—and be ready to pull hard when you get the bite.
OFFSHORE
Red Grouper: Red grouper remain a top target offshore right now. Whole squid, octopus, bonita strips, and quality live baits all work. Don’t be afraid to upsize bait if you want quality fish—bigger baits help keep the shorts and small pickers off your hook and draw in the bigger grouper.
Mangrove Snapper: Mangroves are consistent offshore, and a double-snell rig with small-to-medium chunks of cut threadfin is one of the most productive setups we use. If you’re hunting true “stud” mangroves, mix in small live pinfish and be ready for those quick, sneaky bites.
Scamp Grouper: Scamp love structure and a well-presented live bait. Medium pinfish on a 6/0–7/0 hook with 50–60 lb leader is a proven recipe. They’ll also show up on cut threadfin when we’re working mangroves, especially around the right ledges.
Gag Grouper: Gags are closed right now, but we’re excited about what we’re seeing. When gags are around and fired up, that’s a great sign for the overall offshore ecosystem. Handle and release them carefully, and keep an eye on season updates.
Pelagic Action: The new moon can spark pelagic action, especially when bait is present and current edges form offshore. Keep a pitch rod ready. Blackfin tuna, wahoo, and kingfish are always a possibility when conditions line up. Watch for birds, floating debris, and color changes—those are classic indicators that something bigger may be lurking nearby.
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 read the full report, click here: https://www.hubbardsmarina.com/hubbards-marina-fishing-report-2-14-26/