NEAR SHORE
Near shore has a very fun spring transition feel to it right now. Mackerel are back, and that is one of the biggest signs that things are heating up in a hurry. The water temperatures along the coast are already in that sweet range where Spanish mackerel can really get going, and with them back in better numbers, kingfish should not be far behind. If this warming trend continues, those beachside bait schools and tide lines are going to get more and more exciting.
Hogfish are still going strong, and this is a great time to target them before things get too warm. Live shrimp remains the best overall bait, and lighter tackle absolutely matters. A 4000 to 5000 size spinning reel, 20 to 30 pound braid, a long fluorocarbon leader around 30 pound test, 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 that 40 to 70 foot range, and be patient. Hogfish often show after the faster pickers settle down.
Lane snapper should begin picking up as conditions stabilize. Shrimp, squid, and cut threadfin are all effective, with the better lanes often favoring live shrimp or fresh-cut threadfin chunks. Mangrove snapper are possible near shore, especially deeper and around cleaner structure. If they are finicky, downsize hooks, leader, and bait pieces. Red grouper remain an option in the deeper near shore zones, but expect to sort through smaller fish before you find a legal keeper. Bigger baits like whole squid, thicker strips of cut bait, or live pinfish will help you target better fish.
Flounder can also show near shore, especially around sandy edges next to hard structure, so work those bottom transitions thoroughly and do not rush a good-looking area.
OFFSHORE
Offshore fishing is setting up in a very exciting way as these water temperatures climb. Triggerfish are back open, which adds another great-eating target to the deep-water mix and should make offshore trips even more productive. For triggers, keep your hooks on the smaller side and use narrow, chewy strips of squid or cut bait. Bait size matters just as much as hook size when you are trying to get those fish pinned.
Red grouper remain a major offshore target and continue to respond best to big, meaty baits. Whole squid, octopus, thick strips of bonita, and quality live baits all deserve a place in the rotation. Fish hard bottom, potholes, ledges, and rocky stretches, and do not be afraid to move until you find the right life on the machine and on the line.
Mangrove snapper continue to be a very important part of the offshore bite. Cut threadfin on a double-snell rig remains one of the best all-around producers for numbers, while small live pinfish often help target the bigger fish. If the water gets especially clear, expect larger mangroves to get leader shy and be ready to fish a lighter setup.
Scamp grouper remain a quality bonus fish on the right deeper structure. Medium pinfish, stout leader, and a clean presentation on good ledges will keep you in the game. Mutton snapper are still around too, and they continue rewarding anglers willing to fish a little slower and a little cleaner with lively bait and a solid presentation.
We are also seeing plenty of heads-and-tails action offshore with vermillion snapper, porgies, and almaco jacks. Those species not only help fill the cooler, they also tell you that you are around productive bottom with active life.
Most exciting of all, pelagic action feels like it is on the verge of really firing up. With water temperatures rising, bait becoming more active, and spring patterns starting to form, the odds for blackfin tuna, kingfish, mahi, and wahoo continue improving. Keep a pitch rod ready, stay alert for birds, bait showers, color changes, and floating debris, and be ready when the opportunity shows itself.
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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