Madeira Beach: Half Day Fishing Trip from John's Pass

Summary

Half-day fishing adventure from Madeira Beach catching snapper and seabass with fresh catch cooked at the dock

You’ll set out from Madeira Beach for a relaxed half-day fishing trip with all bait included and friendly local crew guiding you along the Gulf waters near John’s Pass. Expect to catch snapper or seabass (or maybe even mackerel), then bring your fresh catch right over to the dockside restaurant to have it cooked for lunch — salty hands, sun on your face, and all.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to smell sunscreen and salt air before sunrise, but that’s how our half day fishing trip from John’s Pass in Madeira Beach started. The marina was already buzzing, gulls squabbling overhead, and the crew at Hubbard’s Marina had this easy way about them — like they’d done this a thousand times but still found it fun. I’m not exactly a pro (my last “catch” was a tangled line), but nobody seemed to care. They handed me a rod rental, showed me the bait, and just grinned when I asked if it was “the lucky one.”

We drifted out just far enough that the beach faded behind us but you could still see the condos if you squinted. Our guide — I think his name was Mike — pointed out where mangrove snapper like to hide. He had stories about every spot we passed (“that’s where someone pulled up a kingfish last summer, swear on it”). The water slapped quietly against the hull while everyone waited for their first bite. There’s something weirdly calming about watching your line disappear into that blue-green water, even with kids laughing and someone’s playlist leaking out of a speaker nearby.

I got lucky with a grey snapper — not huge, but enough to make me proud. Someone else reeled in a black seabass and held it up like they’d won an award. When my hands started smelling like bait and fish scales, I realized I’d stopped checking my phone completely. After three hours (which felt shorter than it sounds), we headed back in. The best part? You can take your catch next door to The Friendly Fisherman Seafood Restaurant and have them cook it for you right there. I tried to order mine “Florida style” — Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin; probably butchered it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half day fishing adventure

• Rent rods at Hubbard's Marina
• Fish for snapper, porgies, seabass
• Take catch home or to restaurant

Top questions

How long is the half day fishing trip from John's Pass?

The trip lasts around 5 hours total, with about 3 hours spent fishing offshore.

What types of fish can you catch on this tour?

You might catch grey snapper, porgies, black seabass, hogfish, mangrove snapper, mackerel or kingfish.

Is equipment provided or do I need my own?

You can rent rods and all needed equipment at Hubbard's Marina before departure.

Can beginners join this Madeira Beach fishing tour?

Yes, all experience levels are welcome — even first-timers or kids.

What happens with the fish you catch?

You can take your catch home or have it cooked at The Friendly Fisherman Seafood Restaurant next door.

Is bait included in the price?

Yes, bait is included for everyone on the fishing trip.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted onboard.

Is public transportation available near John's Pass?

Yes, there are public transport options close to Hubbard's Marina at Madeira Beach.

What’s included

Your morning includes rod rentals if needed from Hubbard's Marina (with all tackle and bait), three hours of guided fishing offshore from Madeira Beach near John's Pass, plus help from local crew throughout — and when you return, you can have your fresh catch prepared for lunch right next door at The Friendly Fisherman restaurant or take it home yourself.