When gag are around
Gag grouper fishing out of Madeira Beach follows the long-trip calendar at Hubbard’s Marina, whose Sunday 39-hour departures run "during red snapper and beginning of gag season." The agencies set the actual season timing, so check the regulations section below before you plan a run. Region-wide coverage is in the wider Gulf of Mexico guide.
John’s Pass, the channel and departure details are in our Madeira Beach port guide. This page covers local fishing only; the species picture is in our gag grouper guide.
Three things set the calendar here:
- Hubbard’s runs the 39-hour trip on Sundays.
- The trip overlaps the red snapper season and the start of gag season.
- Nearshore trips of 10 hours and shorter list gag among their catches.
How far boats run
Two distance and depth bands cover gag grouper fishing out of Madeira Beach, both drawn from Hubbard’s Marina trips.
15 to 25 miles, 60 to 100 ft
Hubbard’s 10-hour trip runs 15 to 25 miles out to 60 to 100 ft and lists gag among its catches. That is the day-range band for a center console leaving John’s Pass. Got One Sportfishing fishes red and gag on 6 and 8 hour bottom trips over limestone ledges and potholes.
100 to 150 miles to the Middle Grounds and the Elbow
Hubbard’s 39-hour overnight trip runs 100 to 150 miles offshore to the Middle Grounds, the Elbow and surrounding Gulf locations, in about 120 to 250 ft. That depth range applies to the whole trip rather than to either ground alone. It departs on Sundays, in the window described above.
| Band | Distance | Depth (ft) | Operator trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day range | 15 to 25 miles | 60 to 100 | Hubbard’s 10-hour |
| Far grounds | 100 to 150 miles | about 120 to 250 | Hubbard’s 39-hour |
Grounds and structure
The nearshore artificial reefs have depths and positions published by FWC. The offshore grounds are described by the trips that fish them.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Position (per FWC) |
|---|---|---|
| Madeira Reef | 29 to 32 | 27 46.3 N, 82 54.9 W |
| Treasure Island Reef | 29 to 33 | 27 44.5 N, 82 52.9 W |
| St. Pete Beach Reef | 25 | 27 40.6 N, 82 51.8 W |
| Clearwater Reef | 27 to 32 |
Plot these positions on Chart Contours to see them against the depth lines. Chart layers are not for navigation; use NOAA charts, including the NOAA Coast Pilot for Johns Pass. The coordinates mark the permitted reef site, so confirm the structure on your own sounder before you drop.
Madeira Reef
Madeira Reef, also listed as Madeira Beach Reef, sits in 29 to 32 ft at 27 46.3 N, 82 54.9 W, per FWC. The structure is concrete culverts. Pinellas County Madeira Beach Reef has the county’s record of the site.
Treasure Island Reef
Treasure Island Reef sits in 29 to 33 ft at 27 44.5 N, 82 52.9 W, per FWC. The structure is concrete culverts.
St. Pete Beach Reef
St. Pete Beach Reef sits in 25 ft at 27 40.6 N, 82 51.8 W, per FWC.
Clearwater Reef
Clearwater Reef sits in 27 to 32 ft, per FWC. The agency’s FWC Tampa Bay artificial reefs listing covers the rest of the area’s reef sites.
Limestone ledges and potholes
Got One Sportfishing fishes red and gag over limestone ledges and potholes on its 6 and 8 hour bottom trips. This is the hard bottom a day-range boat looks for beyond the reefs.
John’s Pass jetty and bridge
The John’s Pass jetty and bridge are the structure at the pass itself. Channel and current detail is in the port guide.
The Middle Grounds and the Elbow
The Middle Grounds and the Elbow sit 100 to 150 miles out on Hubbard’s 39-hour trip, which fishes about 120 to 250 ft across its grounds.
How gag are fished from this port
Bottom fishing is the core local method, and slow pitch jigging runs as its own trip. General technique beyond local practice is in our reef fish guides.
Bottom fishing with a 60 lb leader
For red or gag grouper, Hubbard’s recommends a heavier 60 lb leader and a larger hook on a two-speed reel in low gear. Low gear gives up speed for cranking power, which helps turn a fish off the ledge before it reaches the rock.
Slow pitch jigging
Hubbard’s Marina also runs slow pitch jigging trips for grouper.
Who fishes for gag here
Three operators list gag grouper out of John’s Pass:
- Hubbard’s Marina: Capt. Dylan Hubbard is named on its pages. It runs the 10-hour trip (15 to 25 miles, 60 to 100 ft) and the 39-hour trip (100 to 150 miles) that list gag, plus slow pitch jigging trips.
- Got One Sportfishing: Capt. Brian Simmons. It fishes red and gag on 6 and 8 hour bottom trips over limestone ledges and potholes.
- Bent Charters Fishing: It lists gag grouper.
FAQ: gag grouper out of Madeira Beach
How far offshore do boats run for gag from Madeira Beach?
There are two bands. Hubbard’s 10-hour trip runs 15 to 25 miles. Its 39-hour trip runs 100 to 150 miles to the Middle Grounds, the Elbow and surrounding Gulf locations.
What depth are gag fished in out of Madeira Beach?
Hubbard’s 10-hour trip fishes 60 to 100 ft. Its 39-hour trip fishes about 120 to 250 ft across its grounds. The nearshore reefs sit in 25 to 33 ft, per FWC.
What leader do local captains use for gag?
Hubbard’s recommends a 60 lb leader and a larger hook on a two-speed reel in low gear, a setup meant to turn the fish off the structure.
Which charters target gag out of John’s Pass?
Hubbard’s Marina (Capt. Dylan Hubbard), Got One Sportfishing (Capt. Brian Simmons) and Bent Charters Fishing.
When do the long gag trips run?
Hubbard’s Sunday 39-hour departures run "during red snapper and beginning of gag season." The regulations section above points to where the season dates are set.
Where are the gag rules for Madeira Beach?
FWC rules are on the Florida regulations page, and the far runs also fall under federal Gulf reef fish rules. Check both before every trip.
