Half Day Fishing Experience from John’s Pass in Madeira Beach, FL – 5 Hours

Thinking about a fishing trip while in the St. Petersburg area? The Half Day Fishing Experience from John’s Pass is a popular option that promises a fun, family-friendly adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, this trip offers a chance to chase after grey snapper, seabass, kingfish, and more. But as with any activity, it’s good to know what you’re signing up for before you go.

We’re here to give you a straightforward picture based on what travelers say and what the tour includes. Two things that stand out are the friendly crew and the chance to enjoy fresh fish prepared at a local restaurant. On the flip side, some reviews mention issues like limited fishing time and the need to rent gear, so there’s a bit to consider. This tour suits those looking for an accessible, relaxed fishing experience with the option to make a meal out of their catch.

Key Points

• Ideal for all skill levels: Whether new to fishing or experienced, you’ll find this trip accessible.
• Fish variety: Catch grey snapper, porgies, seabass, kingfish, mackerel, and more.
• Gear rentals available: You can rent rods from the marina if you don’t bring your own.
• Food options: You can have your fish cooked at a partner restaurant, adding a fun culinary twist.
• Weather dependence: Good weather is essential; the tour offers a full refund if canceled due to poor conditions.
• Group size: The boat can hold up to 65 travelers, so it can be lively but still manageable.

What is this fishing trip all about?

This is a half-day deep-sea fishing tour that lasts approximately five hours, starting at Hubbard’s Marina in Madeira Beach. The experience is designed to be straightforward, with about three hours allocated to fishing on the deep waters off Johns Pass. The rest of the time is spent traveling to and from the fishing spots.

The main draw is that it’s family-friendly and suitable for beginners. You don’t need to be an expert angler to enjoy it. The trip includes bait, and there’s an option to rent fishing rods from the marina. If you’re not keen on dealing with the mess, you can have your catch filleted and cooked at a nearby restaurant—an added convenience many find appealing.

What’s the itinerary like?

The tour kicks off at Hubbard’s Marina, where you’ll meet your crew and receive some quick instructions. The boat departs, heading out into the deep waters where seasoned guides know how to find the best fishing spots.

Travel time out to the fishing zone is about an hour, during which you might chat with fellow travelers or enjoy the scenery. Once in position, for roughly three hours, you’ll be fishing for species like grey snapper, porgies, seabass, kingfish, and mackerel. Some reviews mention that the crew is very helpful and shifts the boat to optimize the catch, which really enhances the experience.

Throughout the trip, you’ll be throwing lines and waiting for bites. If you rent gear from the marina, it’s straightforward, and the staff are generally praised for being helpful. When you start catching fish, the crew often helps with baiting hooks and untangling lines, making it easier for everyone—especially those new to fishing.

After the fishing ends, you’ll head back toward the marina. The trip concludes where it started, with some folks opting to have their catch filleted on-site and taken to a partner restaurant—a highlight for many. They’ll prepare your fish, turning your catch into a fresh meal, often with a side of tasty tapas or seafood dishes.

What kinds of fish can I expect to catch?

According to reviews, the trip offers a good chance of catching grey snapper, porgies, seabass, kingfish, and mackerel. Several travelers mention catching multiple fish, and some even say they walked away with enough to feed their families or friends for lunch.

One reviewer shared that they caught tons of grey snapper, which was particularly exciting. Others noted that, even if they didn’t catch huge quantities, the experience of catching fish and the helpful crew made it worthwhile. A few reviews highlight that fishing can be slow on some days, especially if the fish are not biting, but the overall sentiment is positive.

How good is the value for money?

For around $94.95 per person, many consider this trip a fair deal. The price includes bait and the chance to catch multiple species. Plus, the option to have your fish cooked can add extra value by turning your catch into a meal without any hassle.

However, it’s worth noting that fishing gear is not included in the base price, so if you don’t bring your own, you’ll need to rent rods from the marina, which costs around $10 per person. Also, fish cleaning and filleting are extra, but many reviews mention that the crew does a good job and charges a small fee ($1 per fish).

Some travelers felt that the experience was a bit short or that the fishing time was limited, especially if the boat had to move around frequently to find fish. But overall, the trip is seen as a good value for the fun of catching fish and enjoying the ocean scenery.

What do travelers say about the crew?

The crew and captain receive high praise. Multiple reviews describe them as helpful, friendly, and eager to ensure everyone has a good time. They are willing to shift the boat’s position to improve fishing chances and help out with baiting hooks or untangling lines.

One reviewer said, “The crew and captain were very good,” and another pointed out how helpful the staff was, especially when the fish weren’t biting as much. The crew’s effort to make the trip enjoyable, even on a slow day, really stands out and adds to the overall positive vibe.

Are there any downsides?

Some reviews point out that fishing can be slow or less successful on certain days, which is typical with fishing trips. One reviewer mentioned that the bait was not always lively—half of the shrimp they bought were already dead before they even started fishing. This can impact your chances of catching fish.

Others note that gear rental and fish cleaning are extra costs, which can surprise some people who expect everything to be included in the initial price. There’s also a mention that the trip might feel rushed or that the boat spends a significant amount of time traveling, reducing actual fishing time.

A few negative reviews mention feeling misled by the marketing, especially regarding the fishing time and catch guarantees. However, it’s important to remember that fishing is inherently unpredictable, and success can vary day to day.

Who is this tour perfect for?

This trip is best suited for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who want a relaxed, no-stress way to spend part of their day on the water. It’s great if you’re curious about fishing but not looking for a hardcore expedition. The option to cook your catch adds a fun culinary element that appeals to many.

It’s less ideal if you’re after a deep, full-day fishing adventure or if you’re very particular about fishing success. Also, if you’re sensitive to choppy waters or noise (due to the mention of loud music on some boats), you might want to check the specifics before booking.

Final thoughts

The Half Day Fishing Experience from John’s Pass offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to spend part of your vacation in Madeira Beach. The combination of friendly guides, good chances of catching fish, and the option to enjoy your haul at a restaurant make it a worthwhile option for many.

While some days may be slower than others and costs can add up with gear rental and fish cleaning, most reviews highlight the value of the experience—especially the fun of catching fish and the chance to turn your catch into a meal. It’s perfect for travelers who want a laid-back, approachable fishing adventure that’s more about enjoying the boat ride and the ocean views than chasing after record-breaking catches.

If you’re traveling with family or friends, enjoy being on the water, and want a hassle-free fishing trip, this tour could be just the ticket. Just keep in mind the potential for weather-dependent luck and extra costs, and you’ll be all set for a fun day out.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?
No, gear is not included in the base price, but you can rent fishing rods from the marina for about $10 per person.

How long is the fishing part of the trip?
Approximately three hours of fishing, with some travel time to and from the fishing spots.

Can I have my fish cooked after the trip?
Yes, you can have your catch filleted and cooked at a nearby restaurant, but this is at an extra cost.

Is this trip suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The trip is family-friendly and designed for all skill levels, with helpful crew to assist beginners.

What species will I likely catch?
Most commonly, grey snapper, porgies, seabass, kingfish, and mackerel.

What about bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll get a full refund or a chance to reschedule.

How many people can join?
The boat can accommodate up to 65 travelers, making it a lively but manageable group.

Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
Yes, fish cleaning and filleting are extra, and gear rental is an additional fee if you don’t bring your own.

Is parking available?
While not explicitly detailed, the tour is near public transportation, and parking fees are not included.

Would this be a good option for kids?
It’s generally suitable for families, especially those interested in fishing, but consider the length and the need for patience with younger children.

This tour offers a relaxed, social way to enjoy the waters off Madeira Beach, especially if you’re after a taste of the local fishing scene without the pressure of a deep-sea expedition. With friendly guides, decent chances of catching fish, and an easy way to enjoy a fresh meal, it’s worth considering if you want a laid-back marine adventure.