Fish for trophy sharks with rod, reel, and heavy shark gear provided
5 Hours
Rod & reel, Bait
Head out from Hubbard's Marina in John's Pass for a 5-hour trophy shark fishing trip with about 3 hours of fishing time on the water.
You can’t bring illegal drugs, firearms, glass containers, bananas, or GPS devices. The boat does not have an alcohol license, so you can bring your own beer.
Free cancellation 48+ hours before. 50% charge if you cancel within 48 hours. No-shows are charged the full amount.
Arrive 45 minutes to 1 hour before departure. The boat leaves promptly.
Bring layered clothing or a windbreaker, and wear closed-toe shoes.
Yes. There isn’t a galley on board, so bring your own food and drinks. You can also add a meal plan at least 24 hours in advance.
Madeira Beach, FL
John's Pass is one of the most storied waterways on Florida's Gulf Coast, a narrow channel cutting between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island that opens directly into rich offshore fishing grounds. The pass has long been a launching point for anglers chasing the big stuff, and its proximity to deep Gulf waters is exactly what makes a five hour shark trip from John's Pass so productive. Boats leave the dock and within a short run are over structure where bull sharks, blacktips, and other toothy predators patrol in numbers, giving you a real shot at landing a trophy without burning hours of your charter just getting there.
The trip itself is built around heavy tackle and serious bites. After leaving John's Pass, the captain sets up over proven shark grounds, baits go down, and the wait begins, that tense quiet before a reel screams and the fight is on. You feel the heat of the Gulf sun, the slap of water against the hull, the pull of a powerful fish testing the rod against the rail. Between runs you get sweeping views back toward John's Pass and the pastel skyline of the barrier islands, a reminder of how quickly this stretch of coast transitions from beachside village to wide open fishing water. The crew handles the rigging, the gaffing, and the photos, so you can focus on the fight and the story you will be telling later.
This trip is built for anglers who want a genuine big game experience without committing to a full day offshore, families with older kids ready for a real adventure, and visitors staying near John's Pass who want to make the most of the location. Bachelor groups, fishing buddies, and seasoned anglers visiting the Tampa Bay area will all find the five hour window from John's Pass hits the sweet spot of action, value, and that unmistakable Gulf Coast atmosphere.
Hubbard's Marina has built a strong reputation around its crew, and that shows up consistently across trips. Captains like Zip and Colin get called out by name for their personality, humor, and genuine engagement with guests. Whether you're heading to Egmont Key, Shell Key, or out on a fishing charter, the crews tend to be knowledgeable, fun, and attentive, regularly pointing out dolphins, manatees, and local history along the way. The fishing trips are a particular standout, with multiple guests reporting fast action and helpful deckhands even on fully packed boats. Ferry and dolphin tours also draw strong praise, with little touches like shell necklaces and spontaneous acts of kindness leaving a real impression on families. One reviewer did note some inconsistency with the dolphin cruise, specifically around cash-only policies and staff attitude, so it's worth confirming what's included and coming prepared with cash for snacks and drinks onboard. Overall, the vibe here is laid-back and genuinely welcoming, and the crew's resilience and positive spirit post-hurricane earned specific praise from at least one guest who chose them over competitors for that reason alone. If you're looking for a water experience in the St. Pete area, this is a solid, well-run operation with people who clearly care about making the day memorable.
Always friendly and helpful to get you setup for a nice day of fishing around John's Pass.
Michael Brockhouse
May 22, 2026
Always friendly and helpful to get you setup for a nice day of fishing around John's Pass.
Michael Brockhouse
May 22, 2026