Fishing & Shelling Adventures at Hubbard’s Marina, Madeira Beach - St. Petersburg

Fishing & Shelling Adventures at Hubbard’s Marina, Madeira Beach

St. Petersburgmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–44 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have a basic level of physical fitness for handling fishing gear and boating activity over several hours.

Overview

Hubbard’s Marina in Madeira Beach offers a broad range of half-day and all-day fishing trips, trophy shark excursions, and shelling adventures at Shell Key Preserve. Whether you’re chasing big game or hunting shells, this Florida marina delivers a rich Gulf Coast experience.

Details

Madeira Beach, Florida, lays claim to one of the Gulf Coast’s most dynamic fishing and shelling hubs: Hubbard’s Marina. Located in this sun-drenched coastal town, Hubbard’s Marina serves as a gateway to the thriving waters of the Gulf of Mexico and nearby Shell Key Preserve. The marina offers an impressive lineup of half-day, full-day, and overnight fishing trips, ranging from relaxed shelling excursions to adrenaline-charged trophy shark hunts.

The variety aboard Hubbard’s distinctive Flying HUB 2 sets it apart. Whether casting lines on a 5-hour half-day trip or taking on the challenge of a 12-hour extreme fishing expedition, anglers can expect well-equipped boats and experienced guides familiar with seasonal fish patterns like grouper, snook, and tarpon. Night fishing trips add an electric component, drawing out nocturnal species and providing a unique perspective on the marine ecosystem.

For those less focused on fishing, the repeated 3-hour Shell Key shelling trips offer direct access to one of Florida’s prized and less crowded shelling locations. The shallow, sandy flats of this protected barrier island teem with conchs, whelks, and colorful shells—the perfect retreat for families or naturalists.

Madeira Beach itself is a vibrant coastal community that blends Florida’s classic seaside charm with genuine outdoor adventure. Hubbard’s Marina is a standout because it bridges accessible family activities with serious sport fishing, making it a fishing destination for all skill levels. Combining day rentals with tightly scheduled guided trips, the marina appeals to locals and visitors wanting hands-on instruction or do-it-yourself freedom on the water.

This combination of flexible trip options, expert guidance, and proximity to rich marine habitats secures Hubbard’s Marina as a prime destination for anglers and shell collectors looking to make the most of Florida’s Gulf Coast waters.

Adventure Tips

Book Trips Early During Peak Season

Reservations fill quickly, especially for trophy shark or full moon night trips; plan ahead to secure your spot.

Pack Sun Protection

Expect intense Florida sun during daytime trips; bring sunscreen, hats, and UV-protective clothing.

Bring Motion Sickness Remedies

Gulf waters can get choppy, and rough patches are common; over-the-counter remedies are helpful for sensitive stomachs.

Wear Water-Friendly Footwear for Shelling

On Shell Key trips, sturdy water shoes protect feet from shells and tidally exposed seagrass areas.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Lighthouse Point Beach for quiet coastal walks
  • The less-frequented inshore mangrove creeks for paddling and spotting birdlife

Wildlife

  • Bottlenose dolphins frequently seen from boats
  • Various shorebirds including herons and ospreys around Shell Key

History

Madeira Beach evolved from a small fishing village into a popular Gulf Coast destination, retaining its fishing heritage since the early 20th century.

Conservation

Efforts at Shell Key Preserve focus on protecting nesting shorebirds and maintaining water quality critical for shellfish beds and juvenile fish habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour (sunrise and sunset)
Dawn light for serene water shots
Nighttime full moon trips for unique lighting

Best Viewpoints

  • Onboard the Flying HUB 2 for open water panoramas
  • Shell Key flats offering vast sandy shoreline scenes
  • Madeira Beach shoreline piers for coastal perspectives

What to Photograph

Shark fishing action
Shell key seascapes
Local wildlife including dolphins and seabirds

Recommended Gear

Sunscreen

Essential

Protect your skin from prolonged exposure to the Florida sun on open waters.

summer specific

Water shoes

Essential

Ideal for comfortable footing during shelling trips on Shell Key’s sandy and shell-strewn flats.

summer specific

Light rain jacket

Stay dry during sudden afternoon thunderstorms common in Florida's spring and summer seasons.

spring specific

Motion sickness medication

Helpful for those sensitive to boat motion, especially on choppier waters during longer trips.