Madeira Beach is immortalized for pristine jade-turquoise waters. Anglers agree that these Gulf Coast waters are abundant with the day’s catch, Snook, Seatrout and Redfish leap from the brine. Moreover, seacombers relish in stumbling upon large conch shells. It’s said that Madeira Beach possesses everything the sun-worshipper desires – shoppers stroll along John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, and historians gossip about the region’s two noteworthy residents: Babe Ruth and Jack Kerouac.
Madeira is plentiful with opportunities to reel-in Seatrout, Snook and Redfish. A local angler, on Floridasportsman.com, shares reflections on the region’s fishing: “night time fishing is great [for reeling-in a catch], Shrimp, White Bait and artificial [lures] work fine. [Additionally], there are plenty of docks that have moving water and can be fished effectively.” You know the saying: wherever there’s moving water, there’s fish.
Redfish school along the region’s flats and docks. Red Drum, locally called Redfish, spend much of their life along Madeira Beach. Local anglers easily retrieve this popular catch with a light/medium action pole and White Bait (Pilchard). These copper-bronze fish reach about 30 inches in the region’s inshore waters.
Seatrout are among some of the region’s most sought-after catch. They spawn, during November, in Madeira’s shallow inshore waters. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), Madeira’s Seatrout are easily reeled-in with live Shrimp, Pinfish or Pigfish (grunts). These fish school among the region’s grass-bed holes. Anglers find casting with a float, soft-bodied jig, top-water poppers and spoons very effecting for catching Seatrout. Seatrout, arguably, make for some of the region’s best eating. It’s suggested to cook the fish in a skillet and serve it with Horseradish.
Snook are a prized catch among Madeira’s anglers. According to an angler at Floridasportsman.com, “Gator’s Dock holds lots of Snook and are quite visible after dark.” John’s Pass, referred to as Gator’s Dock by locals, is the 1100 foot boardwalk that tourists rave about. Anglers are permitted to fish along the boardwalk, though some locals complain. After dark, snook can easily be seen swarming around the pier.
Madeira is not the beach for meditation. It’s a bustling epicenter of water sports and tourism. Locals and visitors share the sun and sand. Moreover, a prize catch lurks beneath the docks. Anglers easily reel-in Snook, Redfish and Seatrout from these calm waters.