John’s Pass

Address: 12850 Gulf Ln, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Parking Fee: Using ParkMobile App

Florida’s waters are known for their rich variety of fish species, and John’s Pass in Madeira Beach, Florida, is no exception. Whether you are an avid angler or a beginner looking for an enjoyable fishing experience, John’s Pass has plenty to offer in terms of fishing opportunities. From inshore species to offshore game fish, there is a wide range of fish you can catch while fishing at John’s Pass.

1. Redfish: Live shrimp, artificial lures (such as spoons or soft plastics), medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod/reel combo.
2. Snook: Live baitfish (such as pilchards or pinfish), artificial lures (such as jigs or swimbaits), medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod/reel combo.
3. Trout: Live shrimp, artificial lures (such as jerkbaits or paddle-tail soft plastics), light to medium spinning rod/reel combo.
4. Tarpon: Live baitfish (such as threadfin herring or mullet), artificial lures (such as swimbaits or topwater plugs), heavy spinning or conventional rod/reel combo.
5. Flounder: Live shrimp, artificial lures (such as jigheads with soft plastic trailers), light to medium spinning rod/reel combo.
6. Snapper: Live or cut baitfish (such as pilchards or sardines), bottom fishing rigs (such as a knocker rig or Carolina rig), medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod/reel combo.
7. Grouper: Live or cut baitfish (such as pinfish or grunts), bottom fishing rigs (such as a fish finder rig or chicken rig), heavy spinning or conventional rod/reel combo.
8. Spanish mackerel: Live baitfish (such as threadfin herring or cigar minnows), artificial lures (such as spoons or flashy jigs), medium spinning rod/reel combo.
9. King mackerel: Live baitfish (such as blue runners or threadfin herring), artificial lures (such as plugs or spoons), heavy spinning or conventional rod/reel combo.
10. Sheepshead: Live or cut shrimp, fiddler crabs, or sand fleas, bottom fishing rigs (such as a Carolina rig or knocker rig), light to medium spinning rod/reel combo.
11. Cobia: Live baitfish (such as pinfish or eels), artificial lures (such as jigs or swimbaits), heavy spinning or baitcasting rod/reel combo.
12. Pompano: Sand fleas, live shrimp, or artificial lures (such as jigs or pompano spoons), light to medium spinning rod/reel combo.
13. Black drum: Live or cut shrimp, crabs, or clams, bottom fishing rigs (such as a fish finder rig or Carolina rig), medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod/reel combo.
14. Jack crevalle: Live baitfish (such as mullet or pinfish), artificial lures (such as topwater plugs or swimbaits), heavy spinning or baitcasting rod/reel combo.
15. Permit: Live blue crabs or shrimp, artificial lures (such as jigs or bucktail jigs), heavy spinning or conventional rod/reel combo.
## What types of bait and tackle should I use when fishing at John’s Pass?

The choice of bait and tackle largely depends on the specific species you are targeting while fishing at John’s Pass. Here are some general recommendations:

### Bait:
– Live shrimp: A versatile bait that works well for a variety of inshore species like Redfish, Snook, and Sea Trout.
– Live baitfish (pilchards, pinfish, mullet): Effective for attracting larger predator fish like Snook, Redfish, and King Mackerel.
– Cut bait: A good option for bottom dwellers like Grouper, Flounder, and Snapper. Squid, mullet, or other local fish can be used as cut bait.

### Tackle:
– Inshore fishing: A medium to medium-heavy spinning rod and reel combo with 10-20 lb monofilament or braided line should suffice. Use a lighter leader for finicky fish like Sea Trout.
– Offshore and nearshore fishing: A medium-heavy to heavy spinning or conventional rod and reel combo with 20-40 lb line is recommended. Utilize a heavier leader to handle the sharp teeth of Mackerel and other toothy species.

It’s always a good idea to check local regulations, obtain the necessary licenses, and practice ethical catch-and-release methods to help preserve the fisheries for future generations.

With its diverse range of fish species and beautiful surroundings, John’s Pass offers an excellent fishing experience for anglers of all levels. So, grab your gear, prepare your bait, and head out to John’s Pass for an unforgettable fishing adventure!