2024 Wrapped
2024 Year in Review
As 2024 draws to a close, our crew at Stella Fishing Co. reflects with gratitude on another incredible year spent exploring the Gulf of Mexico. From reeling in trophy fish to embracing new challenges and welcoming fresh faces to our team, this year has been packed with unforgettable moments. Let’s dive into the highlights that made 2024 a year to remember.
January: Braving the Elements
January kicked off the year with some tough conditions—chilly winds and choppy seas tested the mettle of every angler who stepped aboard. But let me tell you, the rewards were well worth it for those who braved the Gulf’s winter weather. Bottom fishing proved to be the name of the game, and our anglers hauled in some stellar catches of Hogfish and Grey Snapper. On our extended 10-12 hour trips, Red Grouper took center stage, giving anglers a workout they won’t soon forget. And while Gag Grouper season was closed, the thrill of catching and releasing these bruisers kept spirits high. It’s never easy fishing in January, but that’s what makes the victories even sweeter—every fish fought hard, and every angler walked away with a story.
February: Hogfish Frenzy
February is a great month for fishing—the cool water temperatures kept the Hogfish bite absolutely on fire. With live shrimp on light tackle, we put our anglers right in the zone for these picky feeders. The result? Some of the most impressive Hogfish catches of the season. Lane Snapper joined the action as well, adding to the variety alongside Grey Snapper, Porgy, and even some Sea Bass on our nearshore trips. Gag Grouper made their presence known too, even if it was just for the thrill of catch-and-release. As spring break approached, you could feel the excitement building for what was shaping up to be a fantastic trolling season. February showed us just how rewarding patience and precision can be on the water.
March: Spring Break and Big Fish
March came roaring in with warmer waters and the energy of spring break crowds filling Clearwater Beach. This is when the Gulf really starts waking up. Our 8-hour and longer trips were a hit, offering a thrilling mix of bottom fishing and trolling. Nearshore, the Kingfish and Spanish Mackerel bite heated up, giving anglers some fast-paced action and plenty of opportunities to fill the cooler. Offshore, we targeted Red Grouper, Grey Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, and Lane Snapper, and the results didn’t disappoint. Evening predator trips stole the show for those seeking a real adrenaline rush—battling sharks and Goliath Grouper under the setting sun was nothing short of epic. March was all about variety and action, a perfect introduction to the prime fishing season ahead.
April: New Faces and Spring Action
April was a month of growth and excitement for Stella Fishing Co. as we welcomed two new crew members, Captain Tucker and Deanna. These two hit the ground running, bringing fresh energy and expertise to our team. Nearshore trolling trips kept the lines tight with Spanish Mackerel and Kingfish providing nonstop action. Bottom fishing trips were equally productive, yielding steady catches of Red Grouper, Grey Snapper, Lane Snapper, and Mangrove Snapper. While the Hogfish bite began to taper off with warming waters, anglers who stuck with live shrimp tactics still managed to land some beauties. April had an undeniable buzz to it as we prepared for the summer rush, with every trip bringing new excitement and anticipation.
May: Gearing Up for Red Snapper Season
May felt like the calm before the storm—the perfect time to sharpen our hooks and hone our skills for the Red Snapper and Red Grouper season just around the corner. The Gulf was generous this month, delivering consistent action on nearshore trips with Spanish Mackerel, Porgy, Grey Snapper, and Red Grouper keeping everyone busy. Offshore trips teased the promise of summer’s big-game fishing, giving anglers a taste of the trophy catches to come. May is all about preparation and practice, and our anglers rose to the challenge. You could feel the excitement building as we counted down the days to one of the most highly anticipated seasons of the year.
June: Red Snapper Fever
June didn’t just kick off Red Snapper season—it ignited a frenzy on the water. The Gulf threw us a curveball with rough seas early in the month, but once conditions settled, it was game on. Red Snapper were the star of the show, and our anglers wasted no time filling their coolers with these prized fish. Hard bottom areas proved to be hotspots, producing limits of not only Red Snapper but also Red Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Lane Snapper, and Vermillion Snapper. And just to keep things interesting, we even spotted a few Mahi-Mahi cruising by this summer. Nearshore trips kept families and first-timers entertained with steady catches of Grey Snapper, Porgy, Spanish Mackerel and Lane Snapper. June’s long, sunny days were the perfect backdrop for making memories that will last a lifetime.
July: A Summer Spectacle
July brought the peak of summer fishing, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Offshore trips ranging from 8 to 12 hours were the highlight, targeting Red Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, and the last Red Grouper of the season before closures took effect. The pelagic action was on fire, with Kingfish, Blackfin Tuna, and Mahi-Mahi putting on a show. Wreck fishing added to the excitement, producing Amberjack and other hard-fighting species that tested our anglers’ stamina. Nearshore trips remained a favorite for families and beginners, delivering steady action and plenty of smiles. July is what summer fishing is all about—big fish, great weather, and unforgettable adventures.
August: Smooth Seas and Vibrant Catches
August is when the Gulf seems to settle into a rhythm—smooth seas and slightly cooler weather made for some of the most comfortable fishing trips of the year. Offshore excursions were all about variety, with Yellowtail Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Red Snapper, and Vermillion Snapper filling the coolers during our overnight charters. The pelagic bite stayed strong, with Kingfish and Blackfin Tuna keeping things exciting. Nearshore, Hogfish and Grey Snapper made frequent appearances, along with smaller Grouper that put up a spirited fight. August was a month that reminded us why we love what we do—every trip was productive, and every catch brought its own kind of joy.
September: Gag Grouper Season and Storm Resilience
September brought a mix of triumph and challenge. On one hand, the opening of Gag Grouper season had anglers lining up for the chance to battle these hard-fighting fish. On the other hand, Hurricanes Helene and Milton tested our resilience, temporarily halting fishing operations and shifting our focus to community recovery efforts. When the weather cooperated, the fishing was outstanding—Gag Grouper, Spanish Mackerel, Hogfish, and even some Barracuda and Jacks kept us busy. September was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life on the water, but it also highlighted the strength and camaraderie of our crew and community.
October: Fall Fishing at Its Finest
October is when the Gulf truly comes alive, and this year was no exception. Cooler weather reinvigorated the fishery, delivering some of the best action we’d seen all year. Trolling trips produced jumbo Spanish Mackerel and Kingfish, while bottom fishing brought in Grey Snapper, Lane Snapper, and Grunts. Wreck fishing added an extra layer of excitement, with Sharks, Amberjack and Goliath Grouper providing unforgettable battles. With Kingfish season in full swing, October was a month that offered something for everyone, from seasoned anglers to first-timers looking for a taste of Gulf fishing at its finest.
November: The Return of Red Snapper
November brought us a surprise reopening of Red Snapper season, and it was worth the wait. Anglers were eager to get back out there, and the Gulf delivered. Trolling trips for Spanish Mackerel and Kingfish stayed productive, while bottom fishing close to shore provided consistent action despite the occasional challenge of cold fronts. The mix of pelagic and bottom fishing opportunities made November a standout month, proving once again why fall is such a special time to fish in the Gulf.
December: Wrapping Up an Incredible Year
As we close the book on 2024, we can’t help but reflect on the countless adventures and hard-fought battles on the water. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the year we’ve had. Every month brought its own unique challenges and rewards, reminding us why we love what we do. None of this would have been possible without the tireless dedication and expertise of our crew. Their commitment to making every trip unforgettable has been the backbone of our success this year. To our valued guests, thank you for choosing Stella Fishing Co. and for sharing your stories and laughter with us. Here’s to tight lines, calm seas, and even greater adventures in 2025. We can’t wait to see you back on the water with Stella Fishing Co.!
