The Daily Catch | Fishing Report – April 2025
Springtime Heating Up the Action
April brought the heat—both in water temperature and in the fishing action! As spring rolled in, water temperatures climbed steadily between 72–78 degrees, waking up the Gulf and kicking off some of the best fishing we’ve seen this year. With baitfish being abundant in shallow water and on offshore structure, the bite fired up across the gulf. It’s been an exciting month aboard The Legend and The Lore, filled with bent rods, smiling faces, and some unforgettable days on the water. Every trip brought a sense of anticipation and we came back to the dock with coolers full and plenty of stories to tell.
Nearshore Trips: Kingfish and Mackerel Madness
Our shorter 4–6 hour trips have been nothing short of incredible, especially for Kingfish and Spanish Mackerel. These fast, hard-fighting fish have been stacked up just a few miles off the beach, providing nonstop action for anglers of all skill levels. Trolling spoons and live bait has been the ticket, with double and even triple hook-ups keeping the deckhands busy and the excitement level high. Whether you were a seasoned angler or new to offshore fishing, there were plenty of opportunities to hook into some serious fun—and some serious fish. Many trips ended with hefty kings and mackerel destined for the grill or smoker.
Bottom Fishing Bonus: Grunts, Snapper, and More
In addition to the hot trolling bite, we’ve been mixing in bottom fishing during our shorter trips to round out the day’s catch. Dropping anchor around reefs and ledges has produced steady action, with a variety of delicious species hitting the deck. Grunts, mangrove snapper, porgy, and seabass have been biting well, keeping the rods bent and coolers full. We’re also seeing a healthy amount of juvenile red grouper, a positive sign for the future of the fishery. Gag grouper are still around too, though they’re catch-and-release until the season opens later this year. You never know what might come up from the bottom—puffer fish have been popping up as well, adding some laughs and surprises along the way.
Offshore Adventures: Grouper and Snapper Success
For those ready to venture farther offshore, our longer 8–12 hour trips have been well worth the run. We’ve been targeting red grouper, mangrove snapper, lane snapper, and vermillion snapper with great success. Fishing deeper ledges, hard bottom, and rocky piles has paid off big, with anglers brining in quality catches that make the effort more than worthwhile. While the weather has kept us on our toes—typical for spring—the afternoons often came with calmer seas and glassy rides back home, complete with dolphins riding the boat’s wake and sunset views that would make anyone want to stay out just a little longer.
What’s Coming Up in May
As we move into May, the action is only going to get better. Barracuda are starting to show up more frequently, prowling the reefs and wrecks and offering thrilling fights for anyone willing to take them on. We’ll continue to troll for Spanish mackerel and kingfish, and the bite should remain solid into early summer. Bottom fishing will stay a key focus on our longer trips, with grouper and snapper both biting well. Behind the scenes, we’ll be getting everything dialed in for Red Snapper Season, which opens June 1st. This means respooling reels, tuning up tackle, and making sure everything is ready for the busiest—and one of the most exciting—times of the year. Summer is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more ready for it!
Join Us for Your Next Fishing Adventure!
It’s been a blast fishing this spring, and we can’t wait to share even more great days on the water with you. Whether you’re looking for a quick nearshore run full of mackerel action or a full-day offshore trip chasing grouper and snapper, the crew at Stella Fishing Co. is ready to make it happen. Click HERE or give us a call at 727-496-3474 to book!
