John's Pass

Pass and bascule bridge in Tampa Bay inshore waters

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InshoreUpdated October 11, 2026

Access
By boat or from shore
Best months
February to October
Species
Snook, Sheepshead, Mangrove (gray) snapper, Redfish (red drum), Tarpon, Spanish mackerel, Flounder

The pass between Treasure Island and Madeira Beach that links northern Boca Ciega Bay with the Gulf, crossed by a bascule bridge. FWC's snook researchers name John's Pass as a spawning site, and the spawning schools come back to the same place every year. John's Pass Park, a City of Madeira Beach park on the north side, is a shore spot, and the Madeira Beach Municipal Marina and Treasure Island's 123rd Avenue ramp are the closest launches. NOAA publishes current predictions at the entrance and at the bridge.

How to fish it

In summer, fish the outgoing tide around the bridge fenders and channel edges with live sardines, pinfish or swimming plugs, especially toward evening. Handle spawning snook gently, keep them in the water and let them go quickly. Sheepshead hold on the bridge and seawall pilings in late winter and early spring, and snapper on the structure in summer.

Watch out for: Strong tidal current, steady charter and commercial traffic, a bascule bridge and a charted groin on the pass shoreline; keep clear of boats when you fish the bridge. The water on the bay side of the Gulf Boulevard bridge, out to a defined line, is a year-round slow-speed manatee zone.
Rules here: FWC's Tampa Bay rules for snook, redfish and trout apply, closed seasons included. The pass is close to the line between this guide and the future Clearwater guide. The rules to check in Tampa Bay inshore waters

Wind and waves

Now and the next 48 hours at John's Pass

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On the map

John's Pass and the places around it

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Position

  • N27° 47.018' W082° 46.906'27.783640, -82.781770

Not for navigation: check it against a current chart before you rely on it.

Places nearby

The closest named places, as the crow flies

Check the rules before you keep a fish. Size limits, bag limits and seasons change, sometimes at short notice. Our "Can you keep it today?" lists give them as of the day we last checked; these are the official pages.