What a fourth-generation fishing captain has learned from nearly 100 years on the Gulf

Dylan Hubbard, a fourth-generation captain at Hubbard’s Marina in Madeira Beach, Florida, is working to carry a family business forward that dates back to 1928, when his grandfather started with five rowboats and 40 cane poles. Now vice president of the company, Hubbard is also beginning the process of buying it from his father, after adapting the operation as tourism and the local landscape changed. Hubbard’s Marina moved from Pass-a-Grille to John’s Pass after bridges altered traffic patterns and the area became more residential. Two major hurricanes compounded the challenge: Hurricane Helene in September 2024 brought nine feet of water, destroying the main dock, followed by Hurricane Milton approaching as a Category 5.