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 | Hernando Beach Inshore Fishing
06/29/09 10:11 PM
Captain Keith Tomlinson | The fishing this past week has been good. The weather has made thing a little challenging though with the wind and spotty thunderstorms. We are definitely into a summer pattern now. The most consistent bite is in the early morning right up until the heat of the day starts.
When fishing the many creeks and near shore islands this area of the Nature Coast has to offer I like to use top water plugs at first while the water is cool and calm. This tactic allows anglers to cover a lot of territory. You will not get as many strikes as other lures or baits, but when you do it's usually a quality fish. I also like to anchor in these areas near points with current and structure and free line Pinfish, select shrimp, or cut bait. I use the Pinfish and cut Mullet more often this time of year because shrimp don't stay on the hook very long. I put these baits on a 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook and support it with a 20 - 30 pound mono leader. I prefer 10 - 15 LB. Suffix braid on light spinning tackle.
When the summer heat raises the shallow water surface temperature up as high as 90 degrees in some areas I like to use two strategies. My first option is to move to deeper water. Moving to deeper water will not only get you into cooler water but it will give you the opportunity to catch a variety species. Drift fishing the deeper grass flats is a blast because you never know what will bend your rod next. I like to start around the 10 ft. areas and go from there. Bouncing 1/4 jig heads with scented soft plastics or cut bait provide non-stop action.
If I don't run to deeper water then I go to one of the many springs or rivers that create this complicated estuary. Hernando county is littered with springs that dump thousands of gallons of cold fresh water into the Gulf of Mexico each day. These springs and rivers like the Weeki Wachee provide the cool fresh water which is combined with the Gulf salt water. This combination forms an amazing estuary that act as a nursery habitat for many species. These estuaries are also loaded with many game fish like Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Trout, and more. Fishing the areas near these springs and rivers will greatly increase the odds of catching fish. These areas hold lots of Mullet and other baits. The combination of cooler water and lots of bait makes it a no brainer that quality fish will be there. I would love to give all you anglers the location of these springs but my spots are my livelihood, so your on your own.
Don't forget about the scallops! This time of the year is great because we can fish in the morning and snorkel for scallops when it gets hot. The scallops are here in 4-8 ft. of water but the best numbers seem to be North of Bayport. Remember your 24x20 inch "diver down" flags and watch out for jelly fish!
Good luck, tight lines, and be safe!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
(352)238-3581
www.bulldogfishin.com |
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