We had another great week of fishing in Hernando Beach. The weather was beautiful. The bite has been great from the skinny waters of the back country to the deeper waters offshore. Early in the day seems to be the most consistent bite before the heat of the day sets in. Also, late in the day has worked as the day starts to cool. As summer days approach this theme will prove even more true.
The flats have Trout, Mackerel, Ladyfish, Bluefish, small Cobia, and Sharks bending rods but the Tarpon have been the talk of the anglers. The Silver Kings have arrived in good numbers and are being spotted, jumped, or landed from Aripeka north to Chassahowitzka bay. Remember that stealth is key when hunting these monsters. Tarpon will hit a variety of lures and flies. Be ready to try a number of lures, colors, and tactics. You can never go wrong with live bait like small Ladyfish or a big Pinfish put on a 5/0 circle hook on heavy spinning tackle. Small blue crabs put under a cork on the same rig is also a great offering. Keep the crabs on ice so they won't be to active until they hit the warm gulf water.
As for the Trout, the best bite has been on Rapala Twitch N' Raps or white GULP shrimp under a cork. Pop the cork to draw attention to your bait. Drift the grass flats in 4 - 12 foot of water casting to the sand pot holes.
Off shore, the bite continues to be hot. Large numbers of keeper Grouper are being caught in 15 - 50 feet of water. To say that there are fish everywhere would be an understatement. The many reefs and rock piles in the area are also producing Cobia, Kingfish, Snapper, and Amberjacks. Live Pinfish or frozen sardines seems to be the bait of choice for the bottom fishermen. Trolling large spoons off a planner is bagging good numbers of Kings.
Good luck and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
(352)238-3581
www.bulldogfishin.com |
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