Hate cold weather LOL
Capt. Joel Gant
November 10, 2014
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
Ok, just for the people that don't know me, I'm Florida born and raised. I really don't like the cold weather. I know its cold when I have to dig thru my closet for my long pants (which seem to have shrunk a size again) and coats. Now I do like the cool fall weather, just saying.
The fishing in November was great. December should continue to be great fishing. From inshore to offshore anglers are able to target resident and migrating fish. Gag grouper has been the hot fish. With the Gulf temperature is in the 60's now, we have been catching the Gags anywhere from about 8 feet to 30 feet of water. Tackle we use is a very stout rod with at least 60 lb mono, anywhere from 2 oz to 6 oz lead weight and a 7/0 circle hook. Bait of choice; frozen threadfin, cut mullet or live bait like pinfish, grunts or sand perch. Just remember the regulations; 2 per person and the size have to be at least 22" to the end of the tail. Also the season closes December 4th (the 3rd being the last day to keep fish). Even after the season closes, catching and releasing is still a blast with these very hard fighting fish. Also offshore on a recent trip with Capt. Mike Senker, we were in about 60 feet of water. We drifted a pinfish on a kingfish rig behind the boat while bottom fishing. With in minutes we had the reel screaming with a big kingfish on. And an hour later, we had landed 5 nice kings and lost at least that many more. It's always a good idea when bottom fishing even in shallower rocky areas to put out a flat-line for a king.
Inshore fish is going strong. The sea trout are still spawning, so that means its one of the best times to catch a big gator trout. Look for trout in the 3 to 10 foot grass flats with spotty sand patches. I like to drift these flats with a ¼ oz jig and either a 3 inch Gulp shrimp or a live select shrimp. Once you get a bite, try to work that area, trout school up and you can catch many in an area. If the ones you catch are small, move to another area. I have found that trout seem to school in size, move a little and you may size up the school. Look for redfish and snook in the backcountry. Look for moving water and structure. Both are key to finding these fish.
Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family!
Capt. Joel operates Fishdaddy Charters out of Hernando Beach, he knows the local waters like the back of his hand, and works both inshore and offshore trips. You can reach him at 35 2 279-1615 or visit his website, www.fishdaddycharter.com
Target Species:
Gag grouper and seatrout
More Fishing Reports:
