Hernando Beach Gulf grouper deep Sea Fishing Report
Capt. Rick Rodriguez
December 14, 2009
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
December Gag and grouper fishing has been spectacular in all depths of water west of Hernando Beach. We have been catching over a hundred short grouper each day and a limit of keeper size Gags on every trip since the 1st week of November. Many of these grouper are larger than 15 pounds and will put your tackle to the test. New 80 pound monofilament line and a tight drag settings is essential in stopping these fish from rocking you up. Constant replacement of leader material throughout the fishing day will result in more bigger fish in the box. Grunt, Mullet, and Northern Mackerel heads have been producing most of big bites. Live bait will work ; however it is not necessary since the water temperature is in the low 60's.
Further off-shore the Red grouper are still around in large numbers in 70 feet of water. The typical hard bottom areas are where you will find them. If you can get some octopus for bait you will find that they can't resist eating the stuff. Hold on tight to your tackle because the Red grouper are frisky in this cooler water. We have been surprised at how much harder they fight lately.
Mangrove Snapper are still being caught just about every trip and are averaging 2.5 pounds. The snapper have been eating cut up threadfin Herring on the bottom when using a knocker rig. Spinning tackle seems to work best with 15 pound line and no leader.
Along with the great grouper fishing we have caught many large Redfish over 20 pounds. These Redfish are tough and will eat any bait presented to them. It is not unusual to hook up six of these fish at a time when fishing the rock piles in 20 feet of water or less. They are a blast even on the heavy tackle we use to land grouper.
Forecast: January looks promising especially if the water temperature stays in the 60's. The Grouper are here now and will stay abundant until conditions become cooler. Larger Grunts, Mangrove snapper, and bigger Black Sea Bass will continue to accumulate around the smaller reefs.
On the Flats: the Trout and redfish are accumulating near the mouth of Jenkins creek and the Weekiwatchee river basin. Live shrimp on a popping cork is working better than anything else in the early morning hours. the Jack Cravelle have invaded the area water ways by the hundreds. Most top water lures are a sure bet when looking to catch these tough fighting fish. Most of the jacks we have caught are about 4 pounds. They are real easy to find since they are chasing mullet and other bait fish up and down the Hernando county coast. These fish are fun for kids to catch since they usually cooperate.
Hernando Beach Fishing Forecast:
Forecast: January looks promising especially if the water temperature stays in the 60's. The Grouper are here now and will stay abundant until conditions become cooler. Larger Grunts, Mangrove snapper, and bigger Black Sea Bass will continue to accumulate around the smaller reefs.
Target Species:
Gag Grouper
More Fishing Reports:
