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Spring time fishing
Capt. Joel Gant
March 9, 2018
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
Finally fishheads, this is what we've all been waiting for, great fishing and great weather. With the fishing in March so good, April will be even more exciting . The cold fronts should be pretty much over but we still have cooler days. Many species will be on the move this month in our Nature Coast.
Offshore look for migrating fish like kingfish, shark and cobia to be on your favorite deep structure spots. When bottom fishing try putting out a free lined bait either a live pinfish, whitebait or frozen dead bait like a threadfin on a stinger rig. Also put out a chum bag to get a good slick out. Any of these fish when hooked will give one heck of a fight. Also offshore we are still catching (and releasing) some big gag groupers. Plenty of white grunts are always on hand to catch and take home to eat.
If your in for a really good fight, the Goliath grouper are around. On a recent charter we hooked one and fought it for about 20 minutes before it won the fight with a break off.
Near shore look for the Spanish mackerel to school up on the white bait. Try to match the hatch with a ¼ ounce jig and Zoom jerk bait. Don't be afraid to work the bait fast. If you feel a hit, don't stop keep moving the lure. The macks like a fast moving bait . Use a steel leader only if you have to, it seems the bite slows when using a leader. Again chumming the water will bring the macks in for the attack.
Inshore look for the redfish and trout to be in the skinny grass flats or rocky bottom areas. They should be in 2 to 6 feet of water. Anything from top water, crank baits to jigs can entice a hard fight. Live baits like shrimp, cut baits or live white baits will also produce a bite.
Don't forget the tarpon will be around this time of year. When fishing for tarpon, be very considerate of the other boats; please don't go on a plane through the middle of them. These guides up around Chaz and Homosassa are working for their clients. When you see a lot of boats in the area, slow down and idle in. Tackle for tarpon can be anything from fly rods to conventional tackle, and from live to artificial baits. The key here is patience.
Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family! I'm always looking for reports and pictures. You can email me or stop by my website and become a "FISHHEAD".
Capt. Joel Gant operates Fishdaddy Charters out of Hernando Beach, he knows the local waters like the back of his hand, family friendly and works both nearshore and offshore trips. Check him out on face book or you can reach him at (352) 279-1615. Visit his website, www.fishdaddycharter.com
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