Think out of the box
Capt. Joel Gant
September 9, 2017
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
Think out of the Box
With the constant changes in weather and water temperatures, sometimes I try to "think out of the box". By this I mean try changing the tactics you use when fishing. I find myself sometimes doing "what always seems to work". Try using a different lure or different color lure. Try a different presentation or even fishing a different area that you normally don't fish. Doing this can open up a whole new way of fishing that you haven't experienced before. Fishing doesn't always have to be serious, so go have some fun..
Every day the grouper bite in 25 – 35 foot depths is getting better and better, on smaller structure such as ledges. As the water stays calm, I've found that the fish start to move, so target nice bottom spots in between the larger areas. With the incoming tide, this brings in cooler water which helps makes the fish more active. Another key is to cut up some thread fins and start to chum before dropping down your bait. Always anchor up current to allow your chum to drift onto the area your fishing. On these trips, red and gag grouper and lots of silver snapper (grunts) are being caught. Always use strong equipment with a 7/0 circle hook, 4-6 oz weight and either cut bait or some live bait. Be ready because they will test you and your gear when they hit.
There are a lot of cobia showing up. Many times when I'm on a charter and fishing, someone will say "look a shark!" and it will be a big cobia. I love cobia, they are curious, very hard fighters and these fish will usually hit anything put in front of them. If they don't, try moving the bait or lure a little faster or try a different lure. Once hooked take some time to wear the fish out. You don't want to bring a green cobia into the boat. He can cause a lot of damage to you and your boat. The regulation for cobia is: 33 inches to the fork and 1 per day. There is a picture of Adam with a 54 inch cobia caught fishing with Capt. Mike Senker of "on another plane charter".
Inshore fishing is also kicking into gear. The redfish and trout are starting to move into the shallower flats. Target them anywhere you can find structure and even better, structure with bait on it. In our area structure can be rocks or grass flats. Try to read the water for any movement ripples, mullet jumping (I love happy mullet) or bait fish making it "rain" on the surface. Start with search baits like a spoon, jerk bait, or subsurface bait. I've also had good luck with cut bait like mullet, ladyfish or pinfish. With these baits I like to use a strike indicator (a bobber for the beginners) a small peg weight and about a 4/0 circle hook. With this set up, just relax and wait till the fish comes to you.
I'm always looking for reports and pictures. You can email me or stop by my website and become a "FISHHEAD".
Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family!
Capt. Joel Gant 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. 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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