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Tis the season
Capt. Joel Gant
November 13, 2017
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
'Tis the Season
That's right, its that time of year again. A chill in the air, decorations being hung, Christmas trees up and one of the best fishing times of year. The water temperature has dropped and the fish are eating. From offshore to inshore, the bite is great.
On recent trips we have been getting some nice numbers and size of Gag groupers. With the season ending at the end of this month, now is the time to get out and test your endurance and gear. The size limit is still 24 inches and 2 per person. There are still a lot of " last years models" which are just under the 24 inch mark. There are many different ways to target these hard fighting fish. Most anglers will anchor on structure and bottom fish. Every one has their own way of gearing up for bottom fishing. I like to use a good conventional reel with at least 60 lb mono, approximently 4 oz egg weight and a 7/0 circle hook (you have to use circle hooks when reef fishing). Baits can range from live baits, frozen or cut baits. Sometimes the bite will be quick or you may need to be patient. Chumming can also turn a slow bite into a feeding frenzy. One of my favorite ways to target grouper is to troll for them. Pick a diving lure that matches the depth your fishing. On charters, this is a good way to kick back and enjoy the anticipation of the drag screaming strike. If the grass is thick on the surface, this can be hard to do. Also check your shallow inshore rocks. With the cooler water the grouper will move in more.
Another species offshore to target is the Mangrove Snapper. Snappers like structure, like a rock pile. Use lighter gear like you use inshore for snappers. A small hook or a jighead tipped with a piece of shrimp will put a few fish in to the boat. Size limit is 10 inches in state waters and 12 inches in federal waters. Your allowed 5 per person.
Inshore fishing is also on fire. Redfish and trout are moving into the backwater flats. Live shrimp, creek chubs, pinfish or artificial lures are working well on these fish. Reports of nice snook are being caught in our area. Target the shore line with any type of structure around it. Always remember fish are structure oriented.
In the photo is Ashley on a recent trip with a nice catch of gag grouper and a really nice keeper baby boy.
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 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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