Bulldog Fishin Inshore report - Hernando Beach

Capt. Keith Tomlinson
August 24, 2009
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report

August can be a tough month for shallow water anglers. The proper strategy and tactics will make the difference of weather or not you have a good day fishing. Getting out early or fishing late afternoon is the time to hit the water to avoid the summer heat. Fish are on the move and actively feeding during these times. Targeting the skinny water areas early in the morning on a good out going tide is a recipe for success. The tides are not always perfect but fortunately we have a nice morning high tide this weekend.
The red fish bite has been slow through out the entire area. Patient anglers willing to put a little work in will be rewarded. Cut mullet and live pin fish have been the most productive. Free line these baits around structure. I often target saw grass and rocky areas, but I also make sure these areas are near thick mangroves that provide cover and cooler water for the reds. These areas will also produce the occasional snook.
The best trout bite continues to be in the deeper flats. Drift fishing the grass flats while free lining shrimp or pinfish is a good tactic, but I prefer to slowly jig a Scented artificial like a 3' GULP shrimp across the bottom. Both these techniques produce non stop rod bending action. We are catching quality trout,sea bass,small grouper,mackerel,sharks,and more in 10 - 12 ft of water.
Speaking of sharks! If you like shark fishing then now is the time to target them. Heavy spinning tackle is my favorite way to fish for these bruisers. 30 - 40 LB. braided line with a 2 -3 ft. 60 LB. mono leader tied to a 6 - 8 inch 60 - 80 LB. steel leader is how I rig my rods. The reason I put in the 2-3 ft of monofilament leader is so there is some stretch in the line. The braid and steel leader have zero stretch, so the mono allows some give during the fight and lowers the risk of break offs. This tackle might seem a little light for shark fishing but the majority of the sharks we catch are from 2 - 6 ft, and this tackle is perfect for this size. Place 1 or 2 chum bags off the side of the boat and they will come. Cut lady fish or mullet on a 6/0 -7/0 circle hook will do the trick. Heavier conventional tackle is necessary for larger sharks so I often have one rod ready in case bigger sharks make a showing.

Be safe out there and tight lines!

Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581

Target Species:

trout,redfish,snook,mackerel,cobia,shark,sea bass,jacks,flounder,and more

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