Fish have feelings too !
Capt. Joel Gant
June 8, 2015
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
Fish have feelings too !
Being a charter captain on the water and fishing with clients as much as I do, I've come up with a lot of theories of my own, I know your thinking "oh no, not another one of Fishdaddy's theory's". (This theory is only for released fish of course) How many times have you fought a fish pulling drag and fighting all the way to and into the boat with what seems like endless energy. Now here is where my theory starts. Once you safely remove the hook, take a few pictures (this is the when I believe the fish really starts getting embarrassed, ever see a fish smile for a pic? just sayin) and release the fish. Watch how the fish now will usually swim off very, very slowly and sometimes will just settle to the bottom sulking. I have read that this is from lactic acid build up in the fish from the fight, but I believe we hurt their feelings. Is it possible that fish do get their feelings hurt…. I believe so, pay attention next time and let me know what you think.
There are two major things happing in July. Scallop season opens June 27th to September 24th. Regulations are: 2 gallons whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person. Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat per vessel. A saltwater license is required (unless on a chartered boat) and always have a divers down flag up only when swimmers are in the water.
Scalloping is fun for the whole family, like an Easter egg hunt in the water. If you want more information on scalloping, please give me a call and I can give you more information on them or take you out for a great day you won't forget. In this photo are Fred and Sue after a charter with a limit of scallops. They own R-beach restaurant here in Hernando Beach. You can take your catch to them and they will cook it up for you.
The one we've all been waiting for, Gag grouper opens July 1st to Dec. 3rd in state and federal waters. Bag limit is two per person. Gags can be caught in our waters as shallow as 10 feet of water. A couple of techniques I use are trolling plugs or bottom dropping, either live or dead baits. Make sure you have stout equipment. Gags fight hard and will try to run for structure. You will need this to keep them from rocking you up.
Other species we are catching; a lot of big sharks, tarpon have arrived, kingfish still around, the brown bombers "cobia" and inshore redfish and trout are being caught.
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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