Hernando Beach fishing is FANTASTIC !

Capt. Keith Tomlinson
September 27, 2011
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report

Hernando Beach - Near Tampa and Orlando - Bulldog Fishing Charters

October marks the beginning of the transition from summer to fall for this area of the Nature Coast. This is a great time to fish because many species of fish can be targeted with a variety of tactics.
Look for migratory species like cobia and mackerel to start moving through. A chum bag is a great way to get the mackerel feeding. Locate white bait if possible and free line them on a long shank hook in the chum slick. Keep a heavy spinning rod on stand by to toss a bait to a curious cobia following the scent to the boat.
The best trout bite is still in 8 - 10 ft of water. I am finding good numbers of keeper trout in these depths, but as things start to cool down, look to shallower water. White GULP shrimp on a 1/8 oz. jig head are doing good but I am also getting a lot of the bigger trout on a CAL DOA jerk bait in a red/gold pattern. This is a hard color to find, but Precision Tackle has a good stock. The key to working these lures for the trout in this deeper water is to keep your offering on the bottom.
The red fish bite is really starting to heat up. We are getting a lot of reds in the 19 - 22" range. The best bite has been early and the hot bait is cut mullet. I like to use mullet because a passing red can't resist the scent and you can make long cast with this heavy bait and not pressure the fish with your boat.
As we move closer to Fall, I expect the fishing really be productive. Reds, trout, snook, mackerel, cobia, black drum, sheeps head, and more will all be ready to pull some drag. Just be ready to adjust your tactics when the cooler weather approaches. It still feels like summer now, but the Fall weather is just around the corner.

Good luck out there and tight lines!

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

Hernando Beach Fishing Forecast:

Fall is on its way and fishing will continue to be hot!

Target Species:

Inshore species

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