Hernando Beach report - Bulldog Fishin Charters

Capt. Keith Tomlinson
July 27, 2009
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report

We had great weather once again this past week. The early bite was fantastic throughout the entire area. The typical late afternoon thunderstorms came through as they often do this time of year and they produced quite a bit of lightning. It's important to pay attention to what the weather is doing and to have a escape plan if bad weather is approaching.
The backcountry is producing nice redfish early. The bite starts to slow around 10 a.m.. The summer heat will quickly raise that skinny water to the mid 90's. When the water temperature gets this hot, the fish slow down and feed less. The islands and points near Aripeka have been very rewarding to anglers the past few weeks. When fishing these areas look to the mangrove points with oyster bars. I try to start at the areas that have activity like moving schools of mullet that create nervous water and are jumping. Cut mullet and pin fish are great baits to use. White bait works well also but it can be difficult and time consuming at times to locate bait big enough to fish with. That's why I bring pinfish,creek chubs, and cut bait in case I can't locate the bait or if I don't want to waste quality fishing time throwing a net.
The flats still continues to produce quality trout from 8 - 12 ft. of water. We are also catching jacks,blue fish,sea bass,sharks,mackerel and more. I love this area because you can catch a variety of fish with one tactic. I prefer to drift fish. Throwing a GULP shrimp on a jig is not only very productive but it stays on the hook when the small baitfish are tapping at it. Work these lures slow this time of year. Small pin fish have been great baits also.
The scallop numbers were spotty at first but they seem to be improving each week. North of Bayport approx. 6 miles has produced great numbers the past week. The scallops are a little late to our area but each day they get a bit closer.

Target Species:

trout,redfish,snook,mackerel,cobia,shark,and more

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