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Hot fishing
Capt. Joel Gant
July 8, 2017
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
If you've been out lately, you know summer is in full swing. It is hot, hot, hot! With the very warm weather, you need not only to change how you fish but how you go fishing. Make sure you take plenty of water and hydrate. Also use plenty of sunscreen, bring sunglasses and a hat. The sun and heat can become overwhelming fast, so always be prepared. An easy trick I use, is to keep a couple small towels in the cooler in the ice water and wrap them around your neck. This will help bring your body temperature down tremendously, give it a try on your next trip out.
Fishing can be tough this time of year. The water temperature is up near 90 degrees now. The fish can get somewhat lethargic and not want to exert a lot of energy. A few tips that might help the bite is to slow down the baits, try more chumming and maybe start your trips a little earlier when its cooler, which will also help you to stay cooler.
Offshore fishing has been steady with grouper, cobia, and grunts. On a recent trip with Capt. Mike of "On Another Plane" charters, we were out to 70 - 90 feet offshore where we caught our limit of Red snappers within 10 minutes. As we moved to a new spot we noticed a big black bag in the water. As we got closer we saw a school of Mahi. We started casting to them and landed 18 fish, yes you can catch Mahi in the Gulf. We were using 1/2 to 3/4 oz jigs with shrimp and cut threadfin for these fish. Also on this trip a 44 inch cobia was landed, amber jacks and Bonita were caught. If you have the proper boat and are willing to venture further offshore, this can be a very exciting place. Capt. Mike said he saw a whale shark a few days earlier out there.
Inshore fishing is still good. Start the day as early in the morning as you can. With the day just starting, the water is cooler and the fish will be more active. Redfish and trout can be found near deeper water or creeks. Try using shrimp or cut bait under a strike indicator around these areas.
Scallop season is in full swing. Limits are being caught from Bayport to Crystal River. This is a fun time for the whole family. Snorkel in 4 - 6 feet of water, and its like an Easter egg hunt. Anytime you have people in the water, please keep safety in mine. Make it a fun day and you and the kids will remember it for a long time.
Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family!
I'm always looking for reports and pictures. For more information or questions, you can email me or stop by my website and become a "FISHHEAD".
Capt. Joel 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. You can reach him at (352) 279-1615 or visit his website, www.fishdaddycharter.com
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