Open season
Capt. Joel Gant
May 7, 2019
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
June is here and that means there are two species we can target and keep. Red Snapper and Gag Grouper season are both open this month. The regulation can be a little confusing, so I highly recommend checking them at "myfwc.com". Lets start with the Gag Grouper. Limit is still 2 per person and 24 inch minimal long and opens on June 1st till Dec 31st. There are a few different ways to catch them. The most popular is bottom fishing. Anchor on your spot and drop a live or cut bait to the bottom. I use 60 lb mono with a 7/0 hook on a shimano torium reel. A little tip, try starting out catching some grunts. This is a good way to see if grouper are there. If there are grunts around, usually there are grouper in that spot. Another way to catch them is trolling. Pick the right depth for the lure your using and troll an area you believe should hold fish. This is also a great way to find new structure.
Recreational red snapper season will be from June 11th to July 12th. Federally permitted Charter boats fishing in Federal waters (past 9 miles), must have a Federal reef permit ( for grouper, cobia and kingfish). We are allowed to fish from June 1st to Aug 1st. The regulation is 2 per person and 16 inches min. size. Start in 50 - 70 feet to target the reds. One of the best ways to catch them is with live bait like shrimp or small pinfish. I like a spinning reel with 20 - 30 lb braid, a 2 ft 20lb leader with a 3/0 - 4/0 hook and enough weight to get the bait down. Don't use too heavy of weight because most strikes will come on the fall. Watch your line as it goes down, if you see it stop or move faster, start reeling.
Another fish showing up in numbers are the " brown bombers" Cobia. Regulation is 33 inches to the fork of the tail. Cobia are very curious. Very often they will just show up. For this reason, I always have a pitch bait with a bucktail jig or some other bait to throw quickly. Most of the time they are not shy about what they eat. Keep the bait moving and if they won't take your bait, try a different one. Free lining a live bait or a dead bait will also work. Chumming will bring them in.
A quick reminder, Scallop season opens on July 1st. I know you diehard Scallopers already have this etched on your calendar.
Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family!
Capt. Joel Gant operates Fishdaddy Charters out of Hernando Beach. Coast guard licensed, insured and is Federal permitted. He knows the local waters like the back of his hand, and works both nearshore and offshore trips. Check him out on face book or you can reach him at (352) 279-1615. Visit his website, www.fishdaddycharter.com
Hernando Beach Fishing Forecast:
King fish, grouper, cobia
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