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Road trip
Capt. Joel Gant
August 9, 2017
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
Ok fishheads, Its time for a road trip. You would think that as a fishing guide for vacation, I would go to the mountains or somewhere different than my norm, but no, I chose to go to the Florida Keys. With Jimmy Buffett music and a cold adult beverage lingering in my mind, Islamorada is the place I love to go. I usually take two weeks and try to be on the water every day. As with any new area, you need to take some time to learn what to do and where. Some days we venture offshore for tuna, mahi or yellow tail. Inshore we fish for the silver king tarpon. Other days we search for lobsters and snorkel the reefs. The history in the keys are as endless as the fishing. From Key Largo, Islamroada, Marathon to Key West, there are multiple things to do on and off the water.
In our area scalloping is similar to lobster season in the keys. People come from all over to enjoy getting into the water for our "Easter egg hunt". If your new to scalloping, you might want to hire a local guide. A guide will supply everything you need and knows the spots to go to. If you have your own boat, head north from Hernando Beach and look for the group of boats and that's a good place to start. Make sure you know the regulations and be safe.
Offshore fishing has been challenging, but with some perseverance, you should be able to have a productive day. The gag grouper have been in anywhere from 15 feet to 60 feet. They don't seem to have a strong pattern right now. As the water cools in the fall, start to look for them in the shallower waters closer to 20 feet. On recent trips, fresh cut baits seem to work the best. Second choice would be frozen baits like mullet, mackerel or threadfins. Use a 7/0 hook and as light of weight as you can to keep the bait on the bottom. Also you might want to use chum, either cut baits or a chum block.
The cobia are still around. I always keep a rod ready to throw with a bait that I can grab quickly when one comes by the boat. These fish usually aren't picky and will hit anything worked fast by them. I love cobia because they will fight to the very end. Don't bring a big cobia into the boat green, they can do a lot of damage to you and your boat. Its best to gaff a keeper cobia ( 33" to the fork ) and net one if your not sure.
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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