Sharks
Capt. Joel Gant
July 10, 2018
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
With the popularity of shark week, I thought I'd talk a little about shark fishing. As spring turns into summer, we get the warming of the water. Sharks and I mean big sharks, start to move into our area. On very recent charters, we either caught, hooked or seen a lot of big sharks. From hammerheads, bull sharks, tiger sharks, lemon and my favorite nurse sharks. Nurse sharks are not that aggressive, as you can see in the picture they remind me of a big puppy ( this nurse shark was released unharmed ). But with all sharks, total caution should be taken when handling them. If the hook is hard to get to, just cut the line and the hook will come out in a short time. As far as catching them, I like to use a fairly heavy rod with 50 lb braid, a 2 foot steel leader and a 7/0 circle hook. Chumming is the key to bringing in big sharks. A chum block will work but if you have some fresh cut up bait, that seems to work best. On a charter last month we had a tiger shark come up and bite the chum net while I tried to bring it up and tore the net. There are some sharks you can keep to eat. I'm no shark expert so I prefer to release them. As my friend Mike and I say, "we have an agreement with them, they don't eat me and I don't eat them.... and its worked so far". Sharks have gotten a bad reputation but they are a major part of the eco-system.
Scallop season opened with a bang. Limits were there if you worked for them. Scalloping can be fun for the whole family. All you need is a mask, snorkel and fins. You do need to know how to swim and even better if you are good at snorkeling. Try to be at your spot an hour or two before low tide. When the water is shallower, it makes it easier to dive down to get them. As always make sure you know the regulations.
Gag grouper are still in season. With the warmer water its been challenging. Stay persistent and if your first spot is slow,
move to your next. Try frozen threadfin, squid or live pinfish. Be patient and you will succeed.
Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family! I'm always looking for reports and pictures. You can email me or stop by my website and become a "FISHHEAD".
Capt. Joel Gant operates Fishdaddy Charters out of Hernando Beach, he knows the local waters like the back of his hand, family friendly and works both inshore and offshore trips. Check him out on face book or you can reach him at (352) 279-1615. Visit his website, www.fishdaddycharter.com
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