Spring Fishing Action
Capt. Josh Fritz
May 10, 2016
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
May is here and the heat is right along with it. Inshore fishing action is very good right now red fish are holding along the outer islands and mangrove shore lines, look for structure such as rocks, oyster bars, and lime stone bottom. Mullet schools are a key sign for reds fish holding with them or near by, live bait has produced very good action on the incoming tide. I have been using live green backs rigged with a 1/0 to 2/0 circle hook 20 to 30 pound leader and some time a cigar float on the bad rocky areas. Most of the reds are middle slot 22 to over slot 32 inches.
Trout are working there way to the deeper grass flats 5 to 8 feet on spotty bottom. Use a 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jig head with a little john soft plastic in white, root beer, or chartreuse, bounce the jig along the bottom be ready the trout will hit the jig on the fall. Size of the trout are ranging from 15 to 22 inches.
Snook are catch and release now but they are all over the Nature Coast waters. Target them on a good moving tide in or out don't matter to much to them, mangroves, rock bars, sea walls, pot holes are holding snook. Snook will face into the current so when fishing a area make sure you cast up current and let the bait drift into the strike zone. Live green backs are the best bait.
Cobia are all over the place we are catching a bunch from 3 to 8 feet on grass flats and rocks. Live bait green backs and pin fish will do the trick or soft plastics in a eel shape in black or water melon red is a sure bet.
Tarpon are showing up but we will see a big push in the upcoming weeks closer to the full moon.
Gag Grouper season opens JUNE 1ST don't miss out book your grouper trip now
More Fishing Reports:
