New Year
Capt. Joel Gant
December 10, 2017
Hernando Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
New Year
As we start the New Year, try setting some new fishing resolutions. By this I mean spend time enjoying why you started fishing. Remember as a kid fishing from the bank of a lake or from a saltwater shoreline or pier. Remember fishing with your friends or for me, my grandparents and family. I remember big family mullet fish fries in Aripeka at Norfleets. I remember the adrenaline rush and feeling a little shaky when landing a big fish after a long fight. The one that spooled your reel and you will never know what it was. The unknown of when or what will be on the line next. The excitement of getting ready the night before and of the morning you go fishing. I've asked many a friends, "what keeps us going out fishing?" With all of the above, I believe once you get the fishing bug, your hooked. Its hard to explain to someone that doesn't have that bug. But to most of you readers.... you understand. This is a good time to say, get a kid hooked and they will have the bug for life.
Offshore fishing: Gag grouper season has closed. During the last few weeks it was open, the winds made it challenging, but a lot of fish were still caught this season. You can still catch the gag grouper but not keep them. Other species to target are Red grouper , amberjack, hog fish, trigger fish and Spanish mackerel, which are still abundant. But as always, check the regulations at myfwc.com to make sure which ones you can keep this year. The silver snapper (grunts), mangrove snapper, sea bass are still plentiful. There is also still kingfish in the area. This is a migrating fish so the time is limited on these line screamers.
Inshore fishing: look for redfish, sea trout and snook to move up into the shallows. Search areas that are spring fed. With the colder water, they will migrate to these warmer areas. Artificial lures like twitch baits or jigs with a jerk bait will produce action. If the bite is slow, try pinfish or select shrimp on a strike indicator (a bobber for the novice).
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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