Hernando Beach Fishing Report
Capt. Josh Fritz
Trout fishing is really turning on in the deeper grass flats west of Hernando beach. Target water depth from 9 to 12 feet around spotty bottom. Spotty bottom is a mix of sea grass, sand, rocks, and coral. The way we are catching the trout is with a 1/4 ounce jig head rigged with a white little john or white gulp shrimp. Cast and let the jig sink all the way to the bottom I like to do a two twitch with the rod tip and let it sink again keeping your line tight to feel the trout thump the jig on the fall. On my last 6 charters this week we have caught over 50 trout in just a few hours ranging from 14 to 23 inches. Along with the trout we are catching sea bass, sharks, a few cobia and lady fish.
Red fish and snook are chewing great on a incoming or high outgoing tide, live green backs or pin fish for bait. Look for the mullet schools for red fish and target points with a good current flow for snook.
Gag grouper are holding on the shallow rocks in 8 to 12 feet, make sure you have a stout rod and a good reel with at least 60 pound power pro and a 60 to 100 pound leader. I like a live pin fish or a big green back for bait. No weight is really needed unless the current is moving fast then maybe a 1/4 ounce egg sinker for a knocker rig. Most of the grouper we are catching are ranging from 22 to 34 inches.
Scallops are unreal this year the BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN. Limits coming to the boat in one hour or less.
Stop into Precision Tackle for all your fishing and scalloping needs Dave is the man and has just about everything if he don't ha can get it fast for you. Tell Dave Capt. Josh sent you in.
Book your trip ASAP dates are filling up fast with scallop season and the great fishing we have.