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Fishing Reports for Local Area - Location |
    
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 41
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 05, 2007 - 4:02 pm: | |
Gulf Grouper and Thunder Report
5 March 07
30 Feet of water all the Grunt and Grouper you want to catch are hanging out around the bigger reef areas. Squid wings sliced thin, and Threadfin Herring have worked the best last week. One Grouper caught by Lyn Kruger; using cut Squid was caught with a 10 pound line spinning outfit weighted a whopping 16 pounds. Who ever said Grouper don’t eat squid was mistaken. Many nice fish close to this size were caught lately on similar tackle. The Grunts are still unusually large for this time of the year; but no body’s complaining. Call me if you’re ready to catch some Grunts, Grouper, and Sea Bass!
Capt Rick Rodriguez
gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 40
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - 4:54 pm: | |
Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
27 Feb 2007
Lots of Grouper in all depths of water west off Hernando Beach. Find the Grunts and you will find the Grouper. Most ledges are very productive now that the water temperature is rising. Some of the bigger rock piles have Spot tails and Sea Bass living on them. When you encounter these fish it is easy to go through pounds of bait in a short time. Don’t waist your time. Leave that spot and go to another area where you can catch some Grunts; then you will catch the Groupers. Dead bait is still the preferred method; however live bait is starting to work. Live Sand Perch, Pinfish, and small Grunts on 60lb leader line and 7/0 hooks will get you a big Grouper bite.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 39
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 12, 2007 - 5:55 pm: | |
Gulf Grouper and Thunder Fishing Report
12 Feb 2007
Plenty of big Gag Grouper in 40 feet of water and beyond West off Hernando Beach. The water temperature is 59 degrees and gets warmer the further off shore you go. Some warmer temperatures in close are not producing yet; but they will soon. We are also catching big Grunts, and Sea Bass. The bait of choice is still Threadfin Herring, and Boston Mackerel. Squid is and will probably always catch you all the Grunts you want. So if you’re looking to catch some nice fish don’t hesitate because February is still red hot.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 38
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 06, 2007 - 4:55 pm: | |
Gulf Grouper and Party Boat Thunder Report
6 Feb 2007
Cold air, cold water; but the Grouper and Grunts are on fire. We are catching plenty of Grunts, Sea bass, and Grouper in 40 feet of water off Hernando Beach. The best bait is still Threadfin Herring, and Chopped up Grunts. Many big fish over ten pounds are common, and as many as one hundred short Grouper are caught and released most days. If you want to catch some fish give us a call.
Good luck,
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
Gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 37
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 6:33 am: | |
Jan 2007 Gulfgrouper fishing Report
Fishing off Hernando Beach is great! Lots of Grunts, Sea Bass, and Grouper have been caught in 35 feet of water. The frozen Threadfin Herring have been the best bait for the Grouper, Squid for the Grunts and Sea Bass. We have caught some nice Grouper on Sand Perch with the back bone removed. The key to catching most of the bigger Grouper is to leave your bait on the bottom. Do not move the bait or the sinker! Some times it may take 5 minutes to get a bite. Usually it will be a keeper Grouper. A little patience can make the difference at the end of a fishing day.
Good luck on your next trip!
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 36
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 8:52 pm: | |
Jan 2007 Gulf Grouper Off Shore Charters Fishing Report
Continued warm weather conditions have made fishing so easy a cave man can do it! Above average keeper size Grouper are being caught with great consistency. Lots of fun Grouper fishing action throughout each trip. We are catching Sea Bass, Mangrove Snapper, Grunts, and Grouper in all depths of water west of Hernando Beach. The Grunts are in great numbers on most hard bottom areas. The Sea Bass are on the larger rocky reefs in 20 to 25 feet of water. Most productive baits for catching fish are the Boston Mackerel, Threadfin Herring, and cut up Grunts. 80lb leaders and line are still the most productive in stopping some of the bigger fish that bite. Chumming with chunks of Threadfin’s works well to attract Grouper.
The party boat Thunder has had great success catching Grunts, Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, and Sea Bass as well. Some success with live Sand Perch and Pinfish in the clear water conditions has helped some lucky anglers win the pool.
Happy New Year
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 35
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 28, 2006 - 5:50 pm: | |
Grouper fishing is still very good! We are having continued success with dead bait such as Threadfin Herring, Boston Mackerel, Mullet, and Grunts.
The Grunts are being caught with great consistency, many over a pound. Large Sea Bass have been abundant as well around most rock piles in 20 feet of water. Currently water conditions are a bit murky since the last front pushed through. The murky waters will clear up soon after a few tide cycles are completed. The less than clear water conditions often equate to bigger Grouper bites. So come out and catch a big Grouper!
Happy New Year,
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 34
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 06, 2006 - 3:47 pm: | |
Big Grouper and lots of them!
The best Grouper fishing ever seen in years is happening now. We have been catching 10 to 20 keeper Grouper almost every day we have been out the last 4 weeks. If the weather continues the same path there should be great Grouper fishing throughout the rest of the year. The bait of choice is continues to be large dead bait. Threadfin’s, Boston Mackerels, Mullet, and Grunts.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 33
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 06, 2006 - 3:46 pm: | |
Big Grouper and lots of them!
The best Grouper fishing ever seen in years is happening now. We have been catching 10 to 20 keeper Grouper almost every day we have been out the last 4 weeks. If the weather continues the same path there should be great Grouper fishing throughout the rest of the year. The bait of choice is continues to be large dead bait. Threadfin’s, Boston Mackerels, Mullet, and Grunts.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
guylfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 32
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 21, 2006 - 6:48 pm: | |
Oct 2006 Gulf Grouper Fishing Report
With the passing cool fronts water temperatures have dropped to the high 70’s. This brief cooling trend has caused Grouper fishing to improve in most shallow water areas in 15 to 25 feet of water West off Hernando Beach. Typically Grouper relate to structure; “rocks, ledges, and wrecks”. However; in the fall many Grouper will collect on hard live bottom areas that consist of mostly Sea Fans, Sponges, and Sargasso Weed. Often these areas are over looked by anglers on their way offshore because the bottom appears to not have a ledge or pile of rocks. Be confident and know there are Grunts, and Groupers in these areas. They receive little if any fishing pressure with the exception of a few people trolling lures from time to time.
Live bait has not been nearly as effective as frozen Boston Mackerel, Threadfin Herring, and cut up Grunts. Most Grouper are feeding on the bait when it is allowed to set on the bottom undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes. If you move the sinker or check your bait often you may spook the fish. Usually the bite is slow to start and quick to shut off. Chumming with chunks of bait will get them feeding again so you can catch more Grouper. Longer leaders about 5 feet, and 2 ounces slip sinkers have made a positive difference.
This week we have averaged 6 legal size Gag Grouper per day, some nice Kingfish, and lots of fat Grunts.
Good luck fishing,
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 31
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 6:00 pm: | |
September 15 Report
Large schools of Spanish are in 15 to 50 feet of water chasing big schools of Glass Minnows, and Threadfin Herring. The Mackerel are very cooperative attacking most lures, jigs, live or dead Shrimp. Mangrove Snapper continue to be abundant around most reefs. Early in the morning, and at night have proven to be the most productive hours to catch these fish. Additionally every trip the last few weeks has produced a Cobia. Most are too small to keep; however they are a fun fight. Grouper fishing is still good we continue to get a few in the box every trip. Threadfin’s and Live Pinfish are still working well with longer 80lb leaders, “about 4 feet long”. Most Grouper are being caught in 35 feet of water around small ledges. It is not uncommon to wait a while between bigger bites. Tossing bait down current with a smaller sinker after chumming is still a great trick that gets bigger Grouper.
Good Fishing
Captain Rick
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 30
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 3:00 pm: | |
Slow down for large summer Grouper
Patience pays big when you slow down for summer Grouper fishing. Some local divers explained to me how they noticed large Gag Grouper in the cracks, and caves of our local reefs in 45 feet of water. Unless agitated many of the fish they observed rarely moved from their location. This lack of movement explains why most areas that we fish during the summer seem to produce fish only after an hour of chumming, and catching Grunts. Evidently the Grouper come out of their hiding places when they smell the chum and hear the commotion from the Grunts being caught.
Live Pinfish have produced larger Grouper than dead bait during the last few outings. We have used the Pinfish sparingly after attempts to catch them on frozen bait. You will notice in most cases that the smaller undersized Grouper will bite first then larger fish will move in. Tossing your bait out away from the boat or down current will definitely increase your chances of hooking a GagZilla.
Along with the Grouper are large schools of Mangrove Snapper. They have been caught lately on live shrimp and chunks of Threadfin herring. Most fish have weighed around 2 pounds. Flat line or knocker rigs are producing the most bites first thing in the morning.
Hope your next trip is productive,
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 29
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 5:49 pm: | |
July is a great month to catch Mangrove Snapper. Spanish Mackerel, Grunts, Cobia, Sharks, and Grouper. It may be hot outside but the fishing is great. Recently each trip has been packed with surprises. When the bait hits the bottom it is tough to predict what’s going to eat it. Live bait is starting to dominate all other baits. Lately we have started with dead Boston Mackerel, and Threadfin Herring. However after fishing 10 minutes we switch to live pinfish, Cigar minnows, and Pigfish. Most Grouper are undersized, but we seem to get a nice box of keepers each trip. A flat line on the surface about 75 feet back will definitely add to the surprises. We have caught 20lb+ Kingfish, Cobia, Sharks and some small Dolphin. Live ballyhoo is the best bait for the flat line; make sure you use a light wire leader!
Most action has been in the clear water about 30 feet deep.
Good Luck on your next trip!
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Fishingrods (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 4:11 am: | |
Hello, from Fishing-Rods bait & Tackle located in Hernando Beach on the beautiful Nature Coast.
It has been a while since we have provided a report, so we thought we would let you know whats going on.
Fishing Inshore has slowed with the warmer weather, but the redfish and Trout fishing continues to be steady and for light tackle fun
shark fishing on the flats and Mackeral fishing continues strong. For the Redfish, stay in close to the oyster bars and shallow rocks, for the trout fish the grass flats in 4-6ft. early morning or late PM.
Offshore the fishing has been mixed. Grouper are biting, but inside 30ft. it is mostly catch and release-which is a lot of fun. For some keepers,
the 40ft + range has been more reliable and while you're at it, set up a good chum slick and fish a flat line for Kingfish. Some nice smokers are still around as are some nice sized Cobia.
All told, fishing is still pretty good for this time of year so come on out and enjoy it. Stop by the shop and we'll try to set you up. |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 28
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 5:05 am: | |
Mid summer and the fishing is Hot! Spanish Mackerel are tearing up the waters West of Hernando Beach. Most of the Mackerel are congregating around schools of minnows in 25 feet of water. Small silver spoons, white 1/4oz buck tail jigs, and Yozuri Crystal Minnow lures are very effective.
Mangrove Snapper, Grunts, and Grouper are plentiful in all depths of water. The warmer water conditions do not seem to have the fish bunched up in any particular location. Fishing a number of different spots throughout the day appears to be the best method of catching a bunch of fish.
Boston Mackerel, threadfin Herring, and Live Pinfish are still the best choices for bait.
Hope you catch a big one,
Capt Rick
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 27
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 1:02 am: | |
Gag Grouper fishing in the summer heat off Hernando is red hot. We are catching lots of Grouper on every trip in 35 feet of water. All have been caught with frozen Boston Mackerel and Threadfin Herring. Live bait will work, however we have not been taking the time to catch or buy them. The water is still a little murky and the Grouper seem to love it. Lots of sharks in all sizes are bending our rods along with many Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper and occasional Kingfish. Fishing will continue to be good as the water warms up.
Good luck!
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Fishing-Rods (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 5:36 am: | |
The "Sea Gumbo" has finally cleared and the grouper fishing has improved on the inside, shallow rock piles. Plenty of chum and patience is the key. If you can find live white bait it is the prime bait.
Offshore from 25ft. to 45ft. you can still find some nice Kingfish. The larger schools have already passed by, but the larger loners are still around. Trolling with Mann +30's seems to work well and if you are anchored up bottom fishing, set up a good chum line and float a threadfin under a balloon in the chum slick.
Grouper, are spread out with no large concentration in any one area. Sardines, Threadfins, and cut bait is working best.
Inside on the flats redfish and cobia are the best bet. Trout are spotty, with the best fishing early before the sun is high. Small pinfish and shrimp are working well. Cobia are in the same area around the shallow rock piles.
A heavy chum slick will attract them to you, be aware, it also will attrack plenty of sharks.
Redfish are shallow on the edges of the sawgrassand in the channel cuts when the tide is running strong. Whitebait is best, but small pinfish and shrimp will work also. |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 26
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 4:43 am: | |
Lately we have been catching King & Spanish Mackerel on dead bait placed on a flat line about 100 feet off the transom. Occasionally we have caught some nice size Dolphin the same way. Smaller school size Dolphin have been caught on ¼ oz jigs. Plenty of short and legal size Grouper were caught on bottom rigs. Threadfin Herring seem to work best for the Mangrove Snapper and Boston Mackerel for the Grouper. Live Pinfish will work on the Grouper after the dead bait stops catching fish. The best fishing has been in 40 feet South West of Hernando Beach.
Have fun fishing,
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 25
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 03, 2006 - 3:07 pm: | |
Green Algae AKA “Gumbo” is growing rampant in the waters off Hernando Beach. The algae have not hurt the fish that live in it but it does make fishing difficult. Lately we have been forced to fish around the concentrated areas to avoid green bait and sinkers. Most of the Grouper we are catching are in the transitional areas were the Gumbo is not thick. Most of the time moving further west will resolve the Gumbo problem; however if you go too far, the water is very clear and makes fishing more difficult. Many short Grouper are being caught on dead and live bait. Larger Grouper are in the same areas and seem to be holding off the rocks down current. King, & Spanish & Mackerel are common lately, while lures like spoons and jigs are working well.
We start Grouper fishing with dead bait and catch as many fish as possible, then we start dropping live bait. Usually the live bait gets bit instantly for the first few drops then the action stops. We normally pick up the anchor and move to a more near by structure that is up current. Once you have established fish are at a certain depth, resist the urge to run for deeper water every time you change spots. For example if there are Grouper on structure at 20 feet there will be other groups of fish in the same depth on other structures. Moving a short distance to the North or South while observing the depth finder will reveal new places to fish. Good luck on your next trip.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 23
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 4:44 pm: | |
Lately Grouper are easily caught in all depths of water West of Hernando Beach. Most dead baits have been producing bigger fish. Live bait like Pinfish and Sand Perch are working extremely well. The key to finding the Grouper lately is to fish small structure areas. The depth of water does not seem to matter as much as the proper structure. With the clear water conditions look for dark areas on the sea floor. Pass over the area and observe your depth finder for a ledge, high rocks, and fish. Anchor up current from your location and catch some Grouper. Fish for Grunts while fishing for the Grouper they live in the same areas. If you begin to catch Sea Bass move to another area and try again. Hope you get your Grouper!
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 22
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 6:23 pm: | |
Spring is here and so are the fish. Good numbers of Spanish Mackerel and good size Kingfish have been caught in 25 feet of water and beyond South West of Hernando Beach near marker #10. The preferred bait has been live scaled Sardines free lined in a stout chum slick. Chopped Sardines, and chum bags positioned off the back of the boat have been consistently luring these fish close. 60lb wire has been working well in the morning; however later in the day 40lb wire seems to get more bites.
Grouper are cooperating in the shallow hard bottom areas off Aripeka. Fish in the upper teens are common. 80lb gear is still the best choice when trying to stop these big fish. Mullet chunks, Sardines, and live Pinfish are getting the job done. Fan cast your baits in all directions around the boat allowing your bait to set still. Hang on tight these fish are very aggressive. Shallow water fish tend to swim around the hard bottom areas back and forth from the grass.
Hope you catch a Biggun
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Always Fishing Guide Service (Unregistered Guest)
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Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 4:53 am: | |
Always Fishing Guide Service
Spring Hill, Hernando County, Florida
Lower Nature Coast
by Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Tight lines till next time
Now that the cold fronts are becoming smaller and smaller look for the grouper fishing to improve. Here is a fair warning if you are looking for a charter fishing trip in the last part of March to the end of May I would book one of the fine fishing charters that Hernando County has to offer soon, as most of us are booked for this time period well in advance. For you that have boats you will all be happy to know there is fish out there coming in to eat after the cold winter. Now is a time for you to start fishing shallow and working your way out to deep water for you never know when and where the fish will move to. Trolling is prime at this time of year and the reason is the fish are off there rock piles looking for there spring feeding grounds. I troll with many different fishing lures and when the grass is heavy on the surface I use a down rigger to fend off the grass. Your choice of lures increase each day as the lure companies are competing for your business. Yo-Zuri, Cisco Kid, Rapala, Strike More, Bombers and Clark Spoons are just a few good lures to look at for this type of fishing. Once there were no lures that would reach the depths of water that hold grouper but now we have many lure company’s producing great looking lures. One thing you might want to consider is not buying a lure for $10.00 to $20.00 and find out it goes straight to the bottom and gets hung up, this could get costly. So look at the front of the lure if it has short bill, that lure will run shallow and if it is very long bill, which usually runs deep. While you’re trolling for the big grouper do not be surprised to catch a big King Mackerel. I have not caught any kings as of this year, but reports at the boat ramp seem promising. King Mackerel are being caught thirty four miles west of Hernando Beach. I know my friend Capt Bill Eaton will be reading this so if you catch a Mackerel and want to share call Capt Bill. Capt Bill loves eating our Gulf Coast Mackerel.
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office: 352-666-6234
http://www.alwaysfishing.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 21
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 7:58 pm: | |
Grouper Fishing
Grouper fishing is getting better. We have been catching Gag Grouper as close as 10 feet of water and as fare as 60 feet. The fish are obviously spread out over a large area. Bigger fish have still been in 30 feet of water around some of the large North West ledges. Sardines and live Pinfish have been the preferred bait. Some recent changes in water clarity have made it necessary to down size leader material. “60lb test leaders and 2oz weights” Lighter leaders have equated to more Grouper bites per day.
Large Mangrove Snapper, Grunts, and Trigger fish have been a pleasant surprise lately.
Have fun fishing,
Capt Rick
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Always Fishing Guide Service (Unregistered Guest)
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Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 6:18 am: | |
Always Fishing Guide Service
Spring Hill, Hernando County, Florida
Lower Nature Coast
by Capt. Frank Bourgeois
A certain little creature (the Groundhog) saw his shadow and Mother Nature is trying to prove him right with six weeks left of winter. The water temperatures are warming slowly but I can see light at the end of the tunnel. Reports of good size bluefish are heading our way and that means to me the start of spring fishing. Usually I find bluefish not to far from the large trout and a great sport fish called the Hound fish. Also I look for the grouper to start their shallow water migration to eat and replace the body fat they lost this winter. March is the magic month for me as I have seen in years past the beginning of great spring fishing. We have had a mild January, but the cold weather in February is good, as it slows the movement of fish moving north and this can be a good thing. On the Nature Coast many fish just pass by heading for there summer homes, so when the water warms slowly I believe this keeps the fish in our area for a longer time. On some recent trips offshore I have found in thirty to forty foot of water lots of short grouper, catching about twenty five shorts to one keeper grouper. The middle grounds are a sure way to catch limits of keeper grouper when the water is cold as the water stays at the same temperature more so than in shallow water. But this holds some problems for smaller boats. At this time of year the wind tends to blow a lot offshore making it not safe to go there, unless you have the right boat. A good friend of mine has the right boat. He runs a thirty eight foot cabin fishing boat, but sometimes the weather men are wrong! He is found himself in twelve foot waves and the boat ride home took many hours of traveling at five miles an hour. He told me the fishing was great but not worth the ride. I own a new boat but the boat is twenty six foot long, not thirty eight foot like my friend’s boat, so I will wait for summer before I venture out to the middle grounds. There are more and more boat with the capabilities to fish the middle grounds but expect to pay the price to get there, fuel price makes everything more expensive. For you that are fishing out of your own boat, maybe this will help, if you catch one keeper grouper and continue to catch smaller grouper try pulling your anchor and drift for a while sometimes the bigger fish are at the end of your chum stream waiting for an easy meal. Look for offshore redfish madness. This time of year when the water is cold the Redfish move into backwaters or very far out in more stable waters. On the backwaters the person with the boat that will go shallow, like 4 inches of draft will usually always win. Now on the other hand offshore redfish are usually in the breading mode. These fish are usually too big to bring home. but will give you a fight you will not forget too soon. I have located many redfish over 50 inches on the offshore reefs fishing for grouper. This time of year is about the best time to catch bull reds but please be careful not to hurt them as the fish are breeding and full of eggs. I know of no one that can constantly catch deep water reds so when you do feel lucky.
Tight lines till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office: 352-666-6234
http://www.alwaysfishing.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 20
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 6:48 pm: | |
Grouper on the move
It seems Grouper fishing lately is like playing darts. You aim to hit a spot and some times you hit it rite, and sometimes you miss. Most of the time winter fishing is a miss. However if you fish enough areas you will hit the rite spot.
The water is brown & murky from the recent winds until you reach 30 feet. Just beyond the murky water is the cleaner green color water that seems to have more active fish. We have caught some nice 10lb plus Grouper in 35 feet of water west of the Tanks. Sardines with the tails pinched off have been working well. Some times the Grunts are eating the Sardines of the hook so fast you have to go to chunks of Grunt, or Mullet. Any bait that can take the abuse of the Grunts until a Grouper gets close enough to eat it will work.
Good luck finding the Grouper!
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 19
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 4:30 pm: | |
Grouper can be caught in January
The last few days fishing have been challenging and productive. High winds, high seas, cold air, fast tides, and rising barometric pressure make a fun full day for Grouper fishing.
The key to catching Grouper lately is to fish where you know they are. Sounds funny; but true. The Grouper have been slow to bite lately and require some patients. If you fish a spot for a few minute and leave to fish another you may be leaving fish behind. So pick a place you have confidence in and try to fish that spot when the tide slows down and changes direction. The first half hour after the ebb of the tide will be the most productive. Always chum. Chum bags purchased at your local tackle shops are good with small chunks of Sardines, and Threadfin’s.
The 35 feet structures have been most productive. We caught 50+ short Grouper and average 7 legal size fish per day on frozen Sardines. Lately we have caught a surprising amount of 6 inch long Grouper. Apparently these little guy’s have moved from the grass flats to deeper water in search of warmer surroundings and food. Be careful to gently release the future Zillas of the reef.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 18
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 6:02 am: | |
Warmer Temperatures Heat Up Fishing
The water temperature is rising and the Grouper are biting. The last few days have been awesome. We have caught lots of heavy Gag’s in 30 feet of water South West of Hernando near marker #10. The smaller structure areas have proved to be the most productive. Sardines have been the bait of choice along with fresh cut Grunts. Grunt strips, chunks, and boneless allowed to set motionless on the bottom for a while will get you a bigger fish. Strips of Grunt on your hook with a Sardine is also a great trick worth trying. A key point in catching these Grouper lately is to wait a little longer for the fish to start eating. It is common to wait as long as 15 minutes before any action starts. Standard 80lb tackle with a 4 foot long 80lb leader, a 3 ounce sinker, and a size 7/0 offset “J” hook will give you some advantage.
Good luck with GagZilla!
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 17
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 5:46 pm: | |
When you think you’re fishing slow. Slow down some more!
Cold water in the upper 50’s can make Grouper fishing a bit challenging. Lately larger dead baits have done the trick and produce some nice fish. Same tactics still apply when fishing in cooler water except for one small detail, “slow down”. Find a ledge in 40 feet of water or beyond where you can catch Spot Tail’s and Grunts. Be certain that your lines will fall directly on the drop off side of the ledge. If you don’t catch a keeper size Grouper quickly don’t rush off to your next spot. Stay a little longer than usual and try to leave the bait motionless on the bottom. Remember the Grouper are moving less because they require less food in cooler water conditions. They often will not chase down live bait when the water temperature is lower. Stick with the Grunt, and Mullet heads, or whole Sardines.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 16
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 7:56 pm: | |
New Year Grouper
In between cold fronts Grouper have been actively feeding. We have been catching 7 to 10 legal size Gag Grouper each trip in 35 to 45 feet of water were the temperature is 62 degrees. This time of the year the Grouper have been cooperative throughout the day. The most productive areas have been around large ledges. The preferred bait has been Sardines, and cut up Grunts. The Grunt head continues to produce larger fish. Sometimes 80lb tackle is still not tough enough to stop GagZilla; however we are grateful for the Grouper smaller one’s we do land.
Good luck on your next trip!
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Always Fishing (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 6:17 pm: | |
Always Fishing Guide Service
Spring Hill, Hernando County, Florida
Lower Nature Coast
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Ah! The unpredictable January weather, leading into February fishing fun… A lot of what February has to offer comes from January either being kind or not. The cold fronts determine when and where the fish will be biting. Lately even the best of us get skunked, but mostly when we go fishing the day after the cold front passes. A charter captain is on the water in some cases more than the average person so we tend to find more fishing spots that work on bad day’s, but even with all the experience we accumulate we still have bad luck days. I have been truly lucky with many great grouper fishing trips but not so luck in the flats. I have been fishing all my great spots but the water is clear and cold. Even the bait fish are buried or heading for the warmer waters of the backwater. I have to tell you no matter how bad it gets I still love to be out on the water. I was telling you about the good luck I have had fishing for grouper well it was not because I got lucky. The reason I did well is I used a plan for my success which I will share with you. I set up a number of spots south, west and north of were I am launching. I go south and hit a couple of places and if it does not produce I move to the west spots if that don’t produce I go to the north spots. If I find any fish at all I stay in the area that includes any fish I catch. If you didn’t know grouper will only usually eat one big meal a day when the water is super cold as there metabolism slows down and the fish do not move around much. One great way to know if you’re going to do well on any fishing trip is to visit the local tackle store and see if he has shrimp. Now two things, if he has many shrimp fishing will be good but if not and he says the shrimp boats are not catching many shrimp, look for things to be slow in the shallow waters. Once you see the bait shops with giant shrimp hit all your shallow water rocks you know the fish will be out eating the large shrimp. If you like artificial bait fishing look for springs or fish the power plants as the water is warmer and the fish will be more aggressive.
The backwaters are teaming with fish and my shallow water boat has been in need of painting so! You guessed it, I am painting it. I have had reports from Capt Tim Burke and Double trouble charters that the fishing is getting better and better in the backwaters. As the days get longer the flats will once again produce large amounts of fish. I have seen this so many times in the past twenty years. The clear water allows you to see the bottom and if you’re like me piloting the boat looking for signs of fish, even bait. Wow you say”there is nothing left in the gulf” not to despair the fish are just hiding or should I say buried up, soon all will be OK and you will forget about the cold clear water.
Tight lines till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office: 352-666-6234
http://www.alwaysfishing.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 15
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 26, 2005 - 5:19 pm: | |
Cold water Grouper off Hernando Beach
Winter is notorious for larger Grouper in the cool waters off Hernando Beach. The last few trips have produced more 10lb+ Gag Grouper than the previous months. These larger fish have been found around smaller ledges in 30 to 35 feet of water. Just as important as the depth lately is the water temperature. In depths less than 30 feet the temperature is a cool 58 degrees and recently it has been difficult to get Grouper to bite in this area.
We have been catching more active Grouper in 61 degree water temperatures. Basically, we drive the boat West or North West until the 61 degree temperature is found. From there we look for the best structure available, and start fishing. Some of the key points that indicate you are in the right area are noticed on the depth finder. You should see a show of fish up to 5 feet off the bottom. Most of these fish are spot tails, Triggerfish, and bellow them are Grunts. Where three species live you can be sure there are Groupers.
One large 24lb Gag Grouper was caught on a Sardine in 35 feet. A young angler beat GagZilla in a fierce tug of war. Strong terminal tackle with no nicks or frays proved to be an advantage when the large fish swam towards the ledges.
Hope your next trip is fun and productive!
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Always Fishing (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 5 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 6:06 pm: | |
Always Fishing Guide Service
Spring Hill, Hernando County, Florida
The lower Nature Coast
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Posted 12.15.05
There are no words that can explain the fall transformation into winter fishing. Cold front after cold front dropped the water temp to fifty eight and that is a normal temperature for winter in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This sudden drop in water temperature has the fish thinking winter is here and not willing to go away too soon. Along with the dropping temperature another major fact in our fishing is low tides. A natural fact is the lowest tidal flow of the year is our winter tides. In most cases the tides can be as low as a foot under normal low tides. An important thing to look for on your tide charts is the minus sign along side of the low tide telling you it will be even lower than normal. An example of this is today there will be a (minus) -1.5 foot low, meaning the tide will be one and a half foot lower than a normal tide. On the other hand we can experience a (plus) or a + 1.5 foot high, meaning the water will be one and a half foot higher than a normal high tide. I like fishing the lower tides rather than the extreme high tides out on the inshore flats and the higher tides in the backwaters or in the creeks and channels. Ok now to tell you how to set up your boat for fishing on the flats. Remember the tides always go from north or south and the fish are not willing to swim against the moving water. So if you see the water moving to the south the fish are going to be located on the south of the grass or structures with the less current movement. Anchor your boat up current and drift the baits like live shrimp or pin fish back into there strike zones. If you anchor down tide try casting baits to the opposite side of the structures and let the bait drift back to the boat. If the bait looks like it is flowing with the movement of the water you will get you more strikes and hooked fish. One thing to remember, most fish are very lazy until you set the hook and then they will get very feisty.
Now drifting is a great option at this time of year as the fish will gather up on structures and we have no idea when or where they will gather. Once you locate an area the fish have gathered, stay in that area. I believe you have found the water temperature that is suitable for the fish. I have notices some great rock piles only hold fish when the water temperature is warm and other rock piles hold them when it is cold. Try to remember which one hold fish at a certain time of the year and next year the same thing will happen. If you know where the springs are you’re a lucky fisherman. If you don’t know where they are you can find warmer water by having a temperature gauge on your boat. If you do not have built in temperature gauge go to a pool supply company and purchase a pool thermometer, which will work also.
Fishing for me and my charters has been on the good side. I have been doing so well about everyone that has fished with me has been happy lately, going home with some nice fish for dinner. On the offshore waters I have been averaging five to ten keeper grouper and about 20 non keeper fish. The biggest reason I attribute this to is using stinky dead bait. Even the fresh pinfish we have caught for bait has been working better after cutting them. I strongly believe that no one bait is better than another but the water conditions controls what the fish are going to eat. Right now the water is very dirty and the fish can find the bait not moving and stinky much easier than fast moving baits. Tuff E Nuff squid has been working to catch grouper, now that is funny. If you have ever been out fishing in the Gulf and used squid you know the grunts, sea bass and other smaller fish attack the squid with vengeance. Lately the squid along with a piece of cut fish has been catching most of the grouper. I have tried trolling and again this always depends on water clarity. If the fish can only see your baits for a few seconds the chance they will follow will not be good. When you can see your baits more than ten feet below the surface, only then go trolling for grouper. On the inshore deep flats the winter trout are starting to come in. The last two days we caught and released over thirty gator trout per day. The big trout were so plentiful on the flats that we decided to go after them on a fly rod. A member of the Always Fishing team Capt Tim Burke and I caught and landed some great trout on a fly. Capt Tim himself landed over five twenty inch gator trout on his new fly rod. All he trout were released by a new tool I bought from x-tools. This tool allows you to release a trout without touching the fish with your hands. Just a note a sea trout will die if not released properly. Always and most importantly never touch a sea trout with your hands removing the protective slime coating Mother Nature supplies the fish. I have seen proof touching a sea trout with your dry hands causes the fish to die in a few day’s. Here is a little fish story for you. The other day we were catching so many trout that one on the gentleman in the boat went to my supply of Salt Water Assassins to find one plastic, the fish would not eat. He didn’t find one, but I bet just about any brand of plastic bait would have worked. Before the end of his fishing trip his exact words were (“uncle”) “I can’t catch anymore fish my arms are tired”. Boy I wish every day could by like the past few trips but as I am writing this report the wind is picking up and the cold front is about to pass. What does this mean … you guessed it, I will be off the water for a few days according to the weatherman but we will see if he is wrong again.
Tight lines till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office: 352-666-6234
http://www.alwaysfishing.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 14
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 06, 2005 - 7:42 am: | |
The cool winds from the north continue to lower water temperatures. Fishing off the Hernando Beach area continues to improve. Many anglers have reported great numbers of short grouper caught and released in less than 20feet of water. Along with the shorts are good numbers of legal 22 inch fish. Most of the larger fish have actually been landed using larger baits.
On a recent outing we caught all of are larger Grouper on Mullet, Grunts, ladyfish, and Boston Mackerel. The best part of these baits continues to be the head portion. The key to using the head portion is to cast the bait down current from all the other lines. Allow the fish head to lay motionless on the bottom. It may take twenty minutes before a bigger Grouper attacks it; however it is worth the wait. The best tackle for this method a size 8/0 circle hook with a 4 foot 100lb leader, and enough weight depending on the current to hold the bait down. The preferred line test is 80lb. With this type of tackle it is ok to leave the rod and reel in the rod holder. The circle hook will do its job when the fish pulls the line. When you get the bite make sure to crank the reel about 10 revolutions before removing the rod from the rod holder to fight the fish. Often many Grouper are lost when slack is given to the fish while repositioning the fishing rod.
For more information please contact me at the bellow listed phone number and website. Good luck fishing with family and friends.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 13
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 29, 2005 - 7:12 am: | |
Grouper on the Move
Constant weather changes lately have made Grouper fishing a fun challenge. Everyday it seems the Grouper are moving around from deeper water to shallow, and back to deeper water. When the first cold front came through this area the Grouper moved in to shallow water and related to just about any structure. Many limits of Grouper were caught to include some large 20lb plus fish. A few weeks later we experience high winds plummeting temperatures and all of the sudden murky cold water in the lower 60’s. All of the sudden the Grouper were not easy to find again. Every year this happens; the trick is to move were the active fish are. Usually moving to deeper water structures is the best thing to do since deeper water temperatures are more stable. You can find these areas on your 5f chart or any fishing spot chart in your favorite tackle shop.
Hernando Beach Bait and Tackle 352-596-3375, Fishing Rods 352-592-2559, Dixie Lee 352-596-5151 , Ole Salt Outfitters 727-868-7335, Precision Tackle 352-686-9520, and Sully’s 727-697-3923.
Use the public areas on these charts as a reference and observe your depth finder on the way to these locations and when you pass them. You will find structure that holds fish using this technique. If conditions are favorable troll a deep diving lure when you are searching for new structure. If you catch a Grouper trolling chances are in your favor that there are others in to be caught in the same area. Anchor down and chum on your newly discovered rock pile and catch some fish. You will feel like the Grouper King when you find a fishing spot on your own.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Always Fishing Guide Service (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 16, 2005 - 6:44 pm: | |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando Beach and the Gulf of Mexico.
Updated: October 14, 2005.
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
The Nature Coast of Florida, Inshore-to twelve miles out and offshore fishing:
Fall fishing is truly upon us. Fishing the lower Nature coast is a delete finding the fish more abundant than previous years. I will never understand Mother Nature and all her wisdom. We the people seem to try to mess with her, but she always wins and that is something to be thankful for. We really don’t know why the red tide is so big, than in years past. We don’t know why there is a dead zone in the gulf but fortunately some of the fish have the ability to avoid the bad water. This faith of bad water has made the Nature Coast teaming with fish as we were so lucky and the red tide didn’t get us too bad. Don’t get too excited! Every day this changes as I am talking about migratory fish like mackerel. Many large schools of mackerel and bait have been swarming the area, more so than years past, I am referring to Pasco, Hernando and Citrus County waters. Any farther north or south I cannot report on. If you like catching the smoker king mackerel get aboard a boat soon and have some fun before the great fishing is only a memory.
One great thing about fall fishing is our shallow water reef fishing, which I do a lot of at this time of year. Lets chat about what I do to catch fish at this time of year. I have onboard my boat equipment to troll or bottom fish. I also have markers with some type of float and a heavy weight attached to the end and a pair of downriggers. I use a downrigger in the shallow water just dropped below the top of the water to stop the floating grass from sliding down the line to the lure and the float and weight to mark a spot I catch a fish Now we pick a spot to fish and instead of traveling thirty-five knots to our fishing hole I travel about three or four knots trolling lures. Here are a few lures I use and note I do not sell any lures, High Rollers, Strike More by Lee Fisher, Cisco Kid, Rapals and Manns stretch lures and I am sure with the amount of new lures on the market there are many more that work. Any of these lures will catch grouper along with other fish in the area. Please understand trolling is a lot of work so be prepared to pull in the baits often to check for grass as a lure with grass on it will not catch fish Once I get a hook up with a fish I either hit the save button on my GPS or throw the float in the water marking the spot I caught the grouper. One of two obvious things happens, either there is structure holding the fish or the fish are traveling to another location. If I find structure then I anchor and fish for them with bait or casting lures. I have had charters with great success in the past couple of weeks. Many grouper were caught but not as many keepers as I would think there would be at this time of year. I have been catching about forty grouper per charter with an average of two to six keepers per trip. This is good and bad… the good is the smaller fish was released unharmed and now we know that the year past we still have good spawn. The bad is we didn’t catch as many keepers as we all like. Most of the people who fish don’t mind releasing the smaller fish, as they know by releasing fish will help preserve the fishery for us and generations to come. I do have to mention all the charters have been taking home to eat many large grunts, sea bass, triggerfish and snapper. All in all fishing offshore has been good on the lower Nature Coast.
On the inshore reefs and grass flats my charters have been really doing well catching grouper nice sea trout, large Spanish mackerel, hound fish and bluefish. On the inshore waters I usually fish with artificial baits drifting which allows my charters to catch a bigger verity of fish.
Tight lines till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois Always Fishing Guide Service Office: 352-666-6234
http://www.alwaysfishing.com |
Captain Steven Soults (Fishing_buddy)
New member
Username: Fishing_buddy
Post Number: 14
Registered: 10-2003
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 - 5:41 pm: | |
The West Central Florida fishing report is brought to you by
Angling Adventures Charter Fishing Guide Service
Fly fishing and light tackle fishing in the beautiful waters of Florida’s nature coast.
http://www.angling-adventures.net
&
http://www.flatsfishingflorida.com
Hello, I’m Captain Steven Soults and this is the local Inshore and Backwater fishing report for Florida’s Nature Coast.
Everyone agrees the best time to go fishing is when you can. That definitely applies for the month of November & December. Its that time of the year again when we start seeing shorter days and Mother Nature wanting to bring us one of those supposed to be cold fronts packing usually a 10 to 15 knot wind which makes us pick and choose our days fishing. It’s also that time of year when water temperatures drop and that could only mean one thing! Shallow Water Grouper Fishing is here and in full swing! The months of November and December are very unique months. It’s the only time of year when we have the opportunity to catch large numbers of keeper Gag Grouper in water as shallow as 6 feet. We have had a great deal of success lately catching good #’s of keeper Grouper trolling shallow diving plugs in the Red & White color along with Gold & Black from Mann’s & Cisco Kid in the water depth of 12-15 ft. (tide depending)(about 12-15 miles offshore). This is a great way to locate some new spots for the G.P.S. and you will find that sometimes even the smallest rocks can hold good numbers of keeper size fish. Once keeper size fish have been located, you want to make a couple of passes through the same area to locate what and where exactly that rock pile or structure was, so you can come back to it at a later date.
Redfish could be the best bet this month. With winter approaching we are getting into our normal December pattern where we don’t get our full influx of water returning. It shouldn’t be to hard to find tailing Redfish hanging around some of the shallow water oyster bars in the Chaslowiska area. Again, you want to locate an area that is full of oyster bars with a deeper stretch of water close by for security. A free-lined Shrimp with no weight attached thrown into the moving water has been the number one producer for me on recent charters. Pinfish has been my second choice, but are becoming harder to find as winter approaches. Another method that I have been using to catch Redfish & Spotted Sea Trout with a great deal of success & I have been talking about non-stop in my many recent seminars is a simple worm hook with a weight attached and is known as FLUTTER HEAD jig setup in a 3/0 hook size. I have been simply attaching a 5” soft plastic Saltwater Assassin or Bass Assassin www.bassassassin.com to the hook, witch can be rigged (weedless) and can be easily bounced over oyster bars and through even some of the thickest grass flats with ease. You can find & purchase these Flutter jigs at your local Wal-Mart store for $2.27.
Also I wanted to mention that Speckled Trout season remains open for us in the North Region (from Fred Howard Park north) until February 1st.
With that in mind, we have had a great deal of success lately finding some very large fish (3 to 4lb range) in the shallow water grass flats in less than 4 feet of water. The method of (CHEAPER CHOICE) for flats fishing has been by using a simple red jig head with a white and pink flutter tail or jerk-bait, bought at my local WEST MARINE BOAT STORE and just twitching it along as you drift. This technique lands very quietly and has also produced a good number of Redfish on recent outings.
Don’t forget!!! Speckled Trout have a protective slime coat so handle and release them gently. By using a hook removal tool (BY X TOOLS www.xtools.us) or equilevent it greatly increases the survival rate of the fish and ensures the future survival of these species.
As cold weather approaches in Early & late December don’t forget to fish the warm water discharge of the Crystal River & Anclote power plants. The warm water discharges have been known to hold Cobia, Sheephead, Trout and Redfish when the water elsewhere cools. These area’s can be top producers if your willing to battle the crowds usually associated with warm water outflows!!!
If you have any questions or would like to book a trip to experience SHALLOW WATER GROUPER FISHING please call Angling Adventures Guide Service with Captain Steven Soults at (352) 686-0853 or you can try the cell at (352) 238-9339
Till next month!!! Fish on and tight lines!!!
http://www.angling-adventures.net |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 12
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 10, 2005 - 4:25 pm: | |
Trolling Tips for Grouper
Trolling for Grouper in the shallow water can produce big results. Recently we have enjoyed a cool change in water temperature. Cool night’s shorter days and light tide changes attribute to longer feeding periods for our local Gag Grouper. This time of the year it seems Grouper feed all day on a variety of baits and lures. Additionally the Grouper are found in abundance in shallow water compared to the summer deeper water patterns.
There are many ways to troll for Grouper in the Gulf of Mexico. All methods seem to work from time to time. However I have found a few techniques that have proven themselves to be very consistent. 25 and 30+ crank baits work well no matter what the color. A few colors like Red/White, Gold/Black, Chartreuse, Pink, and Blue/Chrome are favorites. Although these colors are common, each has its own special application. In clear water condition with bright sun light Blue/Chrome has worked best. In stained water with cloud cover Black/Gold & Chartreuse/Black are awesome. In muddy conditions Pink, or Red/White get great results. If all else fails use Red/White.
The small details like speed 3 to 4 knots and line size 30 to 50lb test mono or braided are important depending on depth and water conditions. An in-line sinker 30 feet in front of a lure can keep a lure down and closer to the boat. Closer to the boat can help when navigating expensive lures around crab traps. Staggered depths and sizes of lures can make a great presentation. Everyday is a little different from the previous day and an experienced angler can usually adapt to the changes in order to catch fish.
Old favorites that still work are the swimming mullet, inline heavy feathered jigs used with large planers. Wire line is an old favorite; however it is expensive and difficult to work with when snagging structure.
Hopefully some of these ideas can be of use to you on your next fishing adventure. Maybe you will catch more big fish. Either way catch all you want keep what you need.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 11
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 16 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, October 30, 2005 - 8:19 pm: | |
A recent cold front has made Grouper fishing HOT. Large numbers of Grouper being caught off Hernando Beach in all depths of water beyond 15 feet. If there is a rock or a ledge there is probably a Grouper near by. Most big reefs are loaded with short Grouper; however there are good numbers of large Grouper swimming with them. There are many to big and tough to stop and broken leaders and lines are common. Fishing in the wind and rough water are a challenge but easily forgotten when you are busy catching so many fish.
Most of the Grouper caught on my boat were on frozen Sardines, and Grunt heads. Live bait does work well know but not enough to make any big difference.
Good luck fishing,
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 10
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, October 23, 2005 - 4:27 pm: | |
Plenty of Gag Grouper in 18 to 25 feet of water west of Hernando beach. The reef balls are producing some nice fish. Trolling has been the most effective way when there are not many floating weeds. When the weeds are a problem anchor about 25 feet up current from the reef and chum with shrimp, and cut bait. There are a lot of short Grouper so be prepared for some action before you get a good size fish. Dead bait; Sardines, Mullet, Grunt heads, and Boston Mackerel have worked best. When the bites slows down try a live Pinfish to catch the finicky Groupers. Lighter weight 2 or 3 ounces with longer leaders have proven to be more productive than short leaders. Presentation is important so be sure to cast your bait back down current towards the reef.
Try to keep a flat line with a sardine or a select shrimp way back this method has helped us catch many Mackerel, Cobia, Sharks, and a few nice Grouper. Hope you next trip is productive.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Fishing-Rods (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 21, 2005 - 11:17 am: | |
Fishing-Rods Bait and Tackle
Hernando,Beach.
" Across From The Public Boat Ramp"
Good reports coming in all week indicating that the bite has turned on. Almost all the action is "Near-Shore". When I refer to "Near-Shore" I am basically talking about the area inside 20ft. of water.
Mackeral action is the bright spot right now and some large macks are roaming the grass flats and shallow rock piles from 10ft. to 30ft. Get a good chum line working, and freeline some cut Sardines or Herring into the slick and hold on.
Closer in, in the 6ft to 10ft. grass flats the trout action is good. Even closer, around the shallow rock piles and oyster bars in 2ft to 4ft of water you can find some nice reds. Try the area north of Pine Island and Raccoon Point.
Finally, the Grouper bite is getting better and some quality fish are being caught inside 30ft. The key is to run Northwest, at least a 290 heading.
Good Luck, watch out for Wilma on Sunday and Monday and stay safe. |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 9
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 17, 2005 - 8:54 pm: | |
Makerel and Grouper in close
Location: Hernando Beach
There are large schools of big Spanish mackerel 2 to 5lbs in 8 feet to 30 feet west of Hernando Beach. Chum with smashed sardines in your chum bag and flat line live shrimp on a 2/0 long shank hook with 10lb test no leader. You will loose a few due to cut offs however the bite will be plentiful. At night the Mackerel have no fear of leaders and line size. A green light and some chum brings them literally to the back of your boat. Ferocious action on jigs and any cut bait. Fly tackle is a blast with these fish day or night.
Plenty of Grouper in close 15 to 25 feet west of Hernando beach. Trolling is good when you can find an area without floating weeds. Bigger fish than expected are in close and break offs are common. 80lb line and tight drags can’t stop all of them; However you only need 3.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com |
Always Fishing Guide Service (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 14, 2005 - 2:26 pm: | |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois / Always Fishing Guide Service
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando County / Brooksville, Spring Hill
Florida and the Gulf of Mexico
The Nature Coast
http://www.alwaysfishing.com
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
The Nature Coast of Florida, Inshore-to twelve miles out and offshore fishing:
As a TV star once said (” Very interesting but stupid”) I truly need a lawyer to run my charter business or just to be a fisherman. I am not sure, with the amount of e mails I receive what the latest and greatest rules are to protect the fish, so I can not help you too much and I am a full time guide with as many questions as you have. I am sure the general public is totally confused. The TV media is not on top of this at all. There are some articles in the newspaper but sometimes they are very confusing. I truly wish someone would help the little people understand and can make sense of what’s happening about the new grouper rules. Don’t look for any fishing guides to oppose the federal government as all offshore fishing guides have very expensive permits to fish in the federal waters and don’t want to lose our permits. So I really hope the people we pay to make it nice to fish in Florida will finally decide what’s best for Florida and not be so political. From what I am seeing it is get even with the other politician and believe me that is not what fishing is all about. Remember catching the fish is a bonus and the fishing trip relaxing with family and friends is the important issue.
Any way! Let’s chat about fishing, I spent some time this past week fishing. Again some days were golden and some not. The water was crystal clear and the shallow water grouper were on the bite. As the wind picked up the water then became cloudy and fishing slowed down. Fishing with jig heads and a new swimming lure from Salt Water Assassin I caught and released many grouper. I did have a chance to bring Capt Eric Magnuson owner of Dixie Lee Bait and Tackle fishing and introduced him to the new baits. Guess what! Capt. Eric fished for about twenty minutes and landed two nice grouper on the baits and made him a believer too. Check with him to see if he has some in the shop. The shallow water trout have slowed down and I was wondering if maybe there could be a truth in weather and solar times? Unfortunately we all can not fish exactly when the conditions are perfect, so I really don’t follow them too much. The people with good record keeping and really study the moon and weather changes do better at times. I am pleased to report the fishing is picking up offshore and the green grasses are returning. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come. My charters caught and release unharmed many short grouper for the first time in over twelve months. Until now most of the grouper were all keepers and that fact concerned me, we need, like in all forms of life, the young; they will be the adults of the future. My trips did better on cut bait than live bait even the artificial baits were not effective unless tipped with something that had a smell to it. Maybe the water deep below the surface is cloudy. A good friend of mine Stan Hickson did tell me he went diving in about eighteen foot of water and the visibility was poor. All in all this time of year is still my favorite as the temperatures and fishing is always wonderful.
Tight lines till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office: 352-666-6234 |
Fishing-Rods (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 14, 2005 - 4:42 am: | |
Reports are indicating that conditions are getting better and we are beginning to see the start of the Fall fishing patterns. The best of these indicators is the water temperatures and they are now about 83 degrees.
Inshore, the Trout and Redfish fishing is Hot!!
Limit catches of trout are common and customers are complaining they are having to throw back fish over 20 inches because they can only keep one(1). You can find the trout on the flats from Bayport all the way to Chaz. The 3ft. to 4ft. depths seems to be the most productive. Redfish
can be found in almost the same areas, but primarily around the shallow rocks and oyster bars during the incoming tide. In the deeper flats and shallow rock piles, 12ft. to 16ft., Mackeral are making an appearance. Chuming will bring them to the boat.
Our favorite friend the Grouper is starting to get active on the inside rock piles. The best area seems to be the second ledge around the 28ft. depth. Reports indicate the fish are slow to bite and you need to be patient. Frozen baits,
sardines, Mullet, and Boston Mackeral is working best. The area from 30ft. to 60ft. due west of H.B. continues to be somewhat of a dead zone. There is no Red-Tide but the area still hasn't recouped from the tide.
Godd Fishing to you. Come by the shop if you are in the area. We'll show you the areas that are producing and try to help you catch some fish!! |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 8
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 6:25 pm: | |
Shallow water Grouper Time
Location: Hernando County
Plenty of Grouper in 15 to 25 feet of water west of Hernando beach. Sardines, cut up Grunts, and chunks of mullet have been very productive. Mangrove Snapper up to 3lbs are an everyday surprise on the tall rock formations. The trick lately is to chum allot and wait for the action to start. Chumming with small pieces of Sardines and chopped up shrimp work well. Waiting as much as twenty minutes for the Grouper to bite lately is the standard. We are still breaking bigger fish off at the leader a long the ledges. Break offs unfortunately happen in the shallow waters since Grouper tend to run from side to side instead of down towards structure. We have experimented with heavier leader material up to 100lbs; however we get fewer bites. 80lb leader seems to be the best choice around the heavy structure. We are using 80lb line with stand up gear in order to quickly lift the grouper out of their environment. Hopefully you can apply some of these tips to your next outing and catch GAGZILLA.
Capt. Rick
gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Always Fishing (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 5:40 pm: | |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois / Always Fishing Guide Service
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando County / Brooksville, Spring Hill
Florida and the Gulf of Mexico
The Nature Coast
http://www.alwaysfishing.com
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
The Nature Coast of Florida, Inshore-to twelve miles out and offshore fishing:
The Nature coast is heating up with prime time fishing. For you readers I do offshore fishing primarily, but I have more than one boat so I do inshore / backwater as well as bass fishing. I believe I will be doing more and more inshore and backwater fishing due to the fuel prices. I recently did a middle grounds trip and caught many fish but the cost of the fuel exceeded three hundred bucks, I also did a inshore fishing trip where we caught 18 nice trout and a pompano two small grouper all on ten pound fishing gear and had a ball for about fifty bucks in fuel. With all the wisdom the federal government has shutting the grouper season is a waist, the gas prices will do it for them. I will still be doing grouper trips but had to add the cost of fuel to the trip. In November and December unless things change only grouper caught within nine miles will be brought home. All other eating fish will be allowed to be taken home for supper. The water temperatures are getting better and I have seen signs of fall fishing starting to happen. Blue fish and hound fish are showing up on the shallow rocks this is a sure sign of fall fishing, also the big bonito are migrating and this is another sign things are going to happen early this year. I have had reports that some big redfish are being caught in the Homosassa and Crystal River areas. Another sign the fall season is upon us is the lack of white bait in our area. To the south you can still catch white bait in the Tarpon Spring area which stays there till about November. Salt / Bass Assassin has a new line of baits and Jim’s Tackle shack in the Outlet Mall has the new catalogs for you to look at so stop by and say Hi to Jim and tell him Capt Frank sent you… The bait companies are all doing tremendous with new baits to fool the fish. Hopefully Mother Nature will clean up the Gulf of red tide that has plagued the southern waters. Thankfully we have none as far north as we are from Tampa bay. Remember if you’re looking to go grouper fishing try to get out as many times as you can before November 1st or try fishing our shallow water rocks in hopes for a keeper size grouper. Only one thing please for the sake of the fish try to release the small grouper unharmed we do need them to grow up and keep Florida alive for generations to come.
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office: 352-666-6234 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 7
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 5:32 pm: | |
If you want to catch some good size Grouper and Mangrove Snapper, charter my boat. I know exactly where they are and I can help you catch them.
gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 6
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 5:18 pm: | |
Grouper on long flat hard bottom areas in 35 feet are holding large schools of 3 to 5lb Mangrove Snapper. Try flat lining chunks of sardines, silver side’s, and live shrimp with a 15lb spinning outfit with a #2 long shank hook with no leader for best results. Along with the Snapper are good size Gag Grouper. With constant chumming in 2 minute intervals the Snapper and Grouper will come up to the back of the boat when the tide slows down. Be careful not to run offshore to far most grouper this time of the year as the water temperature slowly falls are in 20 to 35 feet of water. |
Fishing-Rods (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2005 - 4:26 am: | |
High winds, dirty water, and what I believe to be patches of red tide are still hindering most offshore fishing west and south of Hernando Beach. North in the Homosassa and Crystal River areas the water clears up and the offshore fishing is better. The 35ft. to 45ft. depths are producing well. Grouper and snapper are biting once you get a good chum slick working and entice the fish.
Closer to home here in Hernando Beach, the inshore fishing has been relatively good. Trout in the 18" to 20" range are starting to become more common in the deeper grass flats 10' to 12'. Redfish are becoming more active in the early morning or late evening around the shallow oyster bars and rock areas. Creek chubs if you can get them work great. Finally, snook are still feeding in the channel cuts early or around the shrimp docks at night. Not to bad for this time of year. A few more weeks and fishing will start getting hot. Now is the time to start preparing. Stop by the shop and we'll work with you to make sure you have everything ready for the fall. Fishing-Rods Bait & Tackle is located directly across the street from the Public Boat Ramps in Hernando Beach. |
Always Fishing Guide Service (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 5 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 19, 2005 - 7:51 am: | |
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando County / Brooksville, Spring Hill
Florida and the Gulf of Mexico
The Nature Coast
http://www.alwaysfishing.com
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
The Nature Coast of Florida, Inshore-to twelve miles out and offshore fishing:
The Nature coast is heating up with prime time fishing. For you readers I do offshore fishing primarily, but I have more than one boat so I do inshore / backwater as well as bass fishing. I believe I will be doing more and more inshore and backwater fishing due to the fuel prices. I recently did a middle grounds trip and caught many fish but the cost of the fuel exceeded three hundred bucks, I also did a inshore fishing trip where we caught 18 nice trout and a pompano two small grouper all on ten pound fishing gear and had a ball for about fifty bucks in fuel. With all the wisdom the federal government has shutting the grouper season is a waist, the gas prices will do it for them. I will still be doing grouper trips but had to add the cost of fuel to the trip. In November and December unless things change only grouper caught within nine miles will be brought home. All other eating fish will be allowed to be taken home for supper. The water temperatures are getting better and I have seen signs of fall fishing starting to happen. Blue fish and hound fish are showing up on the shallow rocks this is a sure sign of fall fishing, also the big bonito are migrating and this is another sign things are going to happen early this year. I have had reports that some big redfish are being caught in the Homosassa and Crystal River areas. Another sign the fall season is upon us is the lack of white bait in our area. To the south you can still catch white bait in the Tarpon Spring area which stays there till about November. Salt / Bass Assassin has a new line of baits and Jim’s Tackle shack in the Outlet Mall has the new catalogs for you to look at so stop by and say Hi to Jim and tell him Capt Frank sent you… The bait companies are all doing tremendous with new baits to fool the fish. Hopefully Mother Nature will clean up the Gulf of red tide that has plagued the southern waters. Thankfully we have none as far north as we are from Tampa bay. Remember if you’re looking to go grouper fishing try to get out as many times as you can before November 1st or try fishing our shallow water rocks in hopes for a keeper size grouper. Only one thing please for the sake of the fish try to release the small grouper unharmed we do need them to grow up and keep Florida alive for generations to come.
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office: 352-666-6234 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 5
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 6:57 am: | |
Where are the Grouper?
I know where they are and you can catch them. As conditions change in the Gulf of Mexico so should the methods in which you fish. Always try new things when your fail safe methods don’t work out. Lately we have been fishing deeper water just like most of you. However the other day we stopped to catch bait in about 10 feet of water. To our surprise while catching pinfish we had a Cobia come into the chum slick and some nice Trout some big Catfish and Grouper. None the less we had a trash can slam with a few nice Grouper. We were prepared with heavy enough tackle to handle our visiting sports fish and all the other can fish. After a few sharks we decided to go offshore a ways and try for some more Grouper. We caught lots of short grouper, Gag’s and Red’s. After a few more keepers. My customers wanted to go back to the Catfish, Sharks and other can fish. I was puzzled but learned a valuable lesson. Most customers really want to have fun it doesn’t really matter what you are catching. Grouper are something us locals think we have to catch to be successful. Many times this just is not true. I believe I will ask what the customers want more often and preserve our resources. They had fun and showed me their appreciation.
Catching any fish with friends and family is fun! |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 4
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 7:40 am: | |
23 Aug 2005
The last four days we have been pleasantly surprised to catch and release 60+ grouper per day. My customers had concerns about RED TIDE, and I assured them the RED tide did exist; however we can run past it and have fun catching fish. Throughout each day we fished with various methods such as flat lines with live & dead bait, conventional tackle and light weight spinning tackle. We consistently caught Grunts, Grouper, and Spanish mackerel. Each day we caught Cobia; the biggest was 28lbs! Flat lines with live bait also produced some acrobatic line ripping sharks. None the less we had fun each day with constant line bending action.
We were fishing 35 to 40 miles offshore in 50 to 60 feet of water. Water temperature on the surface was 94 degrees. Water was light green with approximately 20 feet of visibility. Large schools of threadfins were migrating towards the south and there are plenty of Cudas, Sharks, and Spanish mackerel following them. For what ever reason bigger grouper are hitting dead sardines better than live bait. The live bait flat lines are attacked more frequently than dead. I guess that’s why they call it fishing. Anyway make subtle changes to your fishing techniques as the environment changes and you will probably catch more fish.
Good luck,
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Frank Bourgeois (Cappy)
New member
Username: Cappy
Post Number: 1
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 8 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 7:15 pm: | |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois / Always Fishing Guide Service
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando County / Brooksville, Spring Hill
Florida and the Gulf of Mexico
The Nature Coast
http://www.alwaysfishing.com
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
The Nature Coast of Florida, Inshore-to twelve miles out and offshore fishing
August heat turns into September mix and match. The magic is in the air temperatures. Cold fronts are going to change our fishing from dog days of summer to fall fishing. Look for the beginning of fall on the weather channel to start in Canada and watch it progress to Florida. When you see the stronger cold fronts change the water temperatures then the fishing will start to pick up. No one knows when this will happen but I have seen it happen as early as September in years past.
Fishing has been a real big problem for the people who go grouper digging. A major amount of fuel has been consumed looking for productive rocks. Most of the rocks in the twenty to forty foot areas are bear. Larger rock piles with any amount of grass next to them are producing some nice grouper. The problem is each rock is miles away from the other and at the price of fuel you have to do your homework to minimize long travel times. One trick is when you get to a rock pile try chumming. The grouper are tight to the cover and the chum will make them come out of the rocks to feed. Lighter leaders and smaller hooks and little or no terminal tackle like snap swivels. This is your best bet when the water is this warm.
I just did a fishing trip to the middle grounds for fun with Capt Eric from Dixie Lee Bait and Tackle and his two sons that run a backwater fishing guide service called Double Trouble. We made the one hundred mile trip one way in hopes of catching our limit of grouper and snapper. Well the middle grounds is a vast place to fish and we did manage to catch Amber jacks which we released a big Bonito a major size shark also released and four keeper red grouper. No gag grouper, no snapper. I have to say the day was wonderful but thinking about replacing the one hundred gallons of fuel didn’t make me happy at the prices we are paying. Another interesting thing we discovered is the amount of stuff floating out there. We came across a military fuel tank of about twenty foot long that looked like a bomb but when we approached it we could smell the fuel, so we reported it and left the area. Large trees are bouncing just breaking the surface some are marked by trash sticking to them. If you are going to fish the waters in this area, I would recommend you to either plan your trips for daylight hours or have good radar equipment and even then be careful as radar of the best quality will not detect an underwater object.
Shallow water grouper for catch and release with an occasional keeper size is really doing well. Hopefully the people who catch these juvenile fish are careful to release the fish unharmed. Large healthy trout are starting to be caught in shallower waters as well as great snook fishing just south of Hernando beach. Red fishing is about as good as it gets. I guess all great inshore fishing is due to the net ban and a state agency that really knows how to manage the fishery.
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office: 352-666-6234 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 6 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 17, 2005 - 12:33 pm: | |
16 Aug 2005
Fishing off Hernando beach is still good. There are problems with REDTIDE south of us and there is some RED TIDE bloom 50 miles west of Hernando County. We fished beyond these problem areas and to the northwest. We caught a limit of Red Grouper in our first hour and we caught nice Mangrove Snapper up to 3lbs. We caught a few Amberjack, one 30lbs or more and a few American Red Snapper. On the way home we checked out a large weed line and caught some Dolphin. The Dolphin were fun and acrobatic. Colorful, jumping, line ripping fish that are great to eat are always welcome addition to any great day fishing. Our trip was a 12 hour trip with a long boat ride and constant line pulling fun. For more check gulfgrouper.com or Call Capt Rick. |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 2
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 4:16 pm: | |
The new TEMPORARY RULE NR05-036 IMPLEMENTED TO REDUCE RECREATIONAL RED GROUPER HARVEST IN THE GULF OF MEXICO FOR THE 2005 FISHING YEAR has now gone into affect as of 9 August.
This #*#* #*#* rule limits the recreational angler to keep a total of 3 Grouper per day. 1 Red Grouper 20” inches or larger & 2 GAG Grouper 22” inches or longer. Or just three GAG’s. Either way 3 Grouper per person per day aggregate. You can Thank Roy Crabtree at NOAA for convincing the Federal Government to pass this law. The Fed’s did a good thing by lowering the bag limit but they trusted Roy boy too much when they closed the season for all grouper for up coming November and December 20005. “That’s correct, the best time of the year for Grouper and Tourist”.
See, Roy believes that we are going to kill too many RED Grouper while we are fishing for GAG’s. “Post release mortality” This is absurd!, We all know that when Grouper fishing the west coast of Fla. area an average trip is about 20 miles off shore. Most the Grouper caught are GAG’s. Sure you may catch a few small reds and an occasional keeper Red. But the Gag’s surely out number the RED’s. My point is all recreational anglers should be shocked and should make their voices heard. Please consider contacting your congress person and let them know what you think. Laws are good when they are made for the right reason and backed with good science to support the reason. The law to close the season is only beneficial to the commercial fishing fleet that targets Red grouper and is often fishing beyond 60 miles off shore. A distance most anglers won’t fish anymore for only 1 Red Grouper per person.
Anyway! The fishing report as of yesterday. We made a fun trip to the middle grounds 100 miles to see what was up. After pushing through a few summer squalls we made it to calm waters. We fished about 5 hours and caught a 4 person limit of RED Grouper in the first half hour and then a limit of GAG’s a few small Dolphin, a Kingfish, 2 Amberjacks, a bunch of big Porgies, a few Red Snapper and a few Scamps. We broke off a few GAGZILLA’s on the ledges; “I guess you can’t catch them all”. The water cleared up to a light blue about 50 mile west of Hernando Beach at 80 it was darker blue. Big weed lines lots of small Dolphin and hundreds of schools of Bonita’s working their way south. The trip was fun and but not worth the cost unless you truly like blue water fast fishing. Note: we emboli zed every fish we released and observed them swim towards the bottom. I believe they lived and will grow to be bigger fish one day.
Good luck fishing,
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Quote from Gus, “It’s not the fish you’re really after” |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 1
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 10 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 2:24 pm: | |
We are catching plenty of keeper size Grouper in 40 feet of water and beyond. Lots of short Grouper and very few keepers in the 35ft range. Move out towards deeper water and observe how the temperature drops a degree or two. When you notice the cooler surface temperature you will notice more schools of bait on the surface. Along with Grouper these cooler areas are where the Kingfish, Dolphin, and Bonita’s are.
We had a great night fishing trip a week ago. We caught a couple dozen Mangrove Snapper and 5 nice GAG's. Looking forward to more night trips so sign up while the action is hot. Mangrove Snapper will be consistent until the first cold front then they will slow down.
. |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 6 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 27, 2005 - 6:39 pm: | |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois / Always Fishing Guide Service
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando County / Brooksville, Spring Hill
Florida and the Gulf of Mexico
The Nature Coast
http://www.alwaysfishing.com
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Inshore-to twelve miles out and offshore fishing
June fishing is upon us and the excitement of usually calm waters brings us to some good fishing. This year should be about as good as it gets. Some times the cold fronts postpone the migration of the fish and this year I believe this is what is going to happened. To my surprise the water temperatures are just now reaching the warmth of April. June should be excellent month for trolling especially for kingfish, grouper and cobia. I have found that the Cobia fishing is already great. I have to tell you the deep water trout fishing just started, in twelve to twenty foot of water. Yes I said twenty foot of water. On a recent trip we hit a shallow water grouper rock and brought in some nice twenty inch trout instead of grouper. The water is clear so I do suggest you lighten up your line and leaders. Speaking of leaders I just purchased some new leader called Tyger-Leader stainless coated leader material that you can tie in a knot or melt the plastic coating with a lighter after you twist it . The leader is flexible and has so far been the best I have ever used. Check my website, www.alwaysfishing.com and go to the links page, there is a link there for Tyger leader. So far I have caught all kinds of fish using this leader and it seems to not impair the movements of the lures.
On a special note with great concern! I will pass to you a note I received. This is something to be concerned with as I check with my sources very bad for our community as well as our fishermen in the whole state of Florida that fish for grouper on the gulf.
The Gulf council has agreed to piggy back public hearings on the public hearings already scheduled in June for reef fish amendment 18a and the charter/headboat moratorium regarding a red grouper/shallow water grouper recreational interim rule to be effective sometime after July 2005. Dr. Crabtree is currently looking at a 3 fish aggregate bag limit with 1 fish being red grouper and an October thru December closure for 2005. The hearings already are scheduled for June 15, orange beach, Al, June 16 Destine, Fl, June 27, Key West, fl, June 28 Naples, Fl, and June 29 Tampa / St. Pete, fl. The council is now working on a regulatory amendment to permanently address the recreational red grouper issue that they intend to have ready for implementation in 2006 I suggest that all interested parties be prepared to attend any public hearing where this issue will be discussed to let their feelings be known. As you can see the closure has been reduced from the earlier proposed 4 months to 3. If you have problems with the closure and/or the proposed bag limits please continue to voice your opinions. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet in Daytona, Fl on June 8,9,10 and Dr. Crabtree has been invited to discuss this issue. If you are interested in the recreational red grouper/shallow water grouper fishery YOU NEED TO BE AT THIS MEETING AND THE PUBLIC HEARING IN YOUR AREA!!!!!! You may also want to voice your opinion to your federal Congressional and Senatorial representatives along with Governor Bush.
Capt. Bob Zales, II
bobzales@att.net
bus. ph 850.763.7249
fax 850.763.3558
Fixing the problem only on the recreational side and not the commercial side is not the way to go in my opinion. Neither is only the commercial getting hit with closures. There has to be a way to please all and help the fish stock come back. Plus closing the grouper off totally for three months would be devastating to my business, as well as to all the people who want to come to Florida and visit and go fishing with friends and relatives. If you agree with not liking the way things are going please let your appropriate government officials hear from you.
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office: 352-666-6234 |
Capt Frank Bourgeois (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2005 - 5:43 am: | |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois / Always Fishing Guide Service
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando County, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.alwaysfishing.com
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Backwater-to five miles out, inshore-to twelve miles out, offshore
Well everyone is looking for great fishing report but the fishing changes from bad to good daily at this time of year . So I will just fill you in on how things will be happening in February. We will start out telling you about the offshore fishing coming up. As the cold fronts pass they will effect the fishing more than anything else as it does control two things. One being the habits of the fish the other is being able to go fishing. All across the U.S. the cold fronts, will effect, many species of fish when they will go from being dormant to active. The same applies here. If the water temperature goes up, the fish now think it is ok to start their spring movements. Most of the bigger fish do not move out of their winter haunts till the water temperature moves into a comfortable temperature. Fish like snapper, white grunts and smaller fish are not as uncomfortable in the cooler water. But the big Grouper and larger fish almost hibernate. Here is the only things you can do right now. Start shallow hoping the water is warmer and go deeper and deeper.
The people who have a boat big enough to go to the middle grounds will do the best as a lot of fish migrate there for the winter also the grouper will migrate there for breeding. The water in the middle grounds if you don’t know is over eighty miles from Hernando Beach is much deeper and closer to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. One of the problems that really hurt the grouper is not knowing the exact time period that the grouper go to the middle grounds to lay eggs. Millions of pounds of eggs are not allowed to be put into these beds due to fishing at this time of year, always decreasing the amount of grouper we have each year. The commercial people are forced to not fish during a one month period in the winter and the government controls this and they think they know mother nature well and can tell when the grouper goes to the fishing spots to lay their eggs. This has not worked and sad to say the commercial fishermen have to support their family’s. So all I can say is if you see the grouper with a belly full of eggs limit yourself and practice catch and release for a while and maybe, just maybe we can control our own destiny instead of the government doing it for us. I know this will be hard as it does cost so much money to go grouper fishing and not take home all you can catch especially in my business the clients always want to keep the fish.
On the inshore and backwater waters the fish like trout, reds and snook hide in the deeper grass or near springs where the water is much warmer. Having a very shallow draft boat is the best way to get way in the back of the creeks for some great fishing. Just remember to slow down in the winter for better results. Look south right now toward Tarpon Springs for some real action on Pompano as well as some of the biggest trout of the year. Now Sheep head fishing, that’s a different story you can get them in about any rock pile you know about. Use live shrimp or fly fish for them.
Keep a tight line till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office:352-666-6234 Toll free: 1-888-618-3474
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Capt Frank (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 6:25 pm: | |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois / Always Fishing Guide Service
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando County, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.alwaysfishing.com
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Posted - 1.28.04
Backwater-to five miles out, inshore-to twelve miles out, offshore
Oh what a relief…
I can speak for many in Florida, “enough is enough with the weather” guess what… I think we are safe now… I just returned from a trip offshore (“ahhhhh”)… Oh what a relief it was to hear my Optimax roaring up the channel again. “Too long” I said to myself but, no one can change Mother Nature. Ok here is what to expect out in the gulf. Gliding toward the bird rack, I noticed lots of new tree branches taking up permanent residence along the channels edge. I suspect the county has cleared the channel of obstructions except the crab traps. I hope the storm has drifted them into the channel and someone did not put them there. Passing by what we call the bird rack which is the number one marker, I really noticed the water was very dirty. The water here on the Nature Coast is clear as drinking water so observing this was not a pleasant site. This is normal after storms and the water will clean up rapidly as the winds calm down. Heading out to North Rack the floating grass was very thick and when I passed North Rack I did notice there was some damage on the rack. The water continued to be dirty and full of floating grass till we hit forty foot of water. This is where I decided to start to look for fish. I fished my way out to fifty-five feet of water. On the way there we tried trolling thru large bait schools and what appeared to be some nice Bonita and Kings. Nope we did not hook up I guess they were full as the bait schools were large. I then decided to hit a good number I have in fifty-five foot of water then it happened. We stayed in this area all day and ended up with some limits of Grouper. Two highlights of the trip was George Lytal of Spring Hill not only limited out on Grouper he caught a prize Shark. The big fish for the day was a beautiful catch by Jim Leech of Zephyrhills, hooking and landing a forty five inch Cobia. The Cobia bottomed out my Boca Grip which only goes to twenty-five pounds.
Keep a tight line till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office:352-666-6234 Toll free: 1-888-618-3474
Keep a tight line till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office:352-666-6234 Toll free: 1-888-618-3474
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Capt frank Bourgeois (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 5 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 3:12 pm: | |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois / Always Fishing Guide Service
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando Beach and the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.alwaysfishing.com
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Cabin fever is only for a short time here in Florida. I have been in Florida since 1981 and remember months of bad fishing weather when I lived in New England. I guess a few weeks of bad weather I can live with, but lets see what it will do to the fishing. I predict the fishing will be great but we will have to wait for the fish to settle back down from the storms. Lucky for the fisherman not the fish they do not have a long memory. It takes a few days for them to forget we had a storm and things get back to normal fast. What you really want to consider is fall to the fish is not the same as we think about it. The storms that have just passed dumped lots of cool water in the Gulf. If this sends a signal to the fish that fall is here, you just might want to hit the waters sooner for fall fishing. Now is a good time to re-spool your reels with heavier line in anticipation of the bigger fish moving into the shallow waters. I have just cancelled two more charters as the winds are still causing bad conditions in the gulf. The waters are not only stirred up from the freshwater run off from the land areas but in our area we have to contend with silt. Most of the silt comes from limestone. As a lot of you realize this area is limestone city and we see this every day on the highways as limestone trucks pass us or we follow them and the limestone is on our windshields. This same white powder fills our Gulf waters. All we need is a few good days and our waters will be clean again. The fish will look for clean water too so give your attention to the clarity of the water your fishing in. I have not been on the Gulf since Hurricane Frances so my report is only what was told to me. The fish are biting but very slow and the small fish are active as they require more food than the bigger fatter fish.
Keep a tight line till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
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Capt Frank Bourgeois (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 8 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 7:14 pm: | |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois / Always Fishing Guide Service
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando Beach and the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.alwaysfishing.com
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Shorter days is the sign that our summer season is also getting shorter. I am not looking forward to winter, but I am looking forward to fall fishing. Looking over my past years of fishing the Nature Coast I find the same scenario and here are my thoughts about fall fishing. I believe the fish move into the shallow waters to feed a lot and build body fat for the winter months ahead. What I am trying to say is you never know when this will happen only Mother Nature can tell the fish what to do. Be on the look out for this to happen and you will be in one of the best fishing times of the year.
Offshore fishing is doing ok with some days better than others. I have been catching far more Red Grouper than Gag Grouper. Note the Red Grouper has to be twenty inches and the Gag Grouper has to be twenty-two inches to bring home. Large Spanish Mackerel also dominate the waters in places like the parking lot just off Hernando Beach. Another fish you need to fish for and believe me they are not easy to catch the Hog Fish. The Hog Fish is one of the gulf’s best kept secretes. They are not easy to catch on rod and reel. Here is one way you might try to catch them. Try fishing for sea trout in the deep waters add a small sinker to your jig and you will be surprised to find they will catch Hog Fish. On a recent trips we have also caught some very large Mangrove Snapper. We were catching them in my grouper holes on hard bottom fishing with tuff stuff squid and when you find them they are always a pleasant treat. Capt Bill Eaton one of our local outdoor writers experienced this treat just recently on an offshore trip. We caught some nice snapper, Spanish mackerel and some fine grouper. Most of the large catches for grouper are coming from sixty to seventy foot of water.
One thing I did observer is with the calm waters of summer the smaller boats are going out to the deep water without any consideration of what the gulf has to offer. The boats we buy today are built to handle the choppy water very well. I would like you to consider being even more careful when the forecast from the weather stations are predicting thunder storms. I have been on the water for over forty years and I can tell you from experience a storm can hit you without much warning. Having a fast boat is not the answer! A Gulf storm can and will catch even the fastest boat on the Gulf. If you do get caught in one of these storms here are few things you can do. Anchor your boat with lots of scope as the wind will be putting a lot of force on the anchor. Remember try to use six foot of line per foot for proper anchor holding. Keep your motor running just in case the anchor fails as you want to keep the bow of the boat into the wind. A note here is do not run over your anchor rope. Stay very low in the boat. Do not try fishing in a lighting storm as your fishing rod will conduct electricity. Well I hope this will help.
Keep a tight line till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office:352-666-6234 Toll free: 1-888-618-3474
Keep a tight line till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office:352-666-6234 Toll free: 1-888-618-3474
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FishingRod (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 5 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 4:08 am: | |
Hello from Hernando Beach and Fishing Rods Bait & Tackle. This is a late April report, and it has been a great month! We just finished our Grouper Tournament on the 24th, and the quanity and quality of the fish caught was amazing.
The Grouper bite is on! Fish have moved into the hard bottom areas from 18ft. on out. In the shallower areas the best method has been slow trolling with diving plugs Mann 12+ and 25+ are working great. In the deeper waters 35ft and out, find the rock piles and chum, once the bite starts, use live bait and school mullet for the big ones.
While grouper fishing, keep a flat line out for Kingfish and Cobia, some good sized fish are being caught. If you are targeting these fish, Trolling large spoons in the 30ft. to 40ft. range is producing the Kings, and chuming the surface over hard bottom and the deeper grass flats is producing the Cobia.
Inside, trout and mackeral are the main action. Trout are on the flats from 4 to 8 feet. Live shrimp on popping floats and grub tails are working well. Mackeral are in the 10ft. to 12ft. range, chuming and using white bait or shrimp is working best.
This is a great time to be fishing, hope to see you out there! By the way, the results of our Grouper Tournament:
1st Place - 22lbs.3oz.
2nd Place - 20lb.0oz.
3rd Place - 16lbs.8oz.
4th Place - 15lbs.6oz.
Total Weight(8 fish) - 99lbs. 3oz.
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Captain Steven Soults (Fishing_buddy)
New member
Username: Fishing_buddy
Post Number: 10
Registered: 10-2003
Rating:
Votes: 11 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 9:42 am: | |
The West Central Florida fishing report is brought to you by Angling Adventures Guide Service. Fly fishing and light tackle fishing on the beautiful Inshore Flats and Backwaters of Florida’s Nature Coast.
http://www.angling-adventures.net
Hello, I’m Captain Steven Soults and this is the local Inshore Flats and backcountry fishing report for Florida’s Nature Coast.
Well we’ve made it through another winter (hopefully its over), spring time conditions are here bringing rising water temperatures and longer daylight hours, it shouldn’t be long before the Gulf of Mexico reaches the magic water temperature – 68 degrees Fahrenheit. During the month of April, the waters of the Nature Coast literally come alive with a variety of game fish species. It shouldn’t be too hard to find hungry fish on the move. Once again its that time of the year to head out to the garage and grab that top water box and head out to the shallow water flats for a chance at some nice 20 plus inch keeper size Trout. I have two or three top waters that I found to be very productive, such as the TOP DOG Junior by Mirrolure (Tan & White or Bone color), or a SKITTER WALK by Rapala (Silver Mullet), but my favorite being the BANNA BOAT by YO-ZURI. Any of these lures I mentioned could be picked up by someone for the first time and become a master at walking the dog within minutes. On recent charters we have found good numbers of keeper size fish by WALKING THE DOG early in the morning on the shallow grass flats (3 to 4 feet) of Pasco County. When the sun gets to high (around 10.00a.m) for Top-waters its time to switch to a simple Cajun Thunder bobber with a soft plastic jig attached with just enough line on it to keep it out of the grass and jig away. This easily learned technique has produced many keeper Trout and is a great way to introduce young anglers into fishing, without them losing interest. Spotted Sea Trout Fishing is about as good as it gets this month. The key has been drift fishing until keeper fish are found. On recent charters we have had great success using a soft plastic jerk bait from LOVE LURES (Red SLUGGER). Two key things to remember while Trout fishing are the bag limit is 5 fish per person per day in the North Region, and that Trout are a relatively fragile fish. You must handle and release them with care if we want to ensure the future survival of these species. If Spanish Mackerel aren’t on your summer time list they should be!! On recent charters we have had non-stop action all day fishing the deeper grass flats off Hernando County (approximately 8-10 feet) using the 5- inch (Black w/ Red spots) soft plastic jerk bait from SALTWATER ASSASSIN. The trick to landing these toothy speedsters has been to use a short piece of wire leader (approximately 6 inches of SURFLON Nylon Coated stainless steel in the (20lb) class with Size 3 leader sleeves) crimped to a ¼ or 3/8 oz. jig head depending on the depth of water. Remember Tarpon Fishing for May and June is just around the corner and there is only a few days left available, so don’t wait to the last minute to book a trip to experience a chance at catching a record Tarpon on a Spinning or Fly Rod on the beautiful Oklahoma Flats!!
If you have any questions or would like to book a trip to experience some of the BEST Inshore and Backwater fishing that Hernando, Pasco and Citrus County has to offer please call Angling Adventures Guide Service with Captain Steven Soults at (352) 686-0853 or you can try the cell at (352) 238-9339
Till next month!!! Fish on and tight lines!!!
http://www.angling-adventures.net
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fishingrod (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 5 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 5:49 am: | |
Hello, from Fishing Rods Bait & Tackle and Hernando Beach. This is our March report, and finally we have some good fishing to report!
The first signs of spring have appeared and the warming trend has turned the fishing on.
On the flats, the trout have started to moveout and the bite has been decent for the last week.
Redfish are still slow and are in the creeks and rivermouth. Snook are moving, but still not in a biting mood. Just a little more warm weather and the water temperature on the flats should be about right.
Offshore, the grouper fishing has turned on in the shallow areas. Now the target depths are in the mid 30ft. to mid 40ft. This past week with the warmer weather, trolling in the 30ft. range was very productive and some large fish were reported.
This current cold snap should hurt the water temperature much, and I expect the warm weather the rest of the week and this weekend should ber enough to turn the bite on good. Get everything ready, its that time of year!
Come by to see us or visit our website:
www.fishingrodsshop.com |
Captain Steven Soults (Fishing_buddy)
New member
Username: Fishing_buddy
Post Number: 9
Registered: 10-2003
Rating:
Votes: 7 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 09, 2004 - 8:15 pm: | |
The West Central Florida fishing report is brought to you by Angling Adventures Guide Service. Fly fishing and light tackle fishing in the beautiful waters of Florida’s nature coast.
http://www.angling-adventures.net
Hello, I’m Captain Steven Soults and this is the local backcountry fishing report for Florida’s Nature Coast.
If you’re looking to take an advantage of this colder weather, then its time to hit the shallow rivers, creeks and backwaters of Hernando County, (if you haven’t already been fishing there) before some of the BEST light tackle fishing disappears until next January and February. If Mother Nature gives us a break on the winds, it’s a GREAT time to break out the 9 weight and head to the backwaters for some of the best fly-fishing that we have to offer. Monster Jack Crevalle up to 12-13 pounds are not uncommon this time of year and are one of the hardest fighting fish you will ever encounter in the backwaters and truly are a blast on 10 lb test. These spring fed areas hold warmer water and tend to maintain a constant temperature year round. Remember this time of year the water is about 70 degrees in these areas, so a quarter-ounce jig head with a five-inch soft plastic imitation worked with an ultra-slow presentation has been producing the most strikes, but a soft plastic rigged weed-less has been working just as well for redfish and Monster Jack Crevalle. If live bait is preferred a live shrimp shouldn’t go unnoticed to any Red or Jack in the area, and swims slowly enough for even the most lethargic fish a chance on catching it without having to expend much energy chasing it down.
Another key to fishing successfully in the month of February is to locate the warmest water possible. Power plant outflows such as the Anclote Power Plant are a traditional hotspot known for holding Monster Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Trout and Cobia. Remember that power plant outflows can extend up to a half-mile or more out into the gulf and an accurate temperature gauge is a must and makes locating these warmer water outflows a breeze.
Remember Spotted Sea Trout remains closed for us in the North Region through out February, but reopens in March. Watch for the magic water temperature on the flats to get to (68) before heading out to your favorite trout spot in March.
If you have any questions or would like to book a trip to experience BACKWATER FISHING AT ITS BEST please call Angling Adventures Guide Service with Captain Steven Soults at (352) 686-0853 or you can try the cell at (352) 238-9339
Till next month!!! Fish on and tight lines!!!
http://www.angling-adventures.net
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FishingRods (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 08, 2004 - 4:14 am: | |
Hello, from Hernando Beach and the Nature Coast.
This is our February report and it sounds a lot like our January report.
As of this week, Feb. 7th, water temperatures have increased some due to some nice warm days, and this has helped the inshore fishing some, with the water temp now around the 60 degree mark.
Best bet inside continues to be the schools of jacks and ladyfish. The mouth of the Mud river and Weeki Wachee rivers have been a hot spot with plenty of action. Further up in the mud river and in Jenkins Creek, redfish have been the best bet.
They are hanging in shallow edges, and with the very clear water, you need to be make very long cast to reach them and not spook them away.
Offshore fishing continues to be in deep water. In our area here, that means past 50ft. The best range continues to be the 60ft. to 65ft. area.
The gag grouper are being found around any concentration of bait so don't just concentrate on large structure. Good sized fish are being caught on large live bait. Large Spot tails are working well, and you can catch them around the second break in about 30ft. This week we had
a 34 inch and 36 inch gag weighed in at 20 and 22 lbs.
Keep track of our web site at www.fishingrodsshop.com; we are organizing a Grouper tournament for latter part of April, and you can keep posted by checking the site. If not, give us a call and we'll tell you all about it.
Till next time, be safe and good fishing!
FISHING-RODS BAIT & TACKLE -HERNANDO BEACH
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Captain Steven Soults (Fishing_buddy)
New member
Username: Fishing_buddy
Post Number: 8
Registered: 10-2003
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 19, 2004 - 3:40 pm: | |
The West Central Florida fishing report is brought to you by Angling Adventures Guide Service. Fly fishing and light tackle fishing in the beautiful waters of Florida’s nature coast.
http://www.angling-adventures.net
Hello, I’m Captain Steven Soults and this is the local backcountry fishing report for Florida’s Nature Coast.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
January is here, but it sure doesn’t feel like January out there. I remember last year at this time I was canceling more trips than I was running due to cold front after cold front blowing me off the water. Its finally 2004 and the new year is here and boy is it starting out GREAT! The weather has been outstanding in the last week to say the least, contrary to normal January weather and fishing has been getting better everyday. We have had the majority of our success fishing the shallow backwaters of Hernando Beach and Bayport in the later part of the day when the sun has had a chance to heat up the water a bit. A quarter-ounce jig head with a five-inch soft plastic imitation worked with the slowest presentation possible has been producing the most strikes, but a soft plastic rigged weed-less has been working just as well for redfish and Giant Jack Crevalle. Since the backwaters can be very clear when it is cold, a quiet approach and a long cast is a must and can increase your chances of hooking a fish before it ever has a chance to see you. If you are having difficulty finding fish, lures that cover ground very quickly (top-waters, GOLD-spoons, and jigs) are especially effective this time of year, and with a little bit of scouting you should be able to reveal some fish holding areas without difficulty. If Redfish are your primary target, then you need to find the warmest water possible. The warmest water is usually the shallowest, so you need to get as far back in the backwaters as you can until you run out of water, then go further. The key is, go until you start seeing schools of mullet jumping and swimming past the boat. When you start seeing them your getting to the right area. A live shrimp or a live pinfish free lined into the school should not go unnoticed, but use caution when approaching not to spook the school with banging and such. I wanted to mention a little about cold fronts before I go. Cold fronts play an important part in fishing this time of year. Fishing before the cold fronts arrive can result in some of the best fishing action you can encounter during the month of January and February, because the fish know it may be the last chance to eat before the front gets here and the waters get mudded up. Remember, cold days can mean great fishing around warm water discharges from power plant outflows. These warm water discharges can extend a good quarter mile or more out into the cooler gulf waters. The warmer water temperatures attract a number of species of fish. Giant Jack Crevalle, Ladyfish and Cobia are all common catches this time of year around power plant outflows.
If you have any questions or would like to book a trip to experience BACKWATER FISHING AT ITS BEST please call Angling Adventures Guide Service with Captain Steven Soults at (352) 686-0853 or you can try the cell at (352) 238-9339
Till next month!!! Fish on and tight lines!!!
http://www.angling-adventures.net
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FishingRod (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 16, 2004 - 6:14 am: | |
Happy 2004 from Fishing-Rods Bait & Tackle in Hernando Beach. This is our first report for the year 2004, and unfortunately, I do not have what I would call a very enthusiastic fishing report.
Since the brief warm spell between Xmas and New Years when the water temperature rose back up to the mid 60's, the fishing conditions have reverted back to typical winter patterns.
Here in our part of the Nature Coast, the area between Aripeka and Chassahowitzka, the shallow waters are in the mid 50's and that pretty much shuts down most of the inshore fishing. Trout and Redfish have moved far up into the creeks and rivers looking for warm water and potholes. best spots seem to be some of the fresh water springs in the Filmans Bayou area and those up around Pine Island. In the near shore rock piles, Sheepshead are starting to make an appearance as they start their winter spawn out in the gulf.
The best action inshore are the schools of yellow tail jacks that are roaming the residential canels looking for food. These fish can range in size up to 10lbs, and will give you a great fight on light tackle. Its a great way to spend a couple of hours!
Grouper fishing has slowed down again. When the weather permits, if you run out to the 60ft to 65ft. range, you will find some nice sized fish.
Inside from there, fish are still around but they are not in a feeding mood with the water temp. around 56 degrees. If you are persistent and work at it, you can come up with a couple of keepers and a nice mess of good sized sea bass fishing from 30ft. to 45ft.
Think positive, spring is not that far away. Take this time to get all your gear in shape and do that yearly maintenance on the boat so you'll be ready when the time comes.
If you are bored, stop by the shop and we'll spend some time telling stories! Till then, be safe, and enjoy whatever fishing you are able to get in. Stay in touch by checking our website:
www.fishingrodsshop.com, or stop by to see us.
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Capt Frank (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 6:28 pm: | |
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando Beach and the Gulf of Mexico.
Http://www.alwaysfishing.com
Backwater-to five miles out, inshore-to twelve miles out, offshore-over twelve miles out
Hi all: Happy New Year…..!!!!!
Well 2004 is finally here and with anticipation of being better this year than last year we should be looking forward to some great fishing. As in all sports things change so if your willing to change you should have a wonderful year fishing.
The lakes around here are starting to produce some nice catches of Bass and Crappie. Look for the deeper areas in the lakes to produce the best results.
The flats in most areas look bad as the cold water has forced a lot of fish to look for warmer waters or burry up. Most of my great offshore trout fishing has stopped but I am not worried as every year the same thing happens. Again change is all you have to do to produce fish. One thing I change is locations now I am scratching the bottom of my boat to catch fish. The very shallow waters and near springs are the places to look for fish. Another place is power plants if you can get a spot there. I fished the Weekie Wachee river for Jacks and was really successful till this past week. I heard from a local source that 8,000 pounds of Jacks was netted by local commercial fisherman. Poof the best Jack fishing in years came to a halt. Now this is a catch 22, that many Jacks in such a small river will eat everything in the river so they might have helped the other fish… Again I had to change so I ventured to some of my good old stand by’s and I picked Ozella which if you don’t know is between Crystal River and Homosassa with a bunch of scratches on the hull experienced some of the best red fishing I have had in a long time. Now remember to check often if your going to keep fish at this time of year the state closes seasons and if I tell you one thing they will change and I don’t want to be the bad guy telling you the wrong information…
Ok you now want to know about Grouper… Well if you don’t have the warm water spring numbers don’t expect anyone to give them to you. Plan on spending lots of money on fuel if you want good fishing trips for a while. I have fished lots of different places and yes go deep till the water starts to warm up. The fish haven’t moved they just won’t eat. A hint if you have big rock piles you might want to fish them as they stay warmer.
Keep a tight line till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
1-888-618-3474
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FishingRod (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 9:18 am: | |
Hello, from Fishing-Rods Bait & Tackle in Hernando beach. This is our last report for the year 2003. To find out more info about the fishing in the Hernando Beach area, come by to see us, we are located across the street from the public boat ramp or drop in at http//:www.fishingrodsshop.com
Well, the inshore fishing contiunes to be fairly slow. Water temperatures on the flats dropped to around 56 degrees and have only recently increased to 59 degrees as a result of some warmer weather. Trout, redfish. sheepshead and black drum are the only game in town with the exception of some nice Jacks and Ladyfish. Most of the inshore action is in the creeks and rivers, the flats and nearshore rock piles, 12ft or less, are bare and are not even holding baitfish.
Offshore, the grouper action has improved over the last week, but you still have to run deep!
This means 50 feet or more! On the way out, stop around 30ft. on some structure and catch your live bait. Than find yourself some structure in the 50ft. to 60ft. range and use the smelly baits to get the bite going and then use your live baits to get the larger fish to bite.
It looks like the good weather will hold for the next few days so if you're able, now is the time to make the long run to deeper water. Remember, always file a float plan and be sure to check all your safety equipment before you leave the dock. Be safe, be happy, and Good Fishing! |
Captain Steven Soults (Fishing_buddy)
New member
Username: Fishing_buddy
Post Number: 6
Registered: 10-2003
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 11:27 am: | |
The West Central Florida fishing report is brought to you by Angling Adventures Guide Service. Fly fishing and light tackle fishing in the beautiful waters of Florida’s nature coast.
http://www.angling-adventures.net
Hello, I’m Captain Steven Soults and this is the local backcountry fishing report for Florida’s Nature Coast.
With very few days between cold fronts and heavy winds, picking your dates to fish has become really difficult. With water temperatures on the flats sitting around 60 degrees, its that time of the year when we must turn our attention to the warmer backwaters and rivers of Hernando County. There is no need for an early start this time of year. A late morning approach gives the sun time to heat up the shallow water and us time to sleep in a little before we head out fishing. With all that in mind, I would like to talk about a fish that has been stealing all the action in the backwaters lately. The Jack Crevalle can be seen attacking in schools as they corner baitfish at the surface and can feed with such commotion that it can be seen from great distances. When targeting these species, nothing beats a live shrimp or a soft plastic shrimp imitation tossed in front of a moving school. Normally, a school of jacks can be identified by a V wake on the surface of the water as they swim through in schools. On recent charters we have been catching good numbers of fish in the 3-5 pound class with many fish pushing the 15-16 pound mark. Jack Crevalle pound for pound put up some of the best fights you will ever encounter on 10-pound test on the flats. Lets talk Trout fishing for just a little bit, before we go. Spotted Sea Trout fishing remains good for us in the backwaters lately, with many fish being boated pushing the 4-5 pound mark. The method of choice lately has been to use a ¼ to 1/8 ounce jig head (depending on water depth) with a 5-inch jerk bait matching the color of the small mullet that you see them feeding on, and jigging it ever so slowly back to the boat as you drift. Remember, this time of year as the water cools Trout become slow feeders and won’t expend a lot of energy chasing down fast moving baits. With that in mind, if you like to fish live bait nothing beats a live shrimp or a small pinfish hooked under a Cajun Thunder bobber worked near any of the backwater drop-offs this time of year for Trophy Size Trout and Redfish.
If you have any questions or would like to book a trip to experience BACKWATER FISHING AT ITS BEST please call Angling Adventures Guide Service with Captain Steven Soults at (352) 686-0853 or you can try the cell at (352) 238-9339
Till next month!!! Fish on and tight lines!!!
http://www.angling-adventures.net
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fishingrod (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
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Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 8:21 am: | |
Hello, from Fishing-Rods Bait & Tackle located in Hernando Beach across from the public boat ramps. Here is the local fishing report for the Hernando Beach area from Aripeka to Bayport.
November was a great month for Grouper, Kingfish and Mackeral in our area. However, with December has come the cold fronts with the wind and cold. Now the water temperature is in the low 60's and when the fronts come through, the water clarity is usually muddy inside for a couple of days, so now is the time to watch the weather and pick the right days to go out.
Grouper fishing is still very good, but the best catches are coming from around the second dropoff in 28 to 32 feet of water. When the water is cloudy smelly baits like sardines and squid work well to get the bite going and then live bait will work. Be patient, grouper are a little sluggish with the cold water.
Trout and redfish are scattered right now but the most consistent reports are coming from Filmans Bayou and the Minnow Creek areas. Trout are hitting softtail grubs on 1/8oz jigheads or live shrimp freelined on the edges of the channels into the dropoffs. Redfish can be found in the same areas during the incoming tides in the deeper holes. Jumbo shrimp or small pinfish are working well for them.
Thats about all the action right now, I expect to see the sheepshead start moving in anytime now, until then, Happy Holidays!!
Talk to you next month or come by and see us or give us a call at 352-592-2559. If you are interested in grouper fishing, we also handle charters through Rock-Boss Charters for offshore fishing and Diving! |
Captain Steven Soults (Fishing_buddy)
New member
Username: Fishing_buddy
Post Number: 4
Registered: 10-2003
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 3:41 pm: | |
The West Central Florida fishing report is brought to you by Angling Adventures Guide Service. Fly fishing and light tackle fishing in the beautiful waters of Florida’s nature coast.
http://www.angling-adventures.net
Hello, I’m Captain Steven Soults and this is the local inshore fishing report for Florida’s Nature Coast.
Everyone agrees the best time to go fishing is when you can. That usually applies except for the month of December. Its that time of the year again when we have shorter days and Mother Nature bringing cold front after cold front which makes us pick and choose our days fishing. Its also that time of year when water temperatures get to the middle 60’s and that could only mean one thing! Shallow Water Grouper Fishing is here and in full swing! The months of November and December are very unique months. It’s the only time of year we have the opportunity to catch large numbers of keeper Gags in water as shallow as 6 feet. We have had a great deal of success lately fishing shallow diving plugs from Cisco Kid within the sight of shore. This is a great way to locate new spots for the G.P.S. and you will find that sometimes even the smallest rocks can hold good numbers of keeper size fish.
Redfish could be the best bet this month. With the new and full moon tides taking most of the water away this month, it shouldn’t be to hard to find tailing Redfish hanging around some of the shallow water oyster bars in the Chaslowiska area. Shrimp under a popping cork has been the number one producer for me on recent charters. Pinfish has been my second choice, but are hard to find in winter. Another method that has been working is simply using a jig and bobber setup. The key has been to set the bobber just so that the jig is about 6 inches above the structure and work it across the oyster bar for a tangle free setup.
Also I wanted to mention that Speckled Trout season remains open for us in the North Region (from Fred Howard Park north) until February
1st. We have had a great deal of success lately finding some very large fish (3 to 4lb range) in the shallow water grass flats in less than 4 feet of water. The method of choice has been by using a worm hook with a 5-inch Saltwater Assassin jerk bait and just twitching it along as you drift. This technique lands very quiet and has also produced good numbers of Redfish on recent outings. Remember if the water gets unreasonably cold Speckled Trout will usually retreat to the deeper canals of Hernando Beach until things start warming up. Don’t forget Speckled Trout have a protective slime coat so handle and release them gently. By using hook removal tools it greatly increases the survival rate of the fish and ensures the future of the species.
As cold weather approaches don’t forget to fish the warm water discharge of the Crystal River power plant. The warm waters have been known to hold Cobia, Sheephead, Trout and Redfish when the water elsewhere cools, if your willing to battle the crowds usually associated with warm water outflows.
If you have any questions or would like to book a trip to experience SHALLOW WATER GROUPER FISHING please call Angling Adventures Guide Service with Captain Steven Soults at (352) 686-0853 or you can try the cell at (352) 238-9339
Till next month!!! Fish on and tight lines!!!
http://www.angling-adventures.net
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Captain Steven Soults (Fishing_buddy)
New member
Username: Fishing_buddy
Post Number: 3
Registered: 10-2003
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 - 7:08 pm: | |
The West Central Florida fishing report is brought to you by Angling Adventures Guide Service. Fly fishing and light tackle fishing in the beautiful waters of Florida’s nature coast.
http://www.angling-adventures.net
Hello, I’m Captain Steven Soults and this is the local inshore fishing report for Florida’s Nature Coast.
November is here and it is proving again to be one of the most productive months to fish the shallow water grass flats and backwaters of Hernando County. With water temperatures dropping to around the 73-degree mark, flats’ fishing for keeper size Grouper has just been phenomenal. With cooler water temperatures Gag Grouper move closer to shore and on recent charters we have been finding KEEPER size Grouper holding to shallow water rock piles in as little as 8 feet of water. We have had a great deal of success lately by drift fishing and throwing a 5-inch rattling (suspending) RAPULA known as a HUSKY JERK. This is a extremely productive bait when fished with a super-braid line such as Power Pro, by using a super-braid line you are able to put heavier line on a smaller conventional spinning reel and still cast as effectively as you would with say 12lb mono. I like to use a Penn 4500ss series with 30lb Power Pro and a 7foot rod. This setup is great because it allows no stretch of the line when the Grouper hits to keep him out of the rocks and it can be casted all day without getting sore wrists. Remember that the first few seconds of the fight determines who will win the fight.
November is also one of the best months to target Spanish Mackerel as schools push south for the winter. We have had a great deal of success on recent charters by using a small wire leader (20lb) crimped to a ¼ oz. jig head has been doing the trick with many Macks showing up between 4 to 5 pounds as a common catch. As I mentioned earlier in the month the key is to locate structure and drop a chum bag to bring the fish to the boat and keep them in the area. With that in mind I wanted to talk a little about making your own chum. You can start out with cheap, dry dog food, a can of Jack Mackerel and some Menhaden oil. Mix it up and you got yourself some bargain chum that works as well if not better than the stuff you buy in the store for half the price.
I wanted to mention a fish that I don’t mention to often, but due to recent numbers of them I couldn’t resist. We have been catching record numbers of Flounder lately by simply fishing where there is a shallow sandy bottom near a drop off. The key has been a 3/8-ounce jig head with a small 3-inch soft plastic jerk bait of any color has been doing the trick. Also don’t forget that Flounder has to be at least 12” to be legal, with a daily bag limit of 10.
If you have any questions you can email me or check out the website at http://www.angling-adventures.net or if you would like to book a trip to experience SHALLOW WATER GROUPER FISHING please call Angling Adventures Guide Service with Captain Steven Soults at (352) 686-0853 or you can try the cell at (352) 238-9339 Email me at fishing@angling-adventures.net
Till next month!!! Fish on and tight lines!!!
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Captain Steven Soults (Fishing_buddy)
New member
Username: Fishing_buddy
Post Number: 2
Registered: 10-2003
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 03, 2003 - 8:14 pm: | |
The West Central Florida fishing report is brought to you by Angling Adventures Guide Service. Fly fishing and light tackle fishing in the beautiful waters of Florida’s nature coast.
http://www.angling-adventures.net
Hello, I’m Captain Steven Soults and this is the local inshore fishing report for Florida’s Nature Coast.
Well as I stated last week fall fishing is here and the fishing couldn’t be better. With shorter days and water temperatures around the middle to upper 70’s and Mother Nature giving us a easterly wind, we have been able to sneak in some great fishing time and have had a great deal of success fishing the shallow water grass flats and backwaters of Hernando County. Today were going to start things off with talk about a toothy fish known as the Spanish Mackerel.
The Spanish Mackerel are every where and boy are they HUNGRY. That is the only way to describe the fishing action we encountered on our last outing with a couple of good friends of mine from out of town. Needless to say they had non-stop Spanish Mackerel action all day, anytime you lose count on the number of fish you boated, you had a GREAT DAY fishing. The key has been, find a structure and you normally find fish. The method that has been productive for us is to get a good chum slick going to bring fish to your anchored boat. Menhaden oil dispensed out of a drip bag and frozen chum blocks hung off the transom should get the bite going if there are fish in the area. Cut bait (sardines) dropped out over the transom at a regular basis can draw huge schools of Spanish Mackerel right to your boat. This style of fishing is a great way to introduce youngsters to fishing because when the bite is hot, you can hook a fish on every cast! Also don’t forget if your targeting Spanish Mackerel a 6 inch wire leader or a long shank hook can make the difference between a GREAT day of fishing and a OK day of fishing.
Lets talk Spotted Sea Trout for just a minute. Remember that Sea Trout for the South Region is closed, but for anybody North of Fred Howard Park the waters remain open for anybody looking to keep some Sea Trout fillets. Trout fishing has been very productive lately, with many keeper size fish being found in the deeper grass flats later in the day. As I said last week, you just can’t beat a 3/8 oz. Jig head and a 5” Saltwater Assassin or any bait that’s equivalent will do just fine.
I wanted to save this for last so everybody sticks around. Grouper fishing is here and it won’t cost you a fortune to do it. Anybody venturing out from Hernando Beach or Bayport should only need to find rocky bottom (even the smallest rocks hold fish) in about 10 to 12 feet of water to do battle with the mighty Gag Grouper.
If you have any questions you can email me or check out the website at http://www.angling-adventures.net or if you would like to book a trip to experience SHALLOW WATER GROUPER FISHING please call Angling Adventures Guide Service with Captain Steven Soults at (352) 686-0853 or you can try the cell at (352) 238-9339 Email me at fishing@angling-adventures.net
Till next month!!! Fish on and tight lines!!!
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Captain Steven Soults (Fishing_buddy)
New member
Username: Fishing_buddy
Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2003
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 - 7:06 pm: | |
The West Central Florida fishing report is brought to you by Angling Adventures Guide Service. Fly fishing and light tackle fishing in the beautiful waters of Florida’s nature coast.
http://www.angling-adventures.net
Hello, I’m Captain Steven Soults and this is the local fishing report for Florida’s Nature Coast. Well I figured today we would start things off with talk about Florida’s favorite sandwich fish (The Gag Grouper). Well fall fishing season is definitely here in full swing, with water temperatures starting to drop these fish will be gorging themselves to fatten up for Winter. Well with that in mind well be talking about what we refer to here as SHALLOW WATER GROUPER FISHING. This means we are fishing for keeper Grouper in water depths of 6 to 10 feet of water. There is no need to test the limit of your gas tank this time of the year. Not all Grouper live in deeper water, many big fish never leave the shallow rock piles; they just hole up and slow their feeding when the water gets to warm. Gag Grouper have a fairly wide range of diet, they eat a variety of schooling fish including, Spanish Sardines, Pinfish, and Squirrel Fish. They also enjoy shrimp and squid when it is available. Today with the advantages of G.P.S. units you can mark spots and come back exactly to that spot whenever you desire. Remember that when you return to that rock the key is to NOT motor over the rock pile, but to anchor away from the rock and cast to it. The easiest way to locate new spots is to troll small-lipped plugs, or drift until keeper fish are found. Unfortunately for us, with the abundance of shrimp boats fouling up the bottom there is an abundance of grass that usually fouls up the plugs within seconds. So drift fishing has been the method of choice. The bait of choice that has been working for us lately is 5” jerk bait known as a SALTWATER ASSASSIN. These are a soft plastic baits which come in a variety of colors and sizes, but the color of choice has been a darker color (black with red spots) it has just been just tearing them up. These soft plastic baits are designed to be jigged along the bottom. To describe jigging, make sure the bait reaches the bottom then retrieve the bait (when it hits the bottom) by a sharp twitch upward, then let it go back to the bottom. Repeat this process till you reach the boat. Another bait that has been really working for us is a lure known as the SILVER BUDDY. These baits are just phenomenal, that is the only way to explain how good these baits actually work. These baits look like they should be run like a crank bait, but instead they should be jigged same as a jerk bait. With that in mind lets talk Spotted Sea Trout. The Trout fishing has been fantastic lately, with many fish being over 20”. The method that has been most productive lately has been by using a 1/4 oz. To 3/8 oz. jig head (depending on water depth) with a SALTWATER ASSASSIN, again depending on the water clarity, a basic rule of thumb has been for me is the clearer the water you would want to stick with a clear color with some sparkles, and the darker colors with red sparkles when the water is dirty. Ok lets talk Redfish for a minute. Fishing for Reds on the flats has been phenomenal. Large schools of Reds have been seen during the past few weeks chasing large schools of mullet, with many fish being caught over the legal limit of 27”, but they are still great fun to catch on 10lb test line. If you can, get an early start and a simple gold spoon will do wonders. If you get a late start a piece of cut bait on the bottom, or a live pinfish under a bobber has been doing pretty well. And after all, our friend the Spanish Mackerel. We have had huge success all of the week by using a simple method, LIVE bait (greenbacks) with a long shank hook just has had non stop action all week. The key is to locate any kind of structure and throw out a chum bag and hold on. A key to success lately, (optional) has been to use a short piece of wire leader. This should give you the edge in most cases. All of these fish that I have mentioned have been caught on 10lb test line (a fluorocarbon leader when Red fishing) a 7’ light action (6-12lb) Redbone rod and a 4000 Shimano Stradic reel. If your interested in any of the above listed baits, you can find them in my full service website in the links section of: www.angling-adventures.net (Check it out!!!!)
If you have any questions or would like to book a trip to experience SHALLOW WATER GROUPER FISHING please call Angling Adventures Guide Service with Captain Steven Soults at (352) 686-0853 or you can try the cell at (352) 238-9339
Till next month!!! Fish on and tight lines!!!
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