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Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 289
Registered: 5-2008
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 16, 2012 - 8:00 pm: | |
Fishing surface plugs is a great tactic to try in winter months. Top water plugs can be challenging to use initially and can wear you down at times. Anglers that have patience and persistence might not get the quantity, but the quality of the fish is truly rewarding!
Many species of fish will hit surface plugs. Tarpon, red fish, big trout, jack crevalle,blue fish, mackerel, snook and more will all inhale a variety of top water lures. When fishing the skinny waters of the Nature Coast, my "go to" lures are a Rapala Skitter walk (sw8), Heddon Rattlin Spook, or a Storm Chug bug. All of these top water plugs offer something different. They all move slightly different and they all have their own sound. I feel that a lure creating a different sound (or click) and worked at different speeds or rhythms is more important than the color. That being said, I like a white, chartreuse, and a mullet color.
Be ready to mix up the pace. A slow rhythm might work, but be ready to speed up your retrieve if the bite stops. When casting to an area, be sure to cover all of the water. These fish will detect your lure as far as 50 ft. away, but wont eat it until it gets close. Make the next cast about 10 - 15 ft. from the last. If you get a strike or land a fish from a certain spot don't be afraid to go right back to that spot on your next cast because there might be more where the last came from.
The best advice I can give anglers on top water is to not set the hook when you see the strike. Wait until you feel the heaviness of the fish and then set it. It is a herd habit to break at first because when you see the explosion on the surface the excitement gets the better of you and the lure is pulled right out of the fishes mouth before he gets a hold on it!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 283
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - 3:06 pm: | |
Thanksgiving will pass and anglers in this area of the Nature Coast can still give thanks for the fantastic Fall fishing. The "skinny water" bite continues to be great across the entire region. Big trout, red fish, and the occasional snook are feeding best on both sides of a high tide.
We have had our most production on recent trips with soft plastics in a white or watermelon color. Lil Johns, GULP shrimp, and Zoom Flukes on a 1/8 oz. jig head are catching quality fish. Work these baits in 1 - 3 ft of water across spotty bottom and focus on areas holding "kelp" grass. These artificials work well because anglers can cover a entire area thoroughly and bring the offering to the fish instead of waiting for them to find it. Slowly work from spot to spot with a trolling motor until you locate fish and quietly anchor down until the bite slows down.
Stealth is key when fishing like this so use you trolling motor as slow as possible and try to work with the wind at your back. Just use the motor to steer your boat when needed. For anchoring, I prefer a power pole over a traditional anchor because it is quick, easy, and is so quiet the fish will not know you are there.
We have some low morning tides this weekend so plan your trips accordingly. The most important thing to do when fishing is to fish where the fish are! You need water to get in and more importantly to get out.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 277
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 10, 2011 - 6:52 pm: | |
The fishing off Hernando Beach has been very productive, but the frequent cold fronts that have been passing through have made it a challenge at times. As these fronts move through, the changing barometric pressure plays a big part on where these fish will be, how they will feed, and what they will feed on.
Species like trout and red fish are starting to settle in to the back country creeks as the temperature in the Gulf continues to drop. Fronts will start to move through this region with cold enough temperatures to cool the water 3-5 degrees. These fish react by moving deep into the back country near springs. As the water warm look for them to move back out. Focus on deeper cuts and pot holes near structure.
The hot backcontry bite has been the trout. We are getting good numbers of big trout in 2-4 ft of water on popping corks or white jerk baits. The red fish bite has been good but inconsistent (Here one day and gone the next!)
The Spanish mackerel have officially invaded our area. These fish are a blast to catch on light tackle and can provide non stop action if you find them. We have been catching some huge MACKS in 6-10 ft of water. My preferred tactic is to drift these depths with a chum bag deployed and free line live white bait in the chum slick. I don't like to use a steel leader, so I tie on a XXL long shank 3/0 hook. This works well and can quickly be retied if you get cut off. There has been a lot of white bait in the channels that should stay around for the next month or until it gets to cold.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 276
Registered: 5-2008
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 31, 2011 - 9:17 am: | |
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Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 269
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2011 - 9:41 am: | |
The fishing on the flats and back country waters of Hernando Beach continues to be good. Anglers are finding a variety of species in 2 - 10 ft of water ready to eat. I often cover the baits and lures that produce, but in this article we will cover catching fish on the fly.
Our region has a number of areas that are perfect for fly fishing. Red fish on oyster bars, trout on a shallow flat, or mackerel and blue fish on marked rock piles are all great examples. Spring and summer brings fly fishermen to or area looking for tarpon, but this time of year can be very rewarding for anglers wanting to bend a fly rod.
I use a fast action 9wt TFO Lefty Kreh BVK signature fly rod. A quality 9wt rod like the TFO BVK is light enough to cast all day but heavy enough to handle a hard pulling red fish or mackerel. A good reel with a quality drag system is a must. I prefer a weight forward floating line by RIO over a Dacron backing.
Choosing the proper fly will catch more fish and make for easier casting. Clousers, Crazy Charlie's, poppers, or a small spoon fly are all great options. I prefer a smaller fly because they allow me to make longer cast. Don't worry about the smaller fly, because elephants eat peanuts! Be ready to try a variety of colors and alternate your stripping speeds until you find one that works.
TIP: If you are new to fly fishing and looking to buy a nice rod and reel then be sure to do your home work. A quality combo is not cheap so be ready to ask the right questions. Do the research needed to ensure you get a quality fly rod and reel that is right for you and will last for years to come. Remember that practice makes perfect, so get it right in the back yard so you can make that cast when it counts on the water!
Feel free to call with fly fishing questions, or to book a trip for your chance for a trophy fish on the fly!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 262
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 13, 2011 - 11:36 am: | |
The winds made it impossible to be on he water last week end. The brutal weather also stirred up the waters causing anglers to wait a few days for things to clear up. Once things settled down, it was Fall fishing at its best again.
The bigger trout continue to move into shallow water as the Gulf water temperature dips into the 70's. Target 2-4 ft of water on a good moving tide over grassy bottom with sand holes. If you locate an area with "kelp" grass, fish the entire area thoroughly because there is a good chance you will find trout. Top water plugs like a Spook or a Skitterwalk has been very effective in these areas. A 3" white Gulp shrimp on a 1/8 jig is another good tactic.
Big Shcools of red fish holding 100 plus fish have been spotted on recent trips but these fish spook easy and are hard to track. We take our shots at these fish with baits like Zoom Fluke jerk bait on a 3/0 circle hook but the best production has been with smaller schools of reds holding 10 - 15 fish near mangrove shoreline. Toss a piece of fresh cut mullet to these areas on that same 3/0 circle hook, and let them find it. A 25lb leader tied to a 3/0 circle hook is a very versatile rig. Anglers can hook a jerk bait through the nose to sight cast reds, or work it effectively through shallow water. OR they can take the jerk bait off and go with baits like cut mullet, shrimp, or a live pin fish.
We have some low tides in the middle of the day this weekend so plan you trips accordingly. I like to get into some of my favorite back country spots while the tide allows me to and fish through the low tide. The down fall to this is you can't leave until the tide comes back in, but the upside is that the fish are easy to spot and find,
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 258
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - 6:29 pm: | |
October marks the beginning of the transition from summer to fall for this area of the Nature Coast. This is a great time to fish because many species of fish can be targeted with a variety of tactics.
Look for migratory species like cobia and mackerel to start moving through. A chum bag is a great way to get the mackerel feeding. Locate white bait if possible and free line them on a long shank hook in the chum slick. Keep a heavy spinning rod on stand by to toss a bait to a curious cobia following the scent to the boat.
The best trout bite is still in 8 - 10 ft of water. I am finding good numbers of keeper trout in these depths, but as things start to cool down, look to shallower water. White GULP shrimp on a 1/8 oz. jig head are doing good but I am also getting a lot of the bigger trout on a CAL DOA jerk bait in a red/gold pattern. This is a hard color to find, but Precision Tackle has a good stock. The key to working these lures for the trout in this deeper water is to keep your offering on the bottom.
The red fish bite is really starting to heat up. We are getting a lot of reds in the 19 - 22" range. The best bite has been early and the hot bait is cut mullet. I like to use mullet because a passing red can't resist the scent and you can make long cast with this heavy bait and not pressure the fish with your boat.
As we move closer to Fall, I expect the fishing really be productive. Reds, trout, snook, mackerel, cobia, black drum, sheeps head, and more will all be ready to pull some drag. Just be ready to adjust your tactics when the cooler weather approaches. It still feels like summer now, but the Fall weather is just around the corner.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 252
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 23, 2011 - 5:10 pm: | |
Things seemed to be cooling off a little until our area had another bout of hot weather. As we transition into Fall, the climate conditions will fluctuate from hot to cool at times causing fish to move to different water or get a nasty case of lock jaw.
Two weeks ago good numbers of trout were in 1-3 ft of water. The Gulf waters warmed up 6 - 8 degrees causing many of these fish to retreat to 6 - 10 ft. We had the best luck on a 1/8 oz jig bounced across grassy bottom. Try a 5" jerk bait in a white or red/gold color. Pop these bait off the bottom and allow them to free fall. As the bait fall it looks like a wounded bait and appears like an easy meal to these predators.
The red fish bite was very slow earlier in the week but fortunately improved once that high pressure moved on. The best bite has been early on a higher tide. Live pin fish or cut mullet fished near a mangrove shore line is a great tactic. Target areas with heavy mullet activity and try to cast net some of those mullet for fresh cut bait.
The off shore bite was very productive last week. Good numbers of big gag grouper are being put in the cooler in 25 - 45 ft of water. Frozen thread fins or live pin fish are the baits of choice on a traditional bottom rig.
SCALLOP ALERT- This is the last weekend for scalloper s. As of midnight Sept 25th scallop season is closed. This has been the most productive season I have ever seen. We have been getting our limits on recent trips in under an hour. I hope future years brings the same production. We have some low tides in the afternoon this weekend which is a great time to go for these tasty bi-valves. Get them by Sunday or wait till next year!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 245
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 02, 2011 - 5:36 pm: | |
The back country bite has been very productive. I prefer to throw top-water early and move to a subsurface tactic as the sun gets high. I usually throw a white Skitter Walk but Dave at Precision Tackle gave me a lure to try that a few of his cutomers have had success with. It was the "One Knocker Spook" by Heddon and it put some quality Snook, reds, and trout in the boat on the first trip. It cast very well and has an impressive "walk the dog" action to it.
Look for red fish to start arriving in large schools over the next month. Some schools will hold a 100 plus reds. Most of these fish are big breeder fish over 30". These reds are not good for the cooler but they are a blast to catch. A good tactic for locating them is to get into an area on a falling tide and fish through the low tide. These large schools of reds are easy to spot in these shallow conditions. Quietly approach and cast a piece of cut mullet or a jerk bait and hold on. Try to cast to the edge of the school and catch the reds on the outside so they will not spook.
The rain and winds can make it tough at times but the silver lining is that it cools thing down and gives us a taste of some fall fishing which will be here soon!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Joel Gant (Fishdaddyjoel)
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Username: Fishdaddyjoel
Post Number: 10
Registered: 8-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 21, 2011 - 10:30 am: | |
Hot fishing can still be Hot
Fishing right now can still be good even in the hot weather. There are certain tactics to use, first think about going in the early mornings or in the evenings before sunset. The fish are a lot like us, when it gets hot they look for cooler areas to be more comfortable. Look in shaded areas like around mangrove trees or even bushes close to the shore, also run a little to deeper waters. The trout have seemed to be in the 10 ft waters off our coast right now, with them you can still pick up sharks, seabass, jacks, cobia and other more near shore species. All theses fish can be caught with live baits, cutbaits or artificial. The redfish will be schooling up real soon, look for them in and around the oyster beads and as always, look for the jumping mullets. When the mullet are happy, usually the redfish are too. The scallops are still thick off the whole Nature Coast, you can find them in the 6-10 waters. The best time to look for them is to schedule your trip an hour or so before the low tide. This will make the trip a lot more comfortable, you don’t have to dive down as far and fight the current. Look for the darker grass areas and they will be there. Good luck and good fishing !
Fishdaddy Charter
Capt. Joel Gant
Hernando Beach, FL.
(352) 279-1615
fishdaddy1@bellsouth.com |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 239
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 - 11:57 am: | |
The water clarity finally cleared up in this area of the nature coast which made for some better fishing and scalloping conditions. The cleaner water combined with some good morning high tides should make for some great back country action.
Look for red fish at the mouths of creeks near structure. Focus on areas that have a lot of mullet action because the reds will follow along with them and feed on what they stir up. I like to work these areas early with a top water plug like the Rapala Skitterwalk in a white or mullet color. Another "go to" tactic of mine is to set up just within casting distance of the rocks, grass, and mangroves and cast live pin fish or cut mullet. Use a 3/0 circle hook with a 20 - 30 LB. leader and when you feel the fish just reel to set the hook and hold on!
Trout fishing is also improving with this cleaner water. Target shallow water in the 2 - 4 ft range early, and as the sun gets higher in the sky, move to deeper water. I prefer casting top water plugs early. When going to deeper water use a lure the will target the lower 3rd of the water column. A white 3" GULP on a 1/4 oz. jig is a great option in the deeper flats.
This scallop season has been the most productive I have seen in years. We are getting are limit on trips in short time every trip and the scallops are big. Target 6 - 8 ft of water from Aripeka to Bayport. The bigger scallops seem to be in deeper water so target these depths on a low tide to make things easier.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 233
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 29, 2011 - 3:33 am: | |
The weather has been hot in this area of the Nature Coast but so has the fishing. Not all inshore species have been cooperating , but the red fish and the scallops have been easy to find.
The reds are feeding best early in the morning and start to slow down as the sun gets high in the sky. Look to the typical areas like mangrove shore line with nearby rocky bottom and saw grass. Mullet moving or jumping is a great indicator that reds will be there also. The best bite has been on baits like cut mullet, live pin fish, and live white bait. Free line these baits on a 3/0 - 4/0 close in the mullet and wait for a passing red to eat.
There is still a lot of bait to be found around the channels. Chum with fish food, jack mackerel, or a combination of them both. I prefer the fish food that you get at the feed store in big bags. Store the food in a 5 gallon bucket at the house and transfer it to a smaller container you keep on your boat. Mix a little water and the chum together in a bucket to make a paste. Slowly toss a little in at a time until the bait shows up. Then with one throw of the net you will have enough bait for the day. a good aerator running non stop is needed to keep white bait alive.
This has been one of the best scallops seasons I have seen in years. Good numbers of quality size bay scallops are being caught just off Hernando Beach and Bayport. Scalloper's are catching their limit in short time in 5 - 8 ft of water. Get out early and get some reds and then when the heat of the day sets in cool off by jumping in and getting your limit of scallops!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 227
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 - 4:11 pm: | |
Summer has officially set in and it is crucial that anglers apply summer fishing tactics to increase their chances of bending a rod. WHEN, WHERE, and HOW you fish in these summer conditions are all things to consider when planning a trip on the water.
WHEN - "The early bird gets the worm!" Getting out early when it is the coolest part of the day can be very productive. Fish are on the move and feeding during these times and will slow down and move less as the day heats up. This especially hold true in the skinny waters of the back country because the shallow water found here heats up quickly which in turn can often shut down the bite. Anglers can also target the early evening or night time and have great fishing conditions.
WHERE - The red fish seem to be holding near the mouths of the many creeks, rivers, and bayou's that litter this part of the Nature Coast. Look to the mangrove shore line with near by oyster bars or saw grass. These areas provide cover for protection and allow the reds to ambush passing bait fish. The best trout bite seems to be on the deeper flats in 8 - 10 ft of water. Fish grassy bottom with a 1/4 oz. jig with a white 3" GULP. Bounce your offering across the grass and pop it off bottom and allow it to free fall back down. Most strikes will happen on the decent.
HOW - The best bait for the red fish lately has been live pin fish or white bait, but they will eat a variety of artificials. Top water, jerk baits, and subsurface plugs will all produce, but I get the most hook ups when working these baits slowly. I prefer working the 1/4 jigs for the trout with the GULP or a white ZOOM Fluke. The trout seem to like a bait on the move and the jig gives that "wounded fish" look.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 221
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2011 - 6:55 am: | |
Hernando Beach SCALLOPS are THICK!
Scallop season is here and they are THICK! We got our limit of scallops in under 2 hours and put two upper slot size reds in the cooler to go with them. R Beach restaurant cooked it all up for us to make for a great end to a fantastic day on the water!
Call to book your trip and get your own cooler full of reds, trout, and tasty SCALLOPS!
--
Capt Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Joel Gant (Fishdaddyjoel)
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Username: Fishdaddyjoel
Post Number: 4
Registered: 8-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 17, 2011 - 1:20 pm: | |
The fishing is HOT, with the warm weather
The bite has been hot on trout, shark, sea bass, mackerl, cobia, bluefish and many other species that run the Nature Coast
off Hernando Beach Florida.The trout has been the go to fish all year. For them I prefer to drift in the 8 - 10 feet of
water using Gulps or twitch baits on a 1/4 ounce jighead.We have been getting trout from 15-23 inches. Be ready for sharks,
sea bass and the Macks to get into the action. During this time of year, its a must to check the weather, the storms can
kick up really fast and be very dangerous.This is all I have for now,so if your looking for a great time on the water,
give me a call and you can enjoy my 24 ft Ranger Bayboat on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.
Capt. Joel Gant
fishdaddycharter.com
(352) 279-1615 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 215
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 - 7:05 pm: | |
Summer is hear and it is getting hot! When dealing with the hot summer weather, there are a few things anglers can do to help them stay safe and catch fish.
I spend a lot of time on the water as a guide, and there are a few things I do to combat the summer heat. Drink plenty of water both on and off the water. Staying hydrated will prevent head aches, fatigue, and will prevent heat exhaustion. Apply sunscreen before leaving the dock and later in the day combined with quality sun protectant clothing will prevent the sun from your skin. Finally, plan your trips early in the day or late in the afternoon so you can beat the brutal mid day summer heat.
Fishing is still very productive in these hot conditions. I prefer to hit the skinny waters for red fish early and as the sun gets higher I like to move to the deeper flats for species like trout, sea bass, flounder, sharks, and more. 8 - 10 ft of water with grassy "spotty" bottom is a great place to target. I drift these areas and have my clients bounce a white GULP 3" inch shrimp or pink jerk bait across the bottom.
Scallop season starts the June 25th which is another great way to beat the heat. Fish early, and cool off later when it gets hot by jumping in the water and scooping up some scallops. Get your snorkel stuff ready and don't forget your 24" x 24" diver down flag.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 209
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - 5:33 pm: | |
The Gulf waters are warming quickly and migratory species like mackerel, cobia, and tarpon have officially arrived. The arrival of these fish combined with our "bread and butter" fish like trout and red fish makes for some fantastic inshore fishing.
The red fish and trout bite has been pretty good through out the region. Target mangrove shore lines with structure like rocks and oyster bars. Be sure to fish close to the mangroves as possible as the sun gets higher in the sky.
Look for the trout in 2 - 4 ft of water on a good moving tide. Trout like grassy bottom with sandy spots. Any broken bottom like this will hold these trout. Top water plugs like a white Skitter Walk (SW08) are really catching some quality fish early in the day. Later in the day I will move to a 1/8 oz jig rigged with a white GULP shrimp or ZOOM jerk bait.
The mackerel bite is improving each week. Both Spanish and King mackerel bending rods. Look for the Spanish mackerel in 4 - 8 ft of water and the King fish are in 50 plus ft of water. If the grass is not bad, try trolling spoons or other lures like a Yozuri Crystal Minnow.
Tarpon are not here in great numbers yet, but I am getting report of POONS being spotted, jumped, or landed from South of Aripeka to Homosassa. Get out early and look for pods of these silver kings rolling. Be sure to use stealth when approaching. Tarpon will hit a variety of lures like jerk baits or Twitch n' Raps. Small lady fish, crabs, or a mullet floated under a cork on a 6/0 - 8/0 circle hook is a great technique. I prefer quality heavy spinning tackle(50 series reel-40-50lb braid-8 ft rod) on tarpon and bring a few rods rigged with a variety of lures and baits.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 203
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 25, 2011 - 10:30 am: | |
The weather has continued to be fantastic throughout our entire region. Gulf waters continue to warm and the flats fishing has heated up also. Expect this trend to continue as Spring settles in.
The hot bite out on the Hernando Beach flats has been trout with the mackerel taking a close second. Look for the trout in 2 - 6 ft of water. Target grassy bottom with sandy pot holes mixed in. Cast to these "white patches" as you come to them. Trout will also hold near structure like rocks or deeper troughs. Look to these areas on a good moving tide. This is when most species will be ready to feed on anything the moving current brings by. I have had a lot of success on recent trips using top water. The bone colored Skitter Walk has been my go to lure, but working a white ZOOM Fluke jerk bait or 3" GULP shrimp on a 1/8 oz jig in the water column is also producing.
Spanish mackerel have really settled into our area in good numbers. Look for these toothy critters in 3 - 8 ft of water. I like to set up near structure and deploy a chum bag. The chum brings in small bait fish which makes for quite the buffet for these predators. For bait, use small pin fish, shrimp, or white bait. Free line these baits in your chum slick on a moving tide. A steel leader will prevent break offs, but I use a 2/0 2X-LONG shank hook. The long shank on these hooks will protect against the many sharp teeth mackerel have and since there is no leader, you will get more strikes. Small silver spoons or a suspending lure like the Rapala Twitch n' Rap are great artificial options.
Have a heavy spinning outfit on stand-by in case your chum grabs the attention of a cobia. I use a 7 ft med/hvy rod combined with a 40 or 50 series quantum boca reel. Use 30 - 40 LB braided line (power pro) and a 3-4 ft section of 40 - 50 LB leader. I tie on a 1/4 oz jig with a 4 - 5 inch jerk bait. Cast in front of these fish and keep your offering moving until you feel the heaviness of the fish.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 197
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2011 - 6:06 am: | |
We had another windy week in our area of the Nature Coast, but it did lay down at times giving anglers a chance to get out and fish. Many migratory species of fish have shown up off Hernando Beach which allows anglers to "mix things up"!
Spanish Mackerel are cobia are bending rods in all depths. Look for birds diving because this often is a sign that mackerel are feeding on bait fish. Throw white soft plastics, silver spoon, or a lively white bait to them and hold on. Be ready to beef up your leader or even go to a light steel leader to prevent cut offs from these toothy critters.
The bigger trout are still holding in the back country or near the mouths of the creeks and rivers. This past cold front chilled the waters a little causing them to move in. Big numbers of small trout in the 10 - 12" range are holding in 4 - 6 ft of water.
The red fish have been hit or miss the past week. They seem to be schooling up and are really on the move on a moving tide. I am seeing pods of 6 - 20 fish but we are finding the occasional 1 or 2 fish off a point or oyster bar. There seems to be a lot of smaller reds this year in our area. It's great to see these "rat reds". I know these guys don't put up a big fight or can't go in the cooler, but I like to consider them "Tomorrows Trophies"!
The silver King is on his way. We have seen white bait, mackerel, and cobia begin to invade the flats of Hernando Beach which means that tarpon will soon arrive. Get your gear (and your back) ready because these guys will put them to the test!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 191
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 17, 2011 - 3:12 pm: | |
Our area has had a taste of spring the past week and it looks like it is going to last a while. The bite has been good so get out there and wet a line. There are some closures in effect right now. Species like trout are strictly catch and release for February but the red fish have been willing to take up the slack and bend a rod.
The red fish bite has been good out of aripeka. They are really on the move and feeding on a moving tide. I have seen schools of 4 - 6 fish in the past week, but many areas will only be holding 1 - 2 fish. Be ready to target a variety of spots until you find these "bronze bombers".
Points and spoil islands are great locations to fish. Be sure there is adequate structure like mangroves,oyster bars, and grass. I find a lot of reds in 10 - 16 inches of water with many small clusters of rock. These areas provide cover for reds and hold mullet,crabs, and small bait fish. Red fish are often found near big schools of mullet feeding on whatever they stir up.
I have had the most success on recent trips with shrimp. As the water warms and the pin fish invade I switch to lures or cut mullet. In February, a big select shrimp placed on a 3/0 circle hook will draw the attention of a red if he is near. Pinch the tail to put some scent in the water. I like to use a small cork for my clients to give them a "visual aide". When the cork goes down, just count to 3 and reel! NO HOOK SET! The circle hook will do all the work for you and 99% of the time it will seat itself right in the corner of the mouth.
Trout season opens March 1st, but we have many inshore species to bend a rod in the meantime. We covered reds, but don't forget about the mangrove snapper, sheepies, and black drum. These guys will also put up a good fight and also provide for some great table fare.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 185
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2011 - 4:02 am: | |
It is Febuary, and that means trout season is closed. This closure combined with the grouper closure causes anglers to search for other options. One species I like to target in Febuary is the sheepshead. "Sheepies" can be found close inshore in the brackish zones of estuaries and on near shore structure like reefs and wrecks . They use their flat long teeth to eat crustations and to scrap barnacles from rocks and pilings.
Anglers should look for the "convict fish" along irregular bottom, sea walls, oyster bars, wrecks, reefs and structure not too far from shore. Getting these guys on the hook can be a challenge at times.Some say it's best to "strike before they bite". Since that's not possible, I recommend heavily chumming an area with shrimp or bits of shellfish. OR If you are fishing bridge supports you can scrape the barnacle from the pylons which usually gets them feeding.
I prefer to use light spinning tackle with 15lb braided line. The braid allows anglers to feel the lightest tap. Attach a 20 -30 lb leader (3-4 ft - mono or flouro) to a 1/0 - 2/0 j hook. Tip - If there is a lot of structure I use light weight and a lighter gauged hooks so it will flex if it snags the structure. this prevents break offs and if the hook comes up bent, just use your pliers to repair the hook.
Go with bait since sheepshead do not readily take artificial lures. They are best fished for with live bait or cut natural baits. These include crab, shrimp(halved), mussels, clams, cut bait, squid and boiled sand fleas.
Be very careful when handling the "convict fish", because of their strong and sharp spines on dorsal and rear fins. These spines will draw blood with the slightest touch.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 179
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2011 - 7:20 am: | |
Our area had some nice weather the past few days giving anglers a chance to finally get out and wet a line. We had some severe low tides in the mornings but the afternoon tides brought the "shallow's" a lot of water. This tidal pattern will continue through the weekend and fishing should be very productive.
This is the time of year I travel out to 6-10 ft. of water for blue fish. Some claim that these fish are not the best table fare, but they can provide some non stop rod bending action. Target areas near structure. Once the water temperature gets to the mid 60's, the bite is on fire. I enjoy throwing top water plugs in these areas because it is a blast to watch Blues attack these lures. Bluefish attack surface lures so hard they come completely out of the water and will put your tackle to the test. Be ready for the occasional Trout to be mixed in but remember, in February, Trout must be released in this region.
The shallow flats and back country will hold good numbers of Red fish, Sheepshead and Black Drum. Target deeper cuts and channels with structure. A free-lined shrimp or cut Mullet on a 2/0 - 3/0 circle hook is a great tactic for the Red and Black Drum, but be ready to down size your tackle for the ‘Sheepies’. You will also find Reds working the Mangrove shoreline on a moving tide. Reds like to move with the schools of Mullet and feed on what ever they stir up. As you quietly approach an area look for the Mullet to be jumping and creating "nervous water".
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 173
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 05, 2011 - 12:25 pm: | |
The fishing out of Hernando Beach has been fantastic. Mother nature gave anglers some great fishing conditions and the bite was hot. The past week brought some extreme low tides which can make it difficult to navigate these shallow rocky waters. There are many elements I consider when planning a trip, and what the daily tidal pattern is often dictates where I fish and what species I will target.
The next few months will bring some productive fishing as long as anglers adjust their tactics according to the conditions. The tides and water temperature will determine where the fish will be. If our area has a cold front move through causing the water temperature to drop, I often move closer to the springs and in the rivers. If we have a warming trend (like last week), then expect fish to move out a little.
Be ready to try a variety of baits and lures to find out what the fish want. I always bring a few dozen select shrimp on trips this time of year, but some times I have more success with white GULP shrimp, Mirro-dines, twitch n' raps, zoom jerk baits, or even a top water plug like the skitter walk. Changing colors, lures, or the speed of your retrieve often makes the difference on weather you put fish in the cooler.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581
Now on FACEBOOK |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 167
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2010 - 6:16 pm: | |
The weather last weekend made it practically impossible to get out on the water and wet a line. The cold arctic winds that came from the North brought the temperature down in the Gulf even further. These fronts are something anglers will have to deal with over the next few months. Fish are still there to be caught as long as you adjust your tactics accordingly.
For the inshore guys I can't preach enough on how important it is to target warmer water. Our area has a ton of spring fed areas that will hold a variety of species. Trout, reds, jack crevalle, snook, lady fish, mangrove snapper, and black drum can all be found in these areas.
Look to the deeper flats over the next few weeks for blue fish and sheep head. Target 6 - 10 ft of water near rocky structure. Fish seem to stay near these rock piles in these colder months because it is their best chance to find food. Down size your tackle and fish the bottom for the sheepies. For the blues, I often have my clients throw top water plugs. Nothing beats watching a fish smash top water lures. Remember, keep working the plug until you feel the heaviness of the fish and don't set the hook when you see the strike. A premature hook set often pulls the hook right out of the fishes mouth.
Another species that can be caught around this structure in the deeper flats the next few months are grouper. Starting January 1st, it appears grouper season is under a closure for 6 months in federal waters, but will remain open in state waters (inside 9 miles). There are some battles going on in the courts to try and stop this, but it looks like the closure will stay in effect. This closure does not apply to the commercial fishing industry which seems wrong since they pull more fish out of the gulf than any one else.
Happy new year, good luck out there, and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581
NOW ON FACEBOOK |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 161
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 18, 2010 - 4:01 pm: | |
December is a great month to target Red fish. These fish put up a great fight and are excellent table fare. Targeting areas that will hold these "bronze bombers" is important, but there are other factors to consider. Choosing the correct tackle, bait, and strategy can make for a successful fishing trip.
Points, cuts, and spoil islands are great locations to fish. Be sure there is adequate structure like mangroves, oyster bars and grass. Also try to target these areas that have near by springs that will provide some warmer water.These areas provide cover for Reds and hold Mullet, crabs and small bait fish. Red fish are often found near big schools of Mullet feeding on whatever they stir up. Stay well away from these locations and make long cast.
Cut Mullet, live Pin fish, or select shrimp are great "bait" offerings. As for lures, I go with old faithful! A 3" white GULP shrimp worked slowly on a 1/8 ounce jig head. I have also had great success on recent tips with a "Hot Chartreuse" Skitter walk(sw08). Top water plugs like this are still effective in these conditions if worked slow. That goes for any lure when the water is cooler.
Quality light spinning tackle is key. I prefer Quantum for their performance and durability. A light/med rod coupled with a 20 - 40 series reel will handle red fish and any other back water species. I rig my rods with 15 Lb. power pro with a 20 - 30 Lb. mono filament or fluorocarbon leader. Make your leader 3-4 ft. This longer leader has many benefits. Not only does it make for a stealthier offering, but when it gets a fray or nick in it all you have to do is cut and re-tie and still have plenty of leader to work with.
December and January means are area will be it with frequent cold fronts, but fishing can still be good if you "fish where the fish are". Remember, 90% of the fish are in 10% of the water and with a little knowledge and proper strategy anglers will bend a rod and put fish in the cooler!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581
Bulldog Fishin Charter's operates out of Hernando Beach and is here for your fishing needs. Feel free to call with questions or to book a trip. Christmas is just around the corner and we have gift certificates available for the perfect stocking stuffer. |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Seahorse)
New member
Username: Seahorse
Post Number: 4
Registered: 10-2010
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 - 12:32 am: | |
Islamorada Sea Horse Sport Fishing Report
Sailfish are still the fish of the month here in Islamorada. The Islamorada Sailfish tournament produced 205 Sailfish released in three days. That was a great number of fish to have been caught and released. When you take time to consider how many fish must have been seen, or lost during the tournament. There must be a bunch of Sailfish in our area and are waiting to be caught. The recent cold snap we have experienced is pushing more fish in our direction along with big numbers of Kingfish. Right now is probably the peak of Sailfish season.
More than likely it will continue to be great fishing for the next couple of months. Most of the Sailfish are being caught on different types of live bait. Some of the popular baits are Goggle Eyes, Threadfins, Ballyhoo, Cigar Minnows, and Blue Runners. All of these baits can be caught one way or another in the local area. Many of the serious tournament teams make arrangements to catch bait ahead of time and use smaller boats to access shallow areas where the bait can be found. Some bait fish like Goggle Eyes must be caught at night on the edge of the reef and beyond. This is not a difficult bait to find or catch; however it requires some experience to know where to look for them. Goggle Eyes are worth the effort to acquire if you are serious about catching big numbers Sailfish.
The reef edge and patches are producing nice catches of Grouper, Mutton, and Yellowtail Snappers. Some Grouper are being caught on bottom rigs while fishing for Yellow tail. Other anglers are having success trolling along the patches and the edge of the reef. Lures or swimming baits near the bottom have been and will continue to get plenty of Grouper bites.
Cobia are starting to show up now and should increase in numbers as the water in the Gulf of Mexico continues to cool down. As the water temperature goes down the Cobia tend to move up and down the reef looking for food. Most of these fish can be found swimming along or near sting rays. Common rays and Eagle rays both hold fish and are easy to spot as they swim along the reef. Most of the time Cobia are quick to eat lures when presented near them. Live bait like Pinfish, and grunts are a sure bet when you are looking for a sure bet.
Either way there is always great fishing somewhere in the Islamorada area.
Capt Rick
www.floridakeysfishing-charters.com
305-664-5020 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 160
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 12, 2010 - 6:14 am: | |
BRRRRRRR! With this sudden jolt of arctic air to our area, angler need to start adjusting their tactics in order to locate fish. How you fish and where you fish are very important throughout winter.
The many creeks, rivers, and bayous near Hernando Beach are holding good numbers of a variety species of fish right now. These areas have many springs that pump out thousands of gallons of 72-74 degree water daily. These springs and the areas near by is where species like trout, black drum, sheep head, red fish, pompano, jack crevalle, lots of lady fish, flounder, snook, mangrove snapper, and even some resident tarpon will call home the next few months.
How you fish these areas is very important and can make the difference in putting fish in the cooler. The slower the better is my rule in cooler conditions. If you think your fishing slow then slow it down even more. This goes for subsurface to top water. A white 3" GULP on a 1/8 ounce jig has been my go to bait on recent trips. Keep this bait near the bottom and pop it SLOWLY across the bottom. This technique is catching good numbers of the species mentioned above. The trout have been big, but the reds are small on average.
This time of year I often start using shrimp. Shrimp are easier to use during winter because there are less pin fish around to steal your offering. This gives inshore winter species like mangrove snapper, sheep head, and black drum a chance to bend a rod. Target the deeper holes near structure and don't be surprised if a occasional red or flounder are found in these areas.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581
Bulldog Fishin Charter's operates out of Hernando Beach and is here for your fishing needs. Feel free to call with questions or to book a trip. Christmas is just around the corner and we have gift certificates available for the perfect stocking stuffer. |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 149
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 21, 2010 - 6:24 pm: | |
I hope you anglers have a great turkey day. One thing we all have to be thankful for is this great fall weather. These wonderful conditions combined with the great fishing reminds me why I love fishing this area of the nature coast.
One element that can be a challenge this time of year is the low winter tides. The shallow waters in the back country will hold a lot of fish through winter, but low water can make it challenging to get to the fish.
If your boat can get you in these areas it can definately increase your chances of putting some quality fish in the cooler. They creeks, rivers, and bayou's that litter Hernando beach have many springs that keep the nearby waters around 70 degrees. As winter sets in, the Gulf waters will continue to cool and many species of fish call these areas home. Look for trout, sheep head, black drum, red fish, snook, pompano, and more to be ready to eat a variety of offerings.
The hot lure this past week has been a top water plug. The Rapala Skitter Walk in the bone or hot chartreuse color is a sure bet in 1 - 3 ft of water. The key to success when throwing top water is to not set the hook when a fish bust on it. Keep working the bait until you feel the heaviness of the fish and then set it.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581
Bulldog Fishin Charter's operates out of Hernando Beach and is here for your fishing needs. Feel free to call with questions or to book a trip. Christmas is just around the corner and we have gift certificates available for the perfect stocking stuffer. |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 143
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 - 12:19 pm: | |
This is the time of year to really target the skinny waters of the back country. As the Gulf waters continue to cool many species of fish will make home in these areas. One reason these fish move in is because the sea bed holds heat in the shallow water which warms the water. Another element that helps these areas is the many springs that litter this area of the Nature Coast. Many of these springs pump out thousands of gallons of fresh water at 72 degrees all year.
As mentioned before, there are many species in these areas, but anglers often have to target specific areas for different fish. For example, drift a shallow flat with broken bottom for trout, lady fish, jacks, and pompano. If you want red fish and snook, then move closer to the mangrove shore line and make cast towards structure like rocks and oyster bars. Look to the deeper holes to find sheep head, mangrove snapper, and black drum.
When fishing these different locations it is important to remember to adjust your tactics accordingly. Artificial s are great for the flats and mangrove shore line, but when targeting the deeper hole be sure to get your offering towards the bottom. This is the time of year I start using live shrimp. There are less pin fish in the water this time of year which means your bait stays on the hook longer. Another advantage is that the bait shops seem to have larger shrimp in fall/winter.
This is a great time of year to get out and fish. The weather is beautiful and the fishing is great. Get out and enjoy the Nature Coast!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581
Now on FACEBOOK |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 137
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 08, 2010 - 8:58 am: | |
This is the time of year that our area of the Nature Coast is invaded by a strong fighting toothy critter known as the Spanish Mackerel. These fish are a blast to catch on light tackle and are great table fare. Some people will not eat mackerel but if they are cleaned and cooked properly, they make a great meal. Spanish Mackerel have Omega-3 fatty acids which are the polyunsaturated fatty acids that provide huge health benefits.
There are many techniques anglers use to catch Spanish mackerel. I prefer to use live green backs under a cork because thats what they primarily feed on. Our area has a ton of bait out there right now so anchor up where you see the birds diving, chum up the bait, and with just a few throws of your cast net you will have enough bait for the day. Use a 2/0 long shank hook with a small light steel leader to prevent cut offs. Another option is any lure that resembles the green backs. Silver spoons or Mirro-dines by Mirrolure are great options.
Spanish mackerel are one of the easiest fish in the gulf to clean. Cut the fillet from the body like any other fish. Leave the skin on but remove the blood line from the center of the fillet. To do this just run your knife down each side of the center line down to the skin but not through the skin. Pull the center blood line out like a zipper and your ready to grill.
I prefer these fish done on the grill. Place foil down on the grill and put it to med/high heat. Place the fillets skin side down. I melt a 1/4 stick of butter, a scoop of minced garlic, and a few tablespoons of hot sauce in a cup and frequently baste the fish as it cooks. When the fillets are well done, the meat is easily removed from the skin. Place your mackerel on a bed of yellow rice with a side of black beans and enjoy!
They key to mackerel is to only catch what you plan to eat. This fish does not freeze well. If you end up with to much fish I recommend smoking them and making a fish dip that will last all week.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlison
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
Now on FACEBOOK |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 133
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, October 17, 2010 - 6:53 am: | |
This cool Spring weather combined with the great fishing out of Hernando Beach has anglers smiling throughout the area. This fishing is hot right now from the skinny waters to the deep.
The back country fishing has been pretty productive. Red fish and trout are the popular catch in 1 - 4 ft of water. I am not seeing the reds in the bigger schools like I was a few weeks ago but groups of 2 - 6 fish can be found traveling with the schools of mullet near the mangrove shore lines with scattered oyster bars. For the trout, look to the flats just off these shore lines. Try a slow drift over an area and throw lures that match the bait the trout are feeding on. A Rapala Twitch N' Rap or a white 3" Gulp are my favorites. I feel these lures really look like the white bait that is all over right now.
If you have a honey hole that holds a lot of bait then take the time to run there and load up. Set up at your spot and chum these guys right to the boat. Usually you will have enough bait for the day with just a few throws of the cast net. Having a good supply of white bait is always a good thing. Sometimes it's all the fish want and I often use my bait bat to sling a bunch of bait and get the bite going.
One species that has arrived in good numbers to our area is Spanish mackerel. You can find these guy from 2 - 12 ft of water right now. There are many tactics anglers use to catch these guys. Trolling spoons, setting up near structure and chumming, or just drifting an area are all good tactics. No matter what technique I use, I always have some light steel leader ready to tie on if these toothy critters start cutting the line. I usually start with a 30 lb fluorocarbon leader with a 2/0 long shank hook and switch to the wire if the fish are winning. One of the best baits for these macks is the white bait I mentioned above.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581
Now on FACEBOOK |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 129
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 05, 2010 - 2:28 pm: | |
This past week has brought some cooler winds from the North. A high pressure system settled over this area of the Nature coast for most of last week which has cooled the water temperature down in the gulf. Fall weather means anglers will have to deal with the wind and a cooling trend as we approach winter. Knowing this, be ready to adjust your tactics accordingly.
The back country fishing was affected last week due to this mild cooling. The trout seemed to still be on the move and feeding, but the red fish bite slowed dramaticly. Prior to last week, we were seeing and catching good numbers of reds. As soon as this high pressure system brought this cool air and clear "blue bird" skies the reds were much more difficult to locate. It usually takes a few days for the fish that make their home in these skinny waters to adjust and start feeding again.
The fishing in 3 - 5 ft. of water was good last week and should continue that way. Big trout, spanish mackerel, cobia, blue fish, and lady fish are all giving anglers a fight from Hernando Beach to the Pine Island area. There is a good amount of white bait in the area. Chum these guys up and throw the cast net. Free line these baits or place them under a cork. If you prefer artificial lures then use anything that resembles the bait. A Rapala Twitch N' Rap or the Mirrodines by Mirrolure are great options.
The offshore fishing should really heat up over the next month. This cooling trend combined with the deployment of the stone crab traps will have grouper moving in. Start checking those shallow water rock piles that litter our area.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581
Now on FACEBOOK |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 250
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 30, 2010 - 9:18 am: | |
Islamorada Tuna and Mahi Report
Location: Islamorada
Blackfin Tunas and Mahi on every trip last week. 10 to 20 pound dolphin common on every trip. Most fish are in closer than usual. No live bait needed we have used lures and chunks of bonita. Hard to beet this great fishing off-shore, better than the spring and less small fish. Wahoos have been caught daily also. |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 127
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 - 1:47 pm: | |
The winds made the afternoon fishing tough last week, but the morning's were fairly calm. The weather has a huge influence on fishing. It determines where and if anglers can fish, and it will cause a variety of species to migrate to a more comfortable region. Keep this in mind as Fall approaches and be ready to adjust your tactics accordingly.
The bite has been on fire the past few weeks in the deeper flats. Trout, blue fish, lady fish, sharks, and more were found in good numbers around the 10 ft mark. Recently, a lot of these fish are being found in 1 - 3 ft of water. Trout continue to be the hot bite. Big numbers of trout are moving in from the deeper flats and a lot of them are in the upper slot range. The Rapala Twitch N' Rap in a "hot olive" color is one of my favorite lures for big trout. Work these lures slowly, and hold on.
The red fish bite is starting to heat up throughout our entire region. I am getting reports of anglers seeing pods of 20 - 30 fish that are on the move and ready to eat. Get out as early as possible on a good tide and look for these fish to be on the mangrove points and around the many oyster bars that litter this portion of the Nature Coast. Cut pin fish are great baits and white top water plugs are a great option if the water is calm. Look for the mullet and the reds should be near.
Be safe out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
Now on FACEBOOK |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 122
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 16, 2010 - 7:13 am: | |
The fishing out of Hernando Beach continues to be very productive. Anglers are catching good numbers of fish both inshore and offshore. Overall, the bite has slowed a bit. We will have better tides to fish round this week end which should have the fish in the mood to pull some drag.
The back country fishing will be best early. There is a decent morning tide this week end. Look for the reds to be moving with the schools of mullet. I like to slowly work the mangrove shore lines with my trolling motor and cast a Rapala Twitch N' Rap or a Johnson gold spoon. Trout are still moving in so be on the look out for them in these same areas. That's why I like both these lures, because everything will eat them.
The flats has a variety of species bending rods. Trout, sharks, sea bass, mackerel, lady fish, jacks, small grouper, cobia, and blue fish can all be found in 6 - 10 ft of water. I stick with "old faithful" - A white 3" GULP shrimp on a 1/4 ounce jig slowly bounced through the grass. This is a great set up to use for experienced and novice anglers. The GULP's stay on the hook longer and every thing eats them. I often have my young clients drag this set up behind the boat and have them lift up the rod every now and then. Not only do they catch fish with this technique, but they catch a mixed bag.
Good luck out there, and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
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Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Post Number: 117
Registered: 5-2008
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 07, 2010 - 5:24 pm: | |
As we move through September our area will begin a bit of a transition. Look for things to change a little. There are a lot of factors that contribute to this transition but history says this is a month of change.
On thing that affects fish in our area in the many stone crab traps that get deployed this month. This combined with a slight temperature drop in the Gulf waters will bring migratory fish like cobia and mackerel in. I feel this also helps lure grouper back to the shallows.
Look for big trout to be moving in to spawn. In recent trips I am starting to find good numbers of upper slot size trout in 1 - 3 ft of water. A lot of these fish are big females. The Rapala Twitch N' Rap in a hot olive color has been the hot lure. Dave at Precision Tackle turned me on to this lure last year and it quickly became one of my favorites.
Big red fish will bunch up in bigger schools as they also move in. Look for these schools of breeder reds to be on the move and actively feeding. I have got reports of 200 or more fish schooling up North in Citrus, but I have only seen schools of 10 - 20 fish in our area. If you spot a school, approach them quietly because they will spook easily since these fish are always under pressure. If you don't want to chase them, then set up at a point with mangroves and rocky bottom. Float out a pin fish or a piece of cut mullet on a out going tide and hold on!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
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(352)238-3581
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Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 111
Registered: 5-2008
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 01, 2010 - 7:43 am: | |
The recent rains cooled things down, but the Gulf waters were stirred up a bit. Once they waters cleared up, it was business as usual and fishing was good.
The red fish bite has been good throughout the entire region. The fish are there, but we are only seeing 1 - 2 fish at a time. Target the typical locations with a combination of mangroves, oyster bars, and mullet. I like cut mullet, but a pin fish under a cork is a great option. I have seen a lot of juvenile pin fish in the water lately from a recent hatch which means the reds will have these guys at the top of there menu. I prefer to cut the tail just enough to make the bait swim funny so he draws the attention of a passing red.
The deeper flats are still producing nice numbers of fish since the waters have cleared up. Trout fishing is still on fire, but we have been getting a lot of smaller ones on recent trips. We have still managed to get good numbers of keepers but we have to weed through the shorties. A 3" GULP slowly bounced through the grass in 9 - 12 ft of water is my preferred tactic. This technique will also draw strikes from sharks, sea bass, lady fish, jacks, mackerel, and more. As we move through September, I expect to see the mackerel start there southern migration through our area.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581
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Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 107
Registered: 5-2008
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 11:18 am: | |
The weather made it tough to get on the water earlier in the week, but it did cool the gulf waters down a bit.
The back country fishing was a little slow last week, but we were able to boat some nice reds with a little patience and persistence. The run off from the recent rain fall made the Nature Coast waters "murky". We had to fish slow and cover ground to locate fish. Cut mullet or cut pin fish under a cork are great baits. Any artificial that will make noise and imitate a small mullet is a great option, and if that wont work then use old faith full - a gold spoon.
The trout bite is still the hot bite out of Hernando Beach. This is the best season for trout that I've seen in over 5 years. Target 8 - 12 ft of water and work areas that have nice grass and frequent pockets of sand. A red 1/4 ounce jig head by Strike King combined with a white 3" GULP is my go to trout catcher.
TIP- If you match your tackle to the fish it can make for a better fishing experience. I say the lighter the better. After all, the fun is not always about putting the fish in the cooler. The true enjoyment comes from the drag pulling fight between you and the fish.
Good luck and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581
now on FACEBOOK |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 101
Registered: 5-2008
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 7:47 am: | |
I would have to say that last month the Trout bite took first place and will continue to be hot throughout September. Target the deeper grass flats in 9-12 feet of water. Early in the day, while the water is calm, I like to throw top water plugs; later in the day, I then fish deeper in the water column. I prefer to bounce a ¼-ounce jig with a 3-4” GULP shrimp across the grass. Work these baits as slow as possible. Free-lined Pin fish are also producing some quality Trout. These tactics will also have Sea Bass, Mackerel, Shark, Jacks, Bluefish, small Grouper and more, pulling drag. That’s what I love about drift fishing the deeper grass flats; you never know what’s going to hit next!
Good luck and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Post Number: 98
Registered: 5-2008
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 4:08 pm: | |
Summer is in full swing, and it is hot! Knowing we must deal with this summer heat, it is crucial for us anglers to hit the water as early as possible. By doing this, it is more comfortable and greatly increases the odds of catching fish. The shallow water in this area of the Nature Coast is coolest right before the sun rises which is a major reason fish are on the move and feeding at that time.
Fish will still bend rods once the temperature starts to rise but be ready to change your tactics as the day heats up. For example, try using top water early when the water is calm but switch to a sub surface plug or jig later on. Another tactical change would be to go from a popping cork with a shrimp to a free lined shrimp. This gets the bait deeper in the water column where there is cooler water.
The redfish bite has been consistent in the backcountry throughout our entire area. Gold spoons and top water plugs cast as close to the mangrove shoreline as possible are producing. Also, try pinfish and cut mullet near similar areas with structure like oyster bars and vegetation. I like to fish bait with a 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook under a small cork. These techniques will catch trout and the occasional snook as well.
The flats continue to be the most consistent bite right now. Free lined shrimp or scented soft plastic baits like a 3" GULP shrimp are my best producers. Nice trout, keeper sea bass, grouper, blue fish, lady fish, jacks, small sharks, and more will all pull drag with these presentations. Remember, the slower you work this bait the better, especially as the day heats up!
This is a great time of year for shark fishing in 6 - 12 ft. of water on light and heavy spinning tackle. Chumming the water will provide non-stop action with these guys. 3/0 and 4/0 circle hooks on a steel leader provide a perfect hook set and less break offs. Using cut mullet or lady fish is a great bait. Light spinning tackle is a blast but it's a bit of a gamble. If the you hook the "BIG ONE" on this setup it's like trying fly a kite in a hurricane, but when a 2 or 3 footer cooperates it's a great fight.
Summer means kids are out of school. It's not to late to get them on the water and fish. Nothing is better than to see this sport through the eyes of a child. Hooking kids on fishing gives them something to enjoy the rest of their lives.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
(352)238-3581 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (352)238-3581 end_of _the_skype_highlighting
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Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Post Number: 89
Registered: 5-2008
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, July 11, 2010 - 3:41 pm: | |
The rain cooled things down a bit last weekend. It was a nice break from the summer heat. It did not take long for the heat to return putting us right back into the summer pattern. Fishing this time of year is very predictable. Get out early to beat the heat and the afternoon thunder storms.
This "early bird" tactic is crucial when targeting the mangrove shore lines and creeks that litter this area of the Nature Coast. These skinny waters are coolest at day break which means this is when species like red fish and snook will be on the move and actively feeding. I prefer the first half of a outgoing tide and like to target structure.
The deeper flats has still been on fire in 10 - 12 ft of water. We are catching great numbers of trout, sea bass, lady fish, mackerel, sharks, and more in these depths. The trout numbers have been the best I've seen in quite a few years. Target spotty bottom with and work your lures slowly through the grass.
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
www.bulldogfishin
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Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 86
Registered: 5-2008
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Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 - 8:00 pm: | |
The fishing out of Hernando Beach has been great. The inshore bite continues to be good early in the day. Look for your shallow water species like snook and red fish at day break and move to deeper water as the days heat sets in.
The deeper flats are producing impressive numbers of quality trout. The best bite has been in 10 - 12 ft of water on a moving tide. I prefer to bounce a 3" GULP shrimp across the grass as slow as possible and occasionally pop it up in the water column. Trout will usually strike on the lures decent. This will catch a variety of other species like sea bass, lady fish, mackerel, blue fish, cobia, and sharks.
The shark fishing has been giving anglers non stop action in all depths. I truly enjoy watching my clients battle one of these bruisers on heavy spinning tackle. Anchor up on a moving tide and deploy a chum bag. Good quality tackle is crucial in order to have success with sharks because they will quickly find any weakness in your gear. I use a 6000 series spinning rod with 40 - 50 LB braid. Tie on a 4 -5 ft 60 LB fluorocarbon leader and the a 6 - 8 " section of heavy wire leader that is attached to a 7/0 circle hook. The reason I use the fluoro leader is to provide some stretch since the braid has zero stretch. This prevents break offs when the fish "head shakes" or jumps.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (352)238-3581 end_of _the_skype_highlighting |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Post Number: 78
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 - 4:41 pm: | |
Summer is here and it is hot! The best bite has been early before things get hot. This is especially true for the near shore anglers. I like to hit the skinny water early in the morning and move to deeper water later in the day.
The backcountry has good numbers of red fish moving through out the area. Target the outer points with oyster bars and mangroves. Again, the best bite will be early on a moving tide. Look for the bite to slow by 10 A.M.. I like cut mullet or live pinfish under a cork. Only anchor as close as you have to because these fish will spook easily.
The deeper grass flats is still producing good numbers of trout, sea bass, sharks, and more. Drift fish 8 - 12 ft of water with spotty bottom. My favorite tactic this time of year is to slowly work a white 3" GULP shrimp on a 1/4 ounce jig. Keep the jig on the bottom and pop it out of the grass frequently to draw a strike.
The scallop numbers have been ok off Bayport. There seem to be a better concentration of scallops to the North of Bayport in 4 - 6 ft of water. Don't forget your diver down flag and watch out for other swimmers.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog fishin charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
Now on FACEBOOK
(352)238-3581 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (352)238-3581 end_of _the_skype_highlighting |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Post Number: 72
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 18, 2010 - 6:55 pm: | |
Fishing has been fantastic out of Hernando Beach. The hot bite has been trout in 8 - 10 ft of water. We are catching our limit of "specs" nearly every trip. The trout might be hot, but the weather is hotter. I like July because I can fish early in the morning, and when it gets hot I cool off by jumping in the water to bag some tasty scallops.
Look for these tasty bivalves in 3 to 6 ft of water. A mask, snorkel, and fins are all that’s needed to capture scallops. Just swim along the grass until you find some and scoop them up. Carry a mesh bag to hold your catch. Scallops should be placed on ice immediately for the trip home unless you plan on cleaning them on the water. Placing them on ice makes them easier to open because the cold causes the muscle holding the shell together to relax. A spoon is a great cleaning tool. It's a bit time consuming to clean these guys but it's worth the effort.
The trout bite should stay hot through the month. Look for grass with sandy pot holes in 8 - 12 ft. of water. Again the best bite will be early and as the day gets hotter I like to move to deeper water. Drift fishing is a great technique to use. I like using small pin fish but my favorite this time of year is to jig a 3" white scented GULP shrimp as slow as possible across the bottom. I prefer the 1/8 - 1/4 jig heads by Strike King Because of the larger hooks the have prevent less gut hooks on smaller fish. Trout are a blast to catch and in my opinion are fantastic table fare.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (352)238-3581 end_of _the_skype_highlighting |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Post Number: 71
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Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2010 - 8:02 pm: | |
The temperatures might be hot, but so is the fishing. A variety of species are still pulling drag throughout our entire region. As the summer heat sets in, the Gulf waters will warm up. To improve your chances of catching fish, I recommend trying two tactics.
First, try fishing at the coolest part of the day. I prefer to hit the skinny water (< 2 ft) at sunrise since this is when the water will be the coolest. Fish will be actively feeding and on the move at day break. Secondly, try moving to deeper water as the day gets hot. The deeper water does not warm as quickly and the fish will be more willing to eat.
The backcountry bite has been pretty good from Bayport to Aripeka. The most consistent red fish bite has been early in the day on a moving tide. Look to target the mangrove shoreline with structure like rocks and oyster bars. Mullet jumping or creating "nervous water" is a great sign that there are reds or snook in the area. I prefer to throw a gold spoon or float a piece of cut mullet under a cork.
The trout bite has been fantastic in 6 - 10 ft of water. Drift the grass flats with sand pockets. I prefer to throw a white GULP on a red 1/4 ounce jig head. Cast to the pockets of sand and slowly work the bait across the bottom. This method will also draw strikes from mackerel, sea bass, lady fish, juvenile grouper, shark, and a variety of other species. The best part of fishing the deeper flats like this is because of the non stop action and the variety of fish you will catch.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (352)238-3581 end_of _the_skype_highlighting |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Post Number: 60
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Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 02, 2010 - 5:29 pm: | |
The weather and fishing have both been fantastic the past week. Fish are bending rods in all depths. Both inshore and offshore anglers are putting a variety of species in the cooler. We have started a bit of a summer weather pattern which means it's best to get on the water early to beat the heat and the afternoon thunderstorms.
The near shore bite has a number of species providing non stop action. Trout, mackerel, lady fish, sea bass, cobia, grouper, and sharks are all being caught in 8 - 12 ft of water. I usually drift the grass in these depths and bounce a white GULP shrimp on a 1/4 ounce jig. This is a great tactic to use because the small fish can't steal the GULP and you will catch a mixed bag of fish. For the sharks, I break out the heavy spinning tackle and float cut mullet or lady fish behind the boat in a chum slick. Keep a look out for cobia to be swimming with the sting rays or large turtles. There are a variety of lures you can throw to a passing cobia. The key is to keep the lure moving once the cobia sees it.
The offshore guys are now able to target American red snapper since the season opened up on June 1st. The season is open till Aug. 15th and the daily bag limit is 2 per harvester per day. Anglers usually have to burn a little more fuel and run to deeper water to find red snapper, but it's worth it due to their reputation of being great table fare.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (352)238-3581 end_of _the_skype_highlighting |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 249
Registered: 8-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 - 2:28 am: | |
Gag and Red Grouper are biting in 45 feet of water and beyound. No problems catching limts of either type. Red snapper are ready to be harvested. Most areas a covered with them and need to be thinned out. It is a great problem to have so we will make the best of this situation 1 june. |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Post Number: 56
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - 5:38 pm: | |
We had another great week of fishing in Hernando Beach. The weather was beautiful. The bite has been great from the skinny waters of the backcountry to the deeper waters offshore. Early in the day seems to be the most consistent bite before the heat of the day sets in. Also, late in the day has worked as the day starts to cool. As summer days approach this theme will prove even more true.
The flats have trout, mackerel, lady fish, blue fish, small cobia, and sharks bending rods but the Tarpon have been the talk of the anglers. The silver kings have arrived in good numbers and are being spotted, jumped, or landed from Aripeka north to Chassahowitzka bay. Remember that stealth is key when hunting these monsters. Tarpon will hit a variety of lures and flies. Be ready to try a number of lures, colors, and tactics. You can never go wrong with live bait like small lady fish or a big pinfish put on a 5/0 circle hook on heavy spinning tackle. Small blue crabs put under a cork on the same rig is also a great offering. Keep the crabs on ice so they won't be to active until they hit the warm gulf water.
As for the trout, the best bite has been on Rapala Twitch N' Raps or white GULP shrimp under a cork. Pop the cork to draw attention to your bait. Drift the grass flats in 4 - 12 foot of water casting to the sand pot holes.
Off shore the bite continues to be hot. Large numbers of keeper grouper are being caught in 15 - 50 feet of water. To say that there are fish everywhere would be an understatement. The many reefs and rock piles in the area are also producing cobia, king fish, snapper, and amberjacks. Live pinfish or frozen sardines seems to be the bait of choice for the bottom fishermen. Trolling large spoons off a planner is bagging good numbers of kings.
Good luck and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (352)238-3581 end_of _the_skype_highlighting |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 245
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 4:40 pm: | |
No oil problems in Hernando Beach Just Great fishing for Gag Grouper red grouper Kingfish grunts Aj's snapper cobia. All depths of water west of Hernando beach are teaming with the fish you want. Dead bait live bait it does not matter. Frind a small reef and catch fish. |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 52
Registered: 5-2008
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 5:28 pm: | |
The red fish bite has been good South of Hernando, but these fish are still spooked very easily. Target mangrove shore line with near by structure. I prefer to fish the start of a outgoing tide but you won't have any problems as long as the tide is moving. Approach target areas quietly and make long cast so the fish will see your offering before they see you. Cut mullet and live pin fish have been my go to baits.
The flats have really been hot in 3 - 8 ft of water. Good numbers of trout and mackerel are being caught on a variety of baits and lures. Large select and small pin fish under a cork with a 4 - 5 leader is a great tactic, but these fish can't resist a Rapala Twitch n' Rap. Keep an eye out for the "brown clown" a.k.a. cobia around structure or working their way up your chum slick. I also expect tarpon to make a showing to our area by the end of this month.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Post Number: 242
Registered: 8-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, April 23, 2010 - 6:31 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
Grouper fishing off Hernando Beach has been outstanding in the shallow reefs in 35 feet of water. We have caught some Kingfish this week, and Spanish Mackerel. Legal size Amberjack way offshore are ready to be caught and are in large schools. The last few trips to the wrecks have been very successful ; we caught Big Jacks, Grouper, and American Red Snapper. Most of the Amber jacks were caught on butterfly lures and white buck tale jigs. Rapid movement of these lures from the bottom to the surface was a sure bet for a bite. You never know what is going to hit your lure when it's in the water. We caught Red Snapper, Cobia, Gag, and Red grouper. It is amazing how much more rewarding fishing with lures can be. Productive, fun, and sportsman like are what come to mind when fooling fish to attack lures on 20 pound spinning gear. |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 241
Registered: 8-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, April 09, 2010 - 2:35 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
Grouper fishing off Hernando Beach has been outstanding in the shallow reefs in 35 feet of water. We have caught some Kingfish this week, and Spanish Mackerel. Legal size Amberjack way offshore are ready to be caught and are in large schools. The last few trips to the wrecks have been very successful ; we caught Big Jacks, Grouper, and American Red Snapper. Checkout www.gulf grouper.com to verify results of our outstanding fishing.
Forecast: More Gag and Red grouper as the water continues to warm up. Kingfish and Spanish Mackerel will increase in numbers as the bait schools work their way north through our area. We will start catching Cobias any day now. They are overdue, but like always they will show up and we will catch them.
Sea ya on the water,
Capt Rick
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Post Number: 238
Registered: 8-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 28, 2010 - 8:34 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea fishing Report
Gag grouper are in all depths of water on the west coast of Florida, and we are ready to catch and Keep them. Enough of the great grunt fishing rodeo, anglers are ready for grouper. The 1st of April brings an opening day for Florida's anglers that want to catch and keep grouper. Federal and State waters laws will allow recreational anglers a bag limit if they are able to land them in the Gulf of Mexico.
We have caught grouper during the two month closure and released them on a regular basis. The Commercial fishing industry has not participated during the recreational closure. Sounds fishy. Despite their success in getting all the grouper for themselves for two months there is and has always has been plenty of grouper for everyone that knows how to find them. So come 1 April feel confident that you will catch plenty of fish whether you go out on your boat or charter your favorite Captain's boat.
Forecast: We are really looking forward to keeping some quality fish 1 April. Gag and Red grouper have been caught consistently on Party and Charter boats up and down the Gulf Coast. Dead and Live bait have been working equally well. Water temperature today was 63 degrees in 20 feet of water west of Hernando Beach. Constant warming trend has slowly made the Gulf waters warmer and made grouper fishing easy again!
Sea You on the water
Capt Rick
727-992-9494
www.gulfgrouper.com |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 49
Registered: 5-2008
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 4:58 pm: | |
Fishing was tough for the first part of the week due to the front last weekend. Once thing calmed, the fishing really heated up.
The blue fish and lady fish provided non stop rod bending action. These fish are not the best table fare, but they are a blast to catch. The trout bite slacked off a little but the red fish were on the move and actively feeding. Cut mullet and select shrimp were the hot baits for these bronze bombers, but artificials like a johnson gold spoon will catch fish. Next week will finally bring some Spring like temperatures which will heat up the water and the fishing.
We also got some quality mangrove snapper and black drum on shrimp. I use small 1/4 ounce jigs or a 1/0 hook and a split shot. Target these guys in deeper holes and troughs with structure.
As the Gulf waters warm migratory fish like mackerel and cobia will invade our area and trout will move to the deeper flats.
For advice or to book charters call Capt. Keith at (352)238-3581. Book your trip early to get your date!
Tight lines!
Capt Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 235
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 13, 2010 - 8:33 am: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea fishing Report
We are looking forward to April 1st. We are going wear out the Gag and Red grouper 25 miles or so from shore. The Gulf of Mexico is loaded with grouper and my clients will certainly enjoy ripping them out of the rocks. Currently we are catching and releasing big Gag and Red while fishing for Grunts and Sea Bass on the days we get out. We are catching large quantities of Grunts on chunks of squid on bottom rigs around the smaller reefs. The Sea Bass are abundant around the same types of structure and are generally suspended half way down from the surface. Sea Bass will also hit 1/4 Jigs of any color when dropped to the bottom and jigged up and down through the water column. Sea Bass have to be 10 inches long to keep. They are a great fish to eat. Sea Bass have solid white meat and have a delicate mild flavor. Fried, Broiled, Blacked, or Sushi you can't mess them up. Sea Bass are one of the best kept eating secrets in the Gulf of Mexico.
Further off shore there are big Amberjacks (Aj's) to be caught. These fish have been untouched for a couple months since it is has been difficult to get out that far with the wind blowing so hard. Along with the Aj's are thousands of Red Snapper that are eagerly awaiting their time to die. We will assist them with a ride back to Hernando Beach once their season opens.
Forecast: We are really looking forward to keeping some quality fish. We will continue to catch and release Gag and Red groupers until 1 April 2010. Big fun on the Gulf of Mexico is only a few days away. So get your tackle ready and plan your trip in advance. It is going to be a great season!
Sea You on the water
Capt Rick
727-992-9494
www.gulfgrouper.com |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 7:09 pm: | |
The weather has seemed to let up a little. We have had to deal with a little wind, but the temperatures have been nice. The Gulf waters are holding around 60 degrees and these cooler waters still have most of the fish holding in the creeks or near springs.
The trout bite continues to be on fire in these areas. They seem to be holding near structure in deeper troughs. We are catching a lot of trout over 20 inches. The best bite is on a large live shrimp under a cork. Just pop that cork every few seconds and the trout can't resist. The Rapala Twitch N' Rap in a hot olive color is my favorite artificial lure for trout and it has been catching as many fish as the shrimp. This is a great lure to use in skinny water because of its slow sink rate and fantastic action. Remember to handle trout as little as possible if you plan to release them.
We are also starting to see more red fish on the move. I am seeing schools of 8 - 20 reds moving with mullet through out the entire area. Cut mullet on a 3/0 - 4/0 circle hook fished near oyster bars is a great tactic. Be sure to look for mullet jumping or creating "nervous water" as you approach your targeted area. Reds will hit a variety of artificial lures, but I prefer a Johnson gold spoon or a 4" GULP shrimp on a 1/4 ounce jig.
The springs and deeper channels are still producing good numbers of black drum,sheep head, and mangrove snapper. Chum these areas with pieces of shrimp. Use a 1/0 hook with a split shot or a small 1/4 ounce jig head. Keep your line tight if there are sheepies in the area so you can feel every bump or else they steal your bait and you won't even know it.
As we move into Spring, look for fish to move out of the back country and into the flats. A good indicator that this is happening is to watch the mullet. Once they move out, other species are soon to follow. Our are will also have migratory fish like mackerel and cobia moving through as the water warms.
Good luck out there and tight lines!!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Post Number: 232
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2010 - 4:14 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea fishing Report
Plenty of Sea bass and Grunts are being caught on a regular basis. It's fun to catch Grunts and release big Grouper. Constant action all-day on nearby reef that are teaming with Grunt and Black Sea Bass. Any bait will work, it is the easiest form of fishing in the gulf of Mexico.
Forecast: We are really looking forward to more of the same through the month of March. We will continue to catch and release Gag and Red grouper until 1 April 2010. Amberjacks are way off shore and the season is open for these fun fish. One amberjack per angler.
Sea You on the water
Capt Rick
727-992-9494
www.gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Post Number: 229
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - 2:16 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea fishing Report
Great grunt fishing with superb Black Sea Bass catches lately in the gulf water west of Hernando Beach. We are catching a wonderful assortment of the previously mentioned fish on every trip we have been on this February. Mostly cut bait like squid, spot tail pinfish, and mullet are working well. Chunks of these fish used on a drop shot type rigs have really been productive. The use of multiple hooks can increase you catch exponentially. It is easy to catch 3 at a time; however why would you really want to? One at a time on light tackle is fun. Loosen your drag a little and have fun catching Grunts. Grunts are great to eat, when fried some people prefer them over grouper. Either way they are fun to catch and there is no shortage of grunts anywhere in the Gulf of Mexico reefs west of Hernando Beach. |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 8:27 am: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
February fishing off-shore in the Gulf of Mexico has some weather challenges. On the days we got out the fishing was very good in 35 feet and beyond. The water temperature has been stable and about the same for fifty miles or so. The Gag Grouper fishing could not be better on the off-shore reefs. There is no shortage of keeper size Gag grouper and I don't believe there ever was. We are enjoying the catch and release season for Grouper and Red Snapper that is totally absurd. We are keeping the Grunts, Sea-Bass, and Mangrove Snapper for dinner. Still nonstop action and allot of fun catching fish all day. Most of the fish we are catching are being caught on dead bait. Live bait will work if that's what you like to use, but it is not a necessity. We have used frozen Threadfin Herring, and cut up grunts. The larger baits seem to be catching larger fish more consistently these days. Same techniques apply longer leaders, lighter weights, and leave the bait motionless on the bottom. Do not check your bait or lift it off the bottom; Just wait a while and you will get bit!
There have been many small amberjacks and Barracudas hanging around some of the inshore wrecks. We have been ignoring them since they were not worth the effort. I have reports from commercial anglers explaining some of the off shore reefs are holding larger Amberjacks. Sounds great, however these areas are very far off shore.
Forecast for March: Look for water temperatures to slowly rise and large schools of white bait will eventually start to show up. Bottom fishing the reefs will always be very productive for Grouper, Grunts, Sea Bass, and Snapper. In shore the Trout and Redfish have been very cooperative in the springs and fresh water river deltas.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
www.gulfgrouper.com |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 09, 2010 - 4:28 pm: | |
The weather continued to be a challenge for anglers last week. The cool temperatures still have the inshore species holding near the warm waters provided by the many springs in our area. Look for trout, red fish, black drum, lady fish, sheep head, jack crevalle, and mangrove snapper to hold near these locations.
These springs pump out thousands gallons of 72 degree water that keep a large portion of the surrounding waters nice and toasty for a variety of fish. All though the spring head will hold fish, be sure to fish locations away from the actual spring. The water temperature will stay warm far from the head which will hold good numbers of fish. Target structure areas like oyster bars and deep cuts. Remember, Work baits and lures slowly and cover the entire area.
I like to use a live select shrimp for bait in these areas, but scented artificial's like D.O.A. or GULP shrimp will catch as many fish as live bait. White is a great color to start with but don't be afraid to mix it up. The advantage to these artificial's is that they stay on the hook longer and you can work them across the bottom or under a popping cork.
It will take some time before we we truly know how bad the recent fish kill affected each species. Snook, mullet, and jacks all took a big hit. I think the red fish and trout weathered the storm and come this Spring their numbers should be strong. Although other species were depleted, This makes for less competition and more food for the ones who survived. I guess every cloud does have a silver lining!
Good luck out there and tight lines!!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 02, 2010 - 5:23 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
Grouper Fishing in January and February is easy when you fish where the fish are active. Often in the winter months catching grouper is a slower process than warmer months. As you venture off shore take note of the water temperature. The further west you go the warmer the water temperature will become. Lately 55 degrees is the number to look for. Less than 55 degrees it seems almost impossible to catch a limit of grouper.
Capt Rick
727-992-9494 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 - 8:53 pm: | |
We had a break from the cold which allowed the frigged Gulf waters to warm up a little and gave us anglers a chance to get out and fish. FYI -There has been some changes on fishing regulations recently put out by the FWC. Due to the number of snook killed by the cold water temperatures, the snook season will remain closed until August 31st of this year. That date might be adjusted at a later date once more data rolls in. While anglers can still target and catch snook, it is important to know that these fish must be handled with care and released as quickly as possible. - www.snookfoundation.org is a great site to visit to get the latest snook info.
There are still a number of fish to target during these cold months that will pull drag and provide some tasty table fare. Red fish,black drum,sheep head,mangrove snapper, and flounder are great species to target. look to the rivers or creeks and focus on deeper holes or channels that have structure. I prefer to use live shrimp this time of year on a 1/8 - 1/4 ounce jig head. Pinch the tip of the tail off the shrimp. Tail hook the shrimp just ahead of the pinched off area. This technique puts scent in the water and prevents your baits from spinning as it goes across the bottom. Once you cast out allow your offering, let it settle to the bottom and bounce across the bottom as slow as you can stand it. Remember that the colder water temperatures make fish lethargic, so the slower the better. |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 06, 2010 - 5:47 pm: | |
Brrrrrrr! The cold weather did not let up at all last week. This constant blast of cold air has kept most anglers inside and not on the water. As you guys know, I am a fishing guide out of Hernando Beach and my phone did not ring from clients looking to book a trip. Probably because you would have to be insane to get on the water to brave these elements. Not only is the weather down right cold, but there has been negative low tides to contend with for most of the week. I got a case of cabin fever last week, so I called my good friend and fellow guide Capt. Joel Gant of Fish Daddy Charters. I invited him out fishing and he accepted since he to was in need of a fishing fix.
We had to wait for the tide to move in a bit before we could navigate the skinny waters of Aripeka so we decided to work the cuts at the Hernando Beach channel and some of the near by rock piles like Gomez Rock. The water Temperature was holding in the lower 50's in these areas and the fishing was slow. As a guide I have learned that when fishing in conditions like this you have to be patient and persistent. I have found that by fishing slow and targeting numerous locations you will find fish.
Once the tide allowed us to move in, we hit some deeper cuts in the backcountry and tossed large select shrimp fished on small jig heads. We were able to get some sheep head and red fish to bite. The bite slowed so we slowly worked the mangrove shore line tossing a variety of baits and lures. The majority of red fish were holding in 8 - 12 inches of water on muddy bottom. The muddy bottom holds the heat and provides a nice warm bed for fish. This bottom held good numbers of mullet and redfish. We also found jack crevalle and lady fish that were on the move and actively feeding on bait fish. Silver spoons were the hot lure for the jacks and ladies.
They say that 90% of the fish are in 10% of the water and that is a fact especially in these conditions. Anglers brave (or foolish) enough to battle "Old Man Winter" will be rewarded with tight lines if they slow things down, target the right areas, and above all are patient.
TIP- Remember to layer clothes and over dress when your on the water during these cold days. You can always dress down rather than being cold. It is alway colder when you get on the water!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Post Number: 31
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 02, 2010 - 3:27 pm: | |
As we go through January, Angler must be ready to deal with "Old Man Winter". The cooler water temperature will have most species looking for warmer conditions.The colder water in the flats will have fish moving back into the many creeks and bayou's that litter this area of the Nature Coast. The sun warms these shallow waters quickly, and many of these spots have springs nearby. These springs keep the water temperature a little warmer causing fish to concentrate. Target deeper cuts and holes. Red fish, trout, black drum, lady fish, sheep head and other species can all be caught here. Free lined shrimp on a 2/0 hook works well for the sheep head and drum,but I prefer cut mullet for the red fish. I like to throw top water plugs this time of year for trout. The surface lures seem to produce quality trout.
The deeper flats will still produce fish. Target rock piles in 8 - 12 foot of water. These areas will hold species like blue fish, mackerel, and shallow water grouper. The grouper move in to shallow water with cooler temperatures but migrate back to deeper water when the temperature starts to hold below 60 degrees. Gag grouper like to remain in the rocks for cover so anchor up current from the structure and lure them out by chumming. Cut threadfin or sardines work well. Cast baits back to the rocks but not on the rocks. I like to use heavy spinning tackle but conventional tackle will work. Gags will come out and hit a threadfin or live pin fish, so get those fish away from the rocks hard and fast. Get your grouper fishing in while you can because the season closes next month. February 1st until March 31st!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Post Number: 221
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 01, 2010 - 12:47 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep sea Fishing Report
Gag grouper are abundant and easy to catch on the reefs, ledges, and wrecks west of Hernando Beach Florida. The last week of the year proved to be one of the best grouper fishing weeks of the year. Gag grouper on every spot we fished along with Mangrove Snapper, and Grunts. We had a blast catching big Gag grouper and some Red grouper on frozen Threadfin Herring. January looks to be equally consistent despite the drop in water temperature. Fishing with dead bait on the bottom and waiting a while for them to start feeding makes a big difference in catching the larger Grouper.
Capt Rick Rodriguez a Full Time Captain who specializes in helping you have fun catch Grouper!
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 19, 2009 - 6:30 am: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
Gag grouper are abundant in the reefs west of Hernando Beach. The Gulf Grouper has been killing a limit of grouper on every trip. Many of the larger fish are over ten pounds. Despite the weather challenges; because of our sound boat we are able to produce a cooler full of Grouper, Grunts, and Mangrove Snapper safely. If you want to have fun and catch fish? The Gulf Grouper is ready to make your fishing trip one you will not soon forget.
Capt Rick
Your full time Grouper Fishing Specialist 727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 14, 2009 - 6:06 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
December Gag and grouper fishing has been spectacular in all depths of water west of Hernando Beach. We have been catching over a hundred short grouper each day and a limit of keeper size Gags on every trip since the 1st week of November. Many of these grouper are larger than 15 pounds and will put your tackle to the test. New 80 pound monofilament line and a tight drag settings is essential in stopping these fish from rocking you up. Constant replacement of leader material throughout the fishing day will result in more bigger fish in the box. Grunt, Mullet, and Northern Mackerel heads have been producing most of big bites. Live bait will work ; however it is not necessary since the water temperature is in the low 60's.
Further off-shore the Red grouper are still around in large numbers in 70 feet of water. The typical hard bottom areas are where you will find them. If you can get some octopus for bait you will find that they can't resist eating the stuff. Hold on tight to your tackle because the Red grouper are frisky in this cooler water. We have been surprised at how much harder they fight lately.
Mangrove Snapper are still being caught just about every trip and are averaging 2.5 pounds. The snapper have been eating cut up threadfin Herring on the bottom when using a knocker rig. Spinning tackle seems to work best with 15 pound line and no leader.
Along with the great grouper fishing we have caught many large Redfish over 20 pounds. These Redfish are tough and will eat any bait presented to them. It is not unusual to hook up six of these fish at a time when fishing the rock piles in 20 feet of water or less. They are a blast even on the heavy tackle we use to land grouper.
Forecast: January looks promising especially if the water temperature stays in the 60's. The Grouper are here now and will stay abundant until conditions become cooler. Larger Grunts, Mangrove snapper, and bigger Black Sea Bass will continue to accumulate around the smaller reefs.
On the Flats: the Trout and redfish are accumulating near the mouth of Jenkins creek and the Weekiwatchee river basin. Live shrimp on a popping cork is working better than anything else in the early morning hours. the Jack Cravelle have invaded the area water ways by the hundreds. Most top water lures are a sure bet when looking to catch these tough fighting fish. Most of the jacks we have caught are about 4 pounds. They are real easy to find since they are chasing mullet and other bait fish up and down the Hernando county coast. These fish are fun for kids to catch since they usually cooperate. |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 02, 2009 - 7:02 am: | |
The recent fronts that have moved through our area have cooled the Gulf waters a little more and have a variety of fish feeding. The winds and rain have made it difficult for anglers to get out at times. When the weather has laid down allowing us to get out and wet a line, the fishing has been fantastic in all depths.
The backcountry continues to produce fish. Good numbers of redfish are being caught north from Pine Island to Chassahowitzka. Target the entrances of the many creeks that litter this area. Live pin fish,select shrimp, or cut mullet are my baits of choice. Look for oyster bars near mangroves on a good moving tide. Use a 3/0 - 4/0 circle hook under a cork and fish these baits so they drift just off the bottom. I prefer the beginning of the out going tide. As you quietly approach these areas look for mullet jumping or causing "nervous water". Redfish and the occasional snook will often move with these schools of mullet feeding on whatever they stir up.
Big trout are being caught in 3 - 5 ft of water North of Bayport. Free lined shrimp on a 2/0 long shank hook is a good tactic. However, a 3" white GULP shad paddle tail put on a 1/4 ounce jig and slowly bounced across the bottom will catch a variety of fish at these depths. Be ready for trout,blue fish,jacks,lady fish, and sea bass to get in on the action.
The deeper flats have taken 1st place the past few weeks. The shallow water rock piles in 8 - 14 ft of water have been hot. These rocks are producing quality Spanish mackerel, blue fish,sea bass, and keeper grouper. For the mackerel and blues I like to throw silver spoons or free line shrimp in a chum slick. For the grouper, I anchor away from the structure and cast frozen threadfin or live pin fish to the rocks. Chum these areas heavily to get the grouper to come out of the rocks. I use heavy spinning tackle with 40 LB. braid and a 60 LB. mono leader. Use a tight drag and pull hard at first to prevent them from getting in the rocks. Some anglers prefer conventional tackle in this situation, but it's just more enjoyable and sporting for me with the spinning tackle.
Good luck out there and tight lines!!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 4:43 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
Gag grouper are easier than ever to catch in all depths of water west of Hernando Beach. Live bait not required, dead bait is working the best around ledges and rock piles. Every trip this week and last week has resulted in a limit of Gag Grouper. Most of the keeper size fish have been in excess of 10 pounds and very healthy. If you really want to catch Gag grouper all day long now is the time to do so . The water temperature is a steady 68 degrees and we anticipated consistent action for the next two months.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
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Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 12, 2009 - 6:14 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
Unbelievable Gag grouper fishing west of Hernando Beach Florida. We are having a great time catching Gag grouper this fall. So many keeper size grouper being caught we have to stop at our limit and move on to other types of fishing. Most of the common areas like the Tanks, Richardson Reef, Martins Reef, and the Concrete Ruble are holding a lot of Gag grouper. Be prepared to use a lot of bait. There are still thousands of short Red and Gag grouper in the area eating us up. It is not uncommon to catch over a hundred short grouper in a day and use fifty pounds of Threadfin Herring. The only way to use less bait is to use cut up Grunts and Mullet. Other fish that are around in great quantities are Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish, Bonita's, Amberjack, and Red Snapper. The Snapper and Amberjacks are released since the season is now closed. However they are a lot of fun to catch and release since they provide non-stop action due to their immense population. The Kingfish are here now and are scatted in all depths of water. The closest Kingfish we caught lately was in 20 feet of water. It hit knocker rig on the way up when an angler was checking his bait. To his surprise he had to hook the fish in the eye with his circle hook and was able to land the large King with a mono leader. He was reminded by his fishing buddies to buy some lottery tickets after this great catch since luck was truly on his side that day. Off-shore in 50 feet there are large schools of bait working their way south. These schools of bait are under attack by Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Bonita's. Great trolling action for these fish with spoons, dusters on a plainer, and deep diving lures. Look for the birds diving and chasing bait near the surface. These tell tale signs will keep you fishing were the fish are and hooked up.
Off-Shore Forecast: Fishing of Hernando Beach is consistently very good and will always have grouper swimming around it's reefs for you to catch. December is looking like it will be just as good as any other December in recent past. Look for awesome big Gag grouper in shallower areas and ledges to eat larger cut up bait like Boston Mackerel, Mullet and Grunts. Same basic types of rock, ledges, and hard bottom areas will produce great numbers of fish. Do not forget about the greatest fish to fry in the Gulf of Mexico the "Grunt". Grunts are great to eat and are worth the effort to catch, fillet, and fry. Recently some anglers brought back to memory how great a meal grunt make. They are easy to catch, plentiful, and will keep kids busy while you are working on catching the big grouper.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
On the flats the Redfish are moving around points and rocky oyster areas. Lures are still working real well if casting in the wind doesn't bother you. An easier approach is to use Pinfish cut in half and small Blue crabs. These baits are hard for a Redfish to pass up when they are normally swimming around chasing live stuff. The Sea Trout are starting to bunch up on the deeper rock piles and in the early morning many are being caught in Jenkins Creek off Shoal Line blvd. In Jenkins Creek popping cork and live shrimp have been the most consistent bait early in the morning. Snook action has been very good up in the Mud River. Small top water lures like a Jug-bug and Rapalas have been working well at night.
Flats Forecast: Look for December to produce bigger Sea Trout than previous months around the creeks that have warmer spring water running into the Gulf of Mexico. With the Sea Trout you will notice large schools of Jack Cravelle moving up and down these creek areas. They are ferocious fighters and will eat most lures without hesitation. Set your drag correctly because these fish will rip a lot of line of your reel. They are not that great of a fish to eat but they are fun to catch. In most cases once you find the Jacks in an area. Hook ups on every cast with these fun fish are not uncommon for hours. |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 31, 2009 - 11:43 am: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
Unbelievable Gag grouper fishing west of Hernando Beach Florida. We are having a great time catching Gag grouper this fall. So many Keeper size grouper being caught we have to stop at our limit and move on to other types of fishing. Other fish that are around in great quantities are Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish, Bonita's, Amberjack, and Red Snapper. The Snapper and Amberjacks are release for the commercial fishing industry to harvest at a later date. However they are a lot of fun to catch and release.
Fishing of Hernando beach is consistently very good and will always have grouper swimming around it's reefs for you to catch. November is looking like it will be just as good as any other November in resent past. Look for awesome big Gag grouper in shallower areas and ledges to eat larger cut up bait like mullet and Grunts.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 30, 2009 - 7:00 pm: | |
This time of year is special for anglers. The waters are holding in the mid 70s which means that all species of fish are on the move and actively feeding. We are catching fish in all depths and the only problem we have had is deciding on what species to target.
As a guide, I often establish a game plan for my clients based on a number of factors. The weather and tides are two important factors to consider when forming this plan of attack. Understanding the elements and having the right strategy based on them can make the difference on weather or not you put fish in the cooler. This can be as simple as getting out a few hours early to beat the arrival of a front, or hitting the flats first while waiting for a high tide. Drifting the flats while waiting for water to move in is a productive way to pass time and target other species like mackerel,blue fish,cobia,shallow water grouper,trout,and more. Once the high tide arrives, you will have fish in the box and you'll be warmed up for those bruiser reds and hopefully a couple of line siders.
Redfish and snook are feeding best on the begining of the out going tide in the morning or late afternoon. North of bayport up to Chassahowitzka has produced NON-STOP REDFISH ACTION! Look for schools of mullet near structure jumping and creating "nervous water" and Reds will be there ready to take your offering. Cut mullet, lady fish, or live pinfish placed near the shore line will work. If artificials is your fancy then try a gold spoon or bounce a copper penny GULP near the mangroves and oyster bars. Topwater plugs like the Storm Chugbug or a Hedden spook jr. will produce fish. It is always a fun to watch those fish blow up on a topwater.
TIP-Always keep working the topwaters until you feel the fish pulling! Many anglers make the mistake when they see that explosion at the surface of setting the hook to soon and end up pulling the lure away from the fish!!
Good luck out there and tight lines!!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
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Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
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Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 203
Registered: 8-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 24, 2009 - 2:17 am: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
Off-shore the Red and Gag Grouper fishing has been very good in all depths of water. Rock piles, ledges, and hard bottom areas are the places to look when off-shore. Mostly frozen Threadfin Herring has been used to catch these fish while anchored up. Additional, cut up Grunts especially the head portion has produced the largest Grouper on every trip. Be sure to check your leader and line before dropping a head down to the bottom. If there is a weak spot these Grouper will make sure it comes apart. There are still allot of Red Snapper being caught while Grouper fishing in 60 feet of water and beyond. Since the season is closed we have successfully release every single Red Snapper.
Around the wrecks Live pinfish have been working well for the Amberjacks and Mangrove Snapper. The Amberjacks have been larger than the 30 inch legal size. Many fish over 40 pounds and have been caught on conventional and spinning gear. Using a flat-line off the stern has produced plenty of Spanish Mackerel and some Kingfish in 40 feet of water and beyond. Live bait like Blue Runners work well when the tide is moving fast enough to keep the bait in place.
Fishing is always very good off Hernando Beach; However we are looking forward to the fall run of Gag Grouper in our shallow water areas. The Stone crab traps are out and the Grouper fishing will only get easier as the water cools down with each approaching cold front. Look for the action to really pick up when the water temperature gets down to the mid 70's.
Capt Rick
727-992-9494 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 28
Registered: 5-2008
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 - 7:19 am: | |
Bulldog Fishin Charters inshore report
The recent front that came through last weekend brought a lot of wind and brought the inshore waters down to the mid to upper 70's. We had to wait a few days for the wind to let up, but the bite was fantastic once we could get out to wet a line. The morning low tides combined with the wind blowing from the east made it difficult to get into the backcountry in the morning.
Due to the low tides we have been fishing the flats early until we were able to move in and look for red fish. The shallow flats provided us with non stop rod bending action. Good numbers of trout,Spanish mackerel,blue fish,lady fish,cobia and more are pulling drag in 2 - 6 ft. of water. There are a number of tactics that will produce fish in these depths this time of year. GULP shrimp,silver spoons,and hard baits like a Rapala Twitch n' Rap are all great options. The trout have been small on average but the bigger ones seem to be hitting top water plugs. A bone colored Heddon Zara Spook Jr. is one that seems to put some nice trout in the cooler. The daily bag limit for trout in our area is 5 per person - They may be NO LESS than 15" and one of the 5 may be kept over 20".
The backcountry areas North of Bayport are continuing to hold large numbers of upper slot sized reds. I find the best bite continues to be at the start of a out going tide. Schools of reds are spread out the entire region and are moving with schools of mullet. Live pin fish and cut mullet placed near oyster bars and mangrove shore line are producing the most fish, but lures like a gold spoon or GULP 3" shrimp will draw strikes. Be sure to target areas that are holding schools of mullet and approach them with stealth. Be ready for the occasional snook to feed on one of these offerings. I often fish with a 30 LB. leader just in case a large "line sider" decides to cooperate.
Grouper continue to migrate in from the deeper water with the decreasing temperatures in the Gulf. Large keeper gag and red grouper are be caught in a shallow as 15 ft. of water. This pattern will continue as we move towards winter.
This is the time of year when fishing out of Hernando Beach peaks and gives angler roughly 2 plus months of incredible fishing. Don't miss this opportunity to get out and enjoy some fantastic fishing and beautiful weather.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 200
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - 8:59 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Report
Off-shore the Red and Gag Grouper fishing has been very good in all depths of water. Mostly dead bait has been used to catch these fish while anchored up. Around the wrecks Live pinfish have been working well for the Amberjack and Mangrove Snapper. Plenty of Spanish Mackerel and some Kingfish action in 40 feet of water and beyond. Fishing is always very good off Hernando Beach however we are looking forward to the fall run of Gag Grouper in our shallow water areas. The crab traps are out and the Grouper fishing will only get easier as the water cools down with each approaching front.
Capt Rick
727-992-9494. |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 27
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - 7:25 pm: | |
The days have been hot the past week, but the water temperature is staying in the low 80's. We have a front moving through this weekend but it appears that it is going to bring more wind than cold air. The fishing out of Hernando Beach has been fantastic the past week. We have been catching a mixed bag of quality fish.
The backcountry bite is really starting to peak. Good numbers of red fish,snook, and trout are being caught on a variety of baits. The many bays and creeks North of Bayport have been holding a a lot of fish that are on the move and feeding. Target areas that have structure like oyster bars and mangroves on the start of a out going tide. One tactic that I feel produces the most fish is to set up within casting distance from these points and offer baits like cut mullet,cut pin fish or live pin fish. I prefer to use a cork so I can see the strike. Use a 3/0 - 4/0 circle hook with a 20 - 30 lb. mono leader. When your cork disappears, slowly reel down until you feel the weight of the fish and let the circle hook do its job. Circle hooks allow anglers to get a good hook set in the corner of the mouth. This not only reduces the number of break offs, but it makes it easy to get the hook out of the fish. This allows anglers to get back to fishing quicker and reduces the risk of a gut hook which will injure or kill the fish.
TIP- Keep a few lady fish to use as chum. If my clients start catching lady fish, I always put a few in the cooler for future trips. Cut them into small pieces throw them towards the oyster bars and mangroves your fishing using a bait slinger bat. These pieces of chum not only bring fish to the area, but it will also keep them there. This is a no cost easy way to chum an area your fishing and will put more fish in the boat !
Flats fishing continues to thrive in 4 - 12 ft. of water. Drifting fishing these depths over grassy bottom with sandy pot holes is what I target. GULP shrimp,silver spoons, or hard baits like mirro lure mirrodines are all producing fish. Trout,mackerel,lady fish,blue fish,jack crevalle,cobia,and more are all pulling drag.
Good luck out there, and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 26
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 06, 2009 - 1:47 pm: | |
Hernando Beach-Hernando County Near Tampa and Orlando
Fishing out of Hernando Beach is hot and should continue to improve. One reason the fishing is so good is the Autumn cooling trend this area of the Nature Coast is starting to go through. Fronts will continue to move through bringing water temperatures down. As the Gulf continues to cool a variety fish will migrate through
.
The shallow flats and backcountry from Aripeka North to Chassahowitzka are producing good numbers of quality fish. Trout are feeding in 3 - 6 foot of water. Drifting these depths over spotty bottom and casting silver spoons or bouncing Gulps across the bottom on a 1/4 ounce jig are a sure bet. The many near shore points with structure and spoil islands are still holding good numbers of red fish. Cut mullet and small pinfish seem to produce the best. Anchor up as far off as possible on these areas. Get within casting distance and no closer. This is why I prefer braided line. You get great range with a strong line. The further you stay back the less chance you have of being noticed by fish. This allows fish to move about naturally and feed.
Stone crab season starts the 15th of this month but commercial crabbers are allowed to bait and drop their traps ten days before that. These thousands of traps that are dropped are fantastic fishing areas. I believe this to be another reason that fish push in. Drifting these traps is a great tactic that will put fish in the box. The deeper flats offers anglers to catch a mixed bag of quality fish. I often target rock piles in 8 - 12 ft of water especially now that the crab traps have been soaking for a few days. Anchor off near these areas and put out a chum bag. This will attract large numbers of Spanish mackerel and the occasional cobia passing through on their southern migration. This tactic will also have trout,blue fish,sea bass,and jacks pulling drag. White GULP shrimp under a popping cork or a silver spoon worked in the chum slick will catch fish. A light steel leader may be needed to stop the cut offs from the macks and blues.
Oh yeah, can you say shallow water grouper! Big grouper can be caught on these very same rock piles. Long cast on heavier tackle is key. Due to the shallow water it is crucial to anchor a little ways off and cast to the structure. This forces the grouper to come out of the rocks to feed. When grouper are hooked away from rocks, there is no cover for them to dive into. This means less break offs. Casting plugs or frozen sardines floated back to the structure on heavy spinning tackle is a blast. Bring your back brace!! Trolling these areas can also produce if the weeds are not to bad. Precision Tackle on U.S. 19 has a fantastic variety of casting and trolling plugs to choose from. I prefer red/white or black/gold Long A Bombers scented with Pro-Cure. This set up is also great to throw to a big cobia you might spot working his way up your chum line.
Good luck,tight lines, and take a kid fishing!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 197
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 02, 2009 - 5:42 am: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
Grouper fishing off Hernando Beach is always very good and lots of fun. Cooler air and cooling water temperatures are heating up the more shallow areas in ten feet of water. It is an amazing event to catch Grouper when you can see them take your bait. Most anglers are used to the idea of a Grouper pulling their line down. These fish swim sideways fast from one side of the boat to the other trying to find a rock to swim under. Exciting stuff!
Offshore the Grouper, Amberjack, Snapper, and Kingfish action is still very good. Large Mangrove Snapper, and American Red Snapper are plentiful. Live or dead bait continue to work equally well. Some Dolphins schools have been found around floating debris. These fish are crazy and easy to catch, have fun!
Capt Rick
727-992-9494 |
Capt. Alan Sherman (Shermana)
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Username: Shermana
Post Number: 13
Registered: 10-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 - 7:37 am: | |
Fishing in South Florida continues to get better every day. If business would pick up with the level of the fishing then everyone would be a lot happier in the fishing industry. The good news is that the weather has been stable with no tropical systems to mention for the time being and things look good for that trend to continue. I have had the opportunity to fish some great clients this past week and also got to do some fishing of my own and with my wife Dana as you will see in the pictures I have added with this report.
I was in Flamingo with my wife last week and then with clients Jeff and Scott a few days after and fished Florida Bay with my wife where we found plenty of big redfish on the flats that were eager to eat Hook Up lures tipped with a Gulp shrimp. Along with the redfish we also had plenty of trout, snappers, jack, ladyfish and tripletail. All of these fish were caught on Cajun Thunder floats with live baits suspended or on Rapala Twitchin Raps and X raps and of course mentioned earlier the Hook Up lures tipped with Gulp soft plastics.
My trip with Jeff and Scott took place in Whitewater Bay where we fished the islands that are scattered throughout the backcountry. Jeff and Scott both threw artificial lures the entire day and were rewarded with snook to 38 inches, lots of mangrove snappers and jacks and some sea trout as well. We hooked a few fish that were huge but got away but that is what keeps fishing interesting and allows for great fishing stories. The one that got away! The top baits this day were Rapala Skitter Walks, X Raps, Twitchin Raps and a new plug the Skitter Pop SureSet.
Check the Photo Gallery at www.getemsportfishing.com to see some all of their catches.
Offshore fishing has been better each day with the return of Mahi Mahi or better known here in South Florida the dolphin. Many of these fish were caught on a Hook Up lure tipped with a Deep Creek soft plastic. Along with the dolphins I had the pleasure of fishing the Florida Marlins ace pitcher Ricky Nolasco and his girl friend Amber for a half day out of Miami. Amber is from Los Angeles where she works for the Dodgers and loves fishing but Ricky had never been before and she was hoping that I could teach him a few things about fishing in hopes that he would get hooked. Ricky was able to keep his body clear of the hooks and stuck a few hooks in a few fish as well. His first bait in the water turned into a legal sized tasty mutton snapper. From there he caught bluerunners and then an Arctic bonito that brought smiles to both of their faces. Not to be out done Amber caught a few bluerunners and then added a nice king fish to the list before we headed inshore where Amber caught sea trout, mangrove snappers and a barracuda. All of the fish were caught on live pilchards fished on a Mustad long shank hook. The pilchards were caught using a ten foot West Coast 3/8 inch mesh net. The baitfishes were thick and two casts filled my Pathfinders live well.
That catches us up for now!
Don't wait too long to book a trip because the Fall Migration won't last forever!
Check out my new web site and see your monthly catches and pictures.
www.getemsportfishing.com
Check out my report in the Miami Herald's Sports section under Fishing Updates each Thursday, the Florida Sportsman Magazines South Florida Internet Fishing Report
www.floridaspotsman.com), my monthly Action Spotter Fishing Report for the South Region in the Florida Sportsman Magazine each month or tune into the Florida Sportsman Magazines Live Radio Show on 1080 WMCU on the AM dial or listen on the internet at www.1080wmcu.com every Saturday morning from 7 to 8 AM and here the up to the minute fishing forecasts from some of the top Capt.'s in South Florida like Capt. Jimbo Thomas on the Thomas Flyer, Capt. Bouncer Smith on Bouncers Dusky, Capt Skip Bradeen on the Blue Chips Too out of Whale Harbor Marina, Capt. Wayne Conn on The Reward Fleet, and more.
I have recently been wearing a lot of Columbia Sports Wear on my fishing charters and the new Blood & Guts shirts are amazing. I have had mackerel, cobia and snook just splatter me with blood and one good washing and the shirts are as good as new. Check out their web site at www.columbia.com />
Sponsors: Yamaha, Bob Hewes Boats, Maverick, Minn Kota, Lowrance Electronics, Daiwa, General Motors & Chevrolet, Rapala, Mustad, Ande Lines, Pure Fishing, Gulp, Berkley, Precision Tackle, Cajun Thunders, Capt. Hank Brown's Hook Up Lures, Hydro Glow Lights, Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, Saltwater Assassins, Key Largo Rods, Lee Fisher Cast Nets, Smartshield, Master Repair in Stuart Florida, Power Pole, Stow Master Nets, superfishlight.com, Columbia Wear
Capt. Alan Sherman
"Get Em" Sportfishing Charters
www.getemsportfishing.com
Host of Florida Sportsman Radio Live/South
1080 WMCU AM Saturdays 7 to 8 AM
786-436-2064 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 25
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 - 5:59 am: | |
Hernando Beach inshore report provided by Bulldog Fishin Charters.
Well anglers, we have made it through Summer and have moved to Fall fishing. This week brought the first of the cold fronts. These fronts will continue to cool things down. With this cooling trend fish will be on the move and eager to feed. The change in weather has certain species migrating through this area of the Nature Coast creating some fantastic fishing.
Large schools of red fish are being found cruzing the flats North of Bayport. Most of these fish are over the 27 inch slot size, but they really can put up a fight. As with all fish, handle these reds with care. Make sure to return these bronze bombers back to the water quickly and revive them fully. We are also catching some nice slot reds near the many Northern spoil islands and mangrove shore lines. Focus on points with structure. I approach these areas as quietly as possible and look for activity like mullet moving through the area. You will see mullet jumping or creating what I like to call "nervous water". Cut mullet or pin fish under a cork and placed near structure are a great tactic. Sub surface twitch baits are also producing nice fish. Be ready for the occasional trout or snook in these areas also.
The trout bite has still been fantastic. We are catching quality trout in 2 - 8 ft of water. At times we are catching a lot of 12 - 14 inch trout all in the same area. When this happens, I often move to a different location in search of bigger trout. Gulp's worked across spotty bottom is a favorite presentation of mine, but I do enjoy working top water lures at times. Nothing beats watching trout,reds,snook,blue fish, or even jacks slam a surface walker. Bomber or Zara Spooks are great examples of productive plugs.
The mackerel are starting to invade the area. Drift fish depths of 4 - 12 ft of water. You can also anchor near structure and deploy a chum bag on a good moving tide. Target areas like North Rack or Cutters Rock. I like to throw silver spoons or place shrimp and small pin fish under a cork. Use a 2/0 long shank hook to prevent cut offs. A lite 3 - 4 inch steel leader may be added, but this can prevent strikes at times.
Best wishes and tight lines!!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 196
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 27, 2009 - 6:15 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
Grouper fishing off Hernando Beach like always is very good. Plenty of keeper size fish in all depth of water. The most consistent depth for larger fish for now remains in 50 feet and beyond. Basic frozen and live bait techniques are still an effective way to catch Grouper. Trolling for Grouper is becoming easer since we have had more east winds. East winds blow the surface weed out of the area so we can enjoy catching fish instead of weeds. Chartreuse, Black & Gold, and Olive colors are great choices when trying to catch Gag Grouper trolling.
When you are ready to catch fish call me!
Capt Rick
727-992-9494 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 24
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 - 5:39 am: | |
October is almost here which marks the start of my favorite time of year to fish the flats and backcountry of this area of the Nature Coast. The weather is beautiful and there is a cooling trend in the gulf waters. This cooling trend means that bite will be fantastic and a variety of fish will be caught. Trout will be moving in from the deeper flats and will should take 1st place with red fish finishing a close second. Be ready for the occasional snook,cobia,jack crevalle,blue fish,lady fish,or shark to pull some drag. Target locations like the mouths of Fillmans Bayou,Hernando Beach spoil islands,or Higgenbotham creek at the beginning of a out going tide. When fishing locations like this I often cast to the deeper cuts near structure with good tidal flow or drift the grassy flats with spotty bottom.
October also means big schools of Spanish mackerel should arrive. look to find these guys in 3 - 12 foot of water. I often drift fish to locate mackerel and deploy a chum bag. Free lined shrimp on a 2/0 long shank hook or silver spoons are both successful techniques. A 4 - 6 inch light steel leader may be used to prevent cut offs by these toothy critters. Large schools of blue fish will often invade which can make for a lot of fun on light tackle. Blue fish fight hard and will hit any offering thrown to them. If you find yourself in a large school of blues, try a bright colored top water. These fish attack top water in a frenzy and will give anglers quite the aerial show.
Berkley GULP has been a very productive bait. Fish just can't seem to resist these scented baits. I prefer to use 3 colors - white,new penny, or nuclear chicken. A 3" shrimp or the paddle tail shad both produce a variety of fish. Work these baits slow at first but be ready to adjust your retrieval speed if necessary. How will I know when it's necessary - you ask. If the bite slows try something else. Even something subtle like working your lure faster or slower can make the difference. Sometimes the color of the lure is not the problem, it's the presentation!
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 193
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 20, 2009 - 5:51 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
Grouper fishing off Hernando Beach like always is very good. Plenty of keeper size fish in all depth of water. The most consistent depth for larger fish for now remains in 50 feet and beyond. Basic frozen and live bait techniques are still an effective way to catch Grouper. Trolling for Grouper is becoming easer since we have had more east winds. East winds blow the surface weed out of the area so we can enjoy catching fish instead of weeds. Chartreuse, Black & Gold, and Olive colors are great choices when trying to catch Gag Grouper trolling.
When you are ready to catch fish call me!
Capt Rick
727-992-9494 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 23
Registered: 5-2008
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 19, 2009 - 11:11 am: | |
Bulldog Fishin Charters Hernando Beach report
The summer heat has let up a bit. With these cooler days the water temperature is holding in the low 80's. This is the time of year where we make the transition to an Autumn cooling trend. With these slightly cooler conditions, the only hot thing in this area of the Nature Coast is the fishing. This is my favorite time of year to fish the flats and backcountry areas from Aripeka to Chasshowitzka.
The rain did cool things down a bit, but it also made the waters mirky at times. We had to target a variety of locations early in the week to find clean water but it was worth the effort. When the water is dirty from recent winds or rain it is important to remember to adjust your tactics. I like to use a lure that will make a little noise like a Mirro-lure Catch 2000. Scented baits worked slowly will also bring more strikes in low visibility conditions. Live pinfish,select shrimp, or cut bait will always work well in any conditions.
The spoil islands and creeks that litter this area of the Nature Coast are loaded with mangroves, oyster bars, and bait. Quietly approach these areas and look for signs of life like diving birds or jumping mullet. These areas will hold trout,red fish, and the occasional snook. I target these areas at the beginning of a out going tide. Live pin fish or cut mullet are great baits. Johnson gold spoons or a Rapala Twitch'n Rap are artificial's that will cover a lot of territory and produce quality fish. No matter my bait or lure, I only fish with braided line. Braided line gives angler the ability to use a strong line that has a small diameter. This is a must for making long cast to spooky fish.
The deeper flats are producing quality trout,mackerel,shark,sea bass,jacks,and more. 1/4 ounce jigs combined with 3" GULP shrimp have produced steady rod bending action. 8 - 12 ft of water has been our target depth. The bite slows on a slack tide, but once the tide shifts the fish are on the move again and feeding!
Good luck and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 190
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 - 2:08 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
Grouper fishing is still outstanding in 50 feet of water and beyond. Limits of Gag and Red Grouper have not been a problem. Large Mangrove Snapper are abundant and are a welcome addition to the cooler. We have been using both fish boxes to accommodate the large amounts of Grouper we have been catching. Dead bait has still out performed live bait. Using Grunt heads for bait has consistently produced the larger Grouper on every trip. Great bottom fishing will continue through next couple of months and we will soon find that Grouper fishing will drastically improve in the shallow 20 foot deep areas. Shorter days and cool nights are causing the water temperature to slowly go down. Typically nonstop action can be expected all day with less emphasis on the morning and evening bite. Look for Kingfish to become more common in the Hernando Beach area. We have noticed large schools of bait moving south already and we have caught some large Kingfish on a flat line while Grouper fishing.
Anglers ask me how is it that we are able to catch so many Grouper and other reef fish? My reply is usually the same , "fish where the fish are"! Sounds funny, but true. It is common for anglers to go fishing and not fish the best areas and attribute slow action to fish not biting. Though it is reasonable to believe fish do not eat all the time. Your chances of catching more fish are better if you are in tune with the environment and know where the fish are located. One trick to catching more fish is to find places that have not been pressured by other anglers. New spots almost always produce bigger and more fish. If you have a true understanding of what your depth sounder is displaying you can discriminate sand from rocks, and identify schools of fish. Sounds a little tricky but anyone can learn how to find structure with a little practice. Structure is what the fish relate to. This is where they seek shelter, and find food. Most structures like hard bottom, rock piles, and ledges produce the most. If you constantly observe your depth sounder while slowly moving from one known fishing area to the next you will eventually encounter another fishing area. Go slow, allow your sounder to provide you a clear depiction of what is on the bottom. Test your newly found areas by dropping a line to the bottom. If you catch a grunt or a Grouper of any size mark it on your GPS and save you new spot. Slowly move your boat around a short distance and continue this process. You will be amazed at how many new places there are to catch fish near your old spots. |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 22
Registered: 5-2008
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 - 12:25 pm: | |
As we move through September, the inshore bite is starting to heat up. I fished shallow water for most of the week and was rewarded with some quality fish. The gulf waters have cooled down due to a combination of the rain and cloud cover. We are approaching my favorite time of year to fish. As we move to October the Inshore bite should be fantastic!
The backcountry is holding good numbers of red fish,trout, and snook. These fish seem to hold in the skinny water longer with cooler water temperatures. I still try to target these fish early morning. This is the time that these fish are on the move and actively feeding. Target the many deeper creeks and cuts of Hernando. I prefer a high out going tide. The Hernando Beach channel has been hot also. The rocks and cuts that span the North side of the channel are holding large numbers of quality trout,red fish, and the occasional snook. I fear that the fishing around the channel will be affected with the dredge starting soon, but once it's done the fishing should be better than it was with the deeper water.
There are a variety of baits and lures anglers can use while fishing these areas.Free lined pin fish and select shrimp are great live baits. I use a 3/0 circle hook and 3 - 4 foot of 20 - 30 LB mono leader. Target areas that have near by structure. If you are a artificial angler and only throw lures then I recommend you basic white plastic that is either scented or has good action (like a paddle tail). Another lure is one that Dave from precision Tackle turned me on to. Its a Rapala Twitchin' Rap, and I am very impressed with this lures action and castability. This lure is suspension lure that slowly sinks but when retrieved it stays just under the surface. There is a variety of colors to choose from, but most of the Rapala Twitchin'raps have that red chin and belly that I believe draws a lot of strikes. Remember, to give any new lure a chance to work, and be sure to fish it in a variety of ways.
Good luck, and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 187
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 11, 2009 - 3:14 pm: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Fishing Report
Fishing off Hernando Beach for Grouper and Mangrove Snapper this month looks great. We have been catching Mangrove Snapper and Grouper in close and offshore a ways. Frozen Threadfin Herring, Pinfish, and live Sand Perch have been working really well for the Grouper. 10 hour and 12 hour trips during the warmer months are the most productive for size and variety of fish.
Mangrove Snapper have been caught best on clear 15 pound line on spinning tackle with no leader or weight. Chumming with glass minnows and sand really gets the Snapper fired up and off the bottom. Then you can flat line for them with small chunks of bait. Most of the Mangrove snapper are around 2 pounds; however it is not uncommon to catch them over 5 pounds.
See ya on the water,
Capt Rick
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 184
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 02, 2009 - 8:36 am: | |
Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Fishing Report
Fishing off Hernando Beach for Grouper and Mangrove Snapper this month looks great. We have been catching Mangrove Snapper and Grouper in close and offshore a ways. Frozen Threadfin Herring, Pinfish, and live Sand Perch have been working really well for the Grouper. 10 hour and 12 hour trips during the warmer months are the most productive for size and variety of fish.
Mangrove Snapper have been caught best on clear 15 pound line on spinning tackle with no leader or weight. Chumming with glass minnows and sand really gets the Snapper fired up and off the bottom. Then you can flat line for them with small chunks of bait. Most of the Mangrove snapper are around 2 pounds; however it is not uncommon to catch them over 5 pounds.
See ya on the water,
Capt Rick
727-992-9494 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 21
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 02, 2009 - 8:05 am: | |
Hernando Beach report - Bulldog Fishin Charters
September is an exciting month for inshore fishing. Anglers not only have the opportunity to bag a snook and put him on the dinner table, but they also will have a chance to catch a huge redfish.
The reason I say huge is because this is the time of year when huge bronze bombers (aka red fish) move into the flats in massive schools to spawn. These fish that move through the area are not just looking for love, they are usually very hungry and willing to eat what ever gets in their way. These schools of reds can hold hundreds of fish and most of them are over the slot limit of 18 - 27 inches. Look for these reds in the deeper flats early in the month. Try to find birds diving the water. Birds follow these schools and pick up the scraps left by a red fish feeding frenzy. Approach quietly and throw a select shrimp under a cork or a spoon. I use 15 LB braided line with a 20 - 30 LB mono leader. The braid allows anglers to cast further which is crucial when the reds are spooky.
As of the 1st of September, anglers no longer have to catch and release snook. For the next 3 months 1 snook per person can be put in the cooler as long as it's in the 28" - 33" slot limit. Target snook with pin fish and white bait. I like to free line these baits on a 3 - 4 ft. a 20 - 30 Lb leader with a 3/0 circle hook. Areas with good moving current and structure are a must. .
The offshore bite continues to be fantastic in 60 - 80 ft of water. Limits of red grouper are being caught relatively quickly with a few gags mixed in. The hot bait seems to be live pin fish with frozen sardines being productive as well. The mangrove snapper have been cooperating also but if you want to target these guys try down sizing your hook and leader. The only problem we seem to have off shore is the amount of American red snapper we have to catch and release. It just does not seem that there is a shortage of red snapper in the gulf.
Remember scallopers, the season closes as of sept. 11th so get your scallops while you can.
Good luck anglers and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 182
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 3:12 am: | |
Hernando Beach Florida Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
Looks like the summer heat is going to continue for a couple more months and the fishing will stay hot in deeper water. Last few Grouper fishing trips in 60 feet of water were very productive. Throughout the day we caught Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Grunts, Sharks, and some small Cobias. Consistent action all-day makes fishing allot of fun and helps keep your mind off the heat.
Fishing in this deeper water will more than likely continue to be very good since there are other currents beside the tide that tend to keep the water a little cooler. Offshore you will also notice there are more pods of bait and Sargasso sea weed floating around. This floating weed often attracts bait fish that seek refuge from predator fish in the open water. The accumulation of baitfish will often make it easier for an angler to locate and catch Cobia, Mackerel, Mahi, and Black-fin Tuna.
Best thing to do is be prepared to catch fish a number of different types of tackle. Conventional Grouper fishing tackle, spinning gear are two types of tackle that will help you capitalize on fishing opportunities you encounter. Live Pinfish, and frozen Threadfin Herring are always great baits to have when offshore fishing. On a recent trip a Cobia swam around the boat and would not bite anything we threw at it. However, when we took the sinker off the line and allowed a live Pinfish to swim naturally about 30 feet behind the back of the boat. The cobia quickly swam toward the bait and ate it immediately. Luckily we were prepare for this occasion and a wonderful battle between fish and angler commenced.
See ya on the water
Capt Rick
727-992-9494
www.gulfgrouper.com |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
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Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 20
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 24, 2009 - 4:51 pm: | |
August can be a tough month for shallow water anglers. The proper strategy and tactics will make the difference of weather or not you have a good day fishing. Getting out early or fishing late afternoon is the time to hit the water to avoid the summer heat. Fish are on the move and actively feeding during these times. Targeting the skinny water areas early in the morning on a good out going tide is a recipe for success. The tides are not always perfect but fortunately we have a nice morning high tide this weekend.
The red fish bite has been slow through out the entire area. Patient anglers willing to put a little work in will be rewarded. Cut mullet and live pin fish have been the most productive. Free line these baits around structure. I often target saw grass and rocky areas, but I also make sure these areas are near thick mangroves that provide cover and cooler water for the reds. These areas will also produce the occasional snook.
The best trout bite continues to be in the deeper flats. Drift fishing the grass flats while free lining shrimp or pinfish is a good tactic, but I prefer to slowly jig a Scented artificial like a 3' GULP shrimp across the bottom. Both these techniques produce non stop rod bending action. We are catching quality trout,sea bass,small grouper,mackerel,sharks,and more in 10 - 12 ft of water.
Speaking of sharks! If you like shark fishing then now is the time to target them. Heavy spinning tackle is my favorite way to fish for these bruisers. 30 - 40 LB. braided line with a 2 -3 ft. 60 LB. mono leader tied to a 6 - 8 inch 60 - 80 LB. steel leader is how I rig my rods. The reason I put in the 2-3 ft of monofilament leader is so there is some stretch in the line. The braid and steel leader have zero stretch, so the mono allows some give during the fight and lowers the risk of break offs. This tackle might seem a little light for shark fishing but the majority of the sharks we catch are from 2 - 6 ft, and this tackle is perfect for this size. Place 1 or 2 chum bags off the side of the boat and they will come. Cut lady fish or mullet on a 6/0 -7/0 circle hook will do the trick. Heavier conventional tackle is necessary for larger sharks so I often have one rod ready in case bigger sharks make a showing.
Be safe out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt. Keith Tomlinson (Bulldogfishin)
New member
Username: Bulldogfishin
Post Number: 19
Registered: 5-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - 9:36 am: | |
Hernando Beach inshore report
The weather this past week gave anglers the opportunity to get out and fish and the bite was good. The early morning is still the time to get out to avoid the summer heat and the afternoon thunder storms. It appears the hurricane season has finally started and fortunately we will not be in the path of Bill.
The backcountry bite is still a little slow. Anglers willing to get out early and be patient will catch fish. Target the outer points near structure. Structure can mean a number of things. Mangroves,saw grass,oyster bars,docks, or even deeper cuts all qualify as "structure" that will hold fish. I like to focus on these areas on a high outgoing tide and as early in the day as possible. Be ready to use a variety of lures and baits. I prefer to use live pinfish or cut mullet for bait and a gold spoon is a great artificial option. Try to target areas that show signs of life like mullet jumping. These areas will hold reds,snook,trout,flounder,jacks, and more. Fish like jacks might not be the best table fare but they are a blast to catch. Jack crevelle are kind of like the junk yard dogs of the gulf.
The flats off Hernando have been producing non stop rod bending action. We have been catching quality trout,sea bass,mackerel,shark,jacks,small grouper,blue fish, and more. The grass flats in 8 - 10 ft of water seems to be where the best bite is. The fish prefer the deeper flats this time of year due to the cooler water. I often drift fish these depths and slowly work shrimp,small pin fish, or 3 - 4 inch GULP shrimp across the grass. these tactics combined with light tackle will not only put a bend in your rod but it also will fill a cooler with quality fish.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 181
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 17, 2009 - 11:31 am: | |
Aug 09 Gulf Grouper Deep Sea fishing Report
Little deeper and further offshore are the fishing conditions you are looking for. When you are looking to catch big Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, and Red Snapper the cooler waters in 50 feet or deeper have been the most consistent for catching fish all day long. The shallower waters have plenty of Gag Grouper and other reef fish. They just do not cooperate very long; For example, you may anchor on a reef and catch one or two Grouper then they stop eating. Additionally around 11:00 am on a sunny day it is almost impossible to get any keeper size fish to bite. There are always exception in fishing. However, Off shore the fish tend to feed longer and average length is longer. Dead Threadfin Herring are great to start off with to get the fish chewing. Then drop a live bait down and feel your rod load up when GagZilla takes off towards the rocks. Pinfish, Cigar minnows, and Porgies are great live baits. Live baits seems to get used faster than dead bait so make sure to have plenty.
Tip of the day. Most anglers use 80lb line and 80lb leader material when fishing for Grouper. In deeper water using lighter 60lb monofilament line and longer leaders will always get you more bites, and some times more fish. Getting more bites is what you want then you can worry about trying to land the fish. Most of the time the toughest part of the battle is the first 5 seconds when the fish first senses resistance when hooked. 60 pound line can handle the strain if the line is new and has no abrasions. Checking the terminal tackle constantly and replacing leaders that are rough will help you land more fish. A good time to check leaders and line are when you're baiting the hook. Simply remove the damaged areas of line, and replace scorn leaders and you will land more bigger fish.
Capt Rick Rodriguez |
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