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Fishing Reports for Local Area - Location |
    
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 75
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 3:10 pm: | |
Gulf Grouper Fishing Report
1 May 2008
Hernando Beach Florida
Fishing has been consistent in the waters west of Hernando Beach. Every fishing trip has been very productive for Grouper, Grunts, Spanish mackerel, and Mangrove Snapper. Water temperature and water clarity have been ideal for Gag Grouper fishing. Dead bait, like Threadfin Herring is still the best choice; however live Pinfish are working better & better everyday.
Sea ya on the water!
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 72
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 9:21 am: | |
Gulf Grouper Fishing Report
15 Jan 2008
Grunts and Grouper are the big event in January. We are having a great time fishing everyday we get out. Non-stop short Grouper catch and release action throughout the day using frozen bait. Our anglers are really enjoying the large Sea Bass that they are catching. Sea Bass are fun to catch and great to eat. We are still catching our share of big Gag Grouper on our local reefs west of Hernando Beach. So come out and spend a great day on the water with us and fish the Gulf of Mexico.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
rick@gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 70
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 02, 2008 - 10:10 am: | |
Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report
Jan 2008
One of the warmest winters in near history and the water temperature is in the low 70’s. After this cold front temperatures should go down a few degrees again to the high 60’s. After this weather passes through the Grouper fishing will be great. Look for the bigger ledges to hold the most Grouper Grunts, and Mangrove Snapper. We are still catching upwards of a hundred short Gag Groupers every trip. Non stop action is the norm when using dead Threadfin Herring. Some anglers have used live bait with marginal success. However if you want to catch the bigger Grouper try larger dead bait like Grunt and mullet heads.
Good luck
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
www.gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 69
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 3:33 am: | |
Gulf Grouper Fishing Report
27 November 2007
Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, and Grunts are plentiful in the waters west of off Hernando Beach. This year has been outstanding for bottom fishing in all depths of water. We have continuously caught great numbers of fish. The last few weeks fishing trips have been nothing short of outstanding. Anglers have enjoyed constant rod bending action throughout each fishing day aboard the Gulf Grouper. Observe the photos page on www.gulfgrouper.com “pictures are worth a million words”. Frozen Threadfin Herring is the bait we have used along with cut up Grunts. Fresh cut mullet has been outstanding bait in some of the shallow fishing areas. Come out and see how we get things done. I am certain you will get your bang for the buck.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 67
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 3:05 pm: | |
Gulf Grouper Fishing Report
31 Oct 2007
Spooky weather lately! Lots of wind and rain and falling water temperatures. Fishing for Grouper has been outstanding prior to this change of weather. I am certain fishing will be even better when the wind subsides. Every year this happens in the fall and the Grouper fishing is spectacular. Mostly dead bait will do the trick in the murky waters after a front. Boston Mackerel, Mullet, and Threadfin Herring are best. I look forward to fishing this fall; it is going to be fun.
Capt Rick
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com
rick@gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 66
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 1:41 pm: | |
Gulf Grouper Fishing Report
22 October 2007
This year has been outstanding for Grouper fishing. We have had great catches of Grouper, Grunts, Mangrove Snapper, and other sport fish throughout the year. It is not difficult to believe fishing has improved exponentially when review the photos of the last couple weeks on www.gulfgrouper.com. We are truly enjoying our selves! Lots of Grouper and a few big ones everyday are common. Live bait dead bait it really does not make a difference. Fishing is as good as it’s ever been in recent years.
Capt Rick
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 64
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 6:06 pm: | |
Gulf Grouper fishing Report
5 Oct 2007
The water is cooling off and the stone crab traps are being set right now. This combination of events will entice Groupers to move around from area to area. Schools of Gag Grouper are not an uncommon event but a part of their normal life. When you catch one Gag Grouper nine out of ten times you can bet there is another one swimming down there. With this in mind it is easy to locate Gags around large rock areas and reefs. With each approaching cold front there are a couple days of strong windy conditions. These events seem to bunch Groupers up were they can seek refuge from turbulent waters. So naturally when boating conditions improve anglers can go to their favorite rock pile and find it replenished with hungry Groupers. It may not be as easy as explained but it is true.
Lately Gag Grouper have been cooperating in 20 to 25 feet of water. Frozen and live bait have both worked exceptionally well. There have been quit a few goliath groupers also. Mangrove Snapper are still an everyday occurrence with some Cobia and Kingfish.
Good Luck fishing
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Guldfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 61
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 17, 2007 - 4:44 pm: | |
September 5, 2007 Gulf grouper Report
Mangrove Snapper
Night Fishing for Mangrove Snapper in September is a great way to spend an evening with family and friends. Recently we have been having a lot of fun catching mangrove Snapper on most of the big reefs west of Hernando Beach. Spinning tackle with 15 pound line and live shrimp are a killer combo when fishing for Mangroves. Anchor up current from the reef and lightly chum with glass minnows. The Mangrove Snapper will come up to the surface a few feet from behind the back of the boat looking for more. During the dark they will stay aggressive and continue to eat unless the sharks come around; then things get tricky. Don’t be too surprised if you get in to the Spanish mackerel and other toothy critters. Sometimes Grouper will respond as well, so be prepared with heavier tackle near by.
Good luck on your next trip!
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
www.gulfgrouper.com |
CaptainIDS (Captainids)
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Username: Captainids
Post Number: 15
Registered: 9-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 05, 2007 - 10:01 am: | |
Are you a Licensed Coast Guard Captain?
This is for you
http://www.captainids.com/ |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 60
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 12:57 am: | |
Gulf Grouper fishing Report
29 Aug 2007
Grouper, Grunts, and Mangrove Snappers are biting like crazy. Lots of action with short Grouper and big break offs from Zilla and his buddies. Most fish have been caught in 38 feet of water. There are few sharks and Barracuda out there trying there best to eat our Grouper while we reel them up. These toothy critters add to the excitement of great summer fishing. Most days we are seeing schools of small Cobia near the boat. They are fun to catch on light tackle.
The best baits of choice continue to be Threadfin Herring and Live Pinfish.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 58
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 11:28 am: | |
Gulf Grouper Fishing Report
Hernando Beach Florida
Grouper fishing is still good around 35 feet of water. Some of the inshore areas are producing Big Gags in the early morning hours and during overcast days. The fish are available but seem to escape from the heat like we do. Offshore, no problem, start off with dead bait and finish off with live bait. Pinfish are doing the trick. Spot tail pin’s and regular pin’s have been working equally well. Mangrove Snapper and Grunts are very active in all depths of water. Cut up threadfins continue to get plenty of bites when flat lined down current with no weight or leader. Straight 15lb line is more than enough to land these fish.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 57
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 06, 2007 - 6:41 pm: | |
Gulf Grouper Report
7 Aug 2007
Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Grunts, Cobia, and Sharks are cooperating in 35 feet of water west off of Hernando Beach. We are catching 6 to 10 keepers daily on mostly dead Threadfin Herring. It has been the norm to catch over seventy short Grouper each day. Needless to say steady action makes the day go by quick. The water color is still light green with about 15 feet of visibility. Calm seas with scattered thunder storms equate to good fishing and fun times. Give me a call if you are ready to catch some fish.
Best regards,
Capt Rick
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 55
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 02, 2007 - 1:30 pm: | |
Gulf Grouper Report
2 August 2007
Grouper fishing in the Hernando Beach area has been very good! We are still catching most of our bigger grouper on cut bait. Some fish have been caught on Pinfish, and Sand perch around the large ledges. The over cast skies and rain has cooled the surface water temperature. This cooling trend has made Grouper fishing fairly easy. Large Grunts, Mangrove Snapper, and sharks are an everyday occurrence.
Let’s go Fishing
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 54
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 4:56 pm: | |
Gulf Grouper Fishing Report
19 July 2007
Have you ever been fishing and thought to your self; why aren’t I catching fish? Some times the fish just won’t bite, most of the time it is a matter of presentation. Fish like “Grouper, and Grunts” move around often. They are highly migratory and move to where they can find food. Most of the time the food Grouper and Grunts like to eat is around structure “reef, wrecks, and ledges.” Locating a secret area that is holding fish is almost impossible. Areas that get fishing pressure from many anglers often require lighter line, leaders, weights, and smaller hooks in order to get bit. Chumming will encourage fish to become more active and cooperative. Chumming with blocks of chum or chunks of bait will increase your odds of catching more Grunts and Grouper.
Lately we have caught just as many Grouper as we have during any other time of the year. I have listened to many discouraging reports of slow fishing. I still have not noticed any decline in fishing action. Every trip has been action packed and many large Grouper that can not be stopped continue to humble the boldest of anglers. Grouper action has been constant all day in 28 feet of water and beyond west of Hernando beach. Most everyday we are catching small Cobias, Spanish mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, and sharks.
Give me a call if you are ready to catch some fish!
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 53
Registered: 8-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 07, 2007 - 7:32 am: | |
No Two Fishing Days Are The Same
04 July 2007 Gulf Grouper Fishing Report
The summer heat is on but everyday reveals new Grouper catching methods. For example, two days ago we were catching only a few keeper size Grouper. The few fish we did catch had their belly’s full of 1 inch long minnows. Each Grouper we caught would spit up hundreds of these minnows. We down sized our tackle to more closely resemble what the Grouper were eating. Sure enough the rods were bent and we caught a respectable cooler full of fish. In our shallow fishing areas it is not uncommon to see and catch grouper near the surface. Anglers fishing for trout often catch grouper on top water lures and many Grouper have come to the surface and take a trolled Kingfish rig. Main point to ponder; try to pay attention to what is going on in the environment sometimes nature will tell you what is best to use.
Most stable Grouper action has been in thirty feet or deeper. On overcast mornings the shallow waters have produced some 10 pound and bigger fish. Live bait (Pinfish, Grunts, White Bait, and Sand Perch) used after dead bait has been more productive overall.
When in doubt use a four foot 80lb leader, 3ounce sinker, a swivel, and a 8/0 hook with a dead threadfin Herring or a live Pinfish.
Good Luck Fishing,
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 51
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 6:10 pm: | |
The water is very Hot
Hot water does mean good fishing! Most anglers think that the Grouper move out of shallow water to deeper water. This is not always true. Some Grouper may move to cooler deeper waters; however there are plenty of fish that will always stick around in close. These fish are a little tricky to catch unless you understand their behavior. Just remember these fish will bite first thing in the morning late in the afternoon and during bad weather. A little chum goes a long way and now is the time to use live pinfish and sand perch.
Fish with a loose line and a lite 2 ounce sinker. Observe the movement in the line instead of feeling for a bite. Believe me you will know when a grouper bites. So, slack up and get bit!
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
Gulfgrouper.com |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 49
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 - 3:07 am: | |
17 June 2007 Gulf Grouper Report
Warmer waters have improved fishing for Mangrove Snapper, Grouper, Grunts, and King Mackerel. At present the water temperature is around 86 degrees on the surface. Some inshore areas have plenty of Grouper; however they seem to cooperate only during the first few hours of the morning. More consistent fishing activity starts around 25 feet of water and beyond. Large schools of bait are still pushing towards the north and following them are the Spanish and King Mackerel. In short, fishing is very good for a variety of different fish. Presentation in catching fish this time of the year often requires lighter line, leaders, and weight. Live bait can be very productive especially when used after dead baits have been presented for a while.
Good luck fishing,
Capt Rick Rodriguez
Gulfgrouper.com
727-992-9494 |
Capt Rick Rodriguez (Gulfgrouper)
New member
Username: Gulfgrouper
Post Number: 48
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2007 - 1:11 am: | |
Gulf Grouper Deep Sea fishing Report
6 June 2007
Grouper fishing is still great! Everyday we are catching keeper size Grouper and we are releasing on most days more than one hundred short Grouper. Needless to say it has been non stop action. Along with the Grouper are great numbers of Mangrove Snappers. Even during the day we have been catching them on light spinning outfits with no leader and no weight. If you’re ready for a great fishing trip on the Gulf give me a call.
Capt Rick Rodriguez
727-992-9494
gulfgrouper.com |
Fishing-Rods (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 9:07 am: | |
This months report is typical for this time of year. January was an up and down month, depending mainly on the cold fronts and what type of seas and water temperature we had.
Mostly, the grouper bite was slow and the fish very reluctant to bite with the cold water. We did have about a five day period around the 20th of the month when the weather warmed, the water temp got up above 62 degrees and the grouper bite turned on.
Expect this pattern to continue through the month of February. When the weather allows, the most productive area has been around the second break - 28ft. to 32ft. and deeper. The best indicator has been the water temp. and water clarity. When the surface temp. reaches at least 63 degrees and you have average clarity in the water, chances are you'll find fish feeding close to structure. Be patient, provide plenty of chum, and use the smelly baits: sardines with squid, mullet and fresh cut bait have been working best.
Don't give up, Spring will soon be here! Speaking of Spring; FISHING-RODS BAIT & TACKLE will be holding its 3RD Annual "HERNANDO BEACH GROUPER TOURNAMENT" Saturday, April 22nd. This is
a great tournament for Charity, so visit our website at "fishingrodsshop.com" or come by our shop in Hernando Beach across from the Public Boat ramps to get more information.
See you next month! |
Always Fishing (Unregistered Guest)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 6:32 pm: | |
Always Fishing Guide Service
Spring Hill, Hernando County, Florida
Lower Nature Coast
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Ah! The unpredictable January weather, leading into February fishing fun… A lot of what February has to offer comes from January either being kind or not. The cold fronts determine when and where the fish will be biting. Lately even the best of us get skunked, but mostly when we go fishing the day after the cold front passes. A charter captain is on the water in some cases more than the average person so we tend to find more fishing spots that work on bad day’s, but even with all the experience we accumulate we still have bad luck days. I have been truly lucky with many great grouper fishing trips but not so luck in the flats. I have been fishing all my great spots but the water is clear and cold. Even the bait fish are buried or heading for the warmer waters of the backwater. I have to tell you no matter how bad it gets I still love to be out on the water. I was telling you about the good luck I have had fishing for grouper well it was not because I got lucky. The reason I did well is I used a plan for my success which I will share with you. I set up a number of spots south, west and north of were I am launching. I go south and hit a couple of places and if it does not produce I move to the west spots if that don’t produce I go to the north spots. If I find any fish at all I stay in the area that includes any fish I catch. If you didn’t know grouper will only usually eat one big meal a day when the water is super cold as there metabolism slows down and the fish do not move around much. One great way to know if you’re going to do well on any fishing trip is to visit the local tackle store and see if he has shrimp. Now two things, if he has many shrimp fishing will be good but if not and he says the shrimp boats are not catching many shrimp, look for things to be slow in the shallow waters. Once you see the bait shops with giant shrimp hit all your shallow water rocks you know the fish will be out eating the large shrimp. If you like artificial bait fishing look for springs or fish the power plants as the water is warmer and the fish will be more aggressive.
The backwaters are teaming with fish and my shallow water boat has been in need of painting so! You guessed it, I am painting it. I have had reports from Capt Tim Burke and Double trouble charters that the fishing is getting better and better in the backwaters. As the days get longer the flats will once again produce large amounts of fish. I have seen this so many times in the past twenty years. The clear water allows you to see the bottom and if you’re like me piloting the boat looking for signs of fish, even bait. Wow you say”there is nothing left in the gulf” not to despair the fish are just hiding or should I say buried up, soon all will be OK and you will forget about the cold clear water.
Tight lines till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office: 352-666-6234
http://www.alwaysfishing.com |
Fishing Rods (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 4:35 am: | |
Its been a few months since our last report. Now we are in the middle of our winter fishing pattern which means you have to change your mind set on fishing out here on the Nature Coast. With the cold fronts coming in every three to four days, the windows of opportunity to get offshore are limited, so if you want to spend more time on the water, target something different from grouper and fish Inshore.
Here are the best bets around the Hernando Beach area. Our customers are reporting good Sheephead fishing on the shallow rockpiles; South-rack, Middle-rock and Cutter-rock have all been producing some nice fish. Next, Trout can be found around the cutter-Rock area along with some decent Bluefish. They have moved to this area over the last few days due to the nice sunny days we had last week. With this present cold front, my guess is they will move back to creek mouths and channels and then move to the flats when the sun is high. Next, redfish continue to provide good action. Plenty of smaller "Rat" reds are being reported so treat them carefully for a good release. Most of the reds are inside around Minnow Creek, Jenkins Creek, and Filmans Bayou.
Finally, Grouper are out in the deeper waters. Best catches are coming from the 55ft to 65ft range. Thats not to say grouper are not in the shallower water, its just too cold!, 58 degrees and they are not feeding. Cut baits, squid and sardines are working best.
Thats our winter fishing pattern and it will probably stay this way until March. Pick your days carefully and enjoy your fishing time. Good luck!
Fishing Rods Bait and Tackle is located on Hernando Beach directly across from the public boat ramps. Come by and see us and tell us some fish stories! |
Always Fishing (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 5:57 pm: | |
Always Fishing Guide Service
Spring Hill, Hernando County, Florida
The lower Nature Coast
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Posted 12.15.05
There are no words that can explain the fall transformation into winter fishing. Cold front after cold front dropped the water temp to fifty eight and that is a normal temperature for winter in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This sudden drop in water temperature has the fish thinking winter is here and not willing to go away too soon. Along with the dropping temperature another major fact in our fishing is low tides. A natural fact is the lowest tidal flow of the year is our winter tides. In most cases the tides can be as low as a foot under normal low tides. An important thing to look for on your tide charts is the minus sign along side of the low tide telling you it will be even lower than normal. An example of this is today there will be a (minus) -1.5 foot low, meaning the tide will be one and a half foot lower than a normal tide. On the other hand we can experience a (plus) or a + 1.5 foot high, meaning the water will be one and a half foot higher than a normal high tide. I like fishing the lower tides rather than the extreme high tides out on the inshore flats and the higher tides in the backwaters or in the creeks and channels. Ok now to tell you how to set up your boat for fishing on the flats. Remember the tides always go from north or south and the fish are not willing to swim against the moving water. So if you see the water moving to the south the fish are going to be located on the south of the grass or structures with the less current movement. Anchor your boat up current and drift the baits like live shrimp or pin fish back into there strike zones. If you anchor down tide try casting baits to the opposite side of the structures and let the bait drift back to the boat. If the bait looks like it is flowing with the movement of the water you will get you more strikes and hooked fish. One thing to remember, most fish are very lazy until you set the hook and then they will get very feisty.
Now drifting is a great option at this time of year as the fish will gather up on structures and we have no idea when or where they will gather. Once you locate an area the fish have gathered, stay in that area. I believe you have found the water temperature that is suitable for the fish. I have notices some great rock piles only hold fish when the water temperature is warm and other rock piles hold them when it is cold. Try to remember which one hold fish at a certain time of the year and next year the same thing will happen. If you know where the springs are you’re a lucky fisherman. If you don’t know where they are you can find warmer water by having a temperature gauge on your boat. If you do not have built in temperature gauge go to a pool supply company and purchase a pool thermometer, which will work also.
Fishing for me and my charters has been on the good side. I have been doing so well about everyone that has fished with me has been happy lately, going home with some nice fish for dinner. On the offshore waters I have been averaging five to ten keeper grouper and about 20 non keeper fish. The biggest reason I attribute this to is using stinky dead bait. Even the fresh pinfish we have caught for bait has been working better after cutting them. I strongly believe that no one bait is better than another but the water conditions controls what the fish are going to eat. Right now the water is very dirty and the fish can find the bait not moving and stinky much easier than fast moving baits. Tuff E Nuff squid has been working to catch grouper, now that is funny. If you have ever been out fishing in the Gulf and used squid you know the grunts, sea bass and other smaller fish attack the squid with vengeance. Lately the squid along with a piece of cut fish has been catching most of the grouper. I have tried trolling and again this always depends on water clarity. If the fish can only see your baits for a few seconds the chance they will follow will not be good. When you can see your baits more than ten feet below the surface, only then go trolling for grouper. On the inshore deep flats the winter trout are starting to come in. The last two days we caught and released over thirty gator trout per day. The big trout were so plentiful on the flats that we decided to go after them on a fly rod. A member of the Always Fishing team Capt Tim Burke and I caught and landed some great trout on a fly. Capt Tim himself landed over five twenty inch gator trout on his new fly rod. All he trout were released by a new tool I bought from x-tools. This tool allows you to release a trout without touching the fish with your hands. Just a note a sea trout will die if not released properly. Always and most importantly never touch a sea trout with your hands removing the protective slime coating Mother Nature supplies the fish. I have seen proof touching a sea trout with your dry hands causes the fish to die in a few day’s. Here is a little fish story for you. The other day we were catching so many trout that one on the gentleman in the boat went to my supply of Salt Water Assassins to find one plastic, the fish would not eat. He didn’t find one, but I bet just about any brand of plastic bait would have worked. Before the end of his fishing trip his exact words were (“uncle”) “I can’t catch anymore fish my arms are tired”. Boy I wish every day could by like the past few trips but as I am writing this report the wind is picking up and the cold front is about to pass. What does this mean … you guessed it, I will be off the water for a few days according to the weatherman but we will see if he is wrong again.
Tight lines till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office: 352-666-6234
http://www.alwaysfishing.com |
Always Fishing Guide Service (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 16, 2005 - 6:37 pm: | |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando Beach and the Gulf of Mexico.
Updated: October 14, 2005.
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
The Nature Coast of Florida, Inshore-to twelve miles out and offshore fishing:
Fall fishing is truly upon us. Fishing the lower Nature coast is a delete finding the fish more abundant than previous years. I will never understand Mother Nature and all her wisdom. We the people seem to try to mess with her, but she always wins and that is something to be thankful for. We really don’t know why the red tide is so big, than in years past. We don’t know why there is a dead zone in the gulf but fortunately some of the fish have the ability to avoid the bad water. This faith of bad water has made the Nature Coast teaming with fish as we were so lucky and the red tide didn’t get us too bad. Don’t get too excited! Every day this changes as I am talking about migratory fish like mackerel. Many large schools of mackerel and bait have been swarming the area, more so than years past, I am referring to Pasco, Hernando and Citrus County waters. Any farther north or south I cannot report on. If you like catching the smoker king mackerel get aboard a boat soon and have some fun before the great fishing is only a memory.
One great thing about fall fishing is our shallow water reef fishing, which I do a lot of at this time of year. Lets chat about what I do to catch fish at this time of year. I have onboard my boat equipment to troll or bottom fish. I also have markers with some type of float and a heavy weight attached to the end and a pair of downriggers. I use a downrigger in the shallow water just dropped below the top of the water to stop the floating grass from sliding down the line to the lure and the float and weight to mark a spot I catch a fish Now we pick a spot to fish and instead of traveling thirty-five knots to our fishing hole I travel about three or four knots trolling lures. Here are a few lures I use and note I do not sell any lures, High Rollers, Strike More by Lee Fisher, Cisco Kid, Rapals and Manns stretch lures and I am sure with the amount of new lures on the market there are many more that work. Any of these lures will catch grouper along with other fish in the area. Please understand trolling is a lot of work so be prepared to pull in the baits often to check for grass as a lure with grass on it will not catch fish Once I get a hook up with a fish I either hit the save button on my GPS or throw the float in the water marking the spot I caught the grouper. One of two obvious things happens, either there is structure holding the fish or the fish are traveling to another location. If I find structure then I anchor and fish for them with bait or casting lures. I have had charters with great success in the past couple of weeks. Many grouper were caught but not as many keepers as I would think there would be at this time of year. I have been catching about forty grouper per charter with an average of two to six keepers per trip. This is good and bad… the good is the smaller fish was released unharmed and now we know that the year past we still have good spawn. The bad is we didn’t catch as many keepers as we all like. Most of the people who fish don’t mind releasing the smaller fish, as they know by releasing fish will help preserve the fishery for us and generations to come. I do have to mention all the charters have been taking home to eat many large grunts, sea bass, triggerfish and snapper. All in all fishing offshore has been good on the lower Nature Coast.
On the inshore reefs and grass flats my charters have been really doing well catching grouper nice sea trout, large Spanish mackerel, hound fish and bluefish. On the inshore waters I usually fish with artificial baits drifting which allows my charters to catch a bigger verity of fish.
Tight lines till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois Always Fishing Guide Service Office: 352-666-6234 |
Fishing-Rods (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 5 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 14, 2005 - 10:07 am: | |
FISHING-RODS BAIT & TACKLE, located on Hernando Beach, directly across the street from the Public Boat Ramps.
This months report shows some improvement. Recent reports are indicating we are starting to move into our Fall fishing pattern. The water temp.is down to 83, we are seeing some early morning fog, and the fishing is improving. A couple of more degrees drop in the water temp. and things should really start to pop.
Inshore here in Hernando Beach the hot item is Trout. The bite has really been good for the last week, with limit catches being the norm and customers complaining of having to release 20 inch fish because they can only keep one.
Redfish also continue to keep thing going inshore. The Trout are on the flats in 3ft. to 4ft. and the Reds are in the same area but around the shallow rocks and oyster bars and are most active on the incoming tide.
The deeper flats are producing some Mackeral.
Chuming will bring them to your boat, but keep an eye our for the occassional Cobia.
Our best friend the Grouper is starting to stir around the inside rock piles. The fishing is best inside 30ft. because of the lingering effects of the Red-Tide from 30ft. to 60ft.
The Grouper bite has been slow so you need to be patient. The same rock areas inside 30ft., especially the 2nd ledge around 28ft. has been producing some good snapper. October and November have always been productive months for snapper. You just need to downsize your tackle
and do a lot of chuming to get the snapper feeding.
Good Luck on your fishing and stay safe. If you're in our area, stop by and say hi. We'll always try and help our customers catch more fish! |
Fishin-Rods (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2005 - 4:50 am: | |
In August I reported that Red Tide was off Hernndo Beach and Offshore fishing was not good. Well here I am a month later and I am saying almost the same thing. From 35ft. to 75ft., the
water is a dirty mud brown and there are no fish.
The only choice for offhore is to run north at a 300 heading to about 45ft. then start looking.
For the present I suggest fishing inside for Trout, Mackeral, Redfish and Cobia until the weather and water cool, maybe then the tide will break up or at least you can fish the shallow rocks.
Fishing-Rods Bait & Tackle will try to keep you informed. For more info stop by or give us a call. |
fishingrods (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 5:36 am: | |
It has been a while since I have posted a report,
and unfortunately, this report is not great.
Fishing-Rods Bait & Tackle has been doing business in Hernando Beach for 4 years and I personaly have been fishing this area for 20 years, and guess what? This is the first time I have seen Red Tide in our waters. It's really sad to see how much devastation it can cause!
Due to the Red-Tide, which is hanging due west of
Hernando Beach from 30ft. to 60ft. and the warm water, fishing has slowed down and our fishing
patterns have had to change.
Inshore fishing for trout and reds is still good.
Trout are hanging on the deeper grass flats, 10-12ft. and are laying near the bottom. Fish the early morning before the sun gets high,6a-9a.
Reds are inside in the channel cuts and around
shallow oyster bars. Fish during the same time period.
If you run north pasr Chaz. you can find clean
water around 40ft. and you can find some keeper
grouper. In the same area you can find some
cobia and mackeral if you do some chuming. Finally, if yu want to do some serious grouper
fishing, you need to run NW 300d or greater to 65ft. or more.
Its not the best report, buts thats how it is.
Hopefully Sept. will start changing the pattern.
Talk to you then,
Fishing Rods |
Capt. Frank Bourgeis (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 5 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 27, 2005 - 6:43 pm: | |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois / Always Fishing Guide Service
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando County / Brooksville, Spring Hill
Florida and the Gulf of Mexico
The Nature Coast
http://www.alwaysfishing.com
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Inshore-to twelve miles out and offshore fishing
June fishing is upon us and the excitement of usually calm waters brings us to some good fishing. This year should be about as good as it gets. Some times the cold fronts postpone the migration of the fish and this year I believe this is what is going to happened. To my surprise the water temperatures are just now reaching the warmth of April. June should be excellent month for trolling especially for kingfish, grouper and cobia. I have found that the Cobia fishing is already great. I have to tell you the deep water trout fishing just started, in twelve to twenty foot of water. Yes I said twenty foot of water. On a recent trip we hit a shallow water grouper rock and brought in some nice twenty inch trout instead of grouper. The water is clear so I do suggest you lighten up your line and leaders. Speaking of leaders I just purchased some new leader called Tyger-Leader stainless coated leader material that you can tie in a knot or melt the plastic coating with a lighter after you twist it . The leader is flexible and has so far been the best I have ever used. Check my website, www.alwaysfishing.com and go to the links page, there is a link there for Tyger leader. So far I have caught all kinds of fish using this leader and it seems to not impair the movements of the lures.
On a special note with great concern! I will pass to you a note I received. This is something to be concerned with as I check with my sources very bad for our community as well as our fishermen in the whole state of Florida that fish for grouper on the gulf.
The Gulf council has agreed to piggy back public hearings on the public hearings already scheduled in June for reef fish amendment 18a and the charter/headboat moratorium regarding a red grouper/shallow water grouper recreational interim rule to be effective sometime after July 2005. Dr. Crabtree is currently looking at a 3 fish aggregate bag limit with 1 fish being red grouper and an October thru December closure for 2005. The hearings already are scheduled for June 15, orange beach, Al, June 16 Destine, Fl, June 27, Key West, fl, June 28 Naples, Fl, and June 29 Tampa / St. Pete, fl. The council is now working on a regulatory amendment to permanently address the recreational red grouper issue that they intend to have ready for implementation in 2006 I suggest that all interested parties be prepared to attend any public hearing where this issue will be discussed to let their feelings be known. As you can see the closure has been reduced from the earlier proposed 4 months to 3. If you have problems with the closure and/or the proposed bag limits please continue to voice your opinions. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet in Daytona, Fl on June 8,9,10 and Dr. Crabtree has been invited to discuss this issue. If you are interested in the recreational red grouper/shallow water grouper fishery YOU NEED TO BE AT THIS MEETING AND THE PUBLIC HEARING IN YOUR AREA!!!!!! You may also want to voice your opinion to your federal Congressional and Senatorial representatives along with Governor Bush.
Capt. Bob Zales, II
bobzales@att.net
bus. ph 850.763.7249
fax 850.763.3558
Fixing the problem only on the recreational side and not the commercial side is not the way to go in my opinion. Neither is only the commercial getting hit with closures. There has to be a way to please all and help the fish stock come back. Plus closing the grouper off totally for three months would be devastating to my business, as well as to all the people who want to come to Florida and visit and go fishing with friends and relatives. If you agree with not liking the way things are going please let your appropriate government officials hear from you.
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office: 352-666-6234 |
Always Fishing (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2005 - 6:27 pm: | |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois / Always Fishing Guide Service
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando County / Brooksville, Spring Hill
Florida and the Gulf of Mexico
The Nature Coast
http://www.alwaysfishing.com
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Inshore-to twelve miles out and offshore fishing
Fishing above all things is a pleasure I get to enjoy often. Catching is another story. Just when you think you have it all figured out Mother Nature always adds a twist to things. The water is still cool as most fish are still following there spring breeding. I think a lot of things are about to happen.
This past week brought temperatures to the point, I think, should have been here about three weeks ago. Trout fishing is fair to midland in most areas around the Hernando Beach area. The best trout fishing I have been able to get into, has been in about six to eight foot of water using Salt Water Assassins on quarter ounce jig heads. The trout have been slow in biting the jigs. I have had to change a few of my clients fishing habits. I advised them to move the baits slower and observing the fall of the baits. This truly proved to be a better fishing tactic to use.
The redfish are at the outer edges of the channels and are being caught better this year than years past. Very large bull redfish (breeders) have been caught offshore. I even heard of a bull redfish being caught in very shallow water. The offshore bull redfish we caught came from twenty eight foot of water on sardines being used for grouper.
Large Grouper are just starting to show up in thirty to sixty foot of water in good numbers but some exceptionally good catches are being caught in thirty five to forty foot of water. I have been more successful on cut bait rather than live bait. Tuff-e-Nuff baits, which can be bought at Dixie Lee Bait and tackle was the bait of choice for some nice grouper this past week. If you do use live bait my only suggestion is to shorten up the leader not allowing the live bait too much freedom to swim far. I have been lucky enough to hit the grouper hungry and full of energy. Major rod bends have been experienced by all that have fished on my twenty six foot (Sea Fox) charter boat. The month of May will be just about the best month of the year to fish.
If you’re planning a trip in May your one of the lucky people. I truly believe May will be teaming with fish. I have seen major bait schools in as little as twenty foot of water and as deep as sixty foot. Many blue runners are being caught and if you’re a King Mackerel enthusiast you know how important the blue runner fish are to the King Mackerel’s diet. . Sharks are here too. We caught two better than five foot sharks this month so far. I can only say “let’s go fishing”. You should not be disappointed unless the weather is not good.
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office: 352-666-6234 |
Capt Frank Bourgeois (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 28, 2005 - 6:21 am: | |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois / Always Fishing Guide Service
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando County / Brooksville, Spring Hill
Florida and the Gulf of Mexico
The Nature Coast
http://www.alwaysfishing.com
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Inshore-to twelve miles out and offshore fishing
April fishing in my book is about the time everyone is ready and thinking about fishing. Except for spring gobbler season hunting is put on the back burner. Now the quest for the big fish is in a lot of people’s minds. I have been working closely with Dixie Lee bait and tackle home of Double Trouble fishing charters specializing in back-water fishing to fill my client’s calendar book with just about any type of fishing you want to do. I also have charters working Bass fishing so if you want to go fishing just give me a call for the fishing trip of a lifetime. Well you want to know what’s going on in the world of fishing, so here we go starting with Bass fishing. According to Capt Al Lyman (from Lake county, Florida fishing the Harris chain, Lake Toho and Lake Kissimmee) the fish are just getting off the beds and his clients caught many over 10 pound fish, on recent charters. Capt’s Mark and Luke from Double Trouble Charters have been catching many nice Sea Trout and Red Fish on artificial lures such as D.O.A. cal jigs and spoons. As far as Always Fishing Charters I have been working the deeper water for trout and looking for the extra shallow water grouper to appear. Most times when the Tarpon come in to our area so do the shallow water grouper. On the deeper inshore waters I have been or I should say my clients have been catching big gator trout and to my surprise lots of Blue fish. I also have seen the needle fish on the surface and the Mackerel busting them. Yes folks thing are starting to happen here. Now to convince Mother Nature to slow down the cold fronts and the wind, we will have it made. The area called the parking lot which is about twenty-five foot of water is still slow I have been catching most of my fish in forty foot to sixty five foot of water. On a trip I did recently with Jim Petit working as a first mate, (Jim manages the new tackle shop in the Outlet Mall) he was fishing next to me and we was fishing with a nice family that included a six year old boy. On board the boat I usually carry a spinning rig for Amberjacks ridged with thirty pound line, seeing this was the lightest rod in the boat the young boy and Jim was using a squid product called Tuff-E-Nuff, I buy this product and has been very successful for catching White Grunts and Sea Bass but this day the large grouper decided this was the bait of choice. The young boy caught and brought home three nice keeper size grouper. Of course a large smile came from a proud dad. Just for your knowledge I have been much more successful in the afternoon than in the mornings also when the sun is not as bright the fish did bite best. This is about to change as the fish are migrating and when the water temperature reaches the high sixties to eighty this will be the best time to grab a rod and go fishing. One point I would like to make! We are still on winter tides which means we will be about a foot lower than normal low tides. I use the Bayport boat ramp mostly and have destroyed 4 props so far this year. If you have a boat that draws a lot of water please for your own sake! Use the Hernando Beach boat ramp till the summer tides take over.
Keep a tight line till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office: 352-666-6234
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Capt Frank Bourgeois (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2005 - 5:43 am: | |
Capt. Frank Bourgeois / Always Fishing Guide Service
Florida Fishing Report for:
Hernando County, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.alwaysfishing.com
By Capt. Frank Bourgeois
Backwater-to five miles out, inshore-to twelve miles out, offshore
Well everyone is looking for great fishing report but the fishing changes from bad to good daily at this time of year . So I will just fill you in on how things will be happening in February. We will start out telling you about the offshore fishing coming up. As the cold fronts pass they will effect the fishing more than anything else as it does control two things. One being the habits of the fish the other is being able to go fishing. All across the U.S. the cold fronts, will effect, many species of fish when they will go from being dormant to active. The same applies here. If the water temperature goes up, the fish now think it is ok to start their spring movements. Most of the bigger fish do not move out of their winter haunts till the water temperature moves into a comfortable temperature. Fish like snapper, white grunts and smaller fish are not as uncomfortable in the cooler water. But the big Grouper and larger fish almost hibernate. Here is the only things you can do right now. Start shallow hoping the water is warmer and go deeper and deeper.
The people who have a boat big enough to go to the middle grounds will do the best as a lot of fish migrate there for the winter also the grouper will migrate there for breeding. The water in the middle grounds if you don’t know is over eighty miles from Hernando Beach is much deeper and closer to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. One of the problems that really hurt the grouper is not knowing the exact time period that the grouper go to the middle grounds to lay eggs. Millions of pounds of eggs are not allowed to be put into these beds due to fishing at this time of year, always decreasing the amount of grouper we have each year. The commercial people are forced to not fish during a one month period in the winter and the government controls this and they think they know mother nature well and can tell when the grouper goes to the fishing spots to lay their eggs. This has not worked and sad to say the commercial fishermen have to support their family’s. So all I can say is if you see the grouper with a belly full of eggs limit yourself and practice catch and release for a while and maybe, just maybe we can control our own destiny instead of the government doing it for us. I know this will be hard as it does cost so much money to go grouper fishing and not take home all you can catch especially in my business the clients always want to keep the fish.
On the inshore and backwater waters the fish like trout, reds and snook hide in the deeper grass or near springs where the water is much warmer. Having a very shallow draft boat is the best way to get way in the back of the creeks for some great fishing. Just remember to slow down in the winter for better results. Look south right now toward Tarpon Springs for some real action on Pompano as well as some of the biggest trout of the year. Now Sheep head fishing, that’s a different story you can get them in about any rock pile you know about. Use live shrimp or fly fish for them.
Keep a tight line till next time
Captain Frank Bourgeois
Always Fishing Guide Service
Office:352-666-6234 Toll free: 1-888-618-3474
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Captain Steven Soults (Fishing_buddy)
New member
Username: Fishing_buddy
Post Number: 12
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 06, 2005 - 10:31 am: | |
The West Central Florida fishing report is brought to you by Angling Adventures Guide Service. Fly fishing and light tackle fishing in the beautiful waters of Florida’s nature coast.
http://www.angling-adventures.net
Hello, I’m Captain Steven Soults and this is the local inshore fishing report for Florida’s Nature Coast.
REMEMBER!!
There is no need for an early start this time of year. A late morning approach gives the sun time to heat up the shallow water and us time to sleep in a little before we head out fishing.
WARM WEATHER RETURNS!!!
The weather is finally starting to cooperate, with daytime temperatures getting well into the seventies and on some days into the lower 80’s. The fishing couldn’t be better. This beautiful should continue a little while longer, although we can’t say that about the water temperatures. The water is extremely cold, although even with water temperatures as cold as they are, that hasn’t stopped the fish from eating!!! We have been having a great deal of success fishing the warmer shallower waters and backwaters paying very close attention to the small grass patches that are scattered throughout the area north of Bayport in Hernando County.
With water temperatures as cold as they are and with no rain, the water remains very-very clear, so light line this time of year is a must, 6 to 8lb line at the most should do the trick has been doing very well bringing Jack Crevalle up to 15-16lbs to the boat. I recently took 2 people out from Wisconsin. They are a return customer, so as always, I wanted to put them on as many fish as last time or more (which is sometimes can be very challenging), due to the fact that they visited this area in the summer last time and they had non-stop action for the full 4 hours, but its was not the summer, it was winter and I knew it would be more challenging to keep the rod bending for the whole 4 hours. The day started out a bit “iffy” with no takes in the first hour. I was beginning to get worried when the tide started moving and the fish got hungry!! Over the next three hours they boated over 20 plus Spotted Sea Trout between 12 to 18 inches and numerous Giant Jack Crevalle up to the 15-16lb range. Not a bad day!!!
The lure of choice that day was a DOA CAL Jig Body, with the root beer body w/a chartreuse tail found at my local Walmarts. We also had a great deal of success using a simple Cajun Thunder and jig combo (whether using a regular small bodied jig or a DOA Shrimp ¼ oz). I have found that the trick is to twitch the Cajun Thunder Bobber once or twice then let it sit for at least 6 to 8 seconds then do it again. Keep doing this right up to the boat, due to the fact that we have had many fish hooked right at the boat. Remember this time of year no matter what technique you are using, whether it be a jig or a shallow plug, SLOW DOWN your retrieve!!! Fish are not going to spend the energy chasing a jig or plug down like they will in the warmer months.
If you have any questions, about winter fishing, please feel free to email me or call the office. I deal with numerous email’s everyday containing fishing related questions. I always love talking fishing, so drop me a line.
If you have any questions or would like to book a trip to experience SHALLOW WATER FISHING AT ITS BEST please call Angling Adventures Guide Service with Captain Steven Soults at (352) 686-0853 or you can try the cell at (352) 238-9339
Till next month!!! Fish on and tight lines!!!
http://www.angling-adventures.net
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