Great inshore action off Hernando Beach

The fishing out of Hernando Beach has been very productive. We have had a few mild fronts come through from the North which made it difficult to find quality fish some days, but the inshore bite continues to be good throughout the entire region. The trout fishing has been good, but anglers need to be ready to fish a variety of spots until they locate bigger fish. Drifting deeper grass flats in 8 - 10 ft of water has put some nice trout in the cooler on recent trips. Working a 3" Gulp shrimp or a Lil John jerk bait on a 1/4 oz. jig has been very effective. Work these baits slowly across the bottom, but give them enough action to draw attention. This tactic will also catch small shark, sea bass, blue fish, mackerel, and lady fish. The red fish off this area of the Nature Coast are feeding best around the high tide. Target areas that have mullet activity. The most productive baits are a live pin fish, white bait, or cut mullet on a 3/0 circle hook and cast to the middle of the mullet. Be sure to fish rocky bottom, mangrove shore line, or saw grass points. I put on a small cork to allow these baits to drift these areas with the tide and cover ground. The tarpon have not arrived yet. I think the last mild front that came though delayed there official arrival. I expect better numbers to arrive once our area gets a healthy dose of humid Southern air. Good luck out there and tight lines! Capt. Keith Tomlinson Bulldog Fishin Charters www.bulldogfishin.com (352)238-3581