Hernando Beach Grouper Fishing near Tampa, Orlando and Disney

Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Report Warm weather equates to great fishing West of Hernando Beach. This time of the year our area reefs, and ledges are teaming with bait fish. Schools of scaled sardines, Threadfin Herring, Cigar minnows, and Ballyhoo are slowly moving north in all depths of water. In 15 feet of water near the cave schools of baitfish are under attack by Spanish Mackerel, and Gag Grouper. It is quite a sight to behold, when you observe Grouper swimming to the surface and pushing bait out of the water with explosive force. All the while Spanish Mackerel are shooting out of the water in all directions chasing their next meal. Definitely exciting fishing in close and easy to catch. Some techniques that work well to catch live bait are small bait rigs that have multiple hooks in a line and a small weight at the end (Sabiki Rig). Catching the same bait that the fish around you are eating will always ensure successful hook ups. Once you have caught some bait try to use spinning tackle that will enable you to present the bait to the fish away from your boat, ( 15 to 20 pound line) works best. Allow your bait to swim by opening the bail and providing line so it can swim naturally. Do not try to feel a fish bite; the line will move fast off the reel when the bait has been eaten. After you notice the bait has been ate set the hook and fight your fish. This technique is very good in deeper water also. Kingfish, Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack love a free swimming bait. See you on the water, Capt Rick 727-992-9494 www.gulfgrouper.com