Hernando Beach Gulf Grouper Deep Sea Fishing Report

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. Capt Rick Rodriguez 727-992-9494 www.gulfgrouper.com