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