The fishing out of Hernando beach has been very productive the past week. The only thing that seems to slow the bite down is when a passing cold front moves through. These fronts can give the fish a case of lock jaw, but the fishing is usually very active before and after the front.
I find the best bite to be just before the windy and rainy conditions of a approaching front arrive. This 24 - 36 hour window is when the fish seem to really be on the move and feeding because the feel the change in barometric pressure. Still plan your trips around the most favorable tides to increase your chances of putting fish in the cooler. Once the front settles in, it usually takes a few days for the fish to start feeding again. A good sign is when the mullet and bait become active again.
Finding fish after a front can be challenging at times, but I like to start with the obvious. Mullet are a great indicator that other species like trout, red fish, and snook are close by. Target structure like rocky bottom, grass, mangrove shore line, and saw grass. Work systematically through these areas with "search baits" like a 1/16 - 1/8 oz. jig with a white Lil John jerk bait, a Rapala Twitch N' Rap, or even a top water plug like a skitter walk. these lures are effective because they cover a lot of ground quickly Once you find fish work that area thoroughly.
As we move through the winter season look for fish to push further back into the creeks and closer to the many springs in this area of the Nature Coast. Be ready to work lures slower as the water temperature gets cooler.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581
