Hernando Beach fishing report

Chilly nights followed by some beautiful days has been the pattern off this area of the Nature Coast the past week. The bite has been very productive in the back country, but it took a few days for the fish to adjust to the cold temperatures. Species like trout, red fish, jacks, snook, and lady fish tend to lay low when our area gets a significant drop in temperature, but they are usually get on the move and feeding within a day or two. We have been finding good numbers of big trout throughout the entire region in 1 - 3 ft of water. Top water plugs and jerk baits are producing fish, but the best bite has been a large select shrimp fished across the bottom with a small split shot weight. Shrimp are also working well for the red fish using the same tactic. If I have my clients fishing an area with structure like rocks of kelp grass, I will put on a small cork to prevent break offs. "pop" the cork every few minutes to draw the attention of a near by trout or red.
I spend a little extra for the bigger select shrimp because I find they cast better and catch more quality fish. Pinch the tail off and hook the bait just above the part you removed. This makes for easier casting and retrieving, a natural presentation, and puts scent in the water. There are fewer pin fish in the water to steal your bait this time of year which allows your targeted species to find it before the pin fish steal it.
The weather has been fantastic and so has the fishing so be sure to get out on the water a enjoy what Hernando Beach has to offer. Plan your trip according to the tides because these winter low tides can make it difficult to navigate.

Good luck out there and tight lines!

Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com(352)238-3581