Tomlinson: Be thankful for the waters off the Nature Coast
As a guide and someone who loves being on the water, it is no secrete to me how blessed we are to enjoy what this area of the Nature Coast has to offer. Our region of the state has great fishing and boating opportunities throughout the year. Bending a rod and putting dinner in the cooler is always a plus, but the memories I have with my family and clients is what makes me look forward to the next day on the water.
The backcountry will always have redfish, snook, black drum, trout, and other species on the move and looking to test your abilities. The deeper flats in summer have mackerel, cobia, sharks, sea bass, pompano, and others ready to pull drag. Grouper can be found from 6-50 feet of water on the many rock piles that litter our area. World record tarpon invade our waters come spring time, giving anglers the chance to chase the next world record. Scallop season comes upon us in summer, allowing boaters to cool off in the clear Gulf waters and put those tasty bi-valves in the fryer.
The scenery Hernando Beach has to offer is not limited to our beautiful sunsets. The Weeki Wachee river has a multitude of wildlife to admire. Bald eagles, ospreys, dolphins, and manatees are just a few of the creatures that give us some great photo opportunities and memories.
I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy these waters for 30-plus years. I have great memories as a child and a man. It puts a big smile on my face when I get to create new ones with my family and my clients. I look at the many photos from past experiences and it motivates me to get on these precious waters to see what the next great memory will be.
The waters off Hernando Beach are on my long list of things to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. These precious waters are a gift, and it is everyone’s responsibility to respect our area of the Gulf of Mexico. Keep the waters clean, boat safely, fish with care, and do whatever it takes to ensure our children can make their own memories.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson run Bulldog Fishin Charters out of Hernando Beach. Contact him at www.bulldogfishin.com or (352) 238-3581.
