Cast your line for freshwater, saltwater fishing

The term “Nature Coast” naturally inspires visions of wildlife, forest and swamp lands, opportunities for bird watching and, for anglers, fishing.

Whether your passion is casting a line into the Gulf to capture a piece of coastal serenity, or taking a day charter out to sea for the chance to catch a grouper, Hernando County’s coastline can fulfill both objectives and so many in between.

With the Gulf of Mexico as its western border and the Withlacoochee and Weeki Wachee Rivers to the north, Hernando County anglers, both novice and accomplished, can appreciate fresh and salt water fishing experiences.

It isn’t uncommon to find random pole fishing off docks and piers that dot the coastline. It seems wherever there is water, a fishing line is resting, awaiting that unsuspecting bite.

Jenkins Creek in Hernando Beach, 6401 Shoaline Blvd., is a “long standing local fishing spot” where a day of fishing can begin as the sun rises.

Jenkins Creek offers a beautiful photo opportunity while awaiting the biting fish since wildlife seems to abound here. And its upgraded waterside walkway and nature trails make it a favorite spot for capturing Florida at its best.

Located directly across the street from Linda Pedersen Park, Jenkins Creek is a great outing for the family since recreational options are endless. A playground, observation tower, picnic and swimming areas appeal to most passions while the fisherman awaits their prize.

Bayport is iconic to the county because of its rich historic foundation. It became a port of entry in 1853 and was named the county seat of Hernando County in 1954.

It is also a favorite spot to cast a line, with its large wooden pier extending well into the calming Gulf waters.

Located at 4140 Cortez Blvd., the park offers an angler’s paradise if ambiance is also important. You can cast your fishing line off the pier or prop your pole along the gentle banks.

Karen Latusek of Spring Hill and Don Collins from Brooksville are occasional visitors to the Bayport pier.

On a cooler March evening, the fishing partners chatted leisurely about their typical experiences, noting Bayport was as much about the atmosphere as it was about the fish.

This particular moment brought only undisturbed lines except for the occasional tug from a thieving blue crab. Yet they weren’t deterred as the sun gently descended in a calming, clear sky.

Bayport also provides two boat ramps, picnic tables, several barbecue grills and covered pavilions.

And it’s wheelchair accessible. Metal ramps extend from either side of a small metal pier and picnic tables are designed to accommodate.

Depending on the species of fish and the type of experience one is seeking, various locations across the county can almost guarantee a successful outcome, whether fresh or salt water, onshore or off.

For those undecided which direction to take, several charter boat options exist to help guide the experience. Many are cost-friendly and leave port regularly.

Charters can accommodate groups at a time and bring anglers close to the offshore reefs and other man-made structures. Often the packages include everything you’ll need, plus the added expertise from a skilled captain.

Salt water grouper, mangrove snapper, red snapper, and hog fish are among the species that abound in the deeper salt waters of the Gulf, ideal catches during offshore fishing.

Or, take an adventure and spend the day touring one of Hernando County’s four natural reefs.

Inshore flats fishing charter trips are also available in shallow waters that extend out about 10 miles from shore.

Fish species at this level include shallow water grouper, red fish, blue fish, trout, mackerel and shark.

If fresh water bass is your pleasure Lake Lindsey is a good bet, where the gently winding Withlacoochee River is bursting with fresh rewards.

If fishing is a sport on one’s list of recreational pleasures, Florida’s beautiful Nature Coast is a fishing paradise just waiting to be explored.

Kim Dame is a correspondent for Hernando Today. She can be reached at [email protected].