Welcome back yak fans and here comes August July's bite has been a little slow but with due diligence and a look at the tide charts you can make it happen. on my last trip to Aripika  on a out going tide I  was able to snag three red's 31", 29" and thankfully 26 1/2" using shrimp and a exude dart hooked weed less, also a 20" trout still hanging in the creek mouths. the bite in Ozzello putting in at pirates point has also been decent with some nice red's and trout the pattern seems to be returning to normal which for me means fishing the the out going to the turn.  This month I'm  taking us to Bayport located at the end of 550, off of US 19 in Hernando County. Bayport was established in the early 1850’s and was used primarily to bring in supplies and was a cotton port.  Bayport was designated the County Seat in 1854 and two years later the County Seat  was moved to the center of the county, to an area named Brooksville, which is now the present town of Brooksville.  Bayport was used by blockade runners after the Union forces had closed Florida’s major ports. Between 1863-1865, no less than 11 ships were captured. The Battle of Bayport occurred when Union ships approached Bayport and aroused Confederate forces. They began to fire with two old-style cannons, as well as sharp shooters amongst the trees. Their cannonade was not overly effective as only one sailor was wounded in the shoulder. The Union responded with fire and grape shot, but no record exists of the Confederate losses. In July 10, 1864 the Union landed approximately 10 men,  finding that Confederate forces had abandoned the area, leaving only women and children behind, they retired to their ships.

     Bayport is located at the mouth of the Weeki Wachee and Mud Rivers. The County has just spent a considerable sum in updating the park which also includes a fishing pier. Fishing and paddling around Bayport is excellent.  Going back in from the mouth, you will find a deep hole off the channel where the Mud and the Weeki Wachee Rivers join. This hole will hold a variety of fish including some very large Gar, which can be a lot of fun to catch.  It’s a good spot to try during the week, but on the weekends, you’ll find too much boat traffic to be effective for fishing. 

     Going from the fishing pier to the south, as you work your way along the shoreline, at the right times of year and at the high tide, we have caught monster Reds, more than I’m willing to admit. You’ll also come across manatees and dolphins who love the warm water outflow from both the Weeki Wachee and Jenkins Creek, because they are both spring fed. The fishing along Jenkins Creek can be productive both at the mouth and inside the creek, along the turn to the south. At that point where it bends back around, fish those edges and don’t forget to try the middle and center areas for Trout.   

     To the south of Jenkins Creek, you will find a broad band of small islands and creeks, the first of which, if you can find it, is a cut through to Centipede Bay, another of Hernando’s favorite fishing spots.  Going to the north, and to the outside, you will find grass beds and Trout abound. Staying in along the shore line, you will come across many islands and cuts where both Snook and Reds are to be found. 

     Continuing to the north, you will come to the southern end of Pine Island Bay. Again, there are many excellent spots to fish.  Look for structure, oyster bars and the cuts in between the islands on either incoming or outgoing tides.  Fishing to the sides off of the tidal run, will bring either a Snook or a Red to your hook.  Spoons work well for exploring this area, as do top waters, mainly during the early morning or on overcast days.  Whether a paddler or not, Bayport makes an interesting destination and qualifies as one of the most beautiful sunsets on the Nature Coast.  It also boasts the Bayport Inn just back from the park - a great place to relax and enjoy a Grouper sandwich, a sunset and a beer.

     Well once again, time to hit the water for this month.