When Spanish Mackerel Are Around Hernando Beach
Spanish mackerel fishing out of Hernando Beach is a warm-months fishery: the fish arrive with warm water and leave when it cools. The Gulf Spanish mackerel guide (see also the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide) covers regional movement, and the Spanish mackerel guide covers biology, size and tackle basics. This page covers where boats from this port run and what they fish over.
Where Boats Run From Hernando Beach
Boats from this port fish close to the dock first and work outward. For ramps, channels and where to read conditions, see the Hernando Beach port page. Chart layers are not for navigation, so check the official marine forecast before you run.
The run has three stops:
- Channel ends: the closest water, just outside the west ends of the Aripeka and Hernando Beach channels.
- Gomez Rocks: a short step beyond the channel ends.
- Bendickson Reef: the long run, about 20 nautical miles west.
Off the Aripeka and Hernando Beach Channels
Boats fish the water just outside the west ends of both channels. It is the closest option to the dock, so a trip here can end back at the ramp without taking up a full day.
Gomez Rocks and the 30-Inch Fish
Gomez Rocks, north and south, are pilings with rocks between them. A 30-inch Spanish was landed while fishing Gomez. Take that as a size reference for the grounds rather than a prediction for the next trip.
The Bendickson Run
Bendickson Reef is about 20 nautical miles west of Hernando Beach, the farthest named anchor from this port. Several kinds of structure sit in the one area: Army tanks, culvert sites and the Ghost Ship. Plan fuel and time for a 20 nautical mile run each way.
Reefs and Structure That Hold Spanish
The artificial reefs that matter for Spanish mackerel out of Hernando Beach make a short list. Depths run from 18 to 26 ft, and Gomez Rocks and the Ghost Ship complete the set.
| Name | Structure | Depth (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| A.H. Richardson Reef | Concrete culverts | 18 |
| Richardson Reef | Skyway concrete rubble | 20 |
| Jim Champion Reef | Sites 1 to 4 | 20 |
| Bendickson Reef, culvert sites | Concrete culverts | 25 |
| Reef Ball Reef | Reef balls | 25 |
| Bendickson Reef, Army tanks | Army tanks | 26 |
| Ghost Ship | Decommissioned concrete sailboat | – |
| Gomez Rocks, north and south | Pilings with rocks between them | – |
The Bendickson Complex
Bendickson has the most variety: Army tanks at 26 ft, concrete culvert sites at 25 ft, and the Ghost Ship, a decommissioned concrete sailboat, all on the same grounds.
The Richardson Reefs
A.H. Richardson Reef is concrete culverts at 18 ft, the shallowest named site on the list. Richardson Reef is a separate entry: Skyway concrete rubble at 20 ft.
Jim Champion Reef, Sites 1 to 4
Jim Champion Reef is four sites at 20 ft.
Reef Ball Reef
Reef Ball Reef is reef balls at 25 ft.
How Spanish Mackerel Are Fished Here
Local boats fish Spanish two ways: offshore over structure with chum, and on light tackle closer in.
Chumming Offshore With Kings
Boats chum offshore for kings and Spanish together. Both species come to the same chum line, so one spread can bring up both. The coastal and offshore gamefish guides cover king mackerel and the wider offshore picture.
Light Tackle Inshore
A local operator lists Spanish mackerel among its inshore and light tackle targets, which means they can be fished on lighter gear closer to the channels.
Who Fishes Them Out of Hernando Beach
The Angling Adventures charter in Hernando Beach lists Spanish mackerel. It runs a Sea Fox 256, a 26-foot offshore boat with twin 150 HP Yamaha outboards.
FAQ: Spanish Mackerel Fishing Out of Hernando Beach
When are Spanish mackerel around Hernando Beach?
In the warm months.
How far is Bendickson Reef from Hernando Beach, and how deep is it?
About 20 nautical miles west. The Army tanks sit at 26 ft and the culvert sites at 25 ft.
What is Gomez Rocks at Hernando Beach?
North and south sites made of pilings with rocks between them. They are among the places boats from this port fish.
How big do Spanish mackerel get here?
A 30-inch Spanish was landed while fishing Gomez. Use it as a reference point, not a guarantee.
Which named reef off Hernando Beach is shallowest?
A.H. Richardson Reef, concrete culverts at 18 ft.
Does a Hernando Beach charter target Spanish mackerel?
Yes. Angling Adventures lists them and runs a 26-foot Sea Fox 256 with twin 150 HP Yamahas.
