Capt. Alex Crawford
October 18, 2001
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
As they say on the outer banks of North Carolina, the wind, “she’s been blowin’ a gale.” For the past two weeks the inshore and offshore fishing has been tough, to say the least. Inshore, twenty knot winds began out of the southeast and have now turned northeast. So strong are the winds of October, my new American flag is tattered and needs some stitches. A double whammy brought us a nasty red tide that has killed bunches of fishes. First, croakers began to wash up on St. George’s west end beaches and then, Lys began to die in the bay. Bottom feeders and algae eaters seem to be most affected. The hard working oysterman have taken a brief vacation, as the bay has been temporarily closed. But, not to worry, all will be back to normal in a few days.
By the time you read this, offshore fishing will have resumed to the pre-blow patterns. As the water continues to warm, the groupers will be moving nearer to shore. The big black sea bass will begin their fall spawn. Sea bass are some of the finest eating there is. The minimum size limit is only 10” and there is no bag limit in the Gulf.(Only take what you can use.) If the grouper bite is off, you can fill in time catching nice sea bass on the same live bottom. Sea bass love squid and can readily take big hooks with their grouper-like mouths. Fillet the larger specimens and enjoy them fried, broiled or on the barby.
Captain Alex Crawford is a full time guide who has fished the Florida Panhandle offshore for 26 years. He specializes in grouper and snapper trips with light tackle on live bait. Custom trips for companies with multiple boats will be arranged.
Inshore trips targeting specific species and custom eco trips are available for birding, gator watching, shelling, picnics and barrier islands.
Contact Captain Alex for a fun and productive trip on Florida's Forgotten Coast.
