Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
December 11, 2001
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
Offshore of the panhandle coast of Florida, the water temperature fluctuates around the 70 degree mark. Old man winter is just around the corner, followed closely by Santa Claus who will be flying the American flag on his sleigh this year. Way offshore the grouper families have begun their spawning party and are moving Northward into skinnier water for the winter. And they are hungry, as they are eating for thousands of babies. As the winter continues, my mission is to hunt down the nasty "Bin Laden" groupers who dwell in the rock caves, put them in my big strong box and fillet them on my cleansing table for all to view. God bless America!!!
One proven technique for grouper grabbin' that sometimes gets overlooked by us bottom bumpers is to troll magnum plugs around wrecks and live bottom. Rapala CD 18's, Mann's Stretch 30's and Rebel Jawbreakers will all get it done. Running flat lines with trolling weights or using downriggers are highly effective tactics. Proper release clips are important, as these large lures create heavy drags. Try fluorocarbon leaders as most of the kings are gone offshore and south for winter. Your boat speed will vary, but 1100 rpms works on my new 200 HPDI Yammy. Just go slow and give these bucket-mouthed bruisers a chance to come up in the water column to eat your sexy offering. Any lure pattern will put fish in the box, as long as it is blue or red and white. Seriously, pull the colors you have confidence in and persevere. Always sharpen the treble hooks and bring the wide gap, long handle landing net, so you don't miss that best fish of the day at the boat.
Inshore, the fishery is as healthy as I have seen it in my 21 years of fishing here. The positive results of the net ban are showing up in dramatic ways. First, gator trout are becoming more and more regular catches like they used to be. Redfish populations are at historical highs like before the blackened redfish craze. We are again catching quality pompano specimens during their fall migration. Kingfish are back in huge numbers. Six pound spanish mackeral are not uncommon. Cobia hunting is better than ever. The success stories go on and on, indisputable proof that, given a fair chance, fish stocks will replenish themselves with common sense management. Would it not be a very good thing for our grandchildren to be able to enjoy the incredible bounties of the ocean?
Stripers are spawning up the Apalahicola River in the area south of the train tressel. These tasty brawlers are gorging on free-lined large shrimp on the last couple hours before high tide. Remember, you need a freshwater license to possess freshwater species.
Sheepshead and flounder fishing is hot under the Apalachicola/East Point bridge. It is hard to beat live shrimp, but bull minnows and fresh dead(not frozen) will do it. Anchor your vessel so you are on the concrete bridge pilings and fish vertically with stout gear. This area is covered with oyster shells, so be prepared to lose some terminal tackle. Try scraping the barnacles off the pilings as natural chum and watch the convict fish turn on. Careful and don't allow the sheepshead's dorsal spines to get you. Take it from one who knows, this is some serious pain that only one thing can cure, large quantities of Maker's Mark sour mash wiskey(apply liberally). Most of the bridge area is 6 feet deep, however there are some 9 foot holes that should be entered into one's GPS for return trips.
The flounder are not large, but they are plentiful during winter. These dinner plates should be thoroughly scaled and scored in a tic-tac pattern and cooked on heavy foil at low temperature on you barby. Try real butter, real garlic and real lemon with your favorite California white wine. It is real good! Wishing all of you and your families a wonderful Holiday season and good fishing.
Until next tide, tight lines,
Captain Alex Crawford
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