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Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
December 17, 2001
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
Due to the extremely mild fall and early winter weather, the kingfish and their little brothers, the spanish mackeral are still around the Apalachicola area. And they will continue to be here as long as the water temperature remains in the 68 degree plus range. On a trip yesterday out of the Government cut southeast into 55 feet of water, we produced 6 kings to 22 pounds on flat lined cigar minnows. Our target species was gag groupers, however no one could resist the adrenaline rush created by that first scorcher kingfish run on light tackle. It is always best to raise the outdrive and get all lines aboard, as Kings are famous for getting fouled and bidding you a fond farewell at the boat. A trace of 60 pound wire and a 4x treble on a 16 pound class spinner will give you all the excitement you want. Sharpen the long handle gaff and watch out for the razor sharp incisors. Kingfish dip, yummy!
Keeper gags will eat frozen poggies and squid now in 55 feet of water. It does'nt hurt to catch up some livies however, as bigger grouper will chomp big live baits like squirrel fish, pigfish and small white grunts. This past Wednesday my party cranked up an 18 and a 14 on big live baits. The winter grouper bite nearshore is started off with a bang and will continue into spring. The red groupers are starting to disappear for their winter migration, but the blacks more than make up for it. Triggers are still very plentiful. When the water current slows and the grouper bite subsides, break out the small sticks and go for the trigger.
Wishing everyone good fishing, Happy Holidays and God Bless America!
Until next tide, tight lines,
Captain Alex
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