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Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
December 30, 2001
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
How cold is it? Well, it is just right if you are staying warm pumping and winding on hefty groupers. It is simply a function of dressing loose in layers and gettin' out there after em'. Forgive my colloquial jargon, as I'm a victim of my environment like all of us. This most recent cold spell has really turned on the grouper family. This past Thursday my party had 14 groupies that averaged 9 pounds. And just to keep the adrenaline levels pumping, the biggest fish won't show up until February.
This time of year I go up to 30 pound class tackle to handle the larger fish. This captain does not like breaking off a really nice gag for an eager client. So, we go to Shimano TLDs, 50 pound IGFA Ande, 80 pound fluoro leaders and Mustad 13/0 hand sharpened offset circle hooks. Just stick it in the rod holder and watch the rod tip.
One trick of the trade will put more fish in the box. After you make your waypoint, mark your fish, drop your marker buoy and go up wind/current to drop your hook. As you fall back on your buoy, watch your bottom machine carefully for other shows of fish. Short stop on them as long as you have plenty of scope out on the anchor line to get a hook bite. You can continue to drop back in short increments to find more fish even behind your buoy. Also, it is imperative to fish enough lead so you are vertical on the fish. I usually start with 8 ounces and go lighter as the current allows.
Yesterday, Ben Wellings of Canberra, Australia and his family enjoyed a perfect day on the bay. Ben had the catch of the day with a fiesty 6 pound Sheepshead on a little 6 pound spinner. The family enjoyed a gourmet dinner of sheepshead and flounder on the barby last night. Ain't life great! The weather was nothing short of idyllic for their trip with a 70 degree temperature and powder blue skies. It is really all about having fun and getting a pull on your line.
Happy New Year and Good Fishing to everyone, especially to grandson #3, Ryan who turned 1 day old today,
Until next tide, tight lines,
Captain Alex Crawford
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