Capt. Alex Crawford
March 27, 2002
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
This week the Wolski family from Michigan came to the Florida Panhandle's unforgettable coast for some fishing. And a lot of catching is what they got. Granddaughter Blair won the unofficial family fishing tournament for the day on the pristine Apalachicola Bay. Not only did she land a bunch of good eating sheepshead, but she caught seven really nice Whiting on fresh dead shrimp. It was a little embarassing for Dad and Grandfather as young Blair continued to announce her leading fish tally as each found the box.
The water inshore is up to 66 degrees now and the Pompano have started to bite at the Government Cut. Big and numerous Sheepshead can be harvested on the East jetty using shrimp for bait. These professional bait stealers will test your patience, but hang tough as the rewards are worthwhile. Redfish are dependable under the Saint George Island bridge. I am told that the bridge will become a nice fishing pier once the new bridge is complete in another year or so. Look for hard fighting jack crevalle in the barrier island passes now. These brawlers will trash your equipment if your drag is not as smooth as a babies behind.
Offshore, a party of three enthusiastic Atlanta anglers put a large dent in the Black Seabass population this week. Fishing on live bottom in 55 feet of water, the group used cut Northern Mackeral on 6/0 circle hooks to catch more than enough to feed the entire vacationing party with leftovers for the Chinese Army. Along with the targeted Seabass, their incidental catch included Gag and Red Groupers, trigger, and the excellent eating chucky White Grunt. My commercial electric fillet knife was still smoking after dark.
Spring on the Florida Panhandle Coast is a spectacular time. Be brilliant, make time to take a kid fishing!!!
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.
