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Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
June 30, 2002
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
Blacktip Sharks will battle you and bite you, if you let them. Summertime shark fishing on the forgotten coast is not for the faint of heart. Blacktips are thick in the West Pass that separates Cape Saint George from Saint Vincent Island. Most anglers catch them by chance, but targeting these bruisers is a fun and specialized game.
Like all sharks, Blacktips respond well to fresh chum and pogies will always work. Park anywhere in the pass and set your hook with a lot of scope, as the current really rips through this natural cut. Chum a few cut pogies every few minutes and add a live one or two to the mix occasionally. You will know when Mr. Sharky shows up when your rod tip jolts into the water and line melts off your reel.
Although not large by shark standards, Blacktips to around 30 pounds give a very respectable account of themselves. Twelve to twenty pound class tackle will handle them. Wire leaders are a neccesity, along with good gloves and a razor sharp gaff if you intend to keep one for the grill. The meat is white and tasty, certainly right up there with Makos.
Being the prepared opportunist angler, you will have a 30 pound class outfit ready when that triple digit tarpon swims by. July and August are the best months to try for the silver king. Patience is the name of the tarpon game.
Offshore, something really special happened the other day. While heading offshore grouper and snapper fishing, we saw a Saifish free jump twice only 6 miles out. I guess it won't be long before the unforgettable Panhandle coast will surpass Palm Beach as the new Saifish mecca. Now, if I can figure out how to catch live ballyhoo or goggleyes here, we'll be in business.
Until next tide, tight lines and solid hookups,
Captain Alex Crawford
Proud Member Florida Outdoor Writers Association
Proud Member Florida Guides Association
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