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Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
October 22, 2002
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
SAINT GEORGE ISLAND- FLORIDA’S FISHING WINTER WONDERLAND
It is one of the very best kept secrets of fishing on Florida’s coastline. The waters of the Forgotten Coast off Saint George Island continue to be an abundant winter fishery for all the fabulous eating fish species. Black Grouper, Red Grouper, Scamp, Black Sea Bass, Flounder, Redfish, Sheepshead, Spotted Sea Trout, Striped Bass and more are here in vast numbers for the enjoyment of the winter angler. These are not the glamour species of the Florida Keys like Sailfish or Bonefish, but for the sheer exhilaration of catching great numbers of succulent tasting fish, try wintertime angling on the unforgettable Panhandle coast. I would be remiss if I failed to mention the world famous Apalachicola oysters, so plump and delicious in winters’ cold waters. Or, the mouth-watering jumbo Gulf shrimp that are so prevalent only this time of year. Spectacular casual dining with no wait!
Grouper move closer to shore in winter, often as shallow as 30 feet. That makes them more accessible for small boaters. The biggest gag and red grouper are caught during the winter months. The grouper fishery here is arguably the best on the entire Florida coast, just ask the Keys guides that come here to fish.
Black Sea Bass spawn on the Forgotten Coast from January to March. It is this Captain/Writer’s opinion that these delicacies of the sea are the ultimate in great tasting fish. In the Gulf of Mexico there is no limit on Black Sea Bass. This is not to be confused with Chilean Sea Bass of restaurant fame, it is better because it is fresh-caught and not flash-frozen and shipped from Antarctica.
Winter flounder stuffed with crab meat or shrimp may be the next best thing to heaven. Look for these tasty flatfish around pilings of the Saint George Island or Apalachicola bridges. Live mud minnows or small frisky shrimp will entice Mr. Flounder. Great fun and great eats!
Sheepshead can be caught in huge numbers only during the winter, beginning in November. Like flounder, these prolific fish orient to bridge pilings. This should truly be called catching, rather than fishing. Pin a fiddler crab on a #4 live bait hook with a small sinker and always set the hook prior to the strike to catch these professional bait-stealers. Remember to fillet the tough-skinned Sheepshead from tail to head with your electric carving knife. Broil the fillets with real garlic, real lemon and real butter and enjoy.
Striped Bass are another fun wintertime target species. When the water temperature gets into the mid-sixties, huge schools of stripers descend the Apalachicola River into brackish water. It is possible to catch stripers, redfish, sheepshead and spotted sea trout in the same area of the River on one tide. First class angling!!!
So, plan your winter escape now to the Forgotten Coast, but please keep your new secret. We want to keep your little piece of Paradise from becoming overfished. It will always be your special undiscovered fishing hole. Shhhhhhhh……..!!!
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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