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Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
February 27, 2003
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
Black seabass, red groupers, triggerfish and throw-back snappers are what’s biting now on the forgotten coast of the Florida Panhandle. Due to extremely inclement weather, this cabin-fever afflicted Captain/writer was only able to go offshore once last week. All of this cold air spinning out of the North Atlantic has turned New England and the eastern seaboard white and produced gale force winds in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. One group of anxious anglers from Jax had to reschedule their offshore trips for 4 consecutive Saturdays in February. Mother Nature will have her way.
Triggerfish are schooled-up and eating everything offered to them right now. They show up on the bottom machine way up in the water column. Dropping small pieces of squid or quality cut baits like cigar minnows on #1 Daiichi bait hooks will hook you up before you reach bottom. Triggers have firm, white, tasty pork chop fillets. Because of their leather-tough skin, remember to carve them from tail to head for a better fillet. Or, if you are into the thrill, not the kill, send them home to fight another day.
As I write this report, black seabass fishing is at its ultimate. Any natural bottom in 30 or more feet of water is a target-rich environment. Try a technique that is guaranteed to break the fun meter. On a 12# class spinning outfit, tie a leader with two droppers and a bank sinker on the bottom. On the droppers tie 2 rubber jigs, one white and one chartreuse. No bait is required. Seabass aficionados will double your fun.
Spring break begins next week. The reason this is apparent to me is because looking out my office window I can see Topknots with all lines made fast and chafing at the pilings in her berth. When the tide is half and rising she calls out to me, “get out and stay out.” And the Captain says, “we have’nt had that spirit here since 1969.” Take yourself fishing!
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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