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Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
April 4, 2003
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
NEWS FLASH………….RED SNAPPER SEASON SET TO OPEN. Yes, it is true. After a long five month recreational closure, the red snapper season opens in state waters on April 15th and, in federal waters, April 21st. Gulf of Mexico anglers are fortunate that they can keep 4 fish at least 16 inches in overall length. And these tasty critters are highly accessible in the Gulf. Some of my best snapper wreck numbers begin only ten miles out in shallow water. That translates into a limit in the box by lunch if the current runs.
Snappers are spawning now and the big sows are hungry. It’s best to release these egg-laden fish, but the fight is the thrill, not the kill. Out on the brine, can’t you hear those overgrown females calling from their aquamarine lairs, “come out boys and catch me if you can.” Ahoy mates, remember work is for those who don’t know how to fish. Come get hooked up! Let the fun begin.
King Mackerel have shown up out to the southeast. This little tidbit of news is one day old, courtesy of a Captain friend who put 5 in his box on flat lines with cigars. The water temperature on my machine yesterday was 69 degrees only 13 miles into the Gulf. Kings show up every spring following the cigar minnows. The really hot bite turns on around the 3rd weekend in April. You’ll find the snake Kings 20 miles out on the reefs and alphabet towers, like K tower. Catching snakes with 10 pound class spinners and live cigar minnows is pure piscatorial delight. All you Kingfish enthusiasts, now is the time to stock up on pogy oil.
Yesterday, Jeff Guy from Atlanta joined me on an adventure onto the wild blue. His primary objective was to feed his subdivision a fish dinner. So, we entered a target-rich environment looking for the best eaters. We found the biggest black seabass of the season, several in the 3 pound class. Jeff added red and gag groupers to the box and took home bags of succulent fillets for the dinner soiree. Life is good!
On the inshore scene, I am happy to report that the pompano are starting to show. My informants tell me the fish are in the passes and the surf on Saint George Island. In the Apalachicola Bay, I am seeing Spanish mackerel crashing bait under hovering terns. Trout are on the Saint Vincent Dry Bar with moving water. Live shrimp on floats are the ticket. Gator trout will eat topwater offerings and red/white mirrolures beginning next week with the coming of the April full moon. Some small flounder are being caught at the Cut and on the bridges. The redfish bite is picking up with the water temperature. Cobia are on the beaches. There are simply not enough superlatives to describe the spring fishing action. This natural paradise we call the forgotten coast is a panorama of golden sunshine where sugar-white sands meet turquoise waters and the fishing is absolutely the best of the best. Forgive me for getting carried away with the words, it is understatement to say I get a little excited this time of year. I beg your indulgence.
Till 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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