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Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
May 19, 2002
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
Inshore, we have been attacked by catfish. Topsail cats are spawning now and will eat anything. If you enjoy a hard pull on your line, the topsail cat will oblige. Ultralight tackle is the way to go for cats. One hundred fish a day is normal. These eating machines will even eat large live poggies. Have a stainless hook extraction tool onboard and be extremely careful releasing cats. Their pectoral and dorsal spines contain neurotoxin that will test your pain threshholds. Hot water is the only temporary relief for the pain from a puncture wound. If the fish swallows your hook, just cut the leader and tie a new hook.
Blacktip and bonnethead sharks are here now. Some consider these guys to be annoying. I disagree. The first run by a 4 footer is a drag scorcher, comparable to a big permit or bonefish. Sharks allow you to hone your fish-fighting skills, so you are ready for that trophy trout or redfish.
Tarpon are starting to show up in numbers now. Always take a 30 pound class spinner on your inshore trips. On a 60 pound fluorocarbon leader freeline a live poggy or mullet behind the boat. Set up a quick disconnect on your anchor line, so you can follow that triple-digit tarpon that wants to go to Cuba.
Offshore, the presummer pattern has begun. Go out early and return with the afternoon wind and seas on your stern. Yesterday, a group of four Atlanta anglers returned with a limit of fish. The catch was gags to 15, red groups to 12, red snappers to 9 and amberjacks in the 20's. As always, live pinfish outfished cut baits. With all the south winds we have had over the past two weeks, the cobalt blue clean water has been pushed nearshore. And with the clean water, we are seeing some sargassum weed lines and schoolie dolphin. Be the prepared opportunist and always keep 2 rods rigged and ready for sight casting to mahis. Have some squid or chunk baits ready when you see the fish. A cobia rig at the ready is also a good idea.
Until next tide, tight lines and solid hookups,
Captain Alex Crawford
Apalachicola, FL
Proud Member Florida Outdoor Writers Association
Proud Member Florida Guides Association
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