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Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
June 9, 2002
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
Summertime Mahi-mahi fishing has started with a blast on the unforgettable Panhandle coast of Florida. The past 2 weeks we have had a prolonged blow east and west of South, which has that beautiful turquoise blue green water moving inshore. And with the clean water, comes sargassum weed lines, hence dolphins. No, not the bottlenose dolphin animals, Dolphin fish, those great-eating gamesters of walk on water fame. Dolphins are the most gorgeous fish in the ocean. When lit up on a bite, these fish may display an array of spectacular colors, including, but not limited to, bright greens, blues, yellows, chartreuse and purple.
If you had only one offshore species to target, the dolphin would be a brilliant choice. What makes dolphins such a great catch is they fill all the right criteria. They are prolific, fast-growing, tough aerial fighters, easy to catch and fabulous on the dinner table.
The juveniles are called peanut dolphin to about five pounds. Ten pound fish are referred to as slammers. From 10 to 20 pounds, they are appropriately called gaffers. Large adult males are bulls with their unmistakable, vertically blunt heads.
Dolphins will readily bite many different lures and baits. Peanuts can be chunk-baited with squid, bonita and cigar minnows. Always keep some baits cut and ready if you run onto an opportunity. Ten pound class spinners rigged and ready will put some dorados on your dinner table. The daily bag limit is 10 fish per angler. Remember to keep one hooked fish in the water to keep the school close by.
Other favorite dolphin lures include Islanders, cedar plugs, trolling feathers, plastic ballyhoo and flying fish. Color patterns that have been successful for me include combinations of pink, blue and green. Dragging quality ballyhoo on well-formed sargassum weed lines will produce good fish for the patient angler.
You will increase your chances by rigging your lures and baits with fluorocarbon leader material. Always use freshly-spooled, quality line. Check your drags and hand sharpen your hooks at the dock. Preparation equals success.
One word of caution. If you allow a green dolphin to get loose on the deck of your vessel, prepare to pay the consequences. They will break everything you own while you stand and watch. Only cobia can trash a cockpit faster.
So, this Summer target the majestic Mahi-mahi for a great sporting day. The action can be really wild and occasionally, we can all use a pure adrenalin rush. Why wait, just do it!
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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