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Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
June 15, 2002
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
Snapper snatching is spectacular in the summertime on the Gulf coast of Florida. That is exactly what the Giles family from Perry, FL proved yesterday. It is gross understatement to say they literally hammered the snappers. The day started perfectly with flat calm sea conditions and a baitwell full of frisky live pogies. We anchored on a nearshore wreck and never moved off of it all day.
Snappers have large frontal incisors and are famous for being professional bait stealers. Small super-sharp Owner circle hooks on 20 pound fluorocarbon leaders will maximize your catch ratio. Sure, you lose some fish when they bite through the leader, but fluorocarbon is tougher than monofilament. Also, scale down your tackle to match your quarry. Sixteen to twenty pound gear is normally adequate, even when that 15 pounder eats your bait.
Fishing wrecks is a specialized game. Focus on your bottom machine and mark a corner of the wreck to anchor on. If you anchor directly on top of the wreck, snappers will wrap you in the steel and break you off. Pay attention to how the fish are oriented to the wreck. Most of the time the schoolies will be swimming in one general area and the big fish will be in another spot and often up in the water column. We used to dive the wrecks to do the recon. Now, we see everything on the color bottom machine.
When the current slows, so does the bite. Have lunch and give the water time to start moving and the bite will begin anew. If I could simply will them to eat during these slow times, I would copyright the formula and become weathly. Be patient.
Keep an eye out for turtles hanging around the wreck. Turtles are fish magnets and you may see a big cobia swimming under the turtle. Have a big cobia stick at the ready and toss a livey out. Let it sink and have a chance of being eaten. If you get a take, clear all the other lines post haste. Things get really wild with cobes.
The days catch included amberjack, triggers, grouper and three dozen tasty mangrove snappers. The Wiles family slept very good that night and will eat very good for many more.
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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