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Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
October 1, 2003
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
Adios Red Tide. For the past couple of weeks we have had an algae bloom move into the Apalachicola Bay. It is called Red Tide. It affects people with respiratory issues and fish, primarily inshore bottom species like catfish and croakers. Pelagic fish species are less impacted, because they simply swim away from the algae to waters that are comfortable.
The good news is the red tide is gone. As of today, 10/1 all winter oyster harvesting grounds are open in the Apalachicola Bay. A combination of circumstances acting together have zapped the red tide. First, the cooler temperatures have lowered the surface temperature of the water. Winds have been predominately North or Northeast for about a week. And we have had several days of heavy rainfall. These factors have the effect of dissipating the algae bloom and rendering it harmless to finfish, shellfish and humans. Hoorah!
The weather here on the Forgotten Coast of the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico is SPECTACULAR!!! Gone is the humidity of summer, replaced with crystal blue skies and crisp and invigorating, sixty degree mornings. If you can’t get out of bed to go fishing in Autumn on the Gulf coast, you don’t have red blood. This is a special time.
The white shrimp are flowing out of the rivers, creeks and estuaries of the Bay. And the reds and trout know about this annual phenomenon. They are ready to fatten up for the winter. During the next two months or until the water temp reached the mid-sixties, inshore aficionados will be in Heaven on the water. The bull redfish are starting their staging process in the major inlets. Excuse the digression sidebar here, but I know not why they are called inlets on the Atlantic side and passes on the Gulf. Any help out there?
Back to the bull reds now. If you get a charge out of a really big pull on your line, this time of year means you don’t have to travel far. Around my little puddle in the big pond, there are two places to be in fall for shots at huge channel bass. First, the East Pass that separates Dog from Saint George Island is redfish central. It is common to catch 30 pounders during fall. Also, try the Government Cut, although it gets crowded at times. Beware of losing your anchor in the granite boulders close to the jetties.
Some like to anchor, but I prefer drifting the East Pass, much like we do for tarpon. The East Pass is so big, a controlled drift will present your baits to more fish. And sharks are no longer a problem. My favorite baits in order of best down—medium-sized live pinfish (when available), dead pogies (scored and soaked in pogy oil), fresh-cracked blue crab claws, small live croakers, fresh ladyfish cut baits.
Beef up your tackle. Since this is catch and release, 30 pound class gear will shorten the battle and increase the survival rate. Small circle hooks from 8/0 to 12/0 will work, depending upon live or dead bait offerings. Heavy bank sinkers on fishfinder rigs will get your baits down in swift current. The water in the passes will rip at 6 knots around low tides and the fish feed on the bottom.
Be sure to completely resuscitate bull reds. They live long lives and your grandchildren will thank you. Fisheries biologists can calculate the age of redfish and other species. They have otoliths, ear bones that show concentric age circles, much like a tree. So, do a quick photo op, whisper adios in his ear, kiss him and send him on his way, thanked for the memory.
Till next tide, tight lines and solid hookups,
Captain Alex Crawford
Proud Member Florida Outdoor Writers Association
Proud Member Florida Guides Association
www.topknots.com
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