Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
November 7, 2005
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
Yesterday on an offshore trip we had perfect autumn weather in the seventies and a southeast wind less than 10 knots. The seas were bumpy going out to the southeast, but a nice ride was enjoyed by all with a following sea on the ride to the hill.
Congratulations to Franklin County, the volunteers and Chamber of Commerces for another terrific seafood festival weekend. Given the recent circumstance, everyone pulled together and showed visitors the resillence of the Forgotten Coast community.
Forgive the short digresssion, but I have to mention that our beloved Cape Saint George Island Lighthouse has fallen into the Gulf of Mexico. The powers of Mother Nature are absolute and beyond any human intervention. Because of the love affair I have had with this old beautiful lighthouse for so many moons, I am just now drying my eyes. We have lost a significant historical monument, one that has stood for a century and a half as a testament of hope and light for the unmatched maritime culture of the fabulous Forgotten Coast. CHEERS!
Now fishing, sorry for the short prayer. Since time was of the essence on our trip, we selected only two waypoints in less than 50 feet. Our baits of choice were the best cigar minnows I can buy and a big box of pure white super squid.
On our first stop the current was hardly running and the fish were hardly biting, quid pro quo. We had one 30' gag, but little else. So, we moved to a coral reef farther north and found some steady action. Fishing on coral presents unique challenges. Groupers will rock you up fast, but they are ready biters with current. So, we won some and lost some, but it was fun. At one point we fell back on the anchor and onto a big show of triggerfish stacked up like seasoned hickory. We changed out the tackle and put two dozen nice triggers in the box. The quality squid was the ticket. Did I mention how great triggers eat.
The best part of the day was the day, simply gorgeous. And we had a bonus, fish for dinner. What else could a person want.
Tight lines,
Captain Alex Crawford
www.topknots.com
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