Trout and reds inshore-- goliaths in the CUT--snappers offshore
Capt. Alex Crawford
June 22, 2008
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
Captain Charles Wilson always knows about the inshore bite around Apalachicola. He is the best of the best in these parts. Capt. Charles has been hammering the trout and redfish for his customers. He knows where the fish are and what they are eating. Large frisky shrimp is always one of the very best baits for trout and reds. You can buy good shrimp at Half Hitch in Port St. Joe or Fisherman's Choice on Hwy 98 in East Point. Get there early or call ahead. Don't let the water in your baitwell get too warm--dump some block ice in periodically. Frozen water bottles work well for this.
Offshore anglers that target reef species, i.e. snappers, groupers, triggerfish, amberjack,
kings, spanish; dolphinfish, etc. are now required to use only non-stainless circle hooks with natural bait, have a hook removal tool onboard, vent fish that come up from depth (have an approved venting tool onboard) and make every attempt to release short fish alive. i.e. capable of swimming to the bottom with being eaten by a predator goliath grouper, king or cuda. If the fish swallows the hook, clip the leader as close to the hook as possible and trust that the steel hook will eventually dissolve or fall out of the fish's mouth. Circle hooks should solve this potential problem, by hooking on the jaw. Practice dehooking to minimize any damage to the fish. Also, learn how to vent the fish successfully to improve survival rates. All of us working together can help reef species survive which will improve our fishing opportunities in the future. Pitch in and do your share and be proud of your efforts.
Goliath groupers have been hungry these past 2 weeks. Remember they are still endangered and protected. Possessing one will lighten your wallet considerably. Be a good steward of our oceans. Capt. Grayson Sheppard caught and released two goliaths in the cut this past week. Can ya believe Goliaths in the CUT. It is true! Grayson has the photos. If you fish the CUT and routinely put out a bull red bait, use a very strong rod and reel so you can handle a large Goliath. Sixty to eighty pound line on a 4/0 reel would be perfect. Gives a new meaning to going inshore fishing for offshore species. A big live pinfish or pigfish would be an ideal bait. Gimbal the stick into a stern rodholder and watch for the bounce. Have a fighting belt adjusted and secure on the designated rod man. If you are regularly catching mangrove snappers, expect a huge goliath to inhale one of your juvenile mangroves. They seem to have acquired a taste for little snappers.
Carrabelle Fishing Forecast:
Red snappers are white hot right now. Any coral reefs or artificial reefs in 60 feet or more will hold a good number of quality red snappers. Anchor properly and catch 'em up.
Target Species:
red snappers
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