Fishing Report for the Florida Panhandle
Capt. Alex Crawford
December 5, 2002
Carrabelle - Saltwater Fishing Report
Offshore, tackle-buster Groupers and Amberjack are this week’s large news. Yesterday, I accepted an offer to fish the Miss Loretta, a gorgeous 35 Luhrs owned by Mr. Aaron Taylor. Crew included Mike Willis, Henry Brown, Al Mellio, Aaron Taylor and this love to fish big boats Captain/Writer. Captain Dave Giddens was at the helm.
The fish plan was simple, run South 40 plus miles into the Northeastern Gulf to wreck fish big black groupers and muscle up giant Greater Amberjack.
Finding pinfish was hard going for a while, but finally the sonar lit up in 130 feet and we sabikied-up several dozen palm-size pins. When dropping pinfish on offshore wrecks, one is well-advised to be lashed to the vessel, or risk going over the gunnel for an unplanned swim. Amberjacks pull back! At one point we had 4 brutes hooked up on 10 ounce diamond jigs simultaneously. It sounded like a string symphony with the 6/0 electric drags singing backwards under heavy loads. Love that sound! It is the sound of pumping adrenalin.
Most sincere thanks to Aaron Taylor for allowing me to join in the fun and recreation. The final tally included gags to 20, AJs to 30, a mess of scamp and mangrove snappers to seven. Life is good and short, play hard.
As an aside, the Kings are still here since the water is low seventies offshore.
Inshore, water temp is in the high sixties. A Bay trip this week with Don Eslinger from Iowa, produced several dozen Sheepshead and Black Drum. Don was thrilled to get his string stretched. He was in a CPR mode, catch, photo and release. It is always a special joy for me to watch a skilled angler fight fish and Don’s expertise was evident.
When the Apalachicola River temperature gets to the mid-sixties, look for the Striped Bass to swim down close to the mouth. This is virtually an untapped winter fishery. Black drum are picking up now as well. Wintertime fishing on the unforgettable coast of Florida is what they say in the South of France, the peace’ de resistance, you all!!!
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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