What’s Biting Now ……………..Florida’s Forgotten Panhandle Coast
Five hundred years ago, the native American Indians called it Apalachicola or, loosely translated, people from the other side. Today, we simply call it paradise, this Forgotten coast. It is that time again. Springtime! Schedule some free time…………go coastal.
This week my new friends from Minnesota, Charlie and Nancy Dart, waited for the best offshore day and their patience was rewarded with a terrific fishing experience out on the deep blue. This pair of anxious anglers discovered their own personal fishing nirvana.
At first light, we headed out of the Government cut directly into the warmth of the East sun. Our destination was a coral reef in 60 feet of water, where all manner of fishes were ready to play. When we arrived at our lat/lon numbers, the bottle-nose porpoises were everywhere chasing bait, always a positive sign. And a huge loggerhead turtle swam over for a photo op. A brief search on the Sitex sonar produced the show of color we wanted, bright red natural bottom with fish throughout the water column.
After anchoring on the show in a 5 knot current, we sabikied up some live bait. At times this is just as much fun as the fishing, especially when keeper triggers and sea bass eat the little sabiki quills. At times a hungry grouper will eat your little squid bait-rig and that gives a whole new meaning to pump and wind.
Charlie and Nancy would eat well during their vacation from old man winter. Many species found the block ice that day including mangrove snapper, gray triggerfish, black sea bass, gag and red grouper and assorted grunts. As usual, we had many released fish, mostly snapper.
Escape to the Forgotten coast and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Mother Ocean. You won’t forget the Forgotten coast……………..GO COASTAL!
Til next tide, tight lines and solid hookups,
Captain Alex Crawford
Proud Member Florida Outdoor Writers Association
Proud Member Florida Guides Association
3-12-2003 Report Courtesy of Capt. Alex Crawford
Moderators: bman, Chalk, Tom Keels
