Spring grouper bite has started. On the forgotten, Panhandle coast of the sunshine state, the groupers are hungry and eating everything offered to them. You can plan a fishing trip right now with a full-time professional guide. I am looking forward to fishing with you soon. Come on down and coast a while and get ya some.
Such a spectacular time of year, spring. And water absolutely works wonders on one’s mental state. Let’s call it getting nauti! It is a combination of factors that occur almost simultaneously every year that tell me that spring is springing. The monarch butterflies show up for their annual migration by the hundreds of thousands. The azaleas are fully bloomed. The pine pollen turns my car and boat yellow. My senses, visual, olfactory, gustatory and kinesthetic, all kick it up a notch. And the great hordes of fishes return to the pristine shores, that is the unforgettable coast. Piscatorial slendor!
Recent reports tell of cobia on the beaches, pompano in the passes, Spanish mackerel moving into the St. George sound and trout moving out onto the grass flats. This is eagerly awaited news for all inshore aficionados. The ambient air temp today is 80 and the water at my dock is 66. They’re here! Where are you?
The Woods boys from Alabama braved some bumpy seas offshore yesterday with me. But they were rewarded with a catch of quality eating fish including snappers, groupers, black seabass and some tasty grunts. The drill was simple. Park on a coral reef where these critters live and drop bait into their living room. It’s cardinal rule number one of fishing, fish where fish are.
Fishing trips this time of year are a pure adrenalin rush. The days begin with the dawn showing itself in perfect brilliance. Then, the heightened excitement during the ride out into the deep blue sea. Next, the challenge of finding the quarry and the personal victories of putting beautiful fish in the boat. And finally, the celebration of the experience through great dinners and photos burnt into memories that don’t ever die. Think I’ve run out of superlatives.
For all those that have or are serving, this writer/Captain raises his glass, stands at attention and salutes you for all you do. Freedom has a flavor the protected will never taste. God Bless Americans!
Till next tide, solid hookups and tight lines,
Captain Alex Crawford
Proud Member Florida Outdoor Writers Association
Proud Member Florida Guides Association
3-28-2003 Report Courtesy of Capt. Alex Crawford
Moderators: bman, Chalk, Tom Keels