​The History of Carrabelle, Florida & Florida’s Forgotten Coast: A Look at Franklin County’s Authentic Gulf Heritage

​Nestled along the pristine shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Carrabelle, Florida is a historic fishing village with a legacy deeply rooted in maritime culture. Located along Highway 98 in the Florida Panhandle, this coastal town has been a working waterfront for more than a century. Known for its blue-collar resilience, Carrabelle is home to generations of hardworking families who have made their living from the sea — harvesting everything from grouper and snapper to shrimp and oysters.

Carrabelle, FL: A Working Fishing Village with Deep Roots

Fishing has always been more than a pastime here — it’s a way of life. For over 100 years, Carrabelle’s fishermen and women have ventured into the Gulf waters to bring in the day’s catch. The town’s commercial fishing heritage includes shrimping, oystering, and deep-sea fishing, while today’s charter fishing industry continues that tradition for visitors eager to experience the thrill of landing a big one.

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This strong fishing legacy, combined with local hospitality and natural beauty, has helped Carrabelle evolve into a quiet tourism destination. Its white-sand beaches, historic lighthouse, and laid-back waterfront charm continue to attract travelers looking for an escape from overdeveloped tourist hotspots.

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Franklin County, Florida: The Heart of the Forgotten Coast

Carrabelle is just one of several historic communities in Franklin County, FL, which also includes Apalachicola, Eastpoint, Alligator Point, and St. George Island. Together, these small towns make up what’s affectionately known as Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

This stretch of the Panhandle earned its nickname because it remains one of the last untouched coastal areas in the state — free from towering high-rises, chain restaurants, and sprawling development. Instead, you’ll find quaint downtowns, family-owned seafood markets, and unspoiled beaches that reflect what Old Florida once looked like.

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With more than 200 miles of shoreline, countless barrier islands, and protected estuaries, the Forgotten Coast is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, and nature lovers alike.​​

Why the Forgotten Coast Is a Must-Visit

• 🐟 World-Class Fishing: From offshore charter trips to inshore flats, the Gulf waters off Carrabelle are teeming with snapper, grouper, redfish, and more.

• 🌊 Unspoiled Beaches: St. George Island and Alligator Point offer some of the most beautiful, crowd-free beaches in the state.

• 🦪 Seafood Heritage: Apalachicola Bay is world-famous for oysters, and Carrabelle’s docks still support an active shrimping and oystering fleet.

• 🐚 Authentic Coastal Living: The Forgotten Coast is where you can still experience “real Florida” — no traffic, no noise, just sunsets, salty air, and Southern charm.

Plan Your Visit to Carrabelle with Knot Me Charter Fishing

Whether you're drawn in by the history or the fishing, Carrabelle, Florida is the perfect launching point for your Forgotten Coast adventure. At Knot Me Charter Fishing, we offer unforgettable offshore trips targeting grouper, snapper, and more, led by a commercial captain who knows these waters better than anyone.

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Let us show you the same fishing grounds that have supported this community for generations — and maybe help you make a little history of your own.

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 Book your Carrabelle fishing charter today and experience the Gulf the way it was meant to be: wild, bountiful, and unforgettable.

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