For those who have never before cruised the Big Bend region of Western Florida before (north of Anclote Key and Clearwater, and south of Dog Island and Carrabelle), there is NO protected inland waterway that serves this region. Thus, cruisers, must either follow the coastline around, keeping WELL offshore, or cut the corner and head straight for their destination. Either way, crab pots can be a real problem for cruisers, particularly in the dark.
The question and two answers below are copied from the AGLCA mailing list, and give good info on successfully navigating these wide open (but shallow) waters.

How have the crab pots been recently for those that have crossed during the day?
How about at night? I note that there will not be much of a moon this weekend as it’s waning towards a new moon on wednesday the 16th. Are you using a light to try and spot them?
Also, re you trying to stick closer to the coast by going to R”2″, or just charting a direct line? Seems like when you’re out that far already, the direct course wouldn’t be that different as the wind and waves go.
Any other thoughts or guidance is much appreciated!
Thanks to those that have gone before!
Jim (crossing virgin)

Jim,
We made a direct daylight crossing, Govt Cut in Appalachicola to Clearwater on Nov 14. We found a minimum (from our standards) number of crab pots for about the last 4-6 miles. They were doable. You just have to figure out on which degree heading the crabber set his traps and then “thread the needle” following that heading. In general, the crabbers don’t usually set their traps in more than 40 feet of water and more than 12 miles from the coast (it is too much work for them). However in the Big Bend the water is so shallow all that changes.
Safe Travels,
Fred Clarkson
“Perfect Remedy”

Jim,
We crossed a couple of weeks ago on a direct line from Apalachicola to Clearwater at night and started seeing crabpots about 35 miles out and picked up from there. We left gov cut around 4 PM and arrived at Clearwater around 11am next morning and had to offset our approach due to the sun glare in order to see the crabpots but we made it OK.
Steve Wood
Here and Now
at Cape Haze, Fl