Fishing Report

Cobia and Tarpon have arrived!

Summertime is finally here and with it comes the warm, steamy weather that forces many folks to stay inside where the air conditioner makes life a little more comfortable.  It's also the perfect time to head out to the flats.  The annual summer migration of tarpon and cobia has begun and recent catches have been reported in the Cedar Key area.  Both can be found on the near shore flats that scatter the area.  They will hit a variety of live and artificial baits.  One method of targeting these bruisers is to anchor up on the edge of a grass flat, where the depth drops a couple of feet and the grass bottom changes to sand, and deploy a chum block.  A live pinfish suspended several feet under a cork is a surefire way to draw some action.  The typical tackle consists of 30-50 lb class spinning or casting gear with a 6 ft section of 60 lb fluorocarbon leader and a 6/0 circle hook.  Scan the water in the chum slick and don't forget to occasionally glance under the boat as cobia often like to hang out under some type of structure.  These shallow water fish can spook easily, so if you see a cruising fish try to get a pinfish in front of him while making as little noise and movement as possible.  When you hook up, be ready for a battle and only bring fish that you intend to keep into the boat.  Cobia and tarpon have been known to destroy tackle, bones and anything else that gets in their way when brought into the boat while still green.  Be sure to properly revive all fish before releasing by slowly moving them head first though the water so that water comes into the mouth and passes over the gills – they'll let you know when they're ready to go.  There is no time like early summer  to get out on the water and hook up with one of these big, hard fighting fish.

Good Luck and Good Fishing!