Cobia & Tarpon Fishing Trip in Crawfordville

Reel in Cobia and Tarpon on Florida's Gulf Coast

Get ready to tangle with some of Florida's most prized gamefish on this half-day adventure with Apalachee Bay Inshore Charters. Captain Timothy Glover knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on some monster cobia and tarpon. From May through July, these bruisers move into the shallows, giving anglers a shot at the catch of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll cruise the flats and channels of Apalachee Bay, hunting for rolling tarpon and cruising cobia. With all the gear provided and plenty of cold drinks on board, all you need to bring is your game face and a willingness to learn.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up bright and early at the dock in Crawfordville, just a stone's throw from some of the best fishing grounds on Florida's Forgotten Coast. Captain Tim will have the boat loaded and ready to roll, so after a quick safety briefing, we'll be on our way. The beauty of inshore fishing is you don't have to run far to find the action. We might start by sight-fishing the flats for cobia, scanning the water for their distinctive brown shapes. Or, if the tarpon are rolling, we'll set up shop and wait for these silver kings to give us a shot. Either way, be ready for some serious pull when these beasts take the bait. The captain's got a few tricks up his sleeve, from live bait tactics to artificial lures that drive the fish wild. And don't worry if you're new to this – he'll walk you through every step, from setting the hook to landing your prize.

Gear and Techniques

We're not messing around when it comes to tackling these bruisers. For cobia, we'll be using stout spinning rods paired with reels spooled with 30-50 lb braid. Tarpon require even heavier gear – think 80 lb braid on beefy conventional setups. Live bait's the name of the game most days, with frisky pinfish, mullet, or blue crabs doing the trick. But don't be surprised if the captain breaks out some gnarly-looking artificials too. Sight-fishing for cobia is a blast – we'll cruise along, everyone's eyes peeled for that telltale brown shape. When we spot one, it's all about a precise cast and a natural presentation. Tarpon fishing's a different animal. We might set up on a channel edge, freeline some baits, and wait for the chaos to ensue. Either way, when that rod doubles over, you better hang on tight!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Cobia, aka "ling" or "lemonfish," are the bulldogs of the ocean. These brown bruisers can tip the scales at over 100 pounds, and they've got an attitude to match. They love to hang around structure, from buoys to wrecks, and they're suckers for a well-presented live bait. Cobia are famous for their long, powerful runs and their tendency to go ballistic boat-side. The meat's top-notch too – firm, white, and perfect for the grill. May and June are prime time for cobia in these parts, as they migrate along the coast.

Tarpon, the "silver king," is the ultimate gamefish for many anglers. These prehistoric beasts can grow over 200 pounds, and they're famous for their gill-rattling jumps and blistering runs. Hooking a tarpon is one thing – landing one's a whole different ballgame. They've got bony mouths that make setting the hook tricky, and their acrobatics mean you'll lose more than you land. But that's part of the allure. The challenge of battling a tarpon is what keeps anglers coming back year after year. In Apalachee Bay, we start seeing good numbers of tarpon in late May, with the action peaking in June and July.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing these waters that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the heart-stopping moment when a hundred-pound tarpon goes airborne, or the satisfaction of spotting a cobia from a hundred yards out and making the perfect cast. Could be the laid-back vibe of the Forgotten Coast, where time seems to slow down and the only thing that matters is the tug on the end of your line. Or maybe it's just the chance to spend a morning on the water with Captain Tim, soaking up his years of local knowledge and hearing his fish tales (some of which might even be true). Whatever it is, one trip is rarely enough. These waters have a way of getting under your skin, calling you back season after season.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're itching for a shot at some of Florida's hardest-fighting fish, this is your chance. Captain Tim's got the know-how, the gear, and the spot-on local intel to put you on the fish. Whether you're dreaming of your first tarpon or you're looking to add a trophy cobia to your list, this trip's got you covered. With only four spots per trip, these charters fill up fast, especially during peak season. So don't sit on the fence – grab your fishing buddies, pick a date, and let's get you hooked up with some silver kings and brown bombers. The fish are waiting, and the bite's hot. Time to get out there and make some memories!