It’s June, and the Gulf is calling. Want to catch some fish? I’ll teach you how.
By Captain Stacy Horak
When I think of the month of June, I think of fishing for cobia. Here in Crystal River those big, beautiful fish make their way to our inshore waters. Yes, you read it right—inshore. It’s everybody’s game, from the kayaker to the weekend warriors.
I started my business, Charter Fishing With Captain Stacy, in January 2017, and I know a thing or two about catching the big one. Check out a few tips and tricks for targeting this prized catch.
Have the right tackle. Cobia are a very exciting fish to catch, especially on lighter tackle. You don’t have to have million-dollar equipment to get these beasts to the boat. Find a rock pile in about 12-15 feet of water or oyster beds with fast-moving currents surrounding them. That is where I have the most luck.
Use the right equipment. While heading to your selected location, keep your eyes open. Cobia are mostly sight feeders from the top column of the water to the bottom during the day. Use a medium-heavy 6- to 7-foot spinning rod. Make sure you have at least 20- to 30-pound line. I prefer braided line. This is a powerful fish, so be prepared. Make sure you can cast this setup, just in case you see a school of them.
Be ready for a fight. Terminal tackle depends on how you are fishing and, even more, where you are fishing. If you are casting live or dead baits in open water, then use a 6/0-8/0 hook with an 18- to 36-inch piece of 50-pound fluorocarbon leader. Attach the leader to the main line with a 60-pound swivel and get ready for the fight.
Know where you’re going. If you are fishing for cobia near structure, like oyster beds you may want a little heavier leader.
Enjoy your win. Not only are they fun to catch, but they are delicious, too. You can fry, grill, blacken or sauté. They have a savory sweet, nutty flavor. There’s nothing like cooking a freshly caught cobia! Enjoy, and, as always, be safe out there.
INFO BOX
Charter Fishing With Captain Stacy // (352) 553-3604 // fishingwithcaptainstacy.com // facebook.com/captainstacyfishing
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