South Walton Cobia Season in Full Swing

While the word is used all the time, the yell of "FISH" from a tower is enough to get any angler's heart going. I am happy (shoot, way excited) to report that the Cobia run has finally kicked in full bore here in SoWal.

I have been able to run a few Cobia trips this past week and the numbers of fish have increased every day. Today is probably going to be the first banner day of the run but I was supposed to bottom fish, and with 5' waves breaking on the sand bar, safety dictates I stay on the hill and write a fishing report.

My first Cobia trip of the year had a father and son crew where catching a Cobia was the son's holy grail of fishing. Dad had explained to him that there were no promises in Cobia fishin' but he climbed up in the tower with me as excited and hopeful as any angler.

After a few trips down to catch a Spanish on the trolling rod, he spotted a fine Flathead that was ravenous to eat the pink jig I threw at her. About a half hour later my young angler was the proud owner of a 60 pound fish.

He said he wants to catch a Bluefin Tuna next.

The fellow in suspenders is as hard core as they come. He had a blast catching this 65 pound Cobia. They all had a big time eating those Vermillions too, I imagine.
 

Another proud angler. He was kind and let a buddy catch this fish after he held on for the first run.

There he is!
 

While I have seen a few Spanish, lots of Bonita, plenty of turtles and a few Headfish (Mola- Molas) I have not seen any bait on the beach yet. We have a big SE push for the next couple days, gusty winds and surf. While it will put a halt to my fishing while it lasts, it should bring in the bait, the Kings, Sails and plenty more Cobia!

For all you shorebound folks, the Pompano seem to have arrived with the Cobia. A friend of mine caught two off the beach yesterday before 8 AM and had two last week as well. Just remember to keep a big rod with a lure ready next to you. I have caught several Cobia from the beach, back when I used to Pompano fish regularly. The trick is figuring out how to get one up on the beach with you after you have hooked it!
 

One of the advantages to getting up at 4:30 in the AM. The view from my office while going to check the bait traps at work ain't bad.

"There he is! Get a live bait!"