Half Day Cobia and Tarpon Trip in Apalachee Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour guided Cobia and Tarpon fishing adventureAll gear, live bait, and refreshments includedPrivate inshore charter accommodating up to four guests
Captain Timothy Glover knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when May rolls around, he gets fired up about one thing – prime time Cobia and Tarpon season. This 4-hour guided trip puts you right in the heart of Florida's Big Bend country, where the grass flats of Apalachee Bay come alive with some of the most sought-after inshore species on the Gulf Coast. You'll launch from Crawfordville and work the shallow waters where these fish cruise, feed, and put on a show that'll have you talking for years. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's been chasing fish your whole life, Captain Timothy tailors each trip to match your skill level while maximizing your shot at hooking into something special.
Your morning starts at 6527 Coastal Highway in Crawfordville, where you'll meet Captain Timothy and get a quick rundown of the game plan. The boat's rigged and ready with everything you need – rods, reels, live bait, and a cooler stocked with water and sports drinks to keep you comfortable under the Florida sun. This isn't a cattle boat operation; with just 2 anglers per trip, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your presentations. The captain runs both morning and afternoon trips, and he'll let you know which time frame is producing better based on current conditions. Apalachee Bay's expansive grass flats and drop-offs create the perfect hunting grounds, and you'll spend your 4 hours moving between productive spots where Cobia and Tarpon are known to show up. The scenery alone is worth the trip – crystal clear water, endless grass beds, and the kind of untouched Florida coastline that's getting harder to find these days.
Captain Timothy runs a sight fishing and live bait approach that's proven deadly on both Cobia and Tarpon in these waters. You'll be working with medium-heavy spinning gear spooled with 20-30 pound braid, paired with fluorocarbon leaders that won't spook these smart fish in the clear water. Live bait is the name of the game here – fresh pinfish, crabs, and whatever else is working best during your trip window. The captain knows how to read the water and will position you on structure breaks, grass edges, and deeper pockets where these species patrol. When Cobia are spotted cruising near the surface, you'll get shots at sight casting to individual fish – one of the most exciting ways to target these curious brown sharks. For Tarpon, expect to work both the deeper channels and shallow flats depending on tide and time of day. The boat's equipped with a good push pole for stealthy approaches in skinny water, plus all the nets and gaffs needed to safely handle your catch.
Cobia are the bread and butter of this fishery from May through July, and Apalachee Bay serves up some genuine trophies. These brown bombers average 25-40 pounds in these waters, with bigger fish always a possibility. What makes Cobia so addictive is their curiosity – they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate, giving you multiple shot opportunities if you don't spook them. They're aggressive fighters that make long runs and aren't afraid to go airborne when they feel the hook. The best part? Cobia are excellent table fare, so you can take a couple home for the grill. Tarpon fishing here is world-class, especially for fish in the 50-100 pound range that flood these flats during summer months. These silver kings are pure adrenaline – acrobatic jumps, screaming runs, and enough power to test your drag system and your arms. Most Tarpon are released after a quick photo, but the memory of that first jump stays with you forever. Captain Timothy's been working these waters for years and knows exactly where to find both species when they're in the area.
This seasonal fishery only runs May through July, so your window is limited for experiencing some of Florida's best inshore action. Captain Timothy's calendar fills up fast once word gets out that the Cobia and Tarpon are showing up in numbers. The trip accommodates up to 4 guests total (with additional anglers at $50 each beyond the base 2), making it perfect for couples, father-son trips, or a small group of fishing buddies who want quality time on the water without the crowds. Everything's included except your Florida fishing license, so all you need to bring is sunscreen, a hat, and your appetite for some serious fishing action. Morning trips often produce better Tarpon action, while Cobia can be consistent throughout the day – Captain Timothy will steer you toward the best bet based on current patterns. Don't wait until peak season to book; the combination of limited seasonal availability and top-rated guide service means these dates disappear quickly once May arrives.
Captain Tim's 22-foot Kenner tunnel-hull boat is built for serious inshore fishing in Florida's shallow waters. The 150 hp Yamaha 4-stroke engine delivers reliable power while running quietly through the flats of Apalachee Bay and St. Marks River. This stable platform handles chop well and draws minimal water, getting you into those skinny spots where cobia and tarpon like to hunt. Equipped with GPS navigation, VHF radio, and fish finder to locate your targets efficiently. The tunnel-hull design cuts through grass beds and navigates structure that would strand other boats. Perfect setup for sight-fishing these seasonal giants when they move into the bay from May through July. Comfortable seating for your group with plenty of deck space for fighting fish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of the flats - dark brown, shark-like fish that average 40-60 pounds but can push 100+. They're loners, so you won't find schools, but that makes each encounter special. During our May-July season, they cruise shallow waters around 10-30 feet, often near structure or just cruising the open flats. What makes them exciting is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll pull drag and test your arms. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters with white, flaky meat. My tip: when you spot one, cast well ahead of where it's heading and work your bait slowly back toward the fish. They're curious but spooky, so patience pays off.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters - massive fish that can reach 6+ feet and 150+ pounds, famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked. During our prime season from May through July, they migrate through Apalachee Bay's shallow flats and channels, usually in 5-20 feet of water. What draws anglers back is that heart-stopping moment when a tarpon explodes from the water, sometimes jumping 8+ feet high. They're pure adrenaline - powerful runs, acrobatic leaps, and fights that can last an hour. We practice catch and release since they're not great table fare. Pro tip: keep your rod tip low when they jump and "bow" to the fish - giving slack prevents them from throwing the hook on those wild aerial displays.
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