Half Day Cobia and Tarpon Fishing Adventure
Captain Timothy Glover's got something special cooking for you this season. His 4-hour guided fishing trips target two of Florida's most prized inshore species - Cobia and Tarpon - right in the heart of Apalachee Bay's legendary waters. Running from May through July when these monsters are most active, this private charter accommodates up to 4 anglers and includes everything you need: rods, reels, live bait, and cold drinks to keep you going. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a fishing rod, Captain Timothy knows how to put you on fish and make it happen.
What to Expect on the Water
Your adventure starts at 6527 Coastal Hwy in Crawfordville, where you'll meet Captain Timothy and load up for a half-day of serious fishing. Apalachee Bay's shallow flats and grass beds are prime real estate for both Cobia and Tarpon during summer months, and Timothy's been working these waters long enough to know exactly where they're hiding. The boat's rigged with quality gear, and he provides everything from circle hooks to live pinfish - you just bring yourself and maybe a cooler for your catch. Morning trips get you on the water when it's cooler and the fish are feeding, while afternoon departures often coincide with tide changes that can really fire up the bite. The shallow water fishing here means you'll actually see these fish coming, which adds a whole different level of excitement to the day.
Techniques and Tactics
Cobia and Tarpon fishing in Apalachee Bay is all about sight fishing and reading the water. Captain Timothy uses a combination of live bait fishing and artificial lures, depending on conditions and what the fish are telling him. For Cobia, you'll often be targeting structure like channel markers, crab traps, or floating debris where these curious fish love to hang out. Tarpon fishing involves working the grass flats and drop-offs where they cruise looking for baitfish. The captain provides spinning gear loaded with circle hooks for live bait presentations, plus conventional tackle for when you need to make longer casts or work lures through the water column. Expect to use live pinfish, crabs, and shrimp, along with some proven artificials like DOA shrimp and paddle tails. The beauty of this fishery is the visual aspect - you'll often see your target before you cast, which makes every hookup that much more satisfying.
Top Catches This Season
Cobia in Apalachee Bay are absolute bruisers, typically running 20 to 40 pounds with occasional fish pushing 50-plus. These brown sharks, as locals call them, are curious creatures that will actually approach the boat to check you out. They're most active from May through July when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 75 and 85 degrees. What makes Cobia so exciting is their aggressive nature - they'll hit live bait hard and put up a serious fight with powerful runs and stubborn resistance near the boat. Plus, they're excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Tarpon fishing in these waters is something every angler needs to experience at least once. The Silver King can range from juvenile fish in the 20 to 50-pound class up to mature giants exceeding 100 pounds. Peak season runs from late May through July when they migrate through the area in good numbers. Tarpon are famous for their aerial acrobatics - once hooked, they'll jump repeatedly, throwing their heads and trying to shake the hook. Even smaller fish will give you a workout, while the big girls will test your drag, your tackle, and your stamina. Most anglers practice catch and release with Tarpon, making it all about the fight and the photos rather than the dinner table.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Timothy's seasonal Cobia and Tarpon trips book up fast once word gets out that the fish are here. The narrow window from May through July means you don't want to wait around if you're serious about targeting these species. At $50 per additional guest beyond the first two, it's an affordable way to get multiple people in on the action. The trip includes everything you need except a fishing license, and with both morning and afternoon departures available, you can work around your schedule. This is hands-down one of the best opportunities to target two premier inshore species in waters that consistently produce quality fish. Don't let another season slip by - give Captain Timothy a call and get your dates locked in before the best fishing months are booked solid.