Tampa Bay's Premier Cobia & Tripletail Charter

Tampa Bay's Cobia & Tripletail Hotspot

Get ready for an action-packed morning on Tampa Bay's inshore and nearshore waters. This 6-hour fishing trip is all about hooking into some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish: cobia and tripletail. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain David's got you covered with everything you need for a productive day on the water. With room for up to six anglers, it's the perfect setup for a small group looking to learn new techniques and explore Tampa Bay's rich fishing grounds.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off bright and early to make the most of those prime morning bite windows. Captain David's got all the bases covered – from top-notch fishing gear to fresh live bait that'll have those cobia and tripletail chomping at the bit. No need to sweat the small stuff; drinks are on board, and the captain's license covers everyone fishing. Plus, when you land that trophy catch, Captain David will clean it up nice for you to take home. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility – we'll hit both inshore and nearshore spots, giving you a taste of Tampa Bay's diverse fishery. Whether you're a total newbie or looking to sharpen your skills, there's something here for everyone.

Techniques & Terrain

Fishing for cobia and tripletail in Tampa Bay is a whole different ballgame compared to your typical inshore action. We'll be using a mix of sight fishing and structure fishing techniques to track down these elusive swimmers. For cobia, we often cruise along looking for those telltale dark shapes near the surface or hanging around channel markers. When we spot one, it's all about making that perfect cast with a live bait or a well-placed jig. Tripletail, on the other hand, love to hang out near floating debris or buoys. We'll be scanning the water for any floating objects and pitching baits their way. The gear we use is typically medium to heavy spinning tackle, loaded with 20-30 lb test line to handle the powerful runs these fish are known for. Captain David's boat is rigged with top-of-the-line electronics to help us locate structure and bait schools, giving us the edge in finding those fish-holding hotspots.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Cobia, often called "lemonfish" by old-timers, are the heavyweight champs of Tampa Bay. These bruisers can tip the scales at over 100 pounds, though most we catch range from 20 to 50 pounds. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, making them a true test of an angler's skill. Cobia have a knack for showing up around structures like buoys, wrecks, and even large rays – spotting them is half the fun. They're most active in Tampa Bay from spring through fall, with peak season typically in May and June. What makes cobia so exciting is their unpredictable nature; one minute you're cruising along, the next you're locked in an epic battle with a fish that fights like a freight train.

Tripletail, on the other hand, are the masters of disguise in Tampa Bay. These oddball fish get their name from their unique shape – they look like they have three tails when they're floating on their side. Don't let their lazy appearance fool you; once hooked, tripletail put up a scrappy fight that'll keep you on your toes. They typically range from 5 to 15 pounds, but specimens over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. The best time to target tripletail in Tampa Bay is during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. What makes catching tripletail so rewarding is the challenge of spotting them – they're experts at blending in with floating debris, making each catch feel like you've outsmarted nature itself.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Tampa Bay that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the thrill of sight-casting to a big cobia cruising just under the surface, or the satisfaction of outsmarting a well-camouflaged tripletail. Whatever it is, this trip offers a unique blend of challenge and excitement that's hard to find elsewhere. The variety of fishing grounds we cover – from shallow flats to nearshore structure – means every trip is different. You might start the day pitching baits to tripletail around buoys and end up battling a monster cobia on a deep wreck. It's this unpredictability that makes Tampa Bay fishing so addictive. And let's not forget the bragging rights – landing a big cobia or a crafty tripletail is something you'll be talking about long after the trip is over.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on Tampa Bay and tangle with some hard-fighting cobia and tripletail, now's the time to lock in your trip. Captain David's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak season. This 6-hour morning charter is the perfect way to experience some of the best inshore and nearshore fishing Tampa Bay has to offer. Whether you're a local looking for a new fishing challenge or a visitor wanting to sample Florida's legendary gamefish, this trip delivers. Remember, everything you need is included – from top-notch gear to live bait and even post-catch cleaning. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a camera to capture the moment you land that trophy fish. Don't miss out on your chance to create some lasting fishing memories on Tampa Bay. Give Florida Professional Charters a call and get ready for a morning of world-class fishing action. The cobia and tripletail are waiting – are you ready to take them on?