The cobia is one of the most beloved and sought after gamefish here on the gulf coast. Every spring beginning around late March to early April these hard fighting brown bombers make their spring gulf migration moving westward along the coast and swimming along our beautiful white sand beaches. Pensacola is the cobia capital of the world with more fish and definitely more of the larger fish choosing to be caught while swimming through our waters than anywhere you could choose to go.

The great attraction of cobia fishing gulf coast style is being able to sight fish for such a large gamefish. Although many cobia are taken by indescriminant methods, 'Ling fishin' as we call it is the act of patrolling your boat parallel to the beach while anglers riding in the boat's tower search the waters like ospreys for any sign of fish. On favorable days, cobia have a habit of lazily swimming on or near the surface, often in groups. Sharp eyed anglers spot the swimming fish who's dark brown color contrasts nicely against our emerald waters. Once spotted the boat is positioned favorably and anglers cast offerings of live eels, baitfish, and an array of jigs and lures in front of the fish. It's like big game hunting from a moving tree stand....too cool. Not only do these bruisers grow big and fight hard (often taking close to one hour to land a larger fish on spinning tackle), they are right at the top of the food chain when it comes to delicious eating.

Cobia 'season' varies slightly from year to year as the migration pattern is affected by climatic changes however, the season is generally considered to be late March through April, with mid-April (give or take a few days) being the 'peak' of the run. Call Captain John now and make plans to persue you trophy cobia. Wanna go but not charter the whole boat? Exclusively during April it is possible to charter a 'spot' on the Gail Force II and become a part of a winning fishing team for a day for a rediculously low price, Call Captain Cobia, I mean Captain John and get all the details.