Received a call from Tim Short of Turbine Broach Corp. of Crystal River that he and friend Robb Brown would like to fish Saturday Afternoon. I don't usually take 1/2 day trips, especially in the afternoon! Since their time is quite limited, due to work schedules, I decided to make an exception.

I met Tim and Robb at Pete's Pier in Crystal River and recommended we check out some of the Barge Canal Tripods for bait to go Grouper fishing.

We anchored near one of the markers and got busy with the Sabiki Rigs catching white bait and pinfish. I looked over at the marker and all I could do was yell Cobia!!!!!!!!! I handed Robb a 20# Spinning Combination with a jig and pointed out the fish. His cast was right on the nose-THE COBIA'S NOSE- the 22# fish inhaled the Chartreuse-Silver Glitter D.O.A. Bait Buster! and the fight was on!

Tim picked his own rod and reel--a Calcutta with 12# test and hurriedly tied a similar D.O.A. Bait Buster to it, no leader, just directly on the 12#. Robb was whooping and winding as his fish tried to run and then sounded.

Tim couldn't wait any longer when he saw the largest of the Cobia Surface about 15 yards from the boat. His cast landed just beyond the big fish and on the first crank, the fish gobbled the bait. His fish took off around the marker and headed NE. All he could do was free spool to keep from getting cut off on the marker. While this was happening Robb got his fish under control and brought it to the gaff. With this fish safe on the deck, I hurridly started the Evinrudes and pulled the anchor to chase Tim's fish. Tim was yelling something about almost being out of line and that I had better get it in gear or !!!#%$$!

I eased the Ocean Star Cat around the marker and with Tim up on the bow, we started to gain some of the line. His fish sounded and then ran again, as we steadily moved towards it. I wasn't sure who was going to wear down first, Tim or the big cobia! 45 Minutes after hooking the fish, Tim expertly brought it to boat side where it was gaffed and landed!! The scales showed Robb's fish @ 22# and Tim's @ 40#. The guys decided they had enough excitement for the afternoon and were ready to go back to the dock.

Check out our Picture Page for the results of our afternoon Trip!! Capt. Dick