Amberjack and 80 lb Cobia slam!

Capt. Lance Brooks
May 24, 2012
St. Petersburg - Saltwater Fishing Report

Bent Charters was running a fullday offshore for the family who Chartered them on a beautiful Tuesday 5/15. The water looked great and the weather was warm but no wind. Capt Lance decided to run to an Amberjack spot 25 miles off our west coast.
The family aboard didn't know the treat in store. Upon arrival we threw a couple free live pinfish in water and the Amberjack rose to the occasion! All the children were really enjoying the sight along with the awed adults.
A quick pitch of a pin on a hook and lines were screaming! Mate Heather was standing on the gunnel and spotted a monster size Cobia swimming up with 2 smaller ones. A quick pitch to them scored a smaller one. Allison was passed the pole and reeled in a 33" Cobia.
We thought we missed our shot when the bug one was spotted at front of boat. Running with baited pole in hand Capt Lance pitched to them....smaller one ate it. But Mate Heather was already heading up the other side of boat with baited pole too. A successful cast to the big one was too much for her to resist! FISH ON! Making quick back to the deck and passing the pole to Andrew....fight is on. After sharing the fight with his dad and 17 minutes of video later the 80 pound Cobia was aboard! After day was done we weighed at Johns Pass for official score.....79.8 lbs.
Needing rest our charter decided for some air movement so we tripled some billy baits looking for action. Sounding off the rod we had a fight on....little ANDIE was up for it. 9 years old and excited and scared she was frantic. mate Heather helped out calming her to a smooth action and proper hold and Andie was doing it. This fish was almost as big as her and she was fighting it on her own on a light tackle spinning rod! After making small pumps and progress she brought it boatside and led it to the gaff! Very tired and sore but still able to smile for the camera!

The Short Family had Amberjack Cobia and red grouper to chow down for some time and memories to last a lifetime!

Book now to make your own memories.

St. Petersburg Fishing Forecast:

American Red Snapper open June 1st and Gag Grouper open July 1st...... Dont miss your chance at the big ones!

Target Species:

Amberjack,Cobia,red grouper

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