The Tampa Bay Times

Following the bait and the same routes as the Kingfish and the Spanish Mackerel are pockets of Cobia.  These strong fighting fish are usually a little curious and if you don’t give out any predator vibes, you might get a shot on one of these fish.  I prefer to aim for the vertebrae right at the back of the gill area.  The flesh is easier to penetrate in that area, rather then a shot to the hard thick-boned head.  The flat top of their head also makes it hard to get a shot that doesn’t glance and miss the intended insertion point.  Most divers aim at the fish with a line attached to their spearshaft because these fish tend to, simply go crazy once speared.  They don’t try to hole up when speared, they just swim, swim and swim some more. If you can get the fish to turn and swim around you until you can get close enough to grab the fish, then you won’t get dragged far away from the spot where you speared the Cobia.  Your gear will take a beating!  These fish are tough and relentless.  Just when you think the fish is all wore out and it will be easier and safer to grab the fish, the beast comes back to life and beats you up again.  Have all your gear freshened up with new lines, new bands and replace worn out crimps and clips. Capt. Bill Hardman teaches scuba classes and runs trips for Scuba, Spearfishing, Freediving and Technical diving courses at Aquatic Obsessions, 6193 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL  33710.  You can reach Capt. Hardman at (727) 344-3483 (DIVE) or CaptainBillHardman  

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