Cobia, Ling, Lemon Fish
We have a long history with fishing near Orlando out of Port Canaveral for Cobia. During the 60’s and 70’s cobia were frequently found loitering around the buoy line. As the years progressed and fishing pressure followed by the burgeoning Florida population, the number of cobia have thinned out. You can find cobia free swimming around the reefs, wrecks, and bait, they readily take to artificials and live bait. Cobia often follows manta rays and giant turtles with leatherbacks being their favorite.
Sight fishing cobia is a favorite past-time. You will see boats with towers and platforms for sighting and casting to cobia, our deep sea fishing boats are custom made for this coastal species. While in search of cobia there are other species off our coast that you may encounter while deep sea fishing Port Canaveral.
The Cobia is a hard fighting, massive fish that never seems to give up the battle even after brought on board. The average size of this fish appears to be over 25 lbs with 35-40 lbs not uncommon. Brown to black colored with no teeth, short spikes on their backs and plenty of “BIG FISH” attitude. Cobia, often mistaken for sharks and can be seen freely swimming near the surface near flotsam or structure. Generally, cobia are dark brown but can have some color fluctuation due to genetics or habitat.
Cobia Information
Ling, Crab Eater, Lemon Fish
Both INSHORE and NEARSHORE inhabiting inlets, bays, and among mangroves; frequently seen around buoys, pilings, and wrecks. During the spring and fall migrations, they can often be seen free swimming along the nearshore coastline.
We often find cobia swimming near the surface near floating sargassum seaweed or debris. Before the 1980’s cobia would frequent navigation aids but this has become less of a habit due to angling pressure.
One of the preferred ways to catch cobia consistently is to merely bottom fish near wrecks and structure. Cobia responds well to live bait and find comfort and food source near large bottom structure.
As a note, you should always look around sizeable marine life for swimming cobia. Giant sharks, manta rays, whales, and turtles can often hold cobia that relate to them as traveling companions or hitchhikers.
Remarks
Spawns in spring and early summer; feeds on crabs, squid, and small fish. Target this fish in early spring or late winter (Feb-April). Cobia is often seasonal so make your reservations during this time of year. More Cobia Information
Regulations
Minimum size 33″ to fork 1 per harvester or 6 per vessel per day, whichever is less. Florida Regulations for Cobia
Great company, great knowledge and very professional, I will be booking these guys multiple times a year!
Blaine Larsen
2022-05-05T20:47:10+0000
Always an amazing time with Capt.Richard!!!!!!!Easily one of the best Captains I’ve ever had the pleasure of fishing with!!!https://youtu.be/8_RPCwLhCDQread more
Justin Staats
2021-07-22T03:00:29+0000
We had a deep sea trip planned for Tuesday March 9th. However mother nature had other plans and due to rough seas we decided to go on a inshore trip. We fished for 5 and half hours without boating a fish. I blame this on the weather a few days prior lows in the 50s. That's why they call it fishing and not catching. Capt Richard did everything he could to find fish but unfortunately the fish were not to be found. I was extremely grateful of Capt. Richard's offer for no charge. I did not think that was right due to using his boat ,fuel and his guidance. To me that shows that Capt Richard is a very honest business man. I would highly recommend his charter service and will definitely schedule a trip when I visit Cocoa Beach area again. Bill and Kay Dearworthread more
Kay Dearworth
2021-03-14T02:55:41+0000
Took my son and dad fishing with Lagooner this past week. This was my sons first time deep sea fishing. Well needless to say, it was his best experience in a long time. He caught a 50 pound sail fish on his first catch. It wore him out to reel it in but it was all worth it. We all caught different variety of fish. I got a Barracuda! King Mackerel and Cobia were also caught. And we got to take them home eat! Richard definitely made the experience memorable and enjoyable! We had such a blast and his knowledge of fishing and his experience as a boat captain are unmatched. We will definitely be booking with Lagooner again next year. Thank you Richard and Gina for a wonderful time with Lagooner Fishing!!read more
Joshua David Whitmire
2020-07-06T21:23:45+0000
Took my mom for her first fishing excursion for Mother's Day. She is 76 years old and wanted to catch a "big one"! Richard at Lagooner Fishing was terrific. Taught her some tricks, took us to his secret fishing spot and helped her catch a WHOPPER! I highly recommend this experience for all ages! Thank you Richard Bradley 🐟❤️🎣read more
Karen Smith
2020-05-12T15:21:27+0000
Captain Richard is amazing - knowledgeable, polite, and extremely helpful with pointers and tips. He always put us on multiple species on every trip.
Mike Landschoot
2020-02-11T02:01:15+0000
Wow what a great day on the water. Captain Richard was absurdly knowledgeable with a great sense of humor to boot. Would definitely recommend this to any angler at any experience level. Caught a mess of fish and had an absolute blast doing it.read more
Nickolas Geerken
2019-12-28T19:07:35+0000
Great day on the water with Richard. He knows his stuff and is just an awesome guy. Highly recommended.
Dave Allen
2019-12-28T19:03:25+0000
Excellent people. Excellent everything. ... ✌
Bruno C. Bini
2019-10-30T00:40:02+0000
We went yesterday and was great. We have fished alot and can't say enough good things about Capt Richard. The radio from other charters were complaining while we were catching 30-40 lb Kings and Cobia. Would not go with anyone elseread more
Tammy Briscoe Mancuso
2019-08-27T19:15:18+0000
You won't find anyone that knows fishing better than Richard. He and Gina are the greatest.
Carolyn Bradley
2019-08-18T17:11:58+0000
Well Kept equipment.. Great Customer Service..Great Experience from Start to finish
Wes Beyers
2019-04-02T18:31:04+0000
Had a great time. I will definitely be back.
William Masten
2019-03-02T20:16:58+0000
Richard and Gina are really great people. Since I first fished with Richard about 8 years ago, I try to come back every year. Besides providing a great fishing experience, they have become good friends. Try Lagooner. You won’t be sorry!read more
Mark Mayeda
2019-02-27T20:48:47+0000
My wife and I have chartered Captain Richard for both the ocean and inland rivers. We have had great experiences catching king mackerel, barracuda, and speckled trout. Captain Richard knows how to put you on fish and takes awesome pictures of us with our catch. Would definitely go on another fishing trip with Captain Richard.read more
Bill Sims
2018-12-10T18:21:38+0000
My grandson and I had a great time with Captain Richard. When we are back in area we plan on booking with Lagooner Fishing again
Tammy Bawcom
2018-12-07T20:37:19+0000
My son and I had a lovely time on the ocean today with Captain Richard. The fishing was great, took home two large King fish and a Spainish Mackerel. Had them for dinner tonight, was so yummy. We saw many dolphins, some huge sea turtles, a manatee and a shark. Was not only a fishing trip but also a great nature adventure. Loved feeding the leftover bait fish to the pelicans and woodstorks. I HIGHLY recommend taking this trip. Worth every penny.read more
Kathy Klasek Sayre
2018-06-20T01:47:02+0000
He took money out of my Acct without my authorization so DO NOT give him ur debit car info
Bob Pennington
2018-06-04T20:31:54+0000
My son and his friend had the best time of their life...quoted by Graham and Nick...Capt Richard was fantastic Caught some amazing fish
Shelly Lynne Shapiro-Swan
2018-02-14T13:26:59+0000
We had a slow start but Captain Richard made sure we got on the fish. it was a great time with great people
Tony Lowe
2017-07-22T21:47:12+0000
We had an absolutely amazing experience. Couldn't have asked for a better fishing trip. Thanks Captain Richard.
Kris Wickens
2017-07-07T23:52:22+0000
After 10 straight years of fishing with Capt. Richard we are looking forward to number 11 this year. We always have a great time and catch a lot of fish. We always look forward to visiting with Capt. Richard, Gina and their girls.Dana & Sheilafrom Ohioread more
Sheila Brisker Smith
2017-01-27T01:35:52+0000
Richard is a great guide with a lot of great stories. Worth the time & money.We have gone with numerous times over the last 5 years. The last time was 12/27/16, we caught redfish, blue fish, mangrove snapper, jack & a snook.My husband & I both caught redfish...a 7, 12, 20 & 30 lbs. another great day on the water.read more
Johanna Jensen
2017-01-15T04:31:08+0000
I will definitely go back again. Captain Richard was great. Had a blast and he was good with my 10 year old. Don't hesitate to book a trip with Him. You won't be disappointed.read more
Stanton Jacobs
2016-12-31T15:30:13+0000
Great Experience, we've al ways wanted to go, just didn't know who to select? We fished for 1/2 day, and Cptn Richard made sure we had a Good Time. We would go again, and recommend it for others! Fish On!!read more
James Gibson
2016-12-13T14:13:27+0000
I enjoyed Captain Richard, he was a lot of fun! He's very knowledgeable and funny�! The Haneys will definitely be booking another experience soon!
Timeka Reneá
2016-11-24T02:25:43+0000
This was the best, we would go again in a second. He treated my 13 year old like a young man. Caught very nice fish in a beautiful area. Felt safe at all times. Cpt. Richard made quite the impression on my son. We will be going again, and I would recommend this trip to anyone.read more
Angie Coyne Hale
2016-08-22T21:50:50+0000
Great Captain, great trip.Local/Native to the area, knows these waters.You wont find better.
Jimmy Ryder
2016-08-01T17:25:17+0000
Best fishing experience EVER! Capt Richard knows all the hot spots and is an expert guide and angler!
Rick Donnelly
2016-05-15T00:41:49+0000
Was awesome. Captain Richard was absolutely great with my nephews.
Mark Shute
2016-04-27T09:10:53+0000
Experienced, knowledgeable, diligent and a very pleasant captain with whom to share the day. His hard work payed off under trying conditions.
David Fass
2016-03-09T04:30:39+0000
Capt Richard and Capt Gina are awesome...! Very accommodating and they surely will guarantee anyone that goes out in the water with a great time! It's been awhile since I've gone charter fishing with them but I still remember every single moment I was out with them. Thank you Capt Richard and Capt Gina. Keep up the great work and more success to you guys. Fish ON....!!!read more
Allan Martin
2015-06-26T12:33:37+0000
Having been fishing a number of times over the years with Captain Richard I can highly recommend Lagooner Charters. We have always had a great time and he puts you on the fish. Richard and Gina have not only been our charter captains but have become our friends. Give them a try you won't be disappointed.read more
Dan Roach
2015-02-12T21:42:28+0000
I have been honored to share a boat with Captain Richard more than once. He and Captain Gina are fantastic people, kind, courteous, and extremely knowledgeable. I have been blessed to fish from Canada to Florida and I can give Lagooner Fishing Charters the highest of praise and I look forward to fishing with them multiple times in the future!read more
Shane Roberts Walton
2015-01-29T18:21:54+0000
Captain Richard was great company on the boat. He's a blast to hang out with and will glady joke around with everyone. When it came to the fishing it was a tough day to start but we were able to find a school of drummer fish. He was able to spot a school of fish from his boat which was pretty cool. We caught a good 20-25 lb black drumfish which made the whole trip worth it. For sure recommend captain Richard.read more
Sam Teitelbaum
2015-01-22T05:41:54+0000
A very knowledgeable guide and knows the area waters well. We were on big reds and trout within minutes of the leaving the dock and ventured about the lagoon to catch different species. The scenery in the Lagoon is remarkable! Richard’s boat was well equipped with good equipment, he was well prepared to adapt to the different types of fishing through out the day. My primary focus was sight fishing for big reds on fly - the flies that Capt. Richard provided were right on! Booking the charter was a breeze, his wife Capt. Gina was very accommodating to work me in (thank you Capt. Gina).Capt. Richard seemed to know who was hungry at the right times – and we had some impressive catches! Well done Capt. Richard, and thanks for a great day on the water!read more
Ray Norman
2015-01-21T17:48:40+0000
