Cobia fishing has been outstanding in North Pinellas. The largest fish of the year have moved to the flats in numbers, making double digit catches possible. They have been averaging 15-20 pounds, and some more than 50.

Clear, calm days the past week have made for optimal sight casting. The key is finding flats with large southern stingrays. Cobia instinctively draft these rays, which can be more than 4 feet wide, in hopes of getting an easy meal. The rays glide just over the bottom of grass flats and spook small fish and crustaceans.

The best time is usually 1-4 p.m. The sun is just right to easily spot the rays and cobia. Low tide is another positive factor as it seems to concentrate fish in a specific depth and area.

At high tide fish will be spread out and difficult to find in numbers.

For bait, large, eye-catching, plastic jigs often get the job done. A better offering is a jumbo greenback or threadfin herring. Whether using artificial or live baits, use a sharp, stout hook that can be set through the bait. Cobia are tremendous fighters that often straighten out an unworthy hook.

-- Capt. Pete Katsarelis charters out of Tarpon Springs and can be reached at (727) 439-3474 or by e-mail at inshoreadventure@aol.com.

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