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Host John Baya welcomes a new contributor to the show, Captain Tom Zelibor of Hookz Sportfishing. Based out of Virginia Beach, Captain Tom runs a 2024 25′ Southern Cross powered by a 300hp Suzuki with a tower and trolling motor, specializing in sight fishing for red drum and cobia, and transitioning to speckled trout and puppy drum in the fall. This week’s episode also includes a check-in with Captain Michael Hosang of Fishing4Mortgages for a spearfishing and diving update, plus reports from the windmills offshore.
Conditions Recap
Summer fishing is in full swing with warm water temperatures and hungry fish moving into the bay, though a persistent northeast blow has slowed trips this week. Surface temps have been running hotter than normal, but this blow is expected to cool them by 7–9°F. While that could push fish to the surface and bait higher in the water column, captains are watching closely to see if the change causes fish to group up or move out. Cobia fishing has been hit-or-miss this season, with fish often scattered and bait pods holding deeper than usual.
Inshore & Nearshore Report
Captain Tom Zelibor of Hookz Sportfishing reports a mixed bag of cobia and red drum catches. Cobia have been inconsistent, but when found, they’ve been near bait pods—sometimes on the surface and other times deeper, requiring soaking baits beneath them. Side scan sonar has been helpful for locating drum schools, though bluefish sometimes show on the same marks. Bluefish up to the mid-20-inch range have provided fast action for clients throwing spoons on light tackle.
Tips for sight fishing success include controlling excitement, making accurate casts without “plowing” the boat into fish, and keeping bait visible until the eat. Captain Tom prefers 50 lb braid with a 40 lb leader on Florida Fishing Products Resolute 6000 reels paired with custom rods built on St. Croix blanks. He’s a J-hook angler for cobia and reds (8/0–9/0), reserving circle hooks for popping cork rigs.
Offshore/Windmill Update
Captain Michael Hosang of Fishing4Mortgages has been diving windmill bases 65–95 feet deep. Out of 18–20 poles visited, cobia were spotted at several, with the largest pushing 50+ pounds. Visibility was excellent, and triggerfish and large spadefish were also present. Some bases hold more life due to mid-depth stabilizing grids and granite rock bottoms with heavy growth.
Large barracuda have been seen on the structures, and Mike emphasizes carrying a trauma kit and proper dive flag (2′ x 3′) for safety. For spearfishing gear, he checks shooting lines, reel wraps, and always wears gloves and a wetsuit to avoid injury and infection. Snacks of choice on the water include Honey Stinger waffles, Welch’s fruit snacks, and electrolyte packets.
Gear Spotlight
- AFTCO Reaper Hoodie & Samurai Sunshirt – for varying temperatures on the water
- Bajío Sunglasses – green mirror and copper-based lenses for sight fishing
- Florida Fishing Products Resolute 6000 spinning reel
- St. Croix blank custom rods, 7’–7’6” medium-heavy, 1–3 oz rating
- 50 lb braid with 40 lb leader and 8/0–9/0 J-hooks
- Fishbites scented baits
