Cobia

Cobia Fishing

A large, powerful fish most abundant from Virginia through the Gulf, often found near buoys, wrecks, sharks, and rays. Cobia move north and inshore in summer, and anglers sight cast to them or fish live crabs and small fish.

Waters
11
States
3
Water
Saltwater
Methods
Fly, Spin & Bait

Prime Months by State

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Highlighted months are the best fishing; the other months are slower, not empty. States not listed have no prime months from an agency source yet.

What to Use for Cobia

Fishing In

Cobia

Spin / Cast

7 to 7.5 ft heavy spinning rod, 6000 to 8000 reel, 30 to 50 lb braid with a 50 to 60 lb fluorocarbon leader, bucktail jigs or live bait.

Rod, Reel and Line

  • RodUgly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod · 7 ft medium heavy, 20 to 40 lb, 1 pieceCheck Price
  • ReelPenn Battle IV Spinning Reel · 6000 or 8000Check Price
  • LinePowerPro Spectra Braided Line · 30 lb, 40 lb or 50 lbCheck Price

Tie On in November

Typical picks from October, our closest listed month. Ask a local shop what is working in November.

  • Lure for October · 1/4 to 2 ozBucktail JigCast to sighted fish.See Options
  • Bait for October · 3 to 6 inLive Pinfish and Mullet
  • Bait for October · Silver dollar sizeLive Crabs

Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.

Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Where to Catch Cobia

11 of 11 waters

Cobia Fishing by State