With the warmer Gulf temperatures look for the arrival of the first push of cobia in our area. Unlike trout and redfish they are not as predictable on location or tide phase. Cobia can show up at any time on a shallow flat, just the same as a offshore wreck. They shallow flats cobia tend to be on the small side but great fun on light tackle. When I’m trout fishing around Mangrove Point or Chassahowitzka Point I like to keep an eye out for large stingrays because cobia love to follow them. They are usually eager to jump on any artificial bait use for trout with a well placed cast. On occasion my clients have hooked keeper sized cobia with light tackle on a shallow flat. When this happens have a plan to clear all anglers lines so to crank the motor and follow the fish. A heavy spinning outfit with 30lb. braid and a soft plastic eel would be a better match for a large cobia but sometimes things happen fast and there is not enough time to get a heavy rod out to cast at the fish.
On the offshore side of cobia fishing structure like markers, wrecks and rock piles are the best spots. Season cobia anglers will us commercial chum blocks to lure in the fish. They will anchor near the structure then use the chum to bring in the fish. Patience is key because you may have to sort though some sharks, catfish and other undesirable species before the cobia arrive. A live hand sized pinfish is the best bait. Look for incoming high tide this weekend in the morning.
- Nature Coast - March 23, 2024
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