Can you catch cobia from the beach?
Even if you don’t have a power-boat, Cobia can be targeted near shore. There is something about the spring run of cobia (also called ling or lemonfish) that turns coastal anglers into competitive sportsmen who make Mohammed Ali seem gentle in comparison.
What is the best bait for cobia?
Top Baits for Cobia
- Pinfish are a feisty baitfish with lots of energy, caught inshore around the docks. Lob a frantic, tail-hooked pinfish a few feet in front of cobia, and that’s pretty close to a sure hookup.
- Marsh minnows.
- Squid.
- Cigar minnows and Spanish sardines.
- Ribbonfish.
- Menhaden.
How far out do you have to go to catch cobia?
Cobia Range, Habitat, and Feeding Habits Cobia are mostly found nearshore in depths as shallow as 30ft (or less) to about 300ft, though they also venture out to open waters around oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.
Where is the best cobia fishing?
The offshore waters around the Panhandle are brimming with fish in early spring, whereas the nearshore waters along the Gulf’s entire coast are best in summer. Sandbars: If you’re looking for inshore Cobia fishing action, hit the sandbars around Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor in spring.
Do cobia swim close to shore?
Smaller bait fish are swarming and with it bring migrations of other marine life including cobia. Cobia typically stay closer to the coast which is why you see fishing boats in closer to shore. Cobia can grow to be over 70 inches long and weigh as much as 170 pounds.
Do cobia like shallow water?
Cobia like structure. They prefer some sort of shallow water shelf that drops to deeper, open water. That’s why they hang around so much.
What size hooks for cobia?
Hook size needs to be between 7/0 and 9/0, either a “J” hook or a circle hook. Some good brands to use are Gamakatsu, Owner and Eagle Claw. They all work very well. You are going to need a good swivel in the 100- to 150-pound class range—Billfisher or Spro swivels will both work fine.
What water temperature do cobia like?
68 to 70 degrees
Water temperature is the key to the manta-cobia run, with 68 to 70 degrees seeming to be the magic numbers for good action.