If you are an avid fisher, then you are most likely looking forward to catching some fresh adult cobia. These fish are better known as black kingfish or lemonfish. Cobia tend to flock together in what is commonly referred to as spawning aggregation sites. We all know that the best place for catching them would be on these very locations. But, we all know that we can't always be on these sites to catch them. So here are some tips for catching top quality cobia even when you can't find spawning aggregations:
Cobia Lures and Baits
There is nothing like lures and baits when it comes to catching fish. Some people prefer using a combination of both while others prefer a specific one. The trick is to know which bait or lure is the best for the fish that you want to catch. If you are going after cobia then you should try using a silver spoon with a small jig attached. This will work no matter what time of the year it is, but this combo is best during the months of November and December. The only issue with this is that you must get exactly 1 cobia to bite to get a strike, but it is worth it considering that they usually weigh 45 lbs or more.
You should also try using live mullet or small mackerel if you prefer artificial lures for cobia. You can actually get a strike from cobia with any kind of artificial lure, but the best results will come from using bright colored lures. The same thing applies to live baits because you should use smaller ones if you want better chances of getting a bite. Also, large fish usually have bigger appetites so it would be wise to use larger baits. If you want to use bull minnows then make sure to avoid using them if the temperature of the water is about 72 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, because they are sensitive to warmer waters.
Cobia Fishing Tips
If you are fishing with live bait, then the best time would be during a new moon or a full moon because this is the time when the fish will be feeding actively. If you are using artificial baits then it would be best to use them during a new moon or while there is no moon at all because this tends to make fish more aggressive. You should also avoid fishing cobia on days when other types of fish are being caught because these types of fish tend to steal all the available bait.
You should also try choosing a location that is near deep channels or drop-offs because these are areas where cobia tend to stay and feed in. If you'd like, then you can even set up your lines using natural seaweed because this will attract plankton which in turn attracts small shrimp and crabs. The more bait that you can attract, the more chances you would have of catching these fish.
Of course, if you are using lures then you should try to cast your line away from the shore because this will give it enough time to sink down into the cobia's feeding ground. If you want better results then try not to use lures that are over 1/8 ounce. And finally, it would be best if you used a stiff rod and not the kind with a flexible tip because this will give you more control over your line.
Conclusion
Hopefully these tips will help you catch some of your own cobia! Remember to hire a good captain to take care of the dirty work for you. There are many fishing charter services that can provide just that, so be sure to check them out before you book your trip! Good luck and happy fishing!
