Alright, fishing enthusiasts, let’s dive into the blue (Gulf of Mexico) that’s as thrilling as it is instructive.
Catching Cobia in the Gulf of Mexico
In episode 53 of the Landed Fishing video series, we join Captain Randall and the dynamic duo Steven and Audrey from the Physicians Gone Fishing YouTube Channel. These folks aren’t just dipping their toes in the water; they’re plunging into the heart of the Gulf of Mexico with an ambitious plan.
Over two adrenaline-packed days, the crew sets their sights on the classic art of bottom fishing and jigging, targeting the ever-elusive snapper and grouper. Their bait strategy? A diverse buffet ranging from live pinfish, white bait, and shrimp, to an impressive collection of artificial lures. They’re leaving no stone unturned, or should I say, no bait unbitten.
But here’s where the story takes a turn towards the epic. After a long push 60 miles off Florida’s west coast, they find themselves at a location known as the steps, near a freshwater spring lying in the depths of about 140 feet. Just when you think it’s another routine catch, they stumble upon a large group of migratory cobia.
About Cobia
Cobia are migratory fish in the Gulf of Mexico – strong, elusive, and a prize catch for any angler.
In the Episode
With their flat lines out, the team hooks up on what promises to be the catch of a lifetime. But, there’s a twist. The gear they’ve brought to this underwater showdown is, to put it mildly, underpowered for the task at hand. The giants of the gulf decide to take the lightest tackle rod, equipped with only 20lb fluorocarbon and 30lb braided line. To the fishing novices out there, that’s like bringing a knife to a gunfight.
What unfolds is a David vs. Goliath battle between the mighty cobia and our intrepid anglers. It’s a testament to the unpredictability of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and a stark reminder that in fishing, as in life, preparation meets opportunity.
So, what can aspiring anglers take away from this epic tale? First, always respect the unpredictability of the sea and its inhabitants. Second, gear up appropriately – while the light tackle provides an exhilarating challenge, it’s crucial to match your gear to the potential size and strength of your quarry.
Fishing the Entire Water Column
As a general rule of thumb when fishing in the Gulf it often helps to fish the entire water column, meaning to have lines out at various depths to ensure you cover from the surface to the bottom when fishing offshore.
Lastly, embrace the adventure. Fishing is as much about the experience and the stories as it is about the catch.
To all the anglers out there dreaming of their big Gulf of Mexico adventure, let episode 53 of Landed Fishing be both a cautionary tale and an inspiration. The Gulf is vast and filled with challenges, but for those willing to brave its depths, it offers rewards beyond measure. Happy fishing!
The Gulf of Mexico is known for its incredible saltwater fishing, and cobia are one of the most exciting species to target.
Cobia are known for their hard-fighting and aggressive nature, making them a thrilling catch for any angler. But, to catch these elusive fish, you need to know where to find them, what gear to use, and how to fish them effectively.
In this video, we take you on a journey to the Gulf’s oil rigs, looking for Cobia. We’ll share our expert tips and techniques for catching these fierce fish, from the best bait and tackle to the ideal rig setup.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, our guide will provide you with all the information you need to have a successful and exciting oil rig fishing experience for cobia. So, let’s dive in and discover the thrill of fishing for cobia in the Gulf of Mexico!
Cobia is a highly sought-after game fish that can be found in the Gulf of Mexico.
How big do Cobia Get?
It’s a large, powerful fish that can grow up to six feet long and weigh over 100 pounds. Cobia are typically found in warm waters, and in the Gulf of Mexico, they can be caught year-round in areas such as oil rigs, wrecks, and reefs.
Cobia are known for their hard-fighting and aggressive nature, making them a thrilling catch for any angler.
Cobia are commonly found throughout the Gulf of Mexico. In spring and early summer (March to June), they are often nearshore, cruising along the coast and around structures like piers, jetties, and buoys.
As the water temperature rises, they move to deeper waters and offshore structures like oil rigs and wrecks during the warmer months (June to September).
Where Cobia are Commonly Caught
Season
Cobia Location
Catching Opportunity
Spring
Nearshore, along the coast
High
Early Summer
Nearshore, structures
High
Late Summer
Offshore structures
Moderate to High
Fall
Offshore structures
Moderate
Winter
South Florida, warmer areas
Low
Cobia are active feeders throughout the day, with early mornings and late afternoons being productive.
To increase your chances of catching cobia, look for baitfish schools, floating debris, and areas with good water movement. Targeting these powerful fish can lead to a thrilling angling experience in the Gulf of Mexico.
Best Bait for Catching Cobia
Cobia are often attracted to live bait, such as eels, crabs, and small fish, and can also be caught using artificial lures.
If you’re looking for an exciting fishing experience in the Gulf of Mexico, targeting cobia is definitely worth considering.
Caught 2 Large Cobias on Oil Rig in Gulf of Mexico
Trolling for Cobia
Trolling for cobia requires using large, brightly colored bucktail jigs with a soft plastic trailer or live baitfish like eels or small jacks.
The recommended trolling speed is around 4 to 6 knots, but it’s essential to adjust based on water conditions and fish behavior. Stay patient and alert for sudden strikes while targeting these powerful and elusive fish. Happy fishing!
Sight fishing for Cobia
Sight fishing for cobia can be an exciting experience. Look for them in clear, shallow waters near structures like buoys, wrecks, and debris.
Optimal habitats include sandy flats, nearshore reefs, and inlets. For lures, try bucktail jigs, swimbaits, or live bait like eels or pinfish.
Be patient and stealthy, as cobia can spook easily. Enjoy the thrill of watching them strike and hold on tight when you hook one!
Best Time(s) of the Day to Catch Cobia
Fish Species
Good Time to Fish
Better Time to Fish
Best Time to Fish
Cobia
April – May
June – August
September – October
Wahoo
January – February
March – April
November – December
Red Snapper
May – June
July – August
September – October
Mahi-Mahi
April – May
June – July
August – September
Tuna
January – February
March – April
October – November
Grouper
March – April
May – June
September – October
King Mackerel
April – May
June – July
August – September
Amberjack
February – March
April – May
September – October
Swordfish
January – February
March – April
November – December
Sailfish
January – February
March – April
November – December
Best times to Fish for Cobia in Gulf of Mexico
Landing Giant Cobia in Gulf of Mexico Oil Rig Fishing
Finding Cobia in the Gulf of Mexico
Cobia is a popular game fish found in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly along the southern and eastern coasts. They are commonly found in open waters, around reefs, buoys, and other structures. Cobia are known for their strong swimming abilities and can often be found near the surface of the water.
In the Gulf of Mexico, cobia migrate seasonally and can be found in deeper waters during the winter months, while they move closer to shore in the spring and summer. They are known to feed on a variety of prey, including crabs, squid, and small fish.
Find a Fishing Charter for Cobia Fishing
Cobia fishing is a popular activity in the Gulf of Mexico, with many charter boats and fishing guides offering trips specifically targeting this species. Some popular locations for cobia fishing include the waters around the Florida panhandle, Alabama, and Louisiana.
Cobia Fishing Charters
If you’re looking for a fishing charter to catch Cobia
In the Gulf of Mexico, the minimum size limit for cobia is 36 inches fork length, which means the length from the tip of the fish’s snout to the fork of the tail.
However, there are also regulations in place for the possession and bag limits of cobia, which vary by state and season. It is important to check with the local fish and wildlife agency for specific size and bag limit regulations before fishing for cobia in the Gulf of Mexico.
The most effective method for catching cobia in the Gulf of Mexico is by using live bait, such as eels, pinfish, or crabs, near structures such as buoys, wrecks, or oil rigs.
For cobia fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, a medium-heavy action rod with a 30-50 lb test line is recommended, along with a spinning or conventional reel and a variety of hooks, weights, and lures.
Yes, there are regulations and restrictions on cobia fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, including size and bag limits, seasonal closures, and gear restrictions. Check with your local fish and wildlife agency for more information.
Other species commonly caught while cobia fishing in the Gulf of Mexico include king mackerel, tuna, amberjack, mahi, sailfish, red snapper, and grouper.
