Featured Cobia Guides

Expert captains ready to take you on your next Cobia adventure.

Nauti Girl Sportfishing - Scott Wigal
Verified
From $500
Scott Wigal

Nauti Girl Sportfishing

Palm Bay, FL

Captain Scott has been fishing Sebastian Inlet and the Space & treasure Coast since he moved here in 2002. But this is how his story started out, he saw the movie "Jaws" in June 1975 and found his calling, He started fishing along the Carolina coast and Gulf Stream at the age of 13. He fished around the world for 12 years in the US Navy, where he earned his 100 ton USCG Masters License. In 1993 in Port Aransas, Texas he was mentored by Captain Reese Green of Bill Buster's Sportfishing and he later went on to win some of the biggest fishing tournaments in the world. Island Mooring Pro Billfish Tournament 1993 and 1994 1997 Watermelon Classic Billfish Tournament 1997 Poco Bueno Blue Marlin Classic Texas Invitational Fishing Tournament 1995 Texas Women’s Anglers Tournament 1998 & 1999 Sharkey’s Pro Big Shark Tournament 1997-2000 Port Aransas Boatman “Deep Sea Round Up” 1997, 1999 and 2000 2007 Orange Beach Pro Billfish Tournament 2008 North Carolina Wahoo Shoot-Out He started Pure Pleasure Fishing in 1995 and ran it until 2003, when he moved to Melbourne, Florida and honed his skills on fishing Florida’s East Coast. Captain Scott is one of the world's top big shark fishing captains, having caught huge great whites, tiger sharks, mako sharks, bull sharks, hammerheads, blacktips, spinners and many more species. Captain Scott has caught 8 different species of billfish around the world, loves trolling and tuna fishing, bottom fishing, jigging and deep dropping. Captain Scott has caught 4 grander fish in his life (black marlin, mako shark, tiger shark and a great white). He has over a thousand + fish greater than 100 pounds boated under his skillful watch from wahoo, to blue and yellowfin tuna, thousands of sharks and many a blue marlin. Captain Scott is just missing a spearfish for his bucket list. Scott is a power production electrical engineer University of Texasand proud Long Horn. He works US Government civil service for the USAF with a TS-SCI Clearance and is retiring soon to pursue his love of fishing one last time. We are a veteran-owned company and offer Veteran and Military discounts

offshoreinshoredeep seaRed SnapperGag Grouper
Palm Bay, FL
Up to 4
Palmetto Fishing Charters - Ryan Isabelle
Verified
From $450
Ryan Isabelle

Palmetto Fishing Charters

Murrells Inlet, SC

Palmetto Fishing Charters – Murrells Inlet, SC Experience some of the best fishing the South Carolina coast has to offer with Palmetto Fishing Charters and Captain Ryan Isabelle. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to hook into a trophy fish or a first-timer ready to fall in love with fishing, Capt. Ryan will make sure your trip is exciting, comfortable, and memorable. You'll fish the beautiful waters of Murrells Inlet, an area known for its productive marshes, creeks, and coastal waters that hold a wide variety of species year-round. Target popular inshore favorites like: • Redfish • Spotted Seatrout • Flounder • Black Drum Depending on the season, you may also encounter Cobia, Sharks, Bluefish, Spadefish, and Mackerel on nearshore trips. Your trip takes place aboard a 24’ Sea Hunt center console, built for both comfort and performance. The boat accommodates up to 6 guests, with plenty of room to fish and a T-top for shade from the South Carolina sun. All rods, reels, bait, and tackle are provided, along with Captain Ryan’s local expertise to help anglers of all skill levels have a successful day on the water. At the end of the trip, your catch will be cleaned and filleted so you can enjoy it fresh. Just bring your drinks, snacks, and a good attitude — Captain Ryan will take care of the rest. Book your trip today and come experience the thrill of fishing Murrells Inlet! Please note: credit card processing fees and taxes are not included in trip pricing.

inshorenearshoreFlounderBlack Drum
Murrells Inlet, SC
Up to 6
High Tailin’ Offshore Fishing Charters - High Tailin’ Offshore Fishing Charters
High Tailin’ Offshore Fishing Charters

High Tailin’ Offshore Fishing Charters

Cape Canaveral, Florida

Port Canaveral Fishing Charter For Sailfish, Mahi, Barracuda, Wahoo, King Mackeral, Cobia, Amberjack, Grouper and Snapper. Port Canaveral, Space Coast

offshoreCobiaBarracuda
Cape Canaveral, Florida
X Spearmint Sport Fishing Charters - X Spearmint Sport Fishing Charters
X Spearmint Sport Fishing Charters

X Spearmint Sport Fishing Charters

Manteo, North Carolina

Past Trips, Photos, Fun, Outer Banks, Charter, Boat, Sport, fishing, x-spearmint, Pirates Cove, Captain Ryan Spear, Fishing Trip, Cobia, Mahi, Wahoo, Drum, Manteo, Nags Head, Carolina Custom, Inshore, Nearshore, Bait, Fish, North Carolina, NC

inshoreCobiaOno (Wahoo)
Manteo, North Carolina

Plan a Cobia Fishing Trip

Find the best times and places to catch Cobia, and get matched with experienced guides.

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Best Time to Catch Cobia

Peak months for Cobia fishing across the US.

GOODSolid fishing months

Best Places to Catch Cobia

Top 6 cities ranked by guide availability and species data quality.

Virginia Beach
#1

Virginia Beach, Virginia

4 guides

Biloxi
#2

Biloxi, Mississippi

2 guides

Tampa
#3

Tampa, Florida

2 guides

Manteo
#4

Manteo, North Carolina

2 guides

Norfolk
#5

Norfolk, Virginia

2 guides

Hatteras
#6

Hatteras, North Carolina

2 guides

States Where Cobia Are Found

Top Locations for Cobia

Seasonal Activity Chart

Cobia

Cobia

Various

Cobia, also known as ling or lemonfish, are a highly sought-after gamefish prized for their powerful runs and delicious table fare. These nomadic fish can be found in a variety of saltwater environments, from inshore waters and estuaries to offshore reefs and wrecks. Cobia are opportunistic predators, often associating with large structures or following rays and sharks, making them an exciting target for anglers looking for a challenging and rewarding fishing experience. Fishing for cobia is popular from the Florida Panhandle up the Atlantic coast to North Carolina, and along the Gulf Coast to Texas.

When targeting cobia, several techniques can prove effective. Sight fishing with bucktail jigs tipped with soft plastics or live eels is a popular method, especially when the fish are visible near the surface or around buoys. Bottom fishing with live bait like pinfish, crabs, or squid is also productive around structure. Trolling large lures or rigged ballyhoo can entice strikes in deeper waters. A medium-heavy to heavy spinning or conventional setup with 30-50 lb test line is recommended to handle their powerful runs.

The best time to target cobia is generally during the spring and summer months as water temperatures rise. Cobia migrate along the coast during this time, following baitfish and seeking out spawning grounds. In areas like Destin, Florida, and Hatteras, North Carolina, the peak season is typically from April to September. Anglers should pay attention to water clarity and current, as cobia prefer clear water with good tidal flow. Look for them around buoys, channel markers, and other floating objects, as well as near wrecks and reefs.

For beginners, sight fishing is a great way to start. Look for cobia cruising near the surface or around structure. A well-presented bait or lure can often trigger a strike. Local knowledge is invaluable, so consider hiring a guide or consulting with local tackle shops to learn about the best spots and techniques in your area. Be prepared for a strong fight, and remember to use a net or gaff to safely land your catch. Check local regulations for size and bag limits before heading out.

How to Catch Cobia