Fishing Charters in Alabama

Browse fishing charters in Alabama that can help you catch cobia.

Island Girl Charters

Island Girl Charters offers deep sea charter fishing for Red Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish and more in Gulf Shores, Alabama. We also offer Cobia Fishing Charters as well as offshore multi-day trips for Tuna, Marlin and Swordfish. Our customers come from Pensacola, Mobile, Orange Beach and all over!

offshoreRed SnapperTuna

Orange Beach, Alabama

Best Time to Catch Cobia

Cobia can be caught year-round in Fairhope. Right now in February, activity is low.

Book a Cobia Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Current Status: poor

Low activity season. Cobia are less active and catches may be limited. Consider targeting other species.

BEST

GOOD

FAIR

POOR

Cobia

Various

Chasing Cobia near Fairhope is an exciting opportunity, particularly during their spring migration. These fish often follow rays and other large marine life. Sight fishing from a boat is a popular and effective technique. Look for them around buoys, channel markers, and floating debris. Live eels, crabs, or large jigs are excellent bait choices. A key tip is to have a ready rod rigged with a jig or bait, as Cobia can appear suddenly. The waters around the Mobile Bay entrance and along the beaches are good places to start your search. Keep an eye on the water temperature, as Cobia prefer warmer waters. Also, be prepared for a fight; these fish are known for their strength and stamina. Remember to check the regulations for size and bag limits before you head out.

How to Catch Cobia

Typical Size

Length: Varies by fishery

Weight: Varies by fishery

Habitat

•Local structure and edges
•Current seams
•Bait concentrations
•Depth changes

Where & When to Fish

Target Locations

•Current seams
•Points/edges
•Structure holding bait

Best Times

•Dawn/dusk and nights
•Moving tides or peak current

Bias patterns to Fairhope area: use local structure (passes/bridges for coastal; channels/points for inland) and match depth to temperature.

Cobia Fishing Regulations in Alabama

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

1 per person per day, 2 per vessel per day

Size Limit

36-inch minimum fork length

License Required

Saltwater fishing license

Vessel limit applies even if more than two anglers are on board.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Alabama state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in Alabama

Redfish

Largemouth Bass

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best bait for Cobia in the Fairhope, Alabama area?

Live eels, crabs, and squid are excellent choices for targeting Cobia. Artificial lures like bucktail jigs and swimbaits can also be effective, especially when sight fishing.