Featured Cobia Charters in Jacksonville
Expert captains ready to take you on your next cobia adventure.
Best Time to Catch Cobia
Cobia can be caught year-round in Jacksonville. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Cobia
Cobia fishing off Jacksonville, NC, offers the chance to tangle with a true trophy. These powerful fish migrate along the coast during the spring and summer months. Sight fishing is a popular technique, cruising the nearshore waters and looking for cobia around buoys, channel markers, and floating debris. Live eels or large bucktail jigs are effective baits. When sight fishing, approach slowly and quietly to avoid spooking them. Chumming can also be effective, especially when anchored near structure. The waters around the artificial reefs are known cobia hangouts. A heavy rod and reel are necessary to handle these strong fighters. A local tip: check the water temperature; cobia prefer warmer waters, typically above 70 degrees. Also, be aware of the regulations regarding size and possession limits, as they can change frequently.
How to Catch Cobia
Cobia Fishing Regulations in North Carolina
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
1 per person per day, 1 per vessel per day
Size Limit
36-inch fork length minimum
License Required
Coastal Recreational Fishing License
Harvest allowed only with hook and line. Check for any seasonal closures or gear restrictions.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the North Carolina state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait to use for Cobia in Jacksonville, NC?
Live eels, crabs, and squid are all effective baits for Cobia. Anglers also have success with bucktail jigs tipped with soft plastics.
Is there a closed season for Cobia fishing in Jacksonville, NC?
No, the Cobia season is open year-round in North Carolina. However, always check for any temporary closures or changes to regulations.
What's the size and bag limit for Cobia in North Carolina?
The size limit for Cobia is a 36-inch fork length minimum. You can keep 1 Cobia per person per day, with a maximum of 1 Cobia per vessel per day.
Do I need a fishing license to target Cobia in Jacksonville's saltwater?
Yes, you'll need a Coastal Recreational Fishing License to legally fish for Cobia and other saltwater species in North Carolina.
More Cobia Fishing in North Carolina
Other Species to Fish in Jacksonville
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