Featured Cobia Charters in Sneads Ferry
Expert captains ready to take you on your next cobia adventure.
Best Time to Catch Cobia
Cobia can be caught year-round in Sneads Ferry. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Cobia
Chasing Cobia around Sneads Ferry, NC, is a spring and early summer game. These fish migrate up the coast, and the waters around Topsail Island and New River Inlet become prime hunting grounds. Look for them around buoys, channel markers, and especially following rays – they love to shadow them, picking up scraps. Live eels or menhaden are hard to beat, but bucktails tipped with soft plastics also produce. Water clarity is key; Cobia are sight feeders. A local tip: the ICW just inside the inlet can hold some surprisingly large fish, especially early in the season as the water warms. Pay attention to water temperature; Cobia prefer water in the 68-75 degree range. Be ready for a fight – these fish are strong!
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 size limit for Cobia I can keep in Sneads Ferry, NC?
The minimum fork length for Cobia is 36 inches in North Carolina. Measure from the tip of the snout to the fork in the tail to ensure compliance.
If I'm fishing with friends, how many Cobia can we keep in total?
The bag limit for Cobia is 1 per person per day, and also 1 per vessel per day. So even if you have multiple people on the boat, you can only keep one cobia.
Do I need a special license to target Cobia in Sneads Ferry?
No special license is needed, but you do require a Coastal Recreational Fishing License to legally fish for Cobia and other saltwater species in North Carolina's coastal waters, including Sneads Ferry.
What's the best time of year to catch Cobia near Sneads Ferry?
Cobia are typically caught during the warmer months, especially during their migration along the coast. The spring and summer months are generally considered the prime time to target them.
More Cobia Fishing in North Carolina
Other Species to Fish in Sneads Ferry
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