Fishing Charters in South Carolina
Browse fishing charters in South Carolina that can help you catch cobia.
Avid Angling Fishing Charters
Avid Angling Fishing Charters offers Inshore Fishing Charters, Nearshore Fishing Charters, Fly Fishing, Flycasting Lessons, Nearshore Sight Fishing Trips, Surf Fishing, Cobia Trips, and Tarpon trips.
LoCo Fly Charters
Hilton Head Fly Fishing Charter specializing in sight casting on the fly, light tackle and lessons, chasing Redfish, Cobia, Jacks and the mighty Tarpon.
Redfish Beaufort Guide Service
Fly fishing and inshore fishing photo gallery of redfish, cobia, trout, and more in the Beaufort and Hilton Head, SC area with Capt. Zach
Lowcountry Cowboy Fishing Charters
Premiere Charter Fishing at Hilton Head Island. Deep Sea, Offshore, Inshore, Near Shore. Catch: Redfish, Jack Crevelle, Tarpon, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Sharks!
Seas So Shallow Fishing Guide Service & Beaufort Guest House
At Seas So Shallow in Beaufort, SC, we specialize in charter fishing for a wide selection of shallow water species. These include redfish, trout, flounder, tripletail, cobia, sharks, and more. For more information on how to book your trip with us, contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
Best Time to Catch Cobia
Cobia can be caught year-round in Ladys Island. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Cobia
Chasing cobia around Ladys Island, South Carolina, offers a unique inshore and nearshore experience. The cobia here are migratory, following the warmer waters and baitfish concentrations. Spring and early summer (April-June) are prime times as cobia cruise the nearshore waters and congregate around structures like buoys, wrecks, and artificial reefs. Live eels, crabs, and large baitfish are your best bet for enticing a strike. Water clarity is key, so pay attention to tides and recent rainfall that can muddy the water. A rising tide often brings cleaner water in from the ocean. Public boat ramps on Ladys Island provide easy access to the Broad River and Port Royal Sound, giving you a head start to productive fishing grounds. Remember to adjust your presentation depth based on water temperature and current; cobia will often hold deep in cooler water or strong currents. These fish are known for their powerful runs, so be prepared for a battle!
How to Catch Cobia
Cobia Fishing Regulations in South Carolina
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
1 per person per day, 3 per boat per day
Size Limit
36-inch fork length minimum
License Required
Saltwater fishing license
From January 1 to the last day of February, cobia fishing is only allowed from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A harvest tag is required for each cobia kept.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the South Carolina state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the daily bag limit for cobia in South Carolina?
The bag limit for cobia in South Carolina is 1 per person per day, with a maximum of 3 per boat per day, whichever is reached first.
What size cobia can I keep if I catch one near Ladys Island?
You can only keep cobia that are at least 36 inches in fork length in South Carolina. Any cobia smaller than this must be released.
Do I need a saltwater fishing license to target cobia near Ladys Island?
Yes, a valid South Carolina saltwater fishing license is required to legally fish for cobia and other saltwater species in the waters around Ladys Island.
What are some productive methods for catching cobia around Ladys Island?
Anglers often target cobia by sight fishing around buoys, wrecks, and other structure. Live bait like eels or menhaden, or artificial lures like jigs, are effective.
More Cobia Fishing in South Carolina
Other Species to Fish in Ladys Island
Ready to Catch Cobia in Ladys Island?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.