Fishing Charters in Texas

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

Miss Directed and Miss Guided Fishing Charters

Miss Directed Fishing Charters specializes in private deep sea fishing charters for everything from red snapper to blue marlin in the waters off South Padre Island, Texas. The offshore waters hold other fish as well, such as tuna, amberjack, wahoo, mahi mahi/dorado, cobia, grouper, sailfish, and more Texas Sportfish.

BluefishCobiaGrouper

South Padre Island, Texas

Best Time to Catch Cobia

Cobia can be caught year-round in Kemah. 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 around Kemah, Texas, offers an exciting challenge for anglers. These powerful fish are most prevalent from late spring through summer as they follow migrating baitfish. Look for them around buoys, channel markers, and especially shrimp boats working in Galveston Bay and the Gulf. Cobia are curious and will often investigate anything that stands out, so chumming with cut bait can draw them in. Sight fishing is also effective; cruise the nearshore waters on calm days, looking for cobia cruising near the surface. Live eels and crabs are top-notch baits, but bucktail jigs tipped with soft plastics also work well. Be prepared for a tough fight – cobia are known for their long runs and stubborn resistance. A helpful tip is to always have a rod rigged and ready with a live bait when approaching any structure; cobia can appear unexpectedly.

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

Cobia Fishing Regulations in Texas

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

1 per day

Size Limit

40-inch minimum

License Required

Saltwater fishing license

Anglers may possess only one cobia greater than 50 inches in length per vessel per day. There is an exception for holders of a properly issued Cobia Tag.

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

Related Species in Texas

Catfish

Redfish

Largemouth Bass

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best bait for catching Cobia in Kemah?

Live eels, crabs, or shrimp are excellent bait choices for Cobia. Artificial lures like bucktail jigs or swimbaits can also be effective.

What's the Cobia bag limit in Texas?

The bag limit for Cobia is 1 per person per day. Be sure to check for any seasonal closures or changes to regulations before you go fishing.

What size Cobia can I keep in Texas?

Any Cobia you keep must be at least 40 inches long. Measure your catch carefully to ensure it meets the minimum size requirement.

Do I need a license to fish for Cobia near Kemah?

Yes, you'll need a valid Texas Saltwater Fishing License to target Cobia and other saltwater species in the Kemah area.

More Cobia Fishing in Texas

Port Aransas Point Point Comfort Port Neches Port O Connor Port O'Connor View all Texas →

Other Species to Fish in Kemah

Flounder Spotted Seatrout Grouper Black Drum Red Snapper King Mackerel

Ready to Catch Cobia in Kemah?

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