Cobia Casting & Jigging

Target Species

Fishing Tips

1. 1

   Cobia are curious fish that follow large marine animals — scan around manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and even large schools of bait for cobia cruising alongside. A lure dropped in front of a following cobia is almost always eaten.

2. 2

   Large soft plastic jigs (5–8 inch paddle tails or Zman Swimmerz) in white or chartreuse rigged on a 1/2 oz to 1 oz jig head are the most versatile cobia lure — work them at mid-depth with a slow lift-and-drop presentation.

3. 3

   Cobia around channel markers and FADs can be sight-cast with a surface popper or stickbait — work the lure aggressively on top to draw the fish up from the shadow of the structure.

4. 4

   Use 40–60 lb fluorocarbon leader of 1–1.5 m — cobia have rough mouths and powerful runs, and they will make for any nearby structure or the anchor rope when hooked.

5. 5

   When cobia are following a hooked fish (a common behaviour), have a rod rigged and ready to cast immediately. The following fish can be cast to at boatside before it dives back down.

Gear Setup